The music of Northeast India feels like a secret you’re lucky to stumble upon. Each state has its own sound, and the best part is that you don’t have to search too hard if you know where to look.
To find some of the best local musicians, start with the festivals. In Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival is a sensory overload in the best way. You hear everything from warrior chants to haunting tribal melodies, usually accompanied by handmade bamboo instruments. But the most beautiful moments are the quieter ones, like when villagers gather by the fire, sharing songs that have been passed down for generations.
Shillong, on the other hand, is all about modern rhythms. They call it the “Rock Capital of India” for a reason. Walk into almost any café, and you’re likely to catch a live gig. Sometimes, it’s a blues band; other nights, it’s indie folk or experimental fusion. The city has this effortless way of blending old-school rock influences with a fresh, local twist. And if your timing is right, NH7 Weekender is a must because this is precisely where you feel the pulse of the region’s indie scene.
What surprised me the most, though, were the more minor, unexpected discoveries. In Mizoram, hip-hop is thriving, with young artists conveying their stories into powerful rhymes. And in Manipur, there’s a rising electronic music community that’s turning out some seriously cool sounds.
The best advice I can give is to follow the music. Strike up a conversation at a gig, and ask locals about their favorite venues because people here love to share their culture. Those spontaneous moments often lead to the most unforgettable experiences.
Whether it’s a folk singer in a remote village or an impromptu jam session in a buzzing city, the music in this part of the country isn’t just something you hear. It’s something you feel, and once you do, it’s hard to forget.
