Imphal rockers 'The Wishess' create a buzz with latest single 'If I could fly'

Guwahati: The brief intro to the latest single by the Imphal-based alternative rock band 'The Wishess' is followed by power-packed music that has the ability to uplift spirits. The band from Manipur is now winning hearts on social media with their new single 'If I could fly', a powerful anthem that speaks of hope in the bleak times.

Almost ten years since its emergence on the scene, the rock quintet is now one of the most popular bands not only Manipur, but in the entire northeast. The band consists of Bishi (Vocals), Izzy (Lead Guitarist), Bona (Rythm Guitarist), Lammingou Kipgen (Guest Bassist), and Chingkhei (Drummer). The band has received several awards including the ShiRock Award in 2017. Earlier in 2019, the band released its debut album 'Our Pride.' They were also the winners of the 1st edition of the Northeast Multimedia Campaign against HIV/AIDS in 2019.  Now, they are winning hearts once again with their song of hope in the time of the crisis.

"We found many people especially the youth getting depressed and even committing suicides which is why we wanted to come up with a song that is uplifting in nature," Bishi, the vocalist of the band, told The Sentinel Digital. "We wanted to make the people feel free from everything and let their minds free. "The Wishess has always tried to come up with something for the society", he further added.

The motivational lyrics penned by Maverick Ayekpam coupled with the energetic is designed to positivity to people who need lifting of their spirits. "While I was writing this song I had in my mind all those who have lost their loved ones due to this virus. My intention was to bring a little light in the dark worlds of those people whose lives have changed miserably," says Ayekpam.

Bishi's house is their lockdown meeting point and the drummer Chingkhei has to settle for a table instead of a drum. Like everybody else, the lockdown has affected these young artists too. They thank social media and other networking facilities that enabled them to virtually tune and coordinate the song. When the state gave some relaxation in the lockdown, The Wishess used this time to come together for some live practice sessions.

The cancellation of many big events and concerts due to the pandemic has also affected them severely. Apart from the financial setback due to the lockdown, the band members also fear that their popularity might begin to wane. "We are a little worried whether people will forget us and whether they will like us the next time when we go on stage," says Bishi in a tense tone. However, to offset these concerns, the rock group has started virtual live performances.

The band is currently working on their new song dedicated specially for the frontline warriors of the Covid-19 pandemic which hope to release the song in the next month.

Also Watch: NewsMakers: Exclusive chat with Nirmali Nath, Rider with Oineetom Ojah