Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Bü-OO-Li

The band Bü-OO-Li uses a range of instruments, from floor drums to traditional mini log drums and log drums, to produce folk music that captures the essence of folk traditions.

Formed in 2019, the Longleng-based eight-member band aims to keep traditional music alive and be heard worldwide.

Chingmei Shükshuhü Phom on vocals, who plays the traditional instruments Üm-ow and Kaongke; L Shahchong on vocals and acoustic guitar; Francis B Lungthah on guitar; Bangdong Shebahü Phom on bass; Kunlung on drums; Shahngam Bomshak, who plays the floor drums; Hamphen Shebahü, who plays the traditional Sheamha (mini log drum); and Denchü Nyam, who plays the traditional log drum and Sheamha, make up the ensemble.

The frontman of the band, Chingmei, shared with Eastern Mirror its journey so far and their upcoming plans.

Eastern Mirror: Could you briefly introduce the Bü-OO-Li band?

Bü-OO-Li: Bü-OO-Li is a folk fusion band from Yongnyah village in Longleng district, formed in 2019 by Chingmei Shükshuhü Phom and L Shahchong Ngonyen Phom.

Eastern Mirror: What does Bü-OO-Li mean and why did you choose a name that might be difficult for others to pronounce or remember?

Bü-OO-Li: Bü-OO-Li means the offspring of folk music. We chose this name because it resonates with our culture and tradition. And we wanted a name that echoed our folk feeling. As far as being hard to pronounce is concerned, all of us will get used to it in time. It’s no rocket science.

Eastern Mirror: How long did it take to form the band and produce the first song?

Bü-OO-Li: It took us six years to mobilise members, form our band and produce our first music video, ‘Vangsha Ham’.

Eastern Mirror: What is the band’s songwriting process like?

Bü-OO-Li: We don’t have a specific or rigid songwriting process, but we approach elder folks in villages and discuss with them vocabulary, traditional history and write-ups. And we write our songs by collecting all those materials.

Eastern Mirror: Talk us through your first music video.

Bü-OO-Li: Since the beginning of writing the song ‘Vangsha Ham‘, we struggled a lot due to limited resources and the fact that our band members were stationed at different places. We had a difficult time making it work, which is why it took us a while to create our first music video. The song Vangsha Ham (We the Farmers) is written based on the daily life activities of the villagers and farmers, who solely rely on the produce of their sweat and hard work in the field.

Eastern Mirror: ‘Vangsha Ham’ suggests that the band is more inclined towards nature. If so, what is the relationship between the band and nature?

Bü-OO-Li: Since most of our band members grew up in rural or semi-urban areas, we developed a strong inclination towards nature and farming activities during our childhood. This upbringing instilled in us a deep appreciation for the customs, culture, and traditions of our ancestors. As a band, we maintain a close connection with nature and farming practices to this day. We believe in protecting the environment, our forests, and promoting sustainability, even in farming. So, briefly, that’s the relationship between us, the band and nature.

Eastern Mirror: What are some short- and long-term goals for Bü-OO-Li? What projects are you working on?

Bü-OO-Li: The foremost objective of the band is to revive old-age traditional instruments and folklore. In tune with the traditional instruments, modern equipment is brought into play, forming a taste of fusion music and art.

We also have a long-term goal of keeping our traditional music heard throughout the world and alive for younger generations so that we don’t lose grip on our customs and traditions at the grass-roots level. We are working on a few more fusion songs and we have a few shows to perform in the near future. Thank you.

Also read: Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Kivito Achumi