Familiar Yet Fresh

S.A.L.T. (Salt And Light Travelling) Band is fusing Naga folk music with other genres to create music that is melodic and different

- Meeta Borah

Even if you know only a little about the local music circuit in the Northeast, you must have heard of this fusion band. After all, S.A.L.T. (Salt And Light Travelling) Band won the Rhythms and Aromas of India contest at the 4th Guwahati International Music Festival. Their unique sound and stellar stage performances have earned them quite a few fans across the region and beyond. We find out more about the band and their music.

The First Step

It is interesting to note that members first met in Town Baptist English Fellowship, Ukhrul. ‘We started as a church worship band.’ The band comprises Terence LA (vocal, lyricist, guitar), Shanchui Samshok (bassist, tala - traditional instrument made from bull horn), Mayami HC (guitarist, tingteila - traditional single string fiddle), Zingyai Wungleng (drummer, traditional wooden percussions) and Verity (Freddie) Longleng (manager, lyricist, co-founder).

Many may not know that the band’s first performance outside the church was back in 2010 at Classic Hotel, Imphal. ‘It was a contest called Let’s Rock. We performed two of our originals and were awarded the 2nd Runners Up title.’

OK

Fun With Fusion