Rhythm of Love: In conversation with De Band

Friends since school days- De Band from Wokha district is a picture of amity. Even after pursuing and completing their education and employed in various professions, their friendship and love for Music have kept them growing strong. Spreading their love for music, De Band members are the brainchild behind ‘Bob Dylan nite’ which they have been organising for the past………….. years.
Read on to know more of their friendship and their commitment with music.

EASTERN MIRROR: How long have you guys known each other? How did you all meet?
De Band: Some as childhood buddies, some as teens. Most of us were young cronies. We were friends first, band came later. Maybe that the reason why we‘ve been stickin’ together thus far.

EASTERN MIRROR: There must be a reason why you promote your group as De Band. Talk us through your initial musical journey.
De Band: ‘De Band’ simply implies ‘to be a band, buddies bonded together musically or otherwise.

EASTERN MIRROR: What is the reason behind your band’s annual ‘Bob Dylan nite’?
De Band: ‘Dylanite’ is the name of the annual event of Bob Dylan Night organised by De Band. The idea was conceptualised in 2008 by three friends amongst the band, Penn Ngullie, Khyolamo Humtsoe and Soren Kikon, an ardent Dylan fans, who felt the need to champion the philosophical message to humanity that the great lyricist expresses through his song. It is also an event where fans of the legendary folk artist & noble laureate can come and sing or recite any of their favorite music.

EASTERN MIRROR: How often does your band perform?
De Band: Any free time is a jam session for the De Band, given a space De Band would jam the whole year through and ask for more. Baloney apart, No calendar for performances as such, we just grab anything that comes up, just as we are about to perform in a few weeks time for the World Music Day. Dylanite is an exception though; we have a specific date for that event.

EASTERN MIRROR: How do you balance your music with other obligations with your profession commitment?
De Band: De Band Members consist of two Entrepreneurs, a senior Accounts Assistant, a CDPO, a Supervisor and an Asst. Prof. who are so keen in their profession, either it be Music or their jobs. We excel in both ways; the music is no less than the other.

EASTERN MIRROR: How does the song writing works for you. Talk us through your song writing process.
De Band: Songs and music composition comes whenever any of the band members get inspired. Whoever pens a new song make a demo of the song for all to listen for inputs. It’s a team effort. We haven’t had many originals and we are yet to cut an album of our own though we are ready and set.

EASTERN MIRROR: What ranks among the favourite achievements that your band has accomplished so far?
De Band: Nothing to rank as such because the band takes all performances and session as important as any other performance. The band had been to the Hornbill International Music Festival on three occasions. The first band in Nagaland to have started the Bob Dylan night and proud to have completed the 10th edition of Dylanite. May be, The band could rank the many charity shows it has performed as satisfactory, especially the charity concert for Japan Tsunami. it’s the giving part through your talent that elates us.

EASTERN MIRROR: What are the issues that your band as a musician strongly feels about the music scenario of the state?
De Band: The creation of the Music Task Force by the Government of Nagaland has tremendously enhanced the growth of music in Nagaland. The MTF with personalities like Gugs Chishi have really put Nagaland in the map of the music world. However still, a lot of efforts are needed by every stake holders, either it be the Government, the individual or the music fraternity. We have hordes of talents who can’t be sold. Our music need market, we need to have a music industry. Most talents are wasted because their talents failed to earn them bread. Let’s put it this way, develop Nagaland and music in Nagaland will develop itself.

Eastern mirror: What’s next for your band?
De Band: De Band will keep on rolling and rocking, there’s a lots in store waiting to be out, and of course Dylanite will go on.