Living Voice is a traditional folk fusion band from
Nagaland, founded by Vivi Yepthomi in 2020. The band features a diverse group of
artistes and does not have a fixed lineup. To date, they have released three
original music videos. Specialising in Sümi traditional folk fusion, the band
also incorporates other musical genres into their work.
They are coming with new projects, which the fans can look
forward to. Read on to know more about the band...
Eastern Mirror: Please introduce the band and its members.
Living Voice: Living Voice was founded in 2020 by Vivi V
Yepthomi. It is a traditional folk fusion band based in Nagaland, specialising
in Sümi traditional folk fusion along with other musical genres as well.
Living Voice is a various artistes project that does not
have a fixed number of members, and the band is open to a smaller or larger
lineup depending on the type of song.
Some of our members include Vivi V. Yepthomi, Kighali
Chishi, Emmy Yepthomi, Ilokali Zhimo, Holoto K. Shohe, Mivi S. Swu, Aloino Chophy,
Kato Wotsa, and Huto Achumi.
Eastern Mirror: What inspired you all to come together and
form a band? Is there an interesting story behind it?
Living Voice: Our founder, Vivi V. Yepthomi, felt the need
to establish the group in response to the diminishing appreciation for
traditional songs and folklore in contemporary society, with the aim of
advocating for peace, unity, and truth.
Eastern Mirror: Why did you choose the name "Living
Voice"?
Living Voice: The name of the band was spiritually given to
us by the late Saint Kihoshe Achumi in 2020, who was the proprietor of City
Prayer Centre. While blessing us with a prayer, the Lord prophesied that we
should be named "Living Voice”.
Eastern Mirror: How would you describe your music to someone
who's unfamiliar with the band?
Living Voice: We are a folk fusion band that blends
traditional sounds with contemporary influences, creating a unique musical
experience that resonates with both the past and the present. Our music draws
from a rich tapestry of folk traditions, incorporating elements from various
cultures and genres while also embracing the heartfelt storytelling and
uplifting themes found in gospel music.
We aim to honour the roots of folk and gospel while infusing
our own modern twist, making our sound accessible and relatable to a more
diverse audience.
Eastern Mirror: What's your songwriting process like? What
are the individual contributions of each band member?
Living Voice: Our songwriting process is a collaborative
effort that reflects the different backgrounds and influences of each band
member. We believe that the magic happens when we come together, sharing our
ideas and experiences to create something truly special.
Typically, one of us might bring a melody or a lyrical idea
to the group. This could be inspired by a personal experience, a story we have
heard, or even a traditional folk song that resonates with us. From there, we
gather as a band to explore the idea further.
We often start with a jam session, allowing the music to
evolve naturally. This is where we experiment with different arrangements,
harmonies, and instrumentation, blending our individual styles to create a
cohesive sound. Each band member plays a vital role in this process.
Eastern Mirror: How do you balance the use of vernacular
language (Sümi) with modern influences and styles in your music?
Living Voice: It is a thoughtful and intentional process for
us. When we write, we often start with the themes and emotions we want to
convey. If a particular story or sentiment feels best expressed in our
traditional language, we embrace that. We find that the vernacular adds
authenticity and depth, allowing us to connect with our listeners on a more
personal level.
It is a way to honour our roots and heritage while keeping
our cultural language alive in a contemporary context.
We incorporate modern musical styles—like folk fusion
elements, contemporary rhythms, and harmonies—into our arrangements, which
helps to create a unique sound that resonates with both traditional and modern
listeners.
We also pay attention to the context in which we use
vernacular language. In our performances, we often share the stories behind the
song, explaining the meaning of the lyrics and the cultural significance. This
not only educates our audience but also invites them to engage with the music
on a deeper level.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a harmonious blend where
the richness of our traditional language complements the modern influences to
create a unique and intricate sound.
Eastern Mirror: Working as a band isn't always easy,
especially when individual members have different ideas. How do you resolve
creative differences?
Living Voice: Resolving creative differences, although rare,
is definitely a part of our journey as a band, and we approach it with open
minds and hearts. We recognise that each of us brings our unique perspective,
experiences, and ideas to the table; hence, we navigate our differences through
prayer, unity, respect, understanding, open communication and ultimately
focusing on the bigger picture and reminding ourselves of our shared goals and
vision as a band. When we keep our focus on what we want to achieve together,
it becomes easier to navigate our differences.
Eastern Mirror: The band has released two songs in the
vernacular language and one in English. What types of songs will you focus on
in the future?
Living Voice: Well, actually, there is exactly no preference
but since we represent our Sümi tribe, most songs tend to be composed to
represent the style of our traditional folklore, unless we want to have a
different genre composed or sung .
Eastern Mirror: What are the band's short-term and long-term
goals?
Living Voice: Short-term goals: building an audience that
appreciates and resonates with our music, recording our first EP/album, and
collaborating with other talented artistes, both within the folk genre and
beyond.
Long-term goals: advocating for cultural preservation. We
want to use our platform and talent to raise awareness about the importance of
preserving traditional music, culture, and heritage through our music.
Eastern Mirror: Are there any upcoming projects that fans
can look forward to?
Living Voice: Yes, we have an upcoming song, and we are
anticipating its release.
Eastern Mirror: What message would you like to share with
your listeners/readers?
Living Voice: Our message to our audience and listeners is
one of unity, heritage, and the power of storytelling through music. We believe
that folk music is a bridge that connects us to our roots and to each other,
transcending boundaries and cultures. We hope our music fosters a sense of
belonging and encourages listeners to celebrate their own traditions while
being open to the beauty of others.
