After Seven Years, Joy Shahriar Returns With 'Boka' — Released on CD and Cassette Too
In this age of streaming apps, music now lives in the virtual world. But singer Joy Shahriar has taken an unusual step to reintroduce listeners, especially the new generation, to CDs and cassettes in the digital era. After a long seven years, his fifth solo studio album 'Boka' has been released. Alongside digital platforms, he has brought the album out in physical formats — CD, cassette and booklet.
The launch ceremony for 'Boka' was held last Friday at the EMK Centre in Dhaka. The album cover was unveiled by lyricist Shahid Mahmud Jangi, band star Hamin Ahmed and the artist's mother, Shahria Akhtar Bulu.
Explaining why he released a physical album at this time, Joy Shahriar said, 'My new album has come after seven years. I am as excited as I was with my first album. I have made the songs in my own way, and I hope my listeners will like them. And I believe a physical album with CD and cassette in this digital age will introduce this generation to that feeling of the old days.'
Hopeful about the return of physical albums around the world, the artist added, 'In different countries, the spread of CDs and vinyl has grown again in the last few years. I am sure it will start again in our country too.'
The album 'Boka' contains eight songs. Besides singing them, Joy Shahriar wrote and composed the songs himself. Alongside the physical album, the songs can be heard on streaming platforms including Deezer, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Swadhin Music. The album has been released by Ajb Records. In addition, N Stories has brought out T-shirts based on the themes of the song lyrics.
Joy Shahriar began his professional music career in 2000 as the lead vocalist of the band Nirjhor. As a solo artist, he released his first studio album 'Sotti Bolchhi' in 2009. He went on to win over listeners with 'Ekhoni' (2011), 'Thik Ebhabei' (2014) and most recently 'Lapata' (2019). Breaking the long gap in that sequence, his fifth solo studio album 'Boka' has now been released.
