Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Shelao Kheang Konyak

Shelao Kheang Konyak  is a young talented artiste from Mon. She began singing at a young age and continues to explore and experiment with music, and she hopes to enjoy every moment of it.

Eastern Mirror catches up with the talented Shelao Kheang Konyak in today’s Rhythm of Love.

Eastern Mirror: Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: Hello greetings! My name is Shelao Kheang Konyak from Mon district, Nagaland. I am 24 years and I am currently pursuing a Masters in Music (MA Music) from Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong.

Eastern Mirror: Tell us a bit about your journey into music.

Shelao Kheang Konyak: Every day, my musical journey progresses beautifully. I began singing in schools, churches, and small gatherings when I was very young. Today, with so much love for music, I have chosen music as my Honours subject both in Bachelor degree and Postgraduate. My journey with music continues as I explore and experiment music as therapeutic practises and serve the community with music.

Eastern Mirror: Can you recall the moment you thought you could be a musician? What motivates you to continue singing?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: After completing my matriculation, I enrolled in G Rio School, Kohima for my higher secondary studies, where I discovered that music was offered as a 4th paper, which piqued my interest. On such a subject, I have never been told by anyone. I recall how eager I was to learn music, and it was then that I decided to pursue music as a profession.

I believe that music has a significant influence and impact on our lives. So, everyday, this thought motivates me to love music and to continue to use God’s given talent and his creation of music to enjoy every moment of it.

Eastern Mirror: Talk us through your song writing process?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: I don’t have any set rules or procedures for my song writing process, but the only thing I make sure of is that my emotions are connected to the emotions of others through my lyrics and music.

Eastern Mirror: If you could only sing in one of the three languages (English, Hindi, or local dialect), which one would you choose and why?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: I would choose Hindi because the language is wonderful and with a great admiration for Hindustani classical music, I would always love to sing in Hindi if I am given a choice.

Eastern Mirror: Every musician prefers a certain type of music. Is there any particular person/s you have been influenced by or have tried to be like?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: I have many favourite singers, and I am influenced by many of them in various ways. I haven’t tried to imitate any of them but yes, I applied a lot of things that I learned from them in order to improve myself.

Eastern Mirror: What is the most recent song you’ve heard or are listening to?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: The most recent songs that I am listening (to) are Tu Jhoom by Naseebo Lal Ft. Abida Parveen (coke Studio S. 14) and Tilak Kamod by The Anirudh Varma Collective.

Eastern Mirror: Which artiste from Nagaland are you most impressed by?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: Abiogenesis, Purple Fusion and Coloured Keys have always impressed me with the beauty of our folk music.

Eastern Mirror: What is the best way to promote yourself as a music artiste in Nagaland?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: According to me the best way to promote myself as a music artiste in Nagaland is through YouTube.

Eastern Mirror: Which artiste would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: If I am given the opportunity to collaborate with an artiste in the future from Nagaland, then it would be the 5 minutes Band and KL Pamei.

Eastern Mirror: Is there a project in the works?

Shelao Kheang Konyak: There is no such project that I am working on right now apart from my academic research project.