By Willie Gordon Suting
Hope shines like a beacon in Summersalt’s lyrics. There is clarity in their songs which speak of Khasi culture and contemporary socio-political issues. The band that has performed in many parts of India seamlessly merges western musical forms like jazz, blues and rock with traditional Khasi folk instruments to create “transfusion” as they call it. Being one of the popular and unique folk-fusion bands in India, Shillong takes pride in seeing them constantly shine on the national stage.
Songs like Kamai Ia Ka Hok stress on the Khasi concept “earn righteousness” through responsible lifestyle and prudence. The lyrics emphasise living life with grace, honesty, justice and accountability.
A man’s prudence is known when he comprehends clear warning signs and tries to fight glaring powers of evil.
Pyrta Shnong with the refrain Hoi kiw Hoi kiw is about responsible leadership domestically, socially and politically.
Pyrkhat Ko Khun or Think My Child describes courage derived from the survival instinct of miracle of birthing. The song grapples with contemporary issues like climate change, global economic crisis and price rise.
Let Us Be Awake tells the listener not to dwell in vengeance and aggression but in “mercy and forgiveness”. The song concludes that this option is the only solution to current major conflicts in the world.
Summersalt’s songs reason and arrive at truth by sparking logical discussion in listeners. They are like a dialectic that aim at positivity. The music is revelatory of life and culture, and speaks directly to the heart of the listener making him desire for change and transformation.
The lyrics are rich with poetry employing wit, humour, sarcasm and wisdom — the very art of storytelling of oral tradition of the Khasis. Equal value is given to rhythm and melody.
The band members — Kit Shangpliang, Ador Shangpliang, Dawad Shangpliang, Baiaineh Shangpliang, Pynsuk Syiemiong and Greg Nongrum — possess natural elasticity with various instruments playing them with fluidity and ease.
“We try to write songs that are thought-provoking and sincere because we feel the world needs to know about our Khasi values,” says Kit, vocalist.
Formed in 2006, the band released their well-received album Summersalt distributed by Times Music last year. They have a huge fan following. Their transfusion sound and lyrical content seamlessly merge cultural identity and globalisation trends which “reflect our personalities,” says guitarist Nongrum.
“But the idea is to also make it palatable,” says Syiemiong.
The band made waves all over India being part of the soundtrack of Bollywood film Rock On 2. And now is part of another Bollywood movie called Brunie, a dog romance by director Suraj Chitre set for release sometime in February or March 2018. For Brunie, Summersalt recorded two songs Ri and Mluh, which Chitre loved and appreciated.
“Though big projects came our way, yet our sound remains intact. Nothing much has changed as we still use synsar, khoh, sohprew and knup as instruments,” says Ador.
Summersalt is a portmanteau word that implies vibrancy of summer mixed with salt which is a preservative that dissolves in food creating taste. The name captures the verve and unique taste of the band’s music.
“You can call our songs inspirational for they engage a conversation. We believe there is so much hope for Khasi society,” says Dawad.
The band believes there is always a second chance at reasoning to arrive at truth.
“We should try to dig deep into who we are and where we are as human beings,” says Baiaineh.
Summersalt believes in following a call with music at the heart of it all.
“There is a sense of responsibility as we feel we represent our community in the global stage. There is a weight to live our lyrics of integrity and introspection,” he adds.
Recently, the band directed and recorded Tarak Tak Tak, a song for the Election Commision to call upon young people of Meghalaya to exercise their voting rights by enrolling.
The song also features Aroha Children’s Choir, rappers K Bloodz, EDM music and many other artistes. A music video was made of the song. The indigenous instruments duitara, ksing, bom and dama are used in the composition with lyrics in Khasi, Garo and English.
When asked about other upcoming projects, Kit the vocalist says, “We are planning to go back to the studio. So something surprising could happen.”
