K3M band, one of the oldest mash metal bands from Wokha district, was presented with the prestigious Governor’s Award for their contribution in the field of Music on the 77th Independence Day at Raj Bhavan, Kohima from Nagaland Governor La Ganesan himself.

“We feel ecstatic, overwhelmed and honoured but firstly, we thank God for the award and also to all the well-wishers, especially to our small group of fans who have been continuously supporting us during the course of our musical journey until today and would also to dedicate this award to them and to the people of Wokha district”, K3M band said in a message.

The band was formed in 1996 under the name ‘Sound Craft’, however in 2008 they changed the band’s name after learning of the existence of a band with the same name. Since only three of the four membered band agreed to the plan, it was 3M (Three Members) and the initial ‘K’ because ‘Craft’ in their erstwhile band name ‘Sound Craft’ was pronounced as ‘Kraaft’. That was how the name of the band ‘K3M’ came up. After a brief hiatus, a new member joined the band making it a four-piece band.

The four members of K3M band are Thungbemo (Thung R Murry)- Vocal, Keys and Bass; Vungshamo Murry (Moonshine)- Guitarist; Tsenjon Odyuo (Sheet N.O)- Guitarist; and, Janbemo Mozhui- Drummer.

K3M band performing at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 15 August 2023

Having been around for 27 years, the band has a long list of achievements including performing with international artists Jennifer Batten (ex-Michael Jackson’s guitarist) and renowned guitarist Chandresh Kudwa (Mumbai, India). K3M also performed as the opening act for international artists Petra’s John Schlitt from Illinois, USA and “SMOKIE” a popular English band from Bradford, Yorkshire.

Further, the band has signed stakeholders’ partnership agreement with Indian Social Responsibility Network –ISRN in the presence of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha and JSI India Team on the 14th of April 2022 to spread awareness in the community mobilization especially youngsters towards Covid vaccination.

K3M band is empaneled with Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Government of Nagaland and is managed by SKY ENTERTAINMENT.

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Nagaland Tribune had the privilege to chat with the members of K3M about their inspiration, the message behind their music and their future visions.

NT: What inspired you all to music and whose idea was it to come together, formed a band and how did you start performing as a band?

K3M: As young school kids we loved listening to rock music because back then rock music was very popular. We grew up listening to bands like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest etc. During that period, there happened to be a local rock band called “EUROSIANS” in our hometown Wokha who we looked up to as our musical hero. That is where we got our inspiration.

NT: What is the genre of your music and what are the messages that the band conveys to the people through your song?

K3M: We are a mash metal band. Our band blends soft melodic ballads with the brutal attack of heavy/speed metal.

Through our songs, we want to encourage and inspire upcoming musicians, create awareness on social issues and harmony as well as provide entertainment, cultural, educational and musical interest.

NT: Beside music, what do you love doing? (Any Hobbies apart from music)

K3M: Besides music, we love going out for angling, doing gardening and carpentry works.

NT: Which musician or band is your favourite?

K3M: Each band member has their own personal preferences. As musicians, we listen and follow all genres of music but mostly we listen to rock/Metal music.

NT: When did the band release their first album/single?

KM3: We have released our debut official music only last year. The song is called “Children of a Lesser God”.  The song portrays the plight of children with special needs.

Read more: K3M releases official music video for its single ‘Children of a Lesser God’

NT: How many official single/ album has the band released till yet?

K3M: Currently, we are working on more songs that are original and will be releasing very shortly. We have released just one debut official music video last year. Stay tuned, more songs coming up.

NT: Who usually comes up with the title as well as the lyrics of the songs?

K3M: Its Thungbemo (Thung R Murry), the frontman /bassist who comes up with the title as well as the lyrics of all our songs.

NT: Are all the band members into any other profession apart from music? If yes, how are you all managing both career?

K3M: Yes, most of the band members are holding government jobs and so to balance with our musical interest, we mostly meet up during weekends or during holidays for rehearsals/practice.

NT: Do you plan to promote yourself in the national or international level?

K3M: Obviously yes. We are just waiting for the right moment.

NT: Taking up music/full time band as a full-time career in Nagaland, is it a struggle?

KM3: Not just music, but everything has its own struggles and challenges. What a person need is plenty of hard work and dedication. Even after years of work, many musicians still struggle to find the recognition they are looking for. It takes patience, tenacity, an openness to critique, learning the dos and don’ts etc. to have a successful career.

NT: We see that most parents/ families don’t see music as a secure profession but they mostly prefer government jobs. Did you face such opposition from your parents/family members while choosing this path?

K3M: Our parents and family members have encouraged and supported us unconditionally during the course of our musical journey and they continue to do so. Interestingly, all band members have secured government jobs apart from music.

NT: How do you cope with the challenges/ struggles that you face as a band?

K3M: Yes, as a band, we do face a lot of challenges/struggles, but having the right approach and positive mindset, we normally sort out disagreements.

NT: How will you encourage those upcoming youngsters who want to pursue music?

K3M: By organizing promotional programs, conduct free music seminars, organizing school music competitions etc.

NT: If in the future, your children want to pursue music as a full-time career, would you support that decision?

KM3: Absolutely, we will fully support.

NT: Where do you see yourself as a band in the next 5-10 years

K3M: We want to see ourselves as a respectable band /musician in the next 5-10 years.

NT: Any message to your fellow musicians and fans?

K3M: Work hard, dream big, believe in yourself and most importantly learn to stay humble.

Email: K3mband08@gmail.com