Imcha Imchen is Nagaland’s latest pop sensation. He found a spot in Apple Music’s ‘The 100 Best Songs of 2020’ for his original composition ‘Spare My Heart’. He has recently released his song “Love in Paris”, whose video was shot in the picturesque Dzukou valley.
Here are Nagas Connect’s 5 questions for Imcha:
1.Tell us about your background and your musical journey.
I’ve been in the field of music for the past 17 years… I’ve never felt so complete and satisfied at the same time.
When I listen to music it makes me understand my feelings and sometimes whenever I can’t express what I feel music helps me find a song. At the age of 13 I realised that music is in my blood and this is what I want to do for the rest of my life and being a musician is not just something I do. It is who I am.
2.On your latest song many people have commented why “Love in Paris” and why not “Love in Dzukou” 🙂 What’s your explanation?
I really don’t seem to understand what’s there to question but let me sort this out for you all.
Love in a Paris is a song that I wrote after watching this movie called “Before Sunrise” which was released back in the 90s and was shot at Paris, This movie was so romantic and accurate that I just wanted to write a song about it and make it my own.
Love in Paris tackles the listeners on a charming adventure as the lovers walk the streets of Paris and fall more in love with each other with every moment spent together.
I had named it Love in Paris cuz why not, People call Paris “the City of Love” because of the romantic atmosphere it exudes. I heard about Dzukuo valley and I always wanted to shoot a romantic music video out there, and I finally did.
And most of my music videos have been done in Nagaland, and I keep it like that,
As I am promoting Nagaland in my music videos. And there’s no better joy than expressing my songs with visuals of my Nagaland beautiful landscapes to the world.
When a song names a place or a thing it does not have to be always literally, there’s many ways to express a song in different visuals as long as the musician is expressing the right amount of feelings to the audience and connecting with them with the song.
And I hope that with this song everybody finds their joy, love and peace with their loved one’s in every moment, no matter wherever you are. Love is in the air.
3.Your songs have been featured in Apple’s music charts. How important is proper marketing for a musician? How has staying in Mumbai helped?
Landing a spot in the top 100 best songs of 2020 in Apple Music was surreal. God has been blessing me with so much right now and I just hope I don’t loose sight with my God.
Remember, opportunities can come disguised as obstacles. That is why most people don’t recognise them. Remember, the bigger the obstacle, the better the opportunity”.,
I just have to keep this faith strong, and only with his guidance I can climb mountains. One thing about me is I don’t see anybody as a competition, the competition is only me.
Being a musician, does not mean that its only performing and letting your songs out. A true musician has to know about how the digital streaming works, the music business and basic recording and music production at home, just so you can save a little money for the final mix and master or music production towards a song, If he/she really wants to make music as their career. They’ll have to be wise in this game in terms with money and opportunities.
We live in a modern world, and its advancing really fast, the artist has to up their game and dig deep on the internet. We are provided with so many information online, we just have to understand those informations and implement those in our musical career.
A career in music is not any spoon feeding. Initialy when you start there’ll be rough roads, and you shouldn’t be surprised. All you have to do is keep grinding. The harder and smarter you work, you’ll bears fruits in the long run. If you believe in yourself, then you don’t have to prove anybody. I mean.. like why waste time, time will come and I promise you that day you’ll experience a different type of joy, a total victory!
Also remember not everybody in this world will like what you do, you should be ready for that also. Average people hates the winner, when people are not successful and have nothing else to talk about, they make you the target. The greatest people in the world have been criticized. The only way you will never be criticized is when you do nothing, say nothing or have nothing. You’ll end up being a big nothing.
I moved out of my parents house at an early stage of 19 and moved to Mumbai after getting my first record deal, just so that I can understand better of life and how to manage things on my own and learning to become independent starting from a young age. It was not easy back in Mumbai. Mumbai is an expensive city, there were times I hit my lowest lows, but I always kept myself motivated and strong, and only developing my skills.
And I hope with the answers above, helps you understand what I’ve learned so far. And I am still learning as there’s no limits to learning, nobody is perfect.
4.Your music is mostly slow pop. Do you see yourself experimenting with different music genres?
I guess, you’ve haven’t heard my other songs yet, heh.
I love to experiment with different tones and I always try to be extra creative and always up in my game with what I do, thus creating something unique and fresh.
I believe I am relentless. With every music I release I gain experience, and and I try my best to become a better musician/performer than yesterday, every day I evlolve.
5.What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
Main objectives :
I do look forward to getting myself a grammy, but it’s just a piece of medal, next year there’ll be someone taking your place.
The only achievement I am excited is getting my music to wider audience, sharing my journey to many people, influencing people that life is short and we have to make the best use of it by doing what you love.
And I hope to all the readers that with this little story of mine I hope it has build some motivation in your personal career and life…
“She’s a walking temptation” by Imcha Imchen
