holley4734
Intro
Singer/songwriter Takar Nabam of India’s Arunachal Pradesh region bordering Tibet has combined alternative rock with a bit of jazz and Himalayan folk music to make his own unique sound. In April, Nabam released the single, “Further.” Today, he is on the blog to tell us more about himself and his music.
Please welcome Takar Nabam to the blog!
Interview
Band/Artist Name:
Takar Nabam
Tell us about your latest project:
My latest single, Further, which came out in April is a love song that I wrote for my wife as a part of our first wedding anniversary. The inspiration for the song came from all the fights we had together and She being the light in my most difficult and darkest of times. It was a tribute to her and to our relationship, which I only hope for it to go even Further.
The song was fully recorded at my mini home studio, and the good folks at Animal Farm Music gave it a solid treatment and made it sounded way better than I thought. I’m working on my next few releases, as I write this, and I cannot wait for the world to hear it.
Where was your first concert as a fan? As a performer?
My first memory of attending a proper concert is that of Bryan Adams live in New Delhi, India , back in 2003-04. I was only in the 7th grade at that time, and me and friends had a killer time together. We were quite surprised to see a man coming from the side of the stage to hand over a new guitar after every song. Almost like a magician pulling off some magic tricks and producing a new guitar in a fraction of a few seconds!
As a performer, my first concert was with my School band, back in 2004-05, at an Inter School competition. We covered Pantera’s Cemetery Gates. I had spiky hair and my guitar was as tall as I was at that time! I remember the judges smiling at me while I was busy head banging so hard. We came 3rd at that competition. It’s funny to think about how it went and whole scenario, but it definitely gave me the confidence to be on the stage.
What is the secret to writing good music?
I think listening to different types of music from all the different eras, meeting new people, jamming or writing music with other people, visiting new places, can be some of the most natural ways to get the creative juices flowing. It’s these experiences that inspire me to write more new music.
For instance, after every trip/tour or some new experience, I feel completely full and energised. There needs to an outlet for all the energy and the creativity that has been accumulated, that is where a song comes into the picture. For me as a songwriter, I like to focus more on narrating the story clearly and adding parts that the song needs.
Funny that I initially used to try and fit in a guitar solo and show off all my skills, back in my school and college days! But over time, after writing so many songs and jamming with other amazing musicians and Artists, I’ve learnt that not every song needs a guitar solo, nor does it need a guitar if it doesn’t need it at all. I’d rather tell a story than turn it into a circus!
Do you have a bucketlist? If so, what’s on it?
I’d love to tour the world, especially the EU, US and Australia with my band, someday, and play a few festivals there. I’d also love to collaborate with other Artists from the other parts of the world and write music together, preferably visit South America and experience the culture there because I really love Bossa Nova, Samba, Afro Cuban Music. There’s just so much to learn and so much to do and so little time! *Keeping my fingers crossed*
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening a lot music which I used to listen to back in my School days. Bands like Guns N Roses, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Metallica, Incubus, RHCP, to name a few. I feel like I’ve gone full circle this time! Just about a month or two ago, I was listening to Joe Pass, Tom Misch, Leon Bridges, Otis Redding, to name a few, and here I am now going back to where it all started from. I really don’t know where I am going to head next, but it will probably be some kind of discovery through my Spotify daily playlist.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
I would probably be flying around the world as the captain of an aircraft. My Mother, who’s very afraid of height was against the idea of me choosing a flying career. I can’t say I would have been successful at it, but I was pretty decent at Flight Simulator!
I was also extremely passionate about Cricket. I may have been playing for the State cricket team, if not the National team. Prior to choosing music, back in 2002, Cricket was everything to me! I was good at fielding and I was a huge fan of Jonty Rhodes.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I’d love to collaborate with a solid rhythm section, because I really enjoy playing in trio settings. I feel that I get a lot of space to fill up with my singing and the guitar. It’s challenging but also a lot of fun. Musicians like Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan, Nate Smith, Chris Dave, to name a few. No harm in dreaming right?
I would love to collaborate with some of the contemporary Artist’s who have fused the modern indie sounds with traditional jazz, which is something similar to what I’m trying to do these days. Artist’s like Hope Tala, Eloise, Bruno Major, to name a few.
What do you want people to know about your music?
To me, it’s all about the journey, the process and evolution. I value Art and I would give it all to bring out the best in me. My Music will take you for a spin each time I put out a new single/EP/Album. If you’re in, you’re in for some really wonderful surprises.
