For many of the musicians who took the stage at Urban Hub Café on July 18, Loud & Young Vol. 01 was more than just another music event. It was an opportunity to perform before a live audience and gain the experience that many young emerging bands often lack.
Organised by Groove Element after a period of inactivity, the programme brought together four young local bands from Mokokchung – Iconic Soft Band, First Edition, Static Avenue and Stellar Band, with each presenting a four song set. The event was hosted by Ayang Anichar, while musician Moawapang Imchen made a special appearance.
The performances reflected the growing interest among young people in Mokokchung to form bands and perform together despite having limited platforms. Most of the musicians are school and college students who have only recently started playing as bands.
Iconic Soft Band, formed in June this year, is made up of students from Straightway Higher Secondary School and Cannan Christian Higher Secondary School. The band comprises vocalist Dangit, guitarist Imli, bassist Jhony and drummer Younten, with members studying in Classes IX to XII.
First Edition brings together students from Jubilee Memorial School, Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School and Senayangba Higher Secondary School. The band features vocalist Sentiya, guitarists Temsulong and Ajipong, pianist Imlisungkum, bassist Temjenmeren and drummer Chubamaong.
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Static Avenue, formed in December 2025, consists of college students from Fazl Ali College and Jubilee Memorial College. The four-member band includes Supong and Walunir on vocals and guitars, Wapang on bass and Temjen on drums. The group currently performs cover songs and hopes to release original music in the future.
The oldest among the four, Stellar Band, was formed in December 2024. The band comprises vocalist Thriting Anar, rhythm guitarist Litemsang Aier, lead guitarist Yepivi Achumi, bassist Kahoi Achumi and drummer Moatemsu Longkumer. Its members are students from Classes IX, XI and XII.
Speaking about the initiative, Groove Element founder Saru Aier said the idea behind the event is to create more opportunities for young musicians who often have few chances to perform before a live audience and where older people takes centre stage. He said regular performances help these young people gain confidence, improve their stage presence and encourage them to continue pursuing music.
Groove Element also announced that it will organise Beat Contest Season 2, making its efforts to provide a platform for emerging musicians in the district.
Groove Element is led by founder Saru Aier along with members Deepak Wary, Pokyim Ozukum and Sangpolong Jamir.
