The music band Serpents of Pakhangba has an interesting story behind its name. Pakhangba refers to the ancient shape-shifting dragon god from a Manipuri tribe. Founder of the band, Vishal J Singh says that his ancestors have worshipped the deity for centuries. The indigenous cultural influence goes beyond the name. Singh says the four-member band is experimental, avant-garde, theatrical and incorporates Mongolian, Tibetan, Manipuri symbolism and sounds. “The nature of our band is similar to that of [the shape-shifting dragon] god. It is multi genre, jazz, neo-folk, dark-folk, futuristic yet ancient, using ambient elements, black metal, death metal... anything you can think of.” 

Singh is part of a growing tribe of musicians who are finding inspiration in film culture and indigenous communities.