Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Toshi Lkr

Toshi Lkr, a guitar prodigy from Dimapur has performed with numerous of successful rock bands.
Quiet by nature, Toshi Lkr who is presently based in Mumbai is the first person from the state to have completed the grade 8 rock & pop trinity in guitar in the year 2012.
He owned his first guitar when he was in 8th standard and two years later a used ibanez guitar.
Toshi Lkr says the government of Nagaland and different NGO’s should help the local upcoming talented musicians financially so that they can globally compete with proper platforms. Five years from now he sees himself achieving more success and encouraging youngsters and helping them learn more.
Eastern Mirror shares an insight with the talented guitarist.
Read on…..

EASTERN MIRROR: As a guitar virtuoso …how would you describe yourself to those who haven’t heard of you yet?
Toshi Lkr: As a person you may call me quiet by nature..dedicated to music. Initial part of my music learning and playing was mainly of 80s rock and eventually as I grow, learn and get more experience through world music I started experimenting and try playing all that fits onto my hands. Can be called as a bit of rock blues jazz sometimes.

EASTERN MIRROR: What was the first tune(s) you learned? And when was the day you owned a guitar?
Toshi Lkr: The first guitar was when I was in 8th Standard. And my first electric guitar was after 2 years which was a second hand ibanez guitar which was wow at that time..

EASTERN MIRROR: How do you define success?
Toshi Lkr: Success, according to me can be defined as accomplishing our aim and purpose. .Firstly, we should set our aim and purpose then eventually success will follow us.

EASTERN MIRROR: Your achievements in music industry so far.
Toshi Lkr: Hmm …was the first person from the state Nagaland to complete the grade 8 rock&pop trinity in guitar…couple of best guitarist award and winning and runners up in rock band competitions..

EASTERN MIRROR: Who are your top three musical influences and why is that?
Toshi Lkr: Hard to name just few…As a rock musician and from Nagaland every guitarist dream of playing like Paul Gilbert, Nuno Bettencourt, or Malmsteen. And bands like Mr. Big was a big influence.

EASTERN MIRROR: How do you spend your free time?
Toshi Lkr: Obviously there is no free time for a musician You are more busy with practices when you get free time! I don’t hang out lot.

EASTERN MIRROR: Nagaland as a state has so many young talented musicians coming up who are yet to enter the global stage. What according to you is needed for such musicians who need exposure and support?
Toshi Lkr: The government of Nagaland, different NGO’s should also help them financially so that they globally compete. I think the young talented musicians in Nagaland need proper platform to expose and showcase their talents. There are lots of upcoming young talented musicians in Nagaland because of lack of proper and right platform their talents remain unexposed and unseen.

EASTERN MIRROR: If given a chance to play with a world known guitarist who would it be and why?
Toshi Lkr: Hmmm…that’s a tough one. Maybe Paul Gilbert as he is one of my favourite.

EASTERN MIRROR: What are you most proud of?
Toshi Lkr: To have taught students, I’m proud that I have reached where I’m today. And inspire others through you as a musician.

EASTERN MIRROR: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Toshi Lkr: I see myself achieving more success and encouraging youngsters and helping them learn more.