image: soulsbd.com

Abir Hossain

The iconic ballads of Hasan, the piercing riffs of Souls, and the jazz melodies of Feedback -- these are acts that not only provoke a sense of nostalgia for some but also serve to remind us of the drastic changes that have overseen the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.

What started as a hobby for young individuals went on to mould the outlook of an entire generation’s perception of music. Their songs could be found on almost everyone’s playlists, blaring through speakers across the nation, and being celebrated in student halls as well as concerts.

For an era that continues to stand the test of time, we, the audience, must wonder how the weight of their legacy can be truly preserved. While a small fraction of their discographies can be explored in the depths of YouTube and SoundCloud, it is imperative that whatever is left of their musical catalogue is carefully archived and remastered.

The 70s marked the beginning of a new wave in the scene. Souls began in 1973, initially covering western radio hits and playing shows in hotels. A massive stride was made when they released their first album Super Souls in the 80s and rendered themselves as pioneers of cultural change. This was the catapult that paved the way for generations that came after and deserves to be documented.

Inadequate recording material, less than favourable studio settings, and outdated technology likely plagued the greats of their generation. It would be safe to presume that such resources also required great sums of money which eluded the then young musicians. Even if the recordings were found, they might not translate well to a digital medium. Either way, the technique of remastering is difficult from an engineering standpoint. The track order, dynamic range, and EQ decisions might leave a lot to be desired.

The process of remastering involves taking the original analogue recordings and then dissecting the layers. Locating the master recordings is a hurdle in itself. With physical copies gone obsolete and a few tracks hovering around the internet, much of the album is difficult to find, and hence, the prospect of remastering the songs becomes uncertain. In addition, with a lack of distribution deals and record labels, the original bits and pieces have likely been lost.

Nonetheless, remastering has been under scrutiny for decades. Some complain that it fails to capture the vision of the artist to the point where it compromises the authentic artistry. This is perhaps because remastering does not involve direct input from the artists themselves and risks deviating from what the musicians wanted it to sound like.

However, for a time that has well transitioned to a digital age, the music that continues to inspire young musicians must be archived and handled with care. Artistry like this helps us dream and even has the potential to garner a new generation of groundbreaking talent.

Abir Hossain is a failed SoundCloud Rapper. Tell him you too can’t find anything to rhyme oranges with at fb/abir.hossain.19