Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Joseph Konyak

Joseph Konyak is an upcoming singer/songwriter from Dimapur, Nagaland. The son of a retired Indian army officer, Joseph started singing Hindi songs from an early age at various events organised in the Indian army camps.
Sonu Nigam, KK and Ash King are artists that he draws inspiration from. He dreams of making it big in the Hindi film industry as a play-back singer. Joseph’s debut album ‘Kaisa Nasha’, released earlier this year is also out on music portal Indihut.
Joseph talks about his album ‘Kaisa Nasha’, his future plans and much more with Rhythm of Love.

EASTERN MIRROR: For those new to you and your music, tell us about your musical background.
JOSEPH KONYAK: I started singing since my early days… I grew up surrounded by army men as my dad was in the army and thus my surroundings influenced me to speak Hindi and listen to Bollywood music which I grew fond of.
Taking the opportunity to sing at competitions, I participated in 2012 at the North East Highway Star Voice Hunt where I managed to make it to the Top 12. In 2015 yet again I participated for the Naga Hindi Voice and managed to be a finalist in the competition. After participating at these competitions I wanted to have my own song so I wrote “Kaisa Nasha” and prepared to debut myself in the music industry.

EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your debut album ‘Kaisa Nasha’. What inspired you?
JOSEPH KONYAK: “Kaisa Nasha” is about a guy who falls in love with a girl at first sight….I’m sure this happens to everyone hehehe. And if you ask me what inspired me to write ‘Kaisa Nasha’, I would say there was a time I had experienced the feeling of Nasha and this feeling can’t be described which is why I wrote the song “Kaisa Nasha”.

EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your song writing process.
JOSEPH KONYAK: Before I write a song, I assume myself as the Character; go into the character feel it and whatever expressions I go through I pen it down… and the feelings should make me happy from deep within.

EASTERN MIRROR: How would you describe your music for the audience who have not heard you before?
JOSEPH KONYAK: “Kaisa Nasha” is a catchy song with beautiful lyrics accompanied by soft sweet melody…and I believe that everyone who listens to it will fall for the song and music (fingers crossed).

EASTERN MIRROR: What challenges have you faced in the music industry of Nagaland so far? Some issues that you strongly feel about.
JOSEPH KONYAK: I always wished to showcase my talent to my people and leave a mark so that people will still remember me even after decades for my music. So, I participated in local reality shows however I realized that the voting card system was tough for me. I could just make it to the Finals but did not manage to win the title… Then I wanted and decided to debut with my own music with the experiences I gained from the competitions.
Honestly I feel it would be justified if the reality shows voting process can be through the mobile system and not card.

EASTERN MIRROR: Do you play any instruments? What’s next for Joseph?
JOSEPH KONYAK: I play guitar …I am working on this beautiful romantic Hindi video… Perhaps by the end of this year, it will be released. “Kaisa Nasha” is just a start… more is yet to come… and I’m hoping for more support.