Self-possessed and unfazed, artist Reble treats her music like a hobby that could potentially become her main hustle, while she’s on track to finish her degree in civil engineering. Her composure and unity with her art makes her music as free-spirited as her, which is uncommon in the industry. She chooses to be unapologetic about her identity with a ferocity that is undeterred. We are in conversation with Reble, who tells us about her latest EP, North Eastern representation, and much more.
How did you begin exploring music as a medium of self expression?
I was eleven or twelve years old when I realised I had a lot to vent out and could channelise my emotions through music. I never had a specific genre in mind, I just liked making music regardless of genre. But when I discovered rap, I felt like I could vent out more through rap than any other genre. However, I still love genre-hopping.
What were your musical influences while growing up?
I grew up listening to Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., Red Hot Chili Peppers, MGMT, all the greats.
What was your creative process behind your latest EP, Entropy?
It was a very random EP. The songs are in a random order, and all of them are very different from each other. It was a totally unplanned project, consisting of whatever I felt like adding. Eventually, towards the end I conceived the project with all its randomness of my emotions and genre-bending, and named it Entropy.
Do you think the gap between North Eastern talent and the mainstream is being bridged now?
Not really. It's not very well represented and the opportunities are very slim. We don’t get enough opportunities despite our talent. The scarcity of chances and the lack of income discourages us from taking music seriously. And it is not that the rest of the Indian crowd isn’t as receptive, it is more of the people at the top — the management and sponsors who refuse to put North Eastern artists on the map and give them the right exposure.
Going independent helps if you have a side hustle, but otherwise it barely pays the bills too. Record labels are also hesitant in approaching North Eastern artists because they think our sound won’t sell, since most of the population prefers to listen to Hindi music. The labels are not very forward thinking with respect to experimenting or introducing newer sounds. We aren’t seen as profitable by them so we just get ignored.
Plans for the future?
I just wanna make music and do what I feel like as an artist. I don’t wanna be confined to any rules or alter myself to fit in within the industry. I don’t see music as my source of income. I want to go get my degree, find a stable job that can help me sustain myself and fund my music.
Text Nandini Chand
Date 22-12-22