I’m a storyteller, not a typical mainstream artiste: Taba Chake

In a world where mainstream beats often overshadow raw, homegrown voices, stands out as an artist who lets authenticity lead the way. The indie from Arunachal Pradesh has crafted a niche with his soulful melodies, poetic lyrics, and deep connection to his roots. As the Brand Ambassador for Art and Culture in Arunachal Pradesh, the Shayad singer takes immense pride in representing his homeland wherever he performs. “I carry my culture wherever I go,” he said.

'Artistes from the North East have a distinct texture in their voices'

"We grow up speaking multiple languages, and our music naturally blends the rustic with the modern, a mix of folk and Western influences that make indie music from our region truly unique," said the Walk With Me singer. For Taba, breaking into the international indie scene hasn’t been without challenges. Yet, he chooses to look beyond the obstacles. “There are tonnes of challenges, but I see them as opportunities, coming from the North East, we have to work harder to make our voices heard , but that’s what makes our music so real.”



Finding balance in silence

For an independent artiste, the weight of constant creation can be exhausting. Taba admits that the creative process can feel overwhelming which is why he has built a unique rhythm for himself. “Before writing a song, I take a 6–8 month break,” he said. “I completely eliminate music from my system. I don’t meet anyone from the music industry, not even my musician friends. I spend time in the countryside or my village, doing things that have nothing to do with art or music. That makes me feel grounded, and when I return, I come back with fresh perspectives.” “When I compose an album, I see each song as a new chapter. Even if they belong to the same family, each track expresses a different emotion be it happy, sad, or romantic. I want my listeners to feel every emotion, because that’s what life is about," added the Khud Ko Miloon singer


'Zubeen da inspired an entire generation'

Speaking about Zubeen Garg's legacy, the Kahani singer said, “Zubeen da was an inspiration to the entire North East. His music touched people across industries and languages, and he did a lot for the community.”



'Bollywood is fast-paced'

Taba may prefer the indie route, but his artistry has also found resonance in the film world. He composed music for Shoojit Sircar’s film I Want to Talk and contributed to Aye Mera Dil in Kadak Singh, marking significant milestones in his career. Despite this crossover, Taba remains rooted in his independent ethos, “I don’t consider myself a typical mainstream artist. Bollywood is a fast-paced industry filled with competition. I’m a storyteller and never had the craze to mark my territory in Bollywood, but if any work comes my way that aligns with what I believe in, I’d love to write or compose for it.”