HR Khai
Kanili Kiho
Dimapur | December 16
Meet HR Khai, an emerging independent artist from Arunachal Pradesh, India. At 22, he has released ten original tracks since beginning his music career in 2024. Without formal training, the young artist draws on emotion and self-learning to create music that blends R&B, soul, indie and electronic influences. “Sounds that come from the heart, shaped by the world around me,” he tells The Morung Express in an interview.
Fairly new to the industry, Khai describes himself as a passionate artist. “My music is emotional, dreamy, and deeply personal—it speaks of love, healing, longing, and self-discovery.”
An only child, his love for music began around the age of 10, nurtured by a family that cherishes music and the arts. With his father often singing traditional folk songs, he was exposed early to the beauty of sound. Over time, music became a constant presence in his life.
Speaking about his debut album ‘Hope,’ Khai shares, “I wrote the lyrics and composed the music myself. Each track reflects something I’ve felt or lived through.” For the young artist, music is how he processes emotions and tells his story. Whether addressing love, pain or growth, authenticity remains at the core of his writing. Since then, he has performed across several cities and states in India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Sikkim.
A self-taught singer, Khai developed his skills by studying Western singers through online instructional content. Gradually, he learned to play several instruments, including the guitar, drums, and keyboards. Many of his early lessons came from a youth leader at his church, where he first began playing music. These experiences helped shape his independent approach to music-making.
Music, he says, has always felt like home. He started singing more seriously around the age of 18, humming along to songs and realising how deeply he connected with melodies and lyrics.
As a teenager, he recalls a time when everything around him felt heavy and difficult to explain. Music then became more than something he listened to—it became something he created. Writing and singing offered release, a way to express what he could not say aloud.
Belonging to the Apatani Indigenous community of Ziro Valley in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, Khai’s upbringing was peaceful, filled with stories, nature and culture. Influences from home naturally slip into the music he creates. Elements such as the rhythms of Galo folk music and the quiet pace of the community often inspire him. Much of his creative spark comes from everyday life and a desire to truly connect with his listeners.
He names The Weeknd, Joji, Lauv and several local talents from the Northeast among his favourite artists, all of whom influence his sound in unique ways. His popular releases include Closer, My Sugar, Better, Feel So Good, Still Here, and Without You, with each track capturing a different phase of his journey.
Reflecting on the regional music landscape, Khai believes Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland can influence each other in meaningful ways. Both, he observes, are rich with raw talent. While Arunachal carries a soulful, grounded sound, Nagaland brings a strong indie and band culture. Together, they can elevate music from the Northeast, he adds.
According to him, popular Naga artists like Polar Lights, Trance Effect and Zaza have also shaped his musical sensibility. “Their work demonstrates the emotional depth and creativity of Naga music,” he says, noting that their artistry inspires him to stay true to his own sound.
He adds that Northeast is diverse yet united in expression, and collaboration across states can help artists build a stronger musical platform.
Looking ahead, Khai believes this is just the beginning. “I’m learning, growing, and hoping to connect with more listeners, including audiences in Nagaland, through sincere music.”
He shares a message for the people of the state. “Thank you for being one of the most supportive and creative communities. I admire your music culture, and I hope to collaborate or perform there someday soon.”
The journey, however, is not without challenges. He says independent music is difficult—from getting heard to managing everything alone. Still, he remains positive that staying authentic will steadily open the right doors. A final-year student of an integrated BCom LLB course, Khai continues to balance his academic and musical pursuits.
“By staying rooted in who I am and representing where I come from, I hope to be one of many voices showing the world that the Northeast has something beautiful to offer,” he says.
When given an opportunity, representing Arunachal Pradesh in wider music spaces has always been an honour, he adds. “I want to make my people proud and show that artists from these remote corners can still create timeless art.” His music is available on Spotify and other online streaming platforms.
