It was during the 90's when Aosunep Jamir's love for rock music began to grow.
Aosunep who hails from Mokchung district is a government servant by profession and a music lover by passion.
He recalls his early years when he first got involved into music as a vocalist for a band.
Jamir was also adjudged the runners-up of Naga Idol 2007 after which he released an album 'born free' in the year 2008.
And after a decade, Jamir has recently released a single music video 'Good Old Times' dedicated to his loved ones and music fans.
However, Jamir who have come this far without any formal trainings says that have a formal training in any profession is important.
Eastern Mirror today shares an insight into the 90's musician.
Read on..........
EASTERN MIRROR: Lets start off with how your musical journey started?
Aosunep: I am originally from Mokokchung and I guess I won't be wrong to say that Mokokchung was the music capital of Nagaland way back in the 80s and 90s. Growing up as a teen during the 90s the popularity of Rock music was at its peak and like any other wannabe rocker I too got caught up with this musical wave. I remember every ward or colony in the town having two or more bands during those times. I first got involved with music during my 8th standard when I was asked to front a band. We started performing in local functions and churches, and this is how I started my humble musical journey.
EASTERN MIRROR: Your inspirations?
Aosunep: Apart from famous local bands during the 90s, my inspiration came from my seniors, especially my elder brother and his band. I always wanted to imitate their style, their singing, their living style etc.., which eventually prompted me to follow in their footsteps. Professionally I draw my inspiration from classic singers like Eric Martin from Mr. Big, Jon Bon Jovi , Steve Lee from Gotthard among others.
EASTERN MIRROR: How was the experience of being a part of the famous talent hunt 'Naga Idol' 2007? ....
Aosunep: Naga Idol was exciting. It was the greatest platform for me as an upcoming singer to promote myself. In fact I think it was a great platform for many well known singers today. Naga Idol was a great learning experience.
(Laugh)..I won't say it as a comeback. Wow I never realised it's been a decade. Well music is always in my heart and soul. But I got settled down which has its own responsibility, moreover working as a government servant in the capital makes it very difficult to manage time and get seriously involved with much. The new song "Good old Times" is a long time coming. I always wanted to make a music video for myself to keep it as a souvenir of my musical journey, at the same time share my music with my loved ones and my fans. But I guess it took me ten years to do that. Laugh
Everything musical about me is self taught. But I think having formal training is very important.
think of myself as a reclusive singer. I don't give much importance on being on the limelight. But yes performing at the International Hornbill Festival couple of times was an awesome experience.
I am a government servant by profession. But yes I want to continue writing songs and share my music to every music lover.
Like every songwriter, when it comes to composing songs, I look for an inspiration. One cannot write song without inspiration. When you have that, writing songs comes naturally.
Talent wise we are second to none. But in terms of pursuing music professionally I think we are still at the infant stage. But it is encouraging to know that our government has set up a separate department solely for music. It is doing a fantastic job and i hope it will give more physical and logistic support for our artist to grow in future also. And as an artist I would encourage all fellow musicians to make and promote more originals.
Musically, I would like to quote my self- "Inspirational lyrics with quality music can move mountains".
