Carolina Norbu is an upcoming, passionate singer-songwriter from the picturesque hills of Arunachal Pradesh who also doubles up as a dentist by profession. She plays the guitar and besides her original compositions, she also does cover versions of artists like Coldplay, Kina Grannis, Ed Sheeran, Kodaline who inspire her.

An artist with a sublime emotive and melodious vocal, her songs are enamored with human emotions and are a clear narrative of how and what she feels. She believes music is a language that has no boundaries.

Her first performance was at The Urbane Solace, Bangalore in 2013, after which she went to be the finalist at the K-Pop Contest the same year. She has since performed at the International Jazz Day in Itanagar, Ziro Festival of Music, Orange Festival and Arunachal Literature and Art Festival to name a few, carving herself a place in the hearts of her audience.Norbu is an artist to watch out for.

Verus Ferreira spoke to 31 year old Carolina Mum Norbu to know her journey into music and dentistry.

Can you tell us how music started for you?

Well I loved singing since childhood. My family loves music and I grew up listening to my father’s cassettes of Boney M, Abba, Bee Gees. And coming from a Christian background, I was always a part of singing groups since childhood.

What were your childhood and teenager days like school and college?

My childhood days are the best memories I have. I grew up in a small town with population of not more than 3000 then. We stayed near a field where all the kids from the nearby colonies would gather to have fun, play, sing, dance, hang out. By the time I was in high school, I got more into literature and started writing poems to express myself, as any teenager would, who is struggling to fit in. This caught attention of some of my seniors at church and they requested if I could write a gospel song, given I had learnt basic guitar skills by then. I tried my best and delivered them with my first song ‘Almighty’. And thereafter I was so inspired from all the positive feedback and took interest in songwriting which followed through my college life as well.

How did the decision to take up music come about when you are practicing as a dentist?

Music had always been my first choice. But true to the suggestions by my parents, it wasn’t a first choice for a successful profession. So as I joined BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science) to study, I continued to keep my passion for music alive parallel. The college study was so vigorous, I hardly managed time for music. But I made sure that whenever opportunity came, I participated. So while I was still in my 3rd year, I posted one of the songs I made and recorded on phone to a website called SoundCloud. It was so warmly received that I decided to pursue recording it properly in a studio and then, down the road I was pursuing both dentistry and music.

Can you tell us something about your job and how you prepared for it?

I graduated from Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences and hospital (BIDS) in Karnataka. I am currently working as a Dental surgeon in a private clinic in my hometown, Itanagar.

Who are your favourite artists you look up to?

I really love Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran’s songwriting skills. I admire Jacob Collier, Finneas and many other musicians.

How do you define your music and which style would you put in if we may ask?

Indie- pop or Indie – folk.

Which musical instruments do you play?

I play the guitar and ukulele. I am learning how to play keys as well.

Where do you draw inspiration? Who’s been that one person who acts as a source of motivation?

Inspiration is everywhere. The books I read, the things I experience, the stories I hear, the situations we go through. Inspiration can be anything. My mother has always been my guide.

Did your parents play any role in your musical upbringing?

Not directly. My father’s music cassette collection did help to some extent. I have 2 elder sisters and they also are music enthusiasts.

As far as academics are concerned, how far have you studied?

I have done BDS, certificate diploma course in advanced Endodontic and a Diploma in western music.

What does your music speak about?

I’ll tell you about each song, I’ve done. ‘Learned’ speaks about keeping hope even after facing many failures and difficulties. ‘The One’ is a romantic love song about how you know if you are in love or found the one. ‘Spring’ was inspired by an excerpt by a famous love poet named Pablo Neruda which quoted “I want to do with you what spring does to cherry trees”. ‘Fall’ similarly is also a love song but was inspired by how beautiful and colorful nature becomes during the fall season. ‘Him’ speaks about unrequited love triangle involving a person from LGBTQ. I collaborated with Kabir Jamatia (from Yesterdrive) on the song which was released on the eve of World Music Day 2020. Laslty ‘Waiting’ is about reclaiming your power after having been mistreated, misunderstood and misjudged.

You also released a three song EP recently. Can you tell us a little about each of the songs and what are they all about?

‘Eve’ is a song about a girl trying to court and ask a guy she likes to dance with her. It's a fun song. ‘Under the Sheet’ is actually about lazing around on a rainy day, getting cozy with your partner and not going out. A song made for rainy lockdown days. ‘Chemistry’ is a song speaking about how falling for someone is unexpected and uncontrollable feeling. No matter how many times we tell and remind ourselves not to, if it clicks, it clicks.

Are you also planning on releasing music videos of them?

Yes, I got to work with an amazing team and we conceptualized a story for all the 3 songs clubbed together in one music video, which has a running time of approximately 10 minutes. It’s up on YouTube in my channel so do give it a watch.

Do you have a regular band that you play with?

Not a regular band but yeah the session artists/musicians I mostly play with are members of AIMF (Arunachal Independent Musicians’ forum).

How do you go about your songwriting?

It's always good to have a motif before starting the process. Once I have an idea, I work on the melody and then lyrics along side. Sometimes it’s the melody first and lyrics later. Sometimes it’s the lyrics first and melody later.

What is the selling point that makes your music different from other vocal groups.

My songs are mostly inspired and talk about human emotions. I try my best to embody an emotion in the best possible way so the feeling is conveyed to the listeners having no specific gender or age group.

Do you sing in any other language?

Other than English and little Hindi, I do sing in my mother tongue ‘Adi’(a local dialect of Arunachal Pradesh).

Do you also have any other musical projects / bands or any collaborations you’re working on?

I am a part of AIMF collectives. We released a song speaking about the weather and climate change and human roles in it, the song is called ‘Will you care’ and is available on all major streaming platforms.

In a male dominated music industry, have you faced any sexism? Do you want to see a change?

I did, but very subtly. World is becoming more and more aware and I am hopeful that we are headed towards change.

What do you want changed in the music industry for girls?

I want music industry to care less for outward appearances and care more for talents and hard work. I hope girls don’t have to compromise their work ethics just to get the work done.

Have you contributed musically to the state of Arunachal Pradesh?

I can’t say I speak for whole Arunachal Pradesh but I am trying and will continue to make music and help fellow artists as well. Contribute musically as much as I can.

Surely many young boys might take a fancy to you. Do you have a boyfriend?

Hahaha… (pauses) they do actually and it humbles me. I am grateful that they look up to me or fancy me. And no I do not have a boyfriend.

What are your other future plans, business wise and personally?

Working on producing more songs, go on tour, play more gigs, meet more people, artists and musicians. Personally I want to do and achieve a lot of things which I couldn’t in 2020 and 2021. I think it's the same for everyone’s resolution for 2022. Fingers crossed.

What is your message?

If you have a passion that you know in your heart is genuine, true and honest. Pursue it. It's never too late. Don’t wait for someone to come and make your dreams come true. You can do it yourself. Trust your heart. Stay safe.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira