Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Lapla Oungh

Meet Lapla Oungh, a musician from Kohima and currently based in Delhi. She won the “Best cover song” at the 11th Music Awards of Nagaland 2019 and has been garnering attention on social media of late for her cover of some popular songs. She also sings at corporate gigs and does commercials.

In today’s Rhythm of Love, Oungh shares with us her future plans and more.

Eastern Mirror: Technically, you are new to the music scene. We are excited and curious to know more about you. Can you tell us how it started?

Lapla Oungh: I’m indeed very new to the music scene of Nagaland as I moved to Delhi after doing one-two cover songs. I’m Lapla Oungh from Chang community, born and raised in Kohima. Currently, I’m based in Delhi doing corporate gigs, singing short lines for Ads, and perform at wedding events and concerts as a freelancer.

Eastern Mirror: Are there any artiste that you draw inspiration from?

For me, there is no particular person who inspired me to sing but rather it was music itself. There is some unknown pleasure and happiness in singing, that feeling you get when you hit the right note just makes you want to sing more, though there are few people who have made me want to sing better and get better at it.

Eastern Mirror: Do you feel that cover rendition is technically more challenging, in contrast to originals, because it demands fulfilling certain creative stereotypes of the listeners who already know the songs?

Yes, I, as a novice in the music industry do feel that singing popular cover songs by creating a more personal rendition of the song is more challenging as it is indeed a great way to live up to the expectations of the crowd, and also gives me the opportunity to show off my skills. I feel more connected with the listeners when they sing along.

Eastern Mirror: You were awarded with the Best Cover Song at the 11th Music Award of Nagaland 2019; also your social media accounts have more of you doing cover songs. Are you more comfortable with cover songs?

On my social media accounts, people will only see me doing cover songs because I’m still yet to produce my own songs; I feel more comfortable singing popular cover songs to build my own confidence; also singing covers teaches me to be versatile in different genres.

Eastern Mirror: How important is social media to you?

I was not very active on social media back then but I realised its importance because honestly, marketing as a musician is tough without it. Social networking is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and I feel it is the best way to reach out to people, and being a novice, it gives me a good platform.

Eastern Mirror: What are the plans you have for the future as a musician?

I’m working on my originals and hopefully, by the year-end, I can release my debut album. My future dreams are high and unlimited. But right now, I’m learning how to take criticism. I must have a way to cope with the stress of critics and occasional failures and make it a pillar of success.