The last time he performed a solo gig in town was in 2014. Rupam will be back on stage on May 14 at Vidya Mandir for Rupam Islam Ekok. Songs, stories, critique and comments will interlace as he plays the guitar as well as the keyboard. A t2 chat...

Why are you doing a solo show after almost one-and-a-half years?
The idea and conception of solo shows come naturally to me when I compose, write and record new songs, when I study and experiment with instruments that I love to play, when I am having a good time. My solo shows are actually a collection of soliloquies and never-before-heard songs shared with like-minded people.

What songs will you perform?
Piano or guitar versions of some very popular songs written, composed and recorded by me. Eighty per cent will be songs not yet recorded. Interestingly, these songs are very popular among bootleg collectors and I get continuous requests from a set of people to perform them. This concert will be a win-win situation for both. Some of the new songs in the set list are Daniken, Palao, Chithhi, Haoway pa, Khudharto mangshashi, Aami jaai, Pori and Bidaay.

How do you pick these songs?
I present them in a sequence which has a strong message for society. I propagate freedom of mind, a condition-free existence in harmony with nature. 

How did the idea for this concert come about?
As the members of Fossils are taking a summer break after completing 26 shows in the last five months, I thought of chipping in with a solo gig. Bangla Rock Magazine (edited by Rupam) has decided to host shows for new bands and new solo artistes regularly through out this year, and I shared my idea with them.