Music is a way we can belt, hook on to that influence and we feel music with our entire feelings. With Rhythm of Love Eastern Mirror connects our readers to music in conversation with artists as they share their experience with their love ……. music.
Music moves us, opens our emotions passing all barriers. Music is a piece that we all can connect with so Readers get connected with your favorite artists with the Rhythm of Love.
On Fridays, Eastern Mirror will feature Artists/bands from the state and outside while promoting MUSIC-the present craze of the state.
Akup Noklang, singer- songwriter who is a fan of local musician Tali Angh and John Vesely of Secondhand Serenade proves that it is only talent that matters at the end as he tells us about his experiences as musician and his involvement with local music competitions in today’s candid interview with ‘Rhythm of Love’
EASTERN MIRROR: When and how did you start singing?
AKUP NOKLANG: Well I started singing since I was a kid. My dad has always been my inspiration. He let me grow up in an environment surrounded by music. And this is how I got into singing.
EASTERN MIRROR: How would you describe your music that you usually create?
AN: Pop, pop rock and contemporary…..is my taste
EASTERN MIRROR: Do you write songs? If so where do you draw inspirations for your songwriting? Tell us about your single that was released.
AN: Yes I do write songs and I draw inspirations from my family, my friends and the people that I meet every day and the society that I live with. And whatever songs I write, I try to convey a positive message to the people so that I can inspire them in a positive way. You know music has great power and you can influence people very easily through it.
Well, the single that I released way back in the year of 2013 is called “Complete”…. The song got nominated in “Music Awards of Nagaland 2013” in “Best Pop” category along with one of my other song in local dialect called “Chingmei Ongba” in “best gospel (local) category. I didn’t get the awards though, but I just felt great to be nominated along with those big artists from Nagaland u know..
And the song “Complete” is a pop song and it talks about the love and support you get from someone and how it becomes your strength. I dedicate this song to my family, my friends and all these people who keeps encouraging and inspiring me every day.
EASTRERN MIRROR: Have you come across any struggle to make a name for yourself in the industry? What is the scenario of music industry like in the state?
AN: Obviously I have had lot of struggles in my life to get to where I am today. It’s not very easy to be a musician. You need a lot of hard work, sincerity, dedication and honesty and I guess that’s what kept me going till today. And all thanks to God almighty, the giver of very good things in my life.
My mom and dad at the same time have always been my strength and support. I have the most understanding and the best parents in the world. Their love and support always takes me forward.
Well, talking about the present scenario of music in Nagaland I think it’s becoming much better these days….. The artists are getting bigger and better platforms to showcase their talents. The Music Task Force has been so supportive to the local musicians and I hope they will continue doing the same even in days to come.
EASTERN MIRROR: If you could collaborate with any artist in the state who would that be and why?
AN: Well if I could get the opportunity to collaborate with Tali Angh than it would be my dream come true. I have lots of love and respect for him and I wish to work with him someday. I think he is very simple and honest and sincere. I love his music and I love everything about him.
Have you been in any competitions? If so which competition has opened doors for you?
AN: Well yes I’ve taken part in some contest in the past. I participated in “Music Safari” back in the year of 2008 where I won that contest (Longleng dist). The same year I auditioned for Naga Idol” where I was one of the top 12 finalist.
And again in 2011 I auditioned for “Northeast Highway Star” where participants from all over the northeastern states took part. That was a bigger platform for me where I got the chance to perform in some of the well known places in northeastern states. I was one among the top 7 finalist in that contest. Taking part in all those competitions gave me lot of experiences and it made my life more beautiful as a musician. It was whole lotta fun….. And I think all these competitions pushed me forward and gave me fame and recognition but I think winning the “Music Safari” title opened doors for me since it was the first achievement I ever had officially in my life with music though I have been singing even before that..
How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
AN: Very simple and funny- I just pretend and go on like nothing went wrong.
Which celebrated musician has been your influence and what have you learned from him/her?
AN: As a kid I have always been inspired by those oldies like the Beatles, Abba, the Carpenters and the likes since my dad always used to play them at home. And during my teenage days, just like any other teenagers, a lot of punk group like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, and Green Day etc used to influence me a lot. And it’s funny sometimes I used to play some of those songs even these days when I do shows.. I have always been a big fan of punk rock.
But at the moment I think I m so very much in love with John Vesely of Secondhand Serenade. I love the way he sings and I love his voice so much. I’m so crazy about his music and everything about him. And most importantly I love the fact that he uses only acoustic guitar in most of his songs and yet it sounds hundred times better than the music being played with an army of musicians behind you. This guy is just so incredible.
What should we look forward from you in the coming days?
AN: Well I have lots of plans and I leave it all to God Almighty. And right now m working on some cover songs and originals too which will be released soon, hopefully....
