Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Jatphoa Konyak

Jatphoa Konyak -19 year old upcoming singer, songwriter from Mon district, currently a student is in high spirits with his debut music video and song “Dream on” written and composed by himself and promoted by music artist Moba Inggang.
A step forward to his dreams of making his heart and others happy through music, Jatphoa in conversation with Eastern Mirror’s ‘Rhythm of Love’ talks all about his love for music and futile love story that inspired him to write “Dream on”.

EASTERN MIRROR: For our readers, who are new to you and your music, tell us about your musical background.
Jatphoa Konyak: Well I am 19 years old and very new to the music scene in Nagaland with most people asking “Who is this guy?” It is inevitable because I never performed in any talent show or shared stage with any artist. My first debut music video is the outcome of my long interest in music. Since I was in High School, I was always interested in singing. So I performed at school programmes and took every opportunity to sing thereafter. In this way, I slowly trained myself in making my own music. You could say I am self-trained because I have little or no knowledge in formal musical study. Talking about background, it was my dad who inspired me as he himself is a music lover.

EASTERN MIRROR: If you could share a stage or record a song with any local artist who would that be and why?
Jatphoa Konyak: I think it’d be Moba Inggang because he is like a mentor to me. He is not just a singer, but a humble and multi-talented man. I admire his work ethic and his taste in music. And so I would love to share a stage and record song in the future.

EASTERN MIRROR: How do you balance your music with other obligations as a student?
Jatphoa Konyak: I as a student have a big responsibility. But I feel that being a student helped me a lot in ventilating my talent I could say. The education I received also boosted my interest in western music. I think, being a student does not affect my musical career or say that’s how I find balance in Music and education.

EASTERN MIRROR: You write your own music so where do you draw inspiration from and what is the most interesting thing about song writing process?
Jatphoa Konyak: I am very much inspired by the western music and musicians like Enrique Iglesias, Ed Sheeran. The most interesting thing about song writing process is that I can pour out all my emotions and feelings into the lyrics. And I did not start writing songs yesterday; it was way back in school days that I started writing songs. Song writing also needs time and a little space where I can be myself.

EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your debut song “Dream on”
Jatphoa Konyak: “Dream on” is about my love for a girl though I won’t mention her name…….hahaha….
It is all about my twisted love which never became a reality so all I do is dream on and there is the name. Well, being a debut song it did not receive much acclamation and recognition but I tell you it’s just one out of my many originals.

EASTERN MIRROR: Where do you want your career to go next?
Jatphoa Konyak: I believe in the quote by A.P.J Abdul Kalam-“Dream is not the thing you see in sleep but is that thing that doesn’t let you sleep.” I have always dreamt and I dream of becoming a singer in a global platform or I would say a great singer. And come what may, I am ready to face the challenges to achieve my dream.

EASTERN MIRROR: What is your take on the music scenario of Nagaland? Three issues that you strongly feel about music in Nagaland?
Jatphoa Konyak: The musical scenario in Nagaland is just getting broader. And people do actually appreciate the way one takes up music. There are many local musicians today, coming up and getting recognized by people.
But the three issues that I strongly feel is the fans base out here which is quite discouraging compared to the other states because fans are the main reason one can make a place/position with other music competitors.
Secondly, I think it is the lack of opportunities especially to the ones in rural areas with talents.
And the last issue that I strongly feel about is our people’s mentality that we cannot take music as a profession, so it actually depreciates the time spent on music or our passion.