We’ve hit yet another busy release day, and this time I’m proud to bring some attention to Jhyappa, the new album from Queens, New York (by way of Kathmandu, Nepal) grindcore outfit Chepang. If Dan’s review yesterday wasn’t enough to get this one on your playlist today, maybe this Profile will help nudge you further along. Out through Relapse Records, Jhyappa showcases the style they consider “immigrindcore” – sung in Nepali, sampling Nepali pop songs, embracing who they are. Oh. And it’s also ferocious, killer grindcore. So! Give the responses a read below, hit play, and strap in for a truly unique ride.

—

How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I started playing punk music around 1999 in Nepal. Chepang started in 2016 and there is no pushbacks from anyone.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

Misanthropic Chaos is the term I would use to describe our music. Very abstract yet with a focus and intensity delivered with utmost power and energy.

Is there one (or more) thing about your latest / upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

The album was fueled by Spicy Food.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Not necessarily one in particular. All shows have their own unique experience that are great.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

The New York scene has been a divers scene for a while. There are many shows happening every day and lots of bands come and go. It’s a great place and scene to be in and no negative things to say about it except positive only.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how to you insert those issues into your music?

Our band is mostly focused on what matters to ourselves personally. Things that we have experienced and seen which we channel through music. For example: This record is about “Self Preservation and finding the ultimate you inside yourself”.

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

We all have day jobs and not related to Music. We are in food and retail industry in various places here in New York City.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

Be always open to new artists and music. There are a ton of great artists that are interesting and cater to every type of listener. Buy their records and merch and also go to shows to support these artists.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Spread our music across more people.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Currently I am obsessed and listening to one collaboration record between Hyukoh & Sunset Rollercoaster – “AAA”. It’s such an interesting take on a lot of independent music that I have grown up with. Most importantly its a collab album that fuses 2 different artists from Korea and Taiwan. This brings a unique twist on the record with colors and cultures never heard before into one giant experience that will make you smile and happiness although we can’t even understand the lyrics.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

We will be doing a record release show for this record on July 5th with our friends at Kartel(NYC), Vixen Maw(NYC) and Drugs of Faith (VA) in TV Eye NYC . We would love to have everyone be part of it.

Summarize your band in one word.

IMMIMGRINDCORE.

—

Many thanks to Chepang for the time!

---

Jhyappa is out now through Relapse Records. For more information on Chepang, head over to Instagram or Facebook.