Manipur’s Not Funny strikes nostalgic chords with ‘Long Days’

Early February, with the winter breeze still lingering, beckons for snug blankets and lazy days. Yet, in Ukhrul, Manipur, there’s a warmth that defies the season. It emanates from a golden song named Long Days, a tender hug amidst the cold. This comforting tune, crafted by Manipur’s own Not Funny band, opens with nature’s symphony – perhaps birdsong or cicada chatter – inviting interpretation.

But what strikes a chord universally is the nostalgic glow of the ‘90s and the heartening lyrics: …And slow down my time, Baby stay if you feel the same… conveying a poignant longing for connection despite challenges. Long Days emerges as a heartfelt plea for emotional support and love, resonating deeply with listeners.

The soothing melody of the song, however, contrasts sharply with the chaos and homeliness of the interview with the members of Not Funny. The music video, vibrant with colours yet exuding an air of minimalism and simplicity, mirrors the humble essence of the band’s members – Wungramthing Shimray (vocalist), Soringthing Raihing (guitarist), Kachuimi Luithui (bassist), and SP Wotsa (drummer).

“Hello, we are Not Funny,” they greeted, setting the tone for what would unfold as a conversation both light-hearted and deeply insightful. Amidst the banter, serious discussions about music seamlessly interwove. Each member took their turn to share, starting with the inspiration behind Long Days and the band’s approach to expressing the yearning for companionship and emotional solace within the lyrics.

“I was just jamming in my room when the chorus and bridge hit me like a ton of bricks. The verses came later, but it all stemmed from personal experiences and some deep introspection of the band members,” Wungramthing recounted. 

Soringthing as a guitarist wanted to capture a British-Indie vibe. “You know, gentle tones in the verses and intros, but then switching it up with some bold energy for the chorus. And that bridge? It’s like a burst of sunshine to me. It adds so much depth.”

As the talk shifted to the music video for Long Days and its cool 90s vibe, the band members got chatty about why they went with that nostalgic feel. “I’d say it was very intentional. We started planning the music video way back, even before finalising the recording for mixing. The decision to adopt this particular style was influenced by a desire to evoke a sense of nostalgia and aesthetics reminiscent of 90s music videos, featuring vibrant colours,” shared the band collectively.

Kachuimi elaborated, “The 90s era is often associated with youthfulness, authenticity, and carefree vibes, which align perfectly with the themes of our music.”

Talking about the creative process behind the music video for Long Days, especially in terms of capturing the song’s emotions visually and whether they had a specific vision, the band shared their thoughts.

“For this song, we all threw in our ideas, making it a real mixed bag of creativity,” Soringthing began. “We mashed those ideas together to form a solid concept that embodied the essence of the song. And when it came to picking a location, we were super picky. We wanted it to be the perfect backdrop, something that would enhance the story we were telling.”

“Yes, and let’s not forget about the cast,” Wotsa interjected. “They were the secret sauce. We had this child who symbolised all those carefree moments of childhood, and then there was the clown for that extra dash of humour. It was all about finding that balance.”

“Exactly,” Wungramthing nodded. “We spent a lot of time hashing out ideas together, making sure everything fit just right. And once we got that concept locked in, it was like everything fell into place. It was a mix of careful planning and some last-minute adjustments to nail the vibe we were going for. And big props to our videographer for bringing it all to life in the editing room.”

The music video for Long Days credits a collaborative team effort. Directed by Okchar Awungshi Chihui and Kachuimi Luithui, with Reingamyo Varu as the Director of Photography. Outfits provided by Mirinwon, produced by Ningreiphi Raising, and processed at Basement Records. Recorded at Kazokza Studio and mixed/mastered by Element Indie. The team includes Kahorpam Athary, Shangreipam Woleng, Horchuingam Shimray, Chuimirin Khokyar, Julan Raising, Sunchui Kapai, Horthingmi Horam, Yikron Chiphang, Ashlee Lungleng, Ringwon Tangvah, Mazan AC, Villonis Shimray, and Ngashit Shimray.

Recalling a pivotal moment during the creation of Long Days that left an indelible mark on both the song and its accompanying music video, the band fondly reminisced… “Where do we even start? Remember that time we forgot to bring our food during the video shoot? Classic,” the band laughed together. They had all planned to bring supplies but ended up hiking to the nearest village in search of grub. It was an unexpected adventure that became a cherished memory.

“Those unplanned moments were the best,” Soringthing added, reflecting on how stumbling upon picturesque spots in the mountains sparked their creativity. It was as if the scenery itself breathed life into their vision. “And who could forget those spontaneous dance sessions?” Wungramthing chimed in, a smile spreading across his face. It was during those impromptu moments that the magic truly unfolded.

The conversation shifted to the aesthetic of the video. “We wanted to capture that old-school vibe,” explained Wungramthing. For Not Funny, it wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about blending classic elements with the excitement of modern music. Soringthing nodded in agreement. “We wanted our music to feel like a journey through time, mixing vintage feels with today’s energy.”

As they talked, memories of late-night chats, cooking over the fire, and sharing laughter flooded back. Those moments of camaraderie were just as memorable as the creative breakthroughs. “And let’s not forget that epic bonfire,” Kachuimi remarked, a twinkle in his eye. It was a night filled with laughter and music, a fitting celebration of their hard work and friendship.

The conversation then took yet another turn down memory lane as the band members reminisced about their journey to forming Not Funny. Once part of different bands, they only crossed paths at gigs until they realised they shared common interests and decided to team up.

“Can you believe it’s been four years since we started this journey?” Kachuimi mused, prompting nods and murmurs of agreement from the others. They recalled their humble beginnings, playing small gigs at local shows and slowly refining their sound and stage presence.

“Those live shows were something else,” Soringthing interjected. “Nothing beats the rush of adrenaline on stage and the bond backstage.”

The discussion shifted to their experiences recording their first EP and the overwhelming support they received from their friends and community. They spoke fondly of the connections they made with fans at gigs and the excitement of engaging with them on social media.

Wungramthing chuckled at the memory of their first music video. “Looking back at that now, we’ve come a long way. But with Long Days, we knew exactly what we wanted – from the outfits to the music to the production – and I think we nailed it. It’s all about evolving and improving with each video and performance.” 

“Through all the gigs and experiences, we’ve really grown together,” Kachuimi remarked thoughtfully. “Music has this incredible way of bringing people together and deepening bonds.”

“Yeah, it’s been quite the journey,” Wotsa reflected. “From those early gigs to where we are now, Not Funny is really a culmination of all our experiences and growth. And I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved together.”

Amidst the casual exchange and contemplation, Kachuimi brought a light-hearted touch to the conversation, discussing the band’s collective voice and their approach to music. “I try to value everyone’s input and opinions,” he quipped with a chuckle, “but as a spokesperson, my rule is my voice. Haha, just kidding! I don’t want to get banned from the band.”

Kachuimi, initially known for sleeping anywhere and everywhere, jestingly remarked, “I don’t sleep anymore. My New Year’s resolution was to stay awake, and I’ve been going strong for 39 days now,” eliciting uproarious laughter from the band.

Leaning back casually, Wotsa joined in, sharing his approach to channelling charisma and popularity within the band. “I don’t really see myself as the heartthrob or the most popular one,” he shrugged, “but hey if others see me that way and appreciate me for who I am, I’ll take it as a compliment.”

As the conversation continued, Soringthing added his perspective as the ‘punctual’ one, chuckling about his knack for keeping things on track amidst the chaos. “Running a cafe on the side helps with that,” he admitted, “and with Long Days being a focused three-day project, every aspect required a systematic approach to ensure efficiency and quality”, while Wungramthing dubbed the ‘ice-breaker’ of the group, jokingly claimed responsibility for keeping the creative atmosphere light and collaborative, citing an endless supply of chai as a secret weapon.

The chatter paused momentarily as Wungramthing began to hum the familiar tune of Long Days. With a relaxed smile, Soringthing picked up his guitar, strumming the chords effortlessly. Soon, the rest of the band members joined in, adding their voices to the mix. Together, they created a laid-back atmosphere filled with harmony and camaraderie, each note adding to the easygoing vibe of the moment.

With their hit release of Long Days, Not Funny is now gearing up to be one of the opening acts for The Midnight, performing in Aizawl, Mizoram in a week. The anticipation and excitement are palpable as they look forward to the next chapter in their musical journey.

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