Eastern Mirror: Can you tell us how you guys work together on your songwriting?
TaliAngh: We really enjoy collaborating in some songs but for most of the songs we work separately since inspiration flows from very personal levels and also because both of us have unique skills and gifts. One thing we make sure is to critique each other’s work i.e. in the process of songwriting or before it goes out to the public.
Eastern Mirror: Is it more or less challenging to be married and to be doing shows? How much influence do you have on each other?
TaliAngh: Now that we have a son it is more challenging to do shows together all the time. Our relationship is our influence because we believe that it determines the health of a family. So we are committed to love and honor each other. We are learning and we love and enjoy the fact that God gives us grace and wisdom to understand and accept the seasons in our lives and as a result we don’t fail to see growth both in our family life and profession.
Eastern Mirror: When and how did you both become interested in music? How long have you been playing?
TaliAngh: My musical journey began when I was around 8 years old. When it comes to my passion for singing I believe it is something in-born because I remember as a child whenever I sang any random song I could feel joy and energy coming from within. I enjoy myself whenever I sing. Part of my interest in music is because I grew up surrounded by older siblings who would sing and perform actively.
My wife too grew up in a music loving family. Her parents have always encouraged her to play and sing. She was 3 years old when she first sang in public (along with her brother). When she was 7 years she released an album called ‘I want to be your friend’ a collection of popular gospel songs back then.
Eastern Mirror: Throughout your music career what has been the most memorable moment?
TaliAngh: My “debut album promotional concert” in Dimapur has been the most memorable moment in my music career. I would say that particular concert was a small taste of larger than life experience. I must also say that it was a perfect culmination of my first phase of pursuit for honest music. It was divinely fulfilling.
Eastern Mirror: What are your musical influences?
TaliAngh: I like listening to switch foot, one republic, U2 but my music is also largely influenced by worship songs.
My wife grew up listening to all genres of music (mostly soft rock) By the time she was in class X, she was influenced by progressive rock/metal. That stayed with her for almost 8 years. But now she loves listening to Bethel, Jesus Culture, Chris Tomlin, Hillsongand much more.
Eastern Mirror: Tell us a bit about your debut album ‘Take it Slow’ and the band you play with?
My debut album Take it Slow is a true testament of building my dreams and desires with patience and perseverance and pursuing honest music. The period of waiting was rewarding because God provided some of the finest musicians to work with, people who also understood my vision and values.
The music industry has developed considerably in the past few years, what role should musicians play in the society?
While it is important to be successful in your music career we must not forget that once any song or music goes out in public there is no limit and you have no control and we all know that music is such a powerful medium that it can either ruin or elevate lives. The kind of music you create holds you accountable for many lives. So I would encourage musicians to create music to bring positive change in personal lives and society in general and I believe it can come only by living a responsible life and by being accountable to the creator, not because one merely decides to create “issues-based music” or one simply loves to sing.
Three issues in the state you strongly feel about.
Corruption, Poor waste management (environmental issue) and Abuse of social media.
