Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Nagaland Civil Service

 

Administrative officers of the Nagaland Civil Service are doing something different besides governance — music. They are venturing into music making with a band of their own. It’s been a while though. They have formed the ‘Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) band’ in July 2017 with seven members who shared the same passion for music and the enthusiasm to encourage fellow officers who have a taste for music either as devout appreciators or passionate players.

The band was formed to ‘appreciate the musical talents of the government officers’ as the explanation goes. Another hope is that music would come to strengthen the bonds of Nagaland Civil Services Association members.

As the members of NCS say “music never dies,” the band will continue to stay and play music.

Read on to know more about the Nagaland Civil Service band.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What led to the formation of the Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) band? What inspired you to make music together?

Nagaland Civil Service (NCS): Back in 2010, the then Nagaland Civil Services Association (NCSA) office bearers came up with the idea to form a group of NCS officers who will be interested to represent the Association and perform during the Hornbill Rock Festival.

Even though the band has started playing since 2010 but it was only on July 15, 2017 that the band was formally launched at Kohima. It was formed to appreciate the musical talents of the NCS officers while strengthening the bond amongst the NCSA.

Passion for music, encouragement for the fellow officers who are musically talented and inspiration for the youngsters brought us together to make music.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: For the record, could you guys introduce us the role you play in NCS?

NCS: Anthony Ngully, (Joint Secretary) on Bass & Backing Vocals,

Henok Buchem, (Deputy Secretary) on Vocals and rhythm Guitar,

Andrew Imti, (Under Secretary) on Lead Guitar,

Tsutsowe Kupa, (EAC) on Drums,

Alun Hangsing, (Addl. Secretary) on Lead Guitars and Vocals,

Kevin Zehol, (Addl. Secretary & Addl. Director ATI) on Vocals & rhythm guitars,

Linda Solo, (Joint Secretary) Vocals and guitars.

 

EASTERN MIRROR:  There must be a reason why you promote your group as ‘NCS band.’ What made you come up with the civil services as part of your band’s identity? 

NCS: It was the NCSA that gave us the opportunity to perform in the name of the association to show brotherhood & camaraderie and inspire the youngsters. NCS officers are gifted and talented in so many ways and music is just one of them and occasionally, we wish to encourage our fellow officers and the youngsters through music.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What is the primary genre influence of the music you pursue or make and who are your major influence?

NCS: We love to listen and play all genre of music, some of the major influences stretching from the music of 70s till date and the bands of influence are the Eagles, CCR, Mr.Big, Metallica, Rainbow, Queen, Iron Maiden, Beatles, Guns & Roses, Ed Sheeran, Dan Seals to name a few.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Is the NCS a government’s leisure franchise like the DGP Jazz band— which is part of the Nagaland Armed Police’s establishment.

NCS: No, We are fore mostly and primarily civil servants recruited and trained as administrative officers. Coming together as a band is incidental to our profession because of our passion for music, wherein we perform as leisure, and not as a professional band. We do perform in events/ programmes on invitation whenever we manage.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: How do you balance music-making with other professional commitments?

NCS: Work commitments come first no matter what. Music making is on free time zone and to relax from hectic work schedule.

 

 

EASTERN MIRROR: So, tell us the one thing that we don’t know about the NCS band.

NCS: All ages and all married. Some of the band members have played with other bands in and outside the state.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What is your opinion about the current generation of musicians in Nagaland? Do you think singing competitions are providing better platforms and opportunities to aspiring artists?

NCS: There is a generational shift from singing cover songs to original songs while competitions have provided platforms to aspiring young musicians to broaden the scope of venturing up in grabbing better opportunities.

 

EASTERN MIRROR:  When and where was the NCS band’s first performance and what favourite memories do you have from that performance? 

NCS: 2010 Hornbill Rock festival, it was a great feeling to perform in a mega show.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What’s the ultimate direction for the band?

NCS: The Band is here to stay even if the members come and go. We will continue to play music and inspire the youngsters. Music never dies.