Blowing in the wind

Taking music from the north-east across India is Abiogenesis, which has created a new wind instrument ~ the bamhum; and a new genre ~ howey. Members speak to Mathures Paul about their next album

The bamhum is an instrument that one hums into to produce tones that captivates listeners. It can be played solo or in an orchestra. And it was only on 2 May 2005 the instrument was unveiled in Shillong. Meet the Abiogenesis, which is developing a new genre called howey ~ a fusion of Naga folk tunes and rock. Their latest album ~ Aeon Spell, released by Saregama ~ is a reminder that the north-east is where some of the most talented musicians reside. The Abiogenesis comprises Arenla (vocals/bamhum), Moa Subong (guitar/bamhum/main composer), Longden (lead guitar), Imli (drums/percussions) and Kongdir (bass). Let's hear it from Moa Subong...

What have you been working on since the release of Aeon Spell?
We are still promoting the album (and the band) through concerts, radio and television interviews. Besides, we are planning our next album ~ Rustic Relish.

How did Aeon Spell materialize? What did you want to showcase in the tracks?
Abiogenesis began as a rock band but gradually, through exploration and experimentation, developed a new genre of music which we call howey. Howey is a fusion of Naga folk tunes and modern music, played on the bamhum, a wind instrument invented by me. We do lean towards rock and place emphasis on melody. We are the only band in the world to play the bamhum and ‘howey rock’. Aeon Spell was released to put across a simple point ~ the howey and bamhum will have an everlasting impact on the music world.

Was it difficult to land a record deal with Saregama? And while recording, did the label chalk out a list of ‘dos and donts’?
The record deal with Saregama was smooth sailing. Karim, the business manager, on his way back from Kohima to Kolkata stopped by at our Soul Speak Studios in Dimapur. He listened to the tracks recorded for Aeon Spell and was quite pleased. He wanted us to send a demo, which we did. It was released in June 2007 and went on to be listed in the 50th Grammy Awards in two categories ~ the Best Contemporary World Music Album and the song You’re Breaking Me in Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals. We have recorded the album the way we wanted as we never compromise on creativity.

Moving back in time, how was Abiogenesis formed and what exactly was the group looking at?
Abiogenesis was formed in in 1992 by Arenla and myself. I had earlier released an album ~ Rapture ~ on Magnasound in 1989, the music was backed by Shiva from Kolkata. At that time, many young people, including some leading musicians, were into drugs. We wanted to use music to motivate them to give up such bad habits. This was one of the reasons we named the band Abiogenesis, to bring back the ‘living dead’ to normal life.

Shillong (and the north-east) does have a vibrant music scene but few musicians from here are heard across India. Has the situation changed with the appearance of record labels like Blue Frog and Phat Phish?
The north-east does have a plenty of talent but unfortunately it doesn’t go beyond that. Yes, things are changing for the better, with reputed dailies like yours taking interest in our band. Though in its nascent stage, Blue Frog records will bring about a difference (The group performed at Blue Frog on 8 June).

How did you come up with the new wind instrument?
When Arenla was appointed by NEZCC to teach folk music and theatre, I released there were few traditional Naga musical instruments. And there wasn’t any that could play note by note. This gave me the idea to come up with the bamhum. This is a medium-sized bamboo instrument that one hums into and produces tones that are sourced from the user’s vocal chords and resonates with a captivating effect on listeners. One or two rattles are assembled on the opposite end of the knot that works as a resonance chamber which converts the tone of the hum into a unique sound. It can be played as a solo instrument or be a supportive instrument in an orchestra or played in an ensemble with many bamhum players. Besides, the bamhum can be played with classical, folk, rock, jazz, blues, gospel and pop numbers. The instrument was unveiled by the then Governor of Meghalaya MM Jacob on 2 May 2005 at the Central Library Hall, Shillong, Meghalaya.

Has work started on your next album? When is it releasing and about it?
It’s called Rustic Relish. This album will be focussed on rock/fusion numbers and will feature a few surprises. We intend to release it in Fall this year.