Interview: Carolina Mum Norbu

Carolina Mum Norbu is an upcoming, passionate singer-songwriter from Arunachal Pradesh. With her amabile voice and melodious guitar playing she has successfully been able to carve herself a place in the hearts of her audience. She first started playing the guitar when she was still in high school and has never stopped since then. She was also one of the top six finalist of the K-Pop Contest 2013.

A closer look at the beautiful singer-songwriter with a disarming funny-sexy vibe, a soulful sound, and raw, sometimes sweet lyrics.

Can you first please introduce yourself to our readers before we start the talk.
Hello I’m Carolina Norbu from the land of the rising sun, Arunachal Pradesh. Four years from when I was born, I fell in love with music. Ever since this 19 years that I have never broken apart from it.

So, what made you realize that music was your path?
Music is my path, music has always been a part of my life ever since I can remember. Right from the childhood days when I used to dance and sing along to the songs aired on the radio or TV. It has always been there with me when i was happy and even when i was sad. For each and every moment of my life, there was music all along. Only when I reached 8th standard I first saw a guitar (someone was playing it in church during a service). And I knew then that I needed to play it, since then I have taught myself to play guitar and decided to take the journey of music and sing along with it.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

The music I create is feelings expressed in words with a melody. It’s an expression for life in itself. ‘Soulful’ if I have to put them into a single word.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

There are so many artists that have influenced me. I would mostly give the credits to Coldplay and Kina Grannis. The feeling i get when I listen to their songs inspires me so much. They are amazing, apart from them I take inspirations from John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Kodaline, One Republic, Angus and Julia Stone and much more than I can list out. I take my chance to get inspired by quality music that I find, be it from anyone.

Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Yes, I very much do. Honestly it all starts with an epiphany! A strong feeling which is waiting for itself to be expressed. I pick up my guitar and try to hit the notes which sound perfect and then write the words! Most of the time I fail, but I don’t give up. Sometimes it’s the other way around. I write whenever something lights up in my mind and come home and reckon it and work the melody out. Most of the process of my music making includes me trying different things and recording them on my phone and then reviewing them time and again until it comes to life.

What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

FEELINGS! For an example my song UNDONE is a story which remains untold because what a guy and a girl feel after they break up are regrets of what could have been and what never will be. And yes I do write happy songs too! I have songs I wrote during Christmas, a song for summer.  For every feeling a person can have.

What makes your music unique?

I think it’s because the music I make are based on feelings and people can relate to it. It’s more like a therapy, what they feel sync into the melodies and helps them. Like I mentioned before, there is music for every feeling and situation (life in itself). And I make music which is more permeable because they know they have been through this! and they can make it through this!

Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

Yes! Last year on an amazing event called “Hills Will Fill”, I was approached as a professional artist. It was indeed my first event as a professional artist and that specially being in my own hometown. Although the event was mainly for the launch of designer clothing’s line, I was more than overwhelmed to have played my first show in my own hometown.

What’s next for you?

Life is an adventure and is full of surprises. I would love to take my chances on every possibility that comes my way. In the mean while I will just continue my journey with music.

What are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.)

Release a debut EP! That would be awesome! And performing at different places! That would be adventurous!

Do you have any plans of forming band? Or you want to continue as a solo artist?

I don’t mind forming a band, doesn’t mean I didn’t try. The problem with being in a band is that when we don’t think like wise. I have had a couple of ins and outs from band myself. I never came across one with the same interest. Either one or the other members don’t take band seriously that’s why every quit or the genre each member liked in the end was different. Being a solo artist is easy when it comes to getting the work done coz you don’t have to wait on others. But it’s difficult when you are composing! So yes I would love to have companions to make and create the kind of music we love.

What are your long-term career goals?

To think about long term, I have this little dream/ goal for opening a music academy in my hometown along with a hangout place with a small stage for bands and artist to perform. A platform to showcase their talents.

Sources say that you are an anime freak, What’s your favourite anime character and series?

This question is out of blue! Lol, I love anime yes, and I think it would be rude to be partial to just one anime character! But yes currently I am fan
girling over an ongoing animated series called Tokyo Ghoul. And waiting for Shingeki No Kyojin to release their second season!

How would you define the word “success”?

When people receive and understand what I want to deliver through music, then I have succeeded.

Thank you