Morung Express News
Oztronic 2016, Nagaland's only Electronic Dance Music Festival is all set to begin on December 16 at the Khadi Nagi Resort in Jotsoma.
Oztronic was started by Sunep Oz, a versatile musician, who is also the front man of the band Making Merry. The first edition of the festival was held on March 1, 2015. Sunep graduated from the SAE (School of Audio Engineering), Bombay. As a musician, he utilizes the art of sampling and looping while playing live, along with his analogue synths and live vocals. He has also successfully managed to impart a fresher course on music production recently in collaboration with Music Academy, Kohima.
The idea for Oztronic came up with Sunep's vision to promote electronic music in Nagaland. He has been helped by his friends and family, and Jungshi Aier, who acts as the CEO of Oztronic. The festival first began as an event which had five level shows throughout the year.
"We're really grateful that now we have decent people attending the event with the right motive. The tactic was simple, starts small and expands later. Around 60 people attended the first show and gradually went on to host bigger crowds," said Rachel Thong, a member of the organising team, in an interview with The Morung Express.
She felt that the electronic music audience in Nagaland has grown over the years, paving the way for music lovers in Nagaland to explore something new and different. "We even have many of them producing EDM tracks now, some of whom are performing at the upcoming festival. I guess that alone is enough proof that EDM is gradually progressing in our state. Electronic music is a totally different genre itself, just like pop, rock, jazz, etc, and although the progress is slow, its making its way big even in Nagaland, with many artists having a distinct taste for electronic music pushing it forward," Rachel added. She recalled that when Oztronic first started out, they never expected it to be what it is today and that the journey has been "amazing, challenging and inspiring as well". "Lots of lessons have been learnt and lots still yet to be learned. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's given us the love and support and believed in Oztronic becoming what it is today,” she added.
On the challenges of holding a music festival here, she lamented that often "people don't quite understand or appreciate music at this point, especially a new, upcoming genre like EDM." "We have so freely been given music that we fail to value music. Teaching people the art and value of electronic music and making them realize that what they're paying for is worth it is the biggest challenge. In other countries, people would pay hundreds of dollars to see the artist they love perform, but here we have the mindset that music comes free so why pay for it? This can pose a big challenge in getting more people attending the event and without contribution and support from the public, the event wouldn't happen."
On the local music scene in Nagaland, she stated that music is already seen as an integral part of many events in Nagaland but also as nothing more than temporary entertainment. "Although, I think it’s safe to say that music is still considered a mediocre occupation by many people in Nagaland. The one right step forward would be to take music as an occupation more seriously. In my opinion, the key to developing the local music scene would be to host more music events, whether by the government or by the public, that cater to a wide array of tastes and to spread awareness through music for the people to actually go to those events with a responsible mindset," she added.
Another way, she opined would be to establish more music schools. "It would not only improve the skills of existing musicians but would also foster a musical curiosity in the young."
Rachel felt that the government meanwhile on its part can also contribute in the form of "well thought out regulations regarding hosting music events but nothing too restrictive." "After all, safety is the top priority as the success of these events rides on its reputation. Maybe even an annual music festival that encompasses all genres by the government, other than Hornbill Rock Concert. There will be no shortage of artists willing to participate and it is bound to attract artists and attendees from all over," she added.
Compared to the previous editions of the festival, Oztronic 2016 has taken the example of outdoor music festivals breaking the concrete four cornered wall scenes. "We're hosting the upcoming event at Khadi Nagi Resort in Jotsoma with the hope that it provides better ambience for getting everyone into the groove and getting lost in the music because thats what this festival is all about. We're also providing free camping at the site for 2 days so that everyone can feel at home, and get inspired to ride the wave of peace, love, unity and respect while having one hell of a dance party," Rachel said.
Oztronic 2016 is scheduled to be held on December 16 and 17 at the Khadi Nagi Resort in Jotsoma.
