Mokokchung Times’ Sunday Exclusive with About Us
About Us, a Nagaland based hard rock musical band debuted in the year 2019 with their single ‘Loaded Love’. With the members coming from varied musical backgrounds, the band engages themselves with a lot of genres but identifies as a melodic hard rock band.
Currently, the band lineup is as follows: Sochan Kikon on vocals, Renlamo, Soren and Ponn on guitars, Lich Kithan on drums, Renbomo on keyboard and K. Edward Ngullie taking the role of the band’s manager who even contributes in song writing.
The band released their debut album in 2021 and is now gearing up for their ‘Right Now Tour 2022’ scheduled for March end.
About Us talks about their hit single ‘Right Now’ and their journey thus far in this exclusive conversation with Mokokchung Times.
MT – Thank you very much for the time. I hope we didn’t get into one of your tight schedules.
About Us – We are humbled by your kind gesture and reaching out to us.
MT – I’ve learnt that About Us was incepted in 2019. Would you kindly share your ‘music making’ experience in Nagaland over the past 2 or 3 years?
About Us – Coming up with new songs/materials is easier said than done, which is true for all musicians. Likewise, it was a hectic season of music making for the band as well. But with collective effort from all members chipping in our musical knowledge here and there, it was a tiresome venture yet a fruitful experience in the end.
MT – Would you agree that the process of producing music has become easier in Nagaland? How would you comment on the current music industry of Nagaland?
About Us – With the advancement of, and dependence on modern technology, yeah, the process of producing music has become relatively easier.
Let us say music industry is in evolutionary stage. Every artist/band struggle by self. Granted, Nagas are definitely talented. But then again, ironically, talent alone cannot take us through the cutthroat music industry. TaFMA’s initiatives are very encouraging, but when it comes to ground reality, Naga musicians are desperately in need of philanthropic investors and promoters.
MT – There is a lot of rock genre you guys experiment upon. Is there any particular genre you enjoy the most? Just walk us through what’s happening behind the scene with About Us.
About Us – Basically, we are an experimental Melodic Hard Rock band. We are deeply influenced by the 70’s & 80’s Rock era, which is reflected in our songs. But the approach and execution in the final outcome is different in many ways, as our understanding of that era is also different musically and culturally. Melodic Hard Rock is the base we try to follow up.
MT – Your latest single ‘Right now’ has been doing an impressive round on YouTube and among the fans. To be fair, the camera work and the cinematography is one of the best I have seen within Nagaland. Would you like to comment something on it?
About Us – We are grateful to all our viewers and reviewers for their kind and positive feedbacks. It has been quite a different journey as compared to ‘Gimme Gimme’. Here, the technicality involved and the meticulous planning drained us physically & mentally. Many days and nights were spent from the initial concept till the final output of the video. In fact, the video was shot for 3 nights. Although we missed out on some scenes and directives due to paucity of time, we are pleased with the final production. And yes, our videographer did a fine job. He is a true professional, hard working and humble.
MT – Where do you usually draw your inspiration from?
About Us – It comes from within. We are inspired by each other.
MT – Is there a concept behind your music video that the viewers are missing out?
About Us – The song signifies the ‘toxic relationship’ between two lovers.
MT – Your debut album is already out. Can you share some details about your plans for tours, concerts etc. that’s coming up in the near future?
About Us – For starter, selective district tours are in the offing (‘Right Now Tour 2022’) which may likely kick off by March end – hopefully. And then, ‘one thing at a time’.
MT – What’s next in line for About Us?
About Us – Short break, practice, jam session, practice, jam session, on and on…
MT – Just a sudden thought; do you have a favourite band from Mokokchung or a band you’re familiar with?
About Us – Yes, we love the ‘Grand old man of Naga Bands’ – SQUADRON.
MT – Thank you for your time; kindly leave a message to your fans and our readers.
About Us – It’s our pleasure and thank you for having us.
To all our fans, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for your constant support and encouragement. We are motivated and inspired to share our music with you all. When the time is right, we will rock you hard and heavy. Just wait and watch out for our “Right Now Tour 2022” schedule. Till then, believe in yourself and do things you love most with grit and determination ‘cos dreams do really come true. Warm wishes from all of us and yes do stay safe. God Bless.
