Born in 2002, Imnainla Jamir of Ungma village from Mokokchung captured the hearts of thousands when a video of her playing the electric rock guitar took the internet by storm. And much to the onlookers’ surprise, she was just 17 and did not have a formal education in music but was rather self-taught with a little help from her brother.
But, this was just the beginning of her journey. After about three years since her discovery, Aien has now become an ambassador of Shure Music Company, a student of Symphony Academy of Music, Kohima, and is a recipient of many awards including Distinctive Talent in Guitar, Naga Musician Collective Award and Upcoming Talented Musician Award.
Known by the skills she displays on the six strings and her charmingly graceful nature, Aien has been featured as a performing artist in major events of the state like Miss Nagaland 2021, Hornbill Music Festivals, PRESTO 19 Open Beat Contest and so forth.
Speaking about her love for music and her journey, the twenty year old guitarist shares a conversation with Mokokchung Times.
MTNews: Greetings Aien, how have you been?
Aien: Hello MTNews, I’m doing very well. Thank you for having me featured in one of your interviews. It is an honor.
MTNews: It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity with you. Well, many of us are familiar with you as an exceptionally talented guitarist. Why don’t you tell us a little more something about yourself?
Aien: I am Imnainla Jamir. I am currently pursuing music at Symphony Academy of Music, Kohima. I play for the band called TFC Nagaland (the fantastic company) and I also am one of the ambassadors for Shure Company along with a few amazing artists from Nagaland.
MTNews: So, at the moment you’re also currently pursuing an academic college degree as well as music. How are you able to balance both so effectively?
Aien: Well, practically speaking, music has always been a passion so it does not give me any hindrances while pursuing both my college as well as a music degree. It’s like they say: “We make time for what we love”.
MTNews: What inspired you and made you want to learn guitar in the first place? Did you ever want to sing and write songs too?
Aien: Ever since childhood, I was always interested and influenced on seeing other people play the guitar. But one thing that inspired me the most was watching my brother play the six string creating wonderful melodies and writing songs and that triggered my interest to play and learn more about it.
MTNews: What three skills make a great guitar player according to you?
Aien: Practically, I think understanding the rhythmic notation of any song, playing in time and sticking to your own unique style are some skills among many, a good musician should nurture.
Apart from these, characteristically speaking, dedication, patience and self-discipline are the keys.
MTNews: What have been your biggest challenges and your greatest achievements so far?
Aien: Well, like I already mentioned, I am currently one of the Ambassadors of the very well known music company – Shure. This is one of the greatest and exciting achievements I’ve had for which I’m greatly humbled and grateful.
My biggest challenge is trying to be a better musician in every performance I make.
MTNews: You have achieved a lot and have experienced a lot as a performer. Do you take pressure at all to better yourself every time?
Aien: Honestly, yes, I do. I am always ruled by the fear of “What if I am unable to bring out the best in me?” and this keeps pushing me forward.
MTNews: Where do you want your guitar skills to be a year from now?
Aien: I’m always challenging myself and looking forward, as a musician, to be a little better each day. So, I guess in one word: “Better”.
MTNews: What music gets you excited and why? If you could give someone considering learning guitar one tip or piece of advice that’s helped you the most, what would it be?
Aien: Well, I really do not have any preferences regarding genres. But a little bit of blues and jazz and mellow Rock brings out the excitement in me. One piece of advice I’d like to say is to never give up, maintain keen focus, and be determined and to have faith in yourself.
MTNews: A message for our readers.
Aien: Whatever your dreams may be, stay focused and work hard. Stay humble, always hope and keep faith .Acknowledge the Almighty God in all you do knowing that anything is possible.
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It is so inspiring to see how self-taught musicians like Imnainla can create such magic. Her story makes me want to dive into music creation tools and start experimenting with my own melodies today.
It is so inspiring to see how Imnainla taught herself to shred on the electric guitar at such a young age. Raw talent and passion really do make all the difference!
It’s so inspiring to see self-taught talents like Imnainla Jamir rise up. Her passion for the guitar really proves that raw dedication beats formal training any day. Can’t wait to see her musical journey evolve!
It’s so inspiring to see self-taught talents like Imnainla break through the internet noise. Her passion for the guitar proves that true dedication matters way more than formal lessons.
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It’s always so inspiring to see self-taught musicians break through online! The dedication it takes to master the electric guitar without formal training is huge. Reminds me how exploring traditional arts often requires that same deep, independent patience.
Imnainla’s self-taught journey on the electric guitar is so inspiring! Seeing young talent rise purely from passion and practice makes me want to finally master my own upcoming presentation skills.