Abdon Mech is a singer-songwriter hailing from Nagaland, India, a region known for its rich musical tradition. His musical journey began by teaching himself to play guitar in school and consistently writing his own material from early 2017. He’s known for his authentic voice and ability to blend genres, effortlessly moving between the rhythms of pop, indie pop, and even elements of slow ’70s jazz and country music.
From Dimapur to Budapest an inspiring journey of Abdon Mech includes representing India at the prestigious Artisjus Songbook Camp 2025 in Budapest, where he brought the voice of the Northeast to the world stage. At this international collaboration, he co-wrote tracks and even penned the anthem for the globally renowned Sziget Festival alongside Budapest-based artists. This participation marked a significant moment for India’s independent music scene, showcasing authentic Indian voices on a global platform. His journey is particularly inspiring given that he began writing songs from a small room in university without formal backing.
His music career is characterized by heartfelt lyrics and a distinctive sound. Abdon Mech’s compositions often explore themes of love, sorrow, and self-discovery. Some of his notable songs include “Taking My Heart,” “Always Be,” “Dopamine” (featuring Akhrieze), “Again,” “Give Me My Soul Back,” “Come My Way,” “Human,” “Anxiety,” “Carpe Diem,” and “Gonna Be.” His debut EP, “From A Bamboo Room,” released in 2021, showcased his assured singing, writing, and playing, offering a blend of contemporary pop and indie sensibilities with a passionate voice and intricate guitar work. He has consistently focused on delivering honest and authentic music, reflecting a simple and quiet life. Abdon Mech’s dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through his genuine storytelling have solidified his position as a rising talent in the Indian music landscape.
Global Collaboration in Budapest
Held in May, From Dimapur to Budapest an inspiring journey of Abdon Mech at the Artisjus Songbook Camp united 30 diverse artists from around the world, ranging from Japanese pop creators to Afrobeat producers, Hungarian folk musicians, and Indian indie voices like Abdon. The camp focused on daily creation of original tracks, culminating in high-energy listening sessions. For Abdon, who began his musical journey without formal backing, this was more than just a songwriting camp; it was the realization of a long-held dream.
During his time in Budapest, Abdon not only co-wrote several tracks but also collaborated with local musicians to compose the anthem for the renowned Sziget Festival. He described the experience as “building bridges through beats,” highlighting how music united 30 individuals from different corners of the world into “one family.”
Abdon’s participation is a defining moment for India’s burgeoning independent music scene, especially for artists from underrepresented regions like Nagaland. From Dimapur to Budapest an inspiring journey of Abdon Mech musical roots in Nagaland, a region rich in melody and storytelling traditions, added a unique and authentic voice to the global mix.
“Nagas are blessed with music. There’s a guitar in every home,” Abdon stated, emphasizing the inherent musicality of his people. He also noted the positive shift in the local music economy: “fans in Nagaland aren’t just listening—they’re showing up, buying tickets and merchandise, and building a homegrown music economy.”
The Artisjus Songbook Camp, hosted by Hungary’s copyright society Artisjus, provided a vital platform for networking with international festival directors, producers, and fellow songwriters. This initiative was made possible through crucial support from the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) and the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Government of Nagaland.
Abdon expressed optimism about the future of Nagaland’s music, stating, “This is the first time in Nagaland’s music history that we’re seeing this kind of potential for scale. It’s slow, but it’s happening. We already have the talent; we just needed the right platforms.” He credited IPRS for their leadership in creating global opportunities for Indian artists, particularly those from underrepresented regions like Nagaland, turning accessibility from a hurdle into their greatest hope.
Bridging Cultures Through Music
From Dimapur to Budapest an inspiring journey of Abdon Mech is a powerful testament to the potential when raw talent meets the right support. He emphasized that these collaborations were not just about beats and lyrics but about “stories, languages, and emotional truths,” underscoring his belief that Indian music, in all its diversity, belongs in the global conversation.
Returning to Nagaland, Abdon brings back not just memories, but inspiration, invaluable global connections, and a stronger belief that the Northeast’s musical voice is ready to resonate far beyond its borders.
The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) is India’s only Copyright Society registered under Section 33 of the Copyright Act, 1957. It represents authors, composers, and publishers of music, dedicating its efforts to protecting creators’ rights and enabling their work to thrive both in India and internationally.