Interview: Takar Nabam

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

- I took an active role in Inter School competitions during my Schooling years. The joy of performing, making music was something that drew me towards it. 

Over the next few years, I felt I had something to say, and so began my journey. 

I'd probably still be playing cricket or I would have tried my luck in the aviation sector, if I wasn't making and playing music today. 

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

-  Being the eldest son in my family, I have to look after my Family business and Music becomes my only outlet to let myself free, and it helps me balance myself emotionally, mentally. I value my time with my Music even more. In fact, I feel extremely thankful for it, and so I end up writing songs that are really close to me and my life. 

How long has your band been around?

- I've been playing with my band since I first started working on my debut album, Same Sky, which was in 2014. 

Listen to Same Sky - 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

- I'm currently based in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India. For me, it was New Delhi which shaped me and played a pivotal role in my musical journey. I had lived in New Delhi for about two decades, while pursuing my education and Music. 

If it wasn't for Delhi, I probably wouldn't have met highly skilled Musicians, Artist's and some of the most amazing people, including my wife. 

Staying away from home for that long from the age of 8 without my Parental guidance, I learnt about life differently than most other kids, I guess. Music became my best friend and I cherish the friendship till date. 

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

- I perform under my name -Takar Nabam. 

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

- Best Show : performance at Ziro Festival, 2018. 

Video Link - 

- Worst Show : performance at a random club in CP, Delhi, while a T20 cricket match being aired on the projector screen. 

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

- John Mayer, Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, Bruno Major, The Lumineers, Derek Trucks Band, Incubus, there are way too many! 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

- Be on time. Do your homework. Enjoy the journey. 

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be? 

- That's a tough one! But I think I should have tried my luck at good Music Schools in US or Europe. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

- Ashes from my latest EP, Red and Yellow. The reason why I think Ashes is important is because it came out of a tragedy of such a big magnitude that me and my family still grieve about. It taught me so many new life lessons, but most importantly about finding that fire and never giving up. 

Listen to Ashes - 

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

- I usually enjoy playing the songs Receding (from my second album, This Home That Home), Long way Home, Melodrama (from my second album, This Home That Home) , Nyokum Sokhi To (Let's Celebrate Nyokum).

The one's that get requested the most are - Independent Route, Nyokum Sokhi To, Hello, Good Night. 

Listen to my discography - 

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

- It usually starts with a demo in my mini home studio. I make the whole song, add all the instruments and then I take it to the rehearsals. We end up tweaking a few things here and there until we have the arrangements in place. 

I'm inspired by my blue days, low points, the challenges and surprises that life throws at me. 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

- That each of us have our own set of struggles and stories, and that there's no shame in presenting your vulnerable side to the world. 

Also, we have to evolve and adapt to the changing times. This is one of the reason all my albums sound different from each other. 

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

- Nothing major so far. As I'm leading my own solo project, I usually get to take the final call, but I'm usually very open to suggestions and new ideas. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

- I'm planning on doing a full album and putting together a few shows this summer. It's been far too long!