Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Maongtemsu Pongen

With his recent passion to compose and write songs, Maongtemsu Pongen hopes that he would one day become a connoisseur in music.
Composing and writing songs for Pongen, a teacher by profession, was never a passion or a dream but a complete mystery.
His debut ‘Past Memories’ is about two lovers and their shared memories that they still hold on to.
Pongen says his goal is to compose songs that inspire listeners.
The artist shares his insights with Eastern Mirror

Read on…..

EASTERN MIRROR: How would you describe yourself as a musician to those that haven’t heard of you yet?

Maongtemsu Pongen: As of now I don’t consider myself a musician. According to my dictionary a musician is someone who is skilled at music or one who is a professional in music. I’ve been mainly self taught with limited abilities and horizons, but I hope I can be a good musician in the near future.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What got you started?

MP: To be honest composing and writing songs never came across my mind. My peers and my family never heard me singing. At first writing songs was a complete mystery to me. I didn’t understand it, but I have certainly written about it, that’s how I started.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Must have top five tracks in your playlist.

MP:       1.       Ben- MJ

2. Chasing cars- Snow patrol
3. This I promise you – Nsync
4. Mirror – Justin Timberlake
5. Bohemian rhapsody- queen

I have hundreds of beautiful song in my playlists but these five songs I’ve mentioned have a great influence on me particularly on how to write beautiful songs.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Your inspirations?

MP: My source of inspirations are those friends who believe in me, those friends who never leave me during turbulent times, those who encouraged me to keep singing.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What is your song “Past Memories” all about?

MP:  This song talks about two lovers and their past memories, but somehow in their unexpected meeting they both realised that they were still holding on their feelings for each other.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Your most memorable stage performance ever.

MP: So far I never had one since am just a beginner and ‘past memories’ is my first song

 

EASTERN MIRROR: How do you manage your time between being a teacher and a composer?

MP: Having consistent self discipline is the key to managing my time. During my days off instead of  strolling and hanging with friends, I rather take that time to compose and write songs. It’s not always easy but as the saying goes, “if there’s a will , there is a way.”

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Being a full-time teacher you must have a clue on what the students need or what convinces them on moving towards the right path. Do you think music can have an impact towards positive change in the society through positive songs?

MP: Yes, I know for sure that the ultimate goal of teaching is to promote learning. So I have to make sure that my students have the desire to learn new things as it is vital to mastering new concepts, principles and skills. And yes, I believe that music can have a great impact on the minds of the people, it does affect mentally in a positive way. So it’s my goal to compose songs that gives inspiration while building upand motivating my listeners.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Any upcoming projects you would like your fans to know about?

MP: Yes, my next project is to make a video out of my debut ‘past memories’ and after that I will be recording my next single entitled ‘Hearts As One’.