Long Take: Life as an Artist

In this episode of Long Take: Life as an Artist, we meet Khayam Sanu Sandhi, a singer, songwriter, and producer from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Inspired by poets Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore—two towering figures in Bangladeshi culture—Sandhi aims to create new music that resonates deeply. “They created thousands of songs—I’ve made hundreds so far, but I aspire to compose thousands,” he shares. Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other platforms! Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other platforms!

Sandhi’s musical repertoire spans pure Indian folk and classical music, rock, punk, romantic love ballads, children’s...

In this episode of Long Take: Life as an Artist, we sit down with Sharmin Sultana Sumi, a Bangladeshi lyricist, composer, vocalist, and entrepreneur, best known for her work with the internationally acclaimed folk-rock band Chirkutt. Sumi shares her philosophy of music and life, rooted in resilience and fueled by personal hardships.

Sumi opens up about her career path—from overcoming initial struggles as a female lead singer to performing on international stages alongside legendary bands like Scorpions, collaborating with the Norwegian band Casa Murilo, and performing at MTV India, South By Southwest, Jaffa Music Festival, Womex, and more. She introduces...

Bangladeshi rapper Gold Cube sent us his 'Dec 18, 2024, Quota Reform Movement Monologue'—a spontaneous recording. We decided to publish it as an add-on to Episode Six.

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In this episode of Long Take: Life as an Artist, we meet young Bangladeshi hip-hop artists Gold Cube, Paital, and RizwanOnTheBeat. Through their lyrics and beats, they tackle social issues and shed light on the challenges young people face in Bangladesh.

We meet Nirob, also known as Gold Cube, along with Paital and Rizwan, at the home of their local idol, Skibkhan—listen to the episode featuring him here. Together, we explore Puran Dhaka, the Old City of Dhaka, where they were born, live, and work—a place they are deeply proud of. Through hip hop, they strive to represent the people...