Manoj is best known as the lead guitarist and keyboardist of one of Nepal’s most successful rock bands, 1974AD. His diverse musical interests include Eastern and Western Classical music, blues, funk, electronic and jazz. Manoj has performed with accomplished musicians from around the world including Jessie van Ruller, Richard Hardy (Dave Matthews Band), Carol King, HFT, Jim Surley and Frank (Jefferson Airplane) among others. He has toured the US, UK, Australia, Germany, Belgium, South Korea, Thailand, India, Qatar, Italy, Denmark, Norway and, of course, his native Nepal.
Manoj was nominated as the “best music programmer/arranger 2006’ and 2010' by Image Music Awards. Manoj has produced music for popular Nepali artists such as Nabin K. Bhattarai, Nima Rumba, Sugam pokharel, Deepesh Bhattarai, Sabin Rai, Adrian Pradhan, Phiroj Shyangden, Mausami Gurung, Prasna Shakya, Saroj Dutt, Sukmit Gurung, Sanjeev Singh, Sanjeev Pradhan, etc. He also scores movies and documentaries and has composed jingles and station IDs for Nepali TV and radio stations.
As the instructor of Midi and Audio programs, Manoj offers courses focusing on developing fluency with prominent industry software programs including ProTools, Apple Logic Pro, Nuendo, Cubase, Sonar and other re-wire programs. An intensive 12 week program is offered where students can learn the basics of recording and work gradually up to the mastering level. Students can choose any of the above software programs, or platforms, as their main host. The Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory will be launching a 9 month core audio engineering program soon.