Music is something the world would be lost without! We feel it, we breathe it, we love it! Eastern Mirror’s - Rhythm of Love- connects our readers to music through 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 can all connect to so Readers get connected with your favorite artists every Friday with Rhythm of Love.
Shalo Kent, from a very early age started developing his talents by changing lyrics of songs and learning musical instruments from friends and family. Today he stands as an accomplished singer-songwriter-producer.
Kent believes that ‘originality’ in music is something that every Naga musician should give importance to.
He has recently released a new song with Dj Ina titled ‘Oriental Dream’.
EASTERN MIRROR: A little intro about yourself as a musician…
SHALO KENT: Well, I’m what one would call a singer-songwriter-producer since I write, compose and produce my own songs. I try to keep my music as simple as possible so as to be able to connect with the masses because the more you complicate things, the smaller your target audience becomes.
EASTERN MIRROR: Coming across your profile at indihut …. You started writing lyrics at a very early stage… So..what were your main inspirations towards your composition?
SHALO KENT: Honestly, I don’t really recall what pushed me into song-writing in the first place but I do remember changing the lyrics of some secular songs with my friend so as to be able to sing it on Sundays during the service and that’s what eventually led to full scale songs. I figured why change some lines when you can create an entirely new song. As for what inspires me, I take my inspirations from a lot of thing like movies, books, even cartoons and real life situations.
EASTERN MIRROR: What do you think is the best weapon to survive and be identified as a musician in this fast growing music industry of Nagaland?
SHALO KENT: The best weapon? It can be subjective but for me, it definitely has to be originality. We have a lot of musicians who can match the best singers vocally and even recreate hit songs with little effort but they fall short when it comes to their original offerings. This, I feel, is the biggest hurdle for Naga musicians and one that needs to be given more importance.
EASTERN MIRROR: From the prescriptive of a musician, do you think ‘music’ can actually quench the thirst of the people who are suffering emotionally and mentally? How?
SHALO KENT: I guess this one of the most frequently asked questions and yes, music can definitely heal your soul. From the beautifully crafted masterpieces of the Beatles to the soul stirring numbers from Bob Marley, Music has inspired and moved generations and is doing so even today. This is the reason a lot of people pack their playlists with music of all genre.
EASTERN MIRROR: If given a chance to perform live with one of your favorite artistes who would it be and why?
SHALO KENT: It would have to be a toss between Maroon 5 and Justin Timberlake. Reason? Because they keep pushing the envelope and continually evolve with every new album they put out. You just don’t know what to expect from them.
EASTERN MIRROR: What would you choose - Fame or money? And why?
SHALO KENT: Fame or money? Hmmm....well, given the choice, I’d choose both :D They’re two sides of a coin. If you’re rich, you’ll most probably be well known, if not famous. And, if you’re famous, it’s safe to presume that you’re probably rich as well.
EASTERN MIRROR: With young artistes blooming in every corner of Nagaland, what advice do you have for the youngsters who wish to stay unique and prosper in the world of music.
SHALO KENT: I don’t think i’ve reached that stage in my career where my advice is worth listening to lol but if i had to give one, I would definitely encourage my fellow musicians and youngsters to be original and stay humble. Fame and money will come and go like the changing seasons but your decisions will definitely stay with you.
