Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Aloto Sumi

In today’s edition of Rhythm of Love we bring you Aloto Sumi, a familiar face in the musicians’ circle but one who has always maintained a low profile.

EASTERN MIRROR: How did you get into music? Talk to us about your musical journey.

Aloto Sumi: I’ve always been into music to some extent. As a little kid, I remember singing acapella and dancing to the song ‘Animals’ by MLTR for cousins after which my pocket would be filled with coins. Well, lots of coins and INR 10 notes. My proud mom will be seated at the corner watching and asking me to sing more. I grew up listening to pop songs, Westlife and MLTR was a big hit then. When I was in the 7th Standard, mom bought me a Yahuya guitar. That’s when I started learning and would eventually sing and play along. I took guitar lesson on holidays. I took vocal lesson back then under Nise Meruno and was a lone scholarship winner for free vocal lessons in Hope Academy. Eventually I sang in small shows, weddings and concerts. Back at 2011, I sang at a bar in Delhi for about 3-6 months, which was a total new experience and I learned a lot. I like to listen to every type of genre and music, be it Hindi or English, pop or jazz. But I’m more into ballads.

Who are your main influences and your favourites?

I like listening to anything that’s pleasant to my ears, either Hindi or English. Honestly, Malayalam too though I do not understand a single word.

Well, talking about influence, that would be my mom. She was there when I was at my lowest and has always been a strong role model. She is an inspiration for me to work hard and that gives me a goal to make her proud.

I can’t really select a single favourite being avid music enthusiast. I enjoy listening to trance as I drive and when I relax. Tiësto is one amongst few. Queen, Harem Scarem, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Andrea Bocelli, RHCP are one of my favourites.

What do you enjoy most about being a musician and what do you dislike most?

Music is a feeling and it one of the best therapies in the world. As for me, I enjoy the experience performing live. The feeling is unexplainable which can distract the mind in a positive way.

There is nothing that I dislike about music. But in this modern era it has become more like a competition, pressuring singers to entertain fans leading to anxiety and depression.

Do you write songs? If so, are you more of a singer or more of a song-writer?

I do write songs. I’m more into singing as I love to perform. Singing has been my long-time passion. When I was younger I would listen to old classic songs on the radio. Every day is a learning process for me. I believe my voice affects those around me and I aspire to touch the lives around me with music.

Do you think the current generation of music icons and the technology-driven music are producing more mediocre young musicians?

Yes, a platform to mention one amongst the few is YouTube. Anyone and everyone can upload a song or music and share it to the world via social media or any music sharing application.

Back in the ‘50s and ‘60s bands like Beatles, Elvis and Queen were very serious about performing at the higher level. Recording studios is also a thing that has changed. Not anyone can record back then but in the present era, when you have money you can have your own music produced and have your voice re synced and re-pitched too! I am not against any studio or musicians, but originality is what matters to me the most.

You have maintained a low profile till date but your singing is said to be compared to Canadian singer Bryan Adams’ singing. How did the comparison start?  

It is indeed an honour to be compared to a mega pop star like Bryan Adams. I didn’t start writing my own songs but I started singing covers. That’s when I noticed I can sing comfortably and to my best with songs by Bryan Adams or Rod Stewart.

Initially, I didn’t realise until my hostel mates, when I was in about 7th std., started comparing and calling me out by the name. Many friends would fake my voice and call me out and we all have a good laugh. Haha.

Why have you have maintained a low profile while many of our Naga musicians have taken the stage for various big events?

I always wanted to achieve perfection from the start which is also my weakness. My friends and fans would often ask me to record any songs from anywhere and make it viral but that’s not what I want. I have always been selective about the stages I perform. A good sound system and a good crowd is what I enjoy the most.

Honestly, I have always wanted the Music Task Force Nagaland to promote me. And after a long wait, I was thankful when sir (Task Force for Music and Art’s advisor, Tafma) Theja Meru contacted me to sing on events promoted by the Tafma. I’m looking forward to performing for my fans and will be performing often.

What do you think is the most important thing Naga artists should do to promote themselves better?

Be real, that’s the only thing. Everyone is unique and talented in their own way. Nobody’s perfect, be the one people can relate to.

Knowing that the music industry is no more how it used to be even two decades ago, where do you see you five years from now on? 

I would still be singing. It is a passion I will always carry on.

What are you up to currently? Any projects lined up?

Currently, I’m working on a song and I hope it touches the lives of people around me through my music.