Tuesday August 31, 2010

Harmonic resonance

By WARREN CHAN
entertainment@thestar.com.my

This Merdeka, it’s interesting to note that our own independent music scene has blurred racial lines.

AS with any relatively young culture, progress comes slow and steady, but one particular area has seen impressive strides – multiracial appeal across a wide musical audience. A whole new generation of artistes has been reaching across the lines and giving us a small reminder of the days of audience-bridging icons like P. Ramlee, Alleycats and Sheila Majid, and more recently YouTube sensation Zee Avi who went from shopping bazaar stages to the international stage courtesy of Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records.

Chief amongst the new guard is indie songstress Yuna, who has managed to attract a huge multiracial fanbase within a relatively short time.

Yuna’s own method of reaching out across the racial divide lies in simple, universal relatability.

“It (music) transcends all races, ages, gender when I start to sing about falling in love for the first time. I guess everyone goes through the same thing,” says Yuna.

We couldn’t agree more, of course, but one important factor not to be overlooked is the current support system within the environment where she and other independent musicians have laid their roots.

“I came from this really independent scene which consists of a lot of musicians from different backgrounds who write freely on life/music/politics. So I guess when you start from there, you tend to have that kind of muhibbah mindset (laughs). It’s really good – you make lots of friends that way.”

A diverse scene

This intermingling of different genres and musicians of various racial backgrounds seems to have resulted in a real melting pot, which fosters a healthy increase in exposure and wider acceptance across fan-bases.

Many of the new generation of independent artistes do believe however, that the Internet itself has been a game-changer in this regard.

According to folk-rock singer-songwriter Azmyl Yunor, “the Internet as an information network doesn’t filter people according to ‘race’ and what not. If you’re good and manage to connect, it doesn’t matter what your skin colour or beliefs are, it’ll come through. That’s music for you.”

Yuna herself also believes in the ability of the quality of the product to speak for itself.

“Basically, if you put out good records to people out there and they are exposed to it, and if they like it, they will go for it. All you have to do is just keep making good music, send out positive vibes through your songs and people will appreciate it regardless who they are.”

The sentiment is shared by Moots of modern rock outfit Pop Shuvit.

“I think music itself goes beyond the colour of a person’s skin. Music comes from within oneself and is always personal. If someone is able relate to your music, then you are connected on an emotional level that is beyond race.”

Admittedly, Malaysia has seen the multiracial wave in music – twice before. The late 1980s through the mid 90s introduced the Roslan Aziz Production (RAP) acts – Sheila Majid, Zainal Abidin, Prema Lucas, etc – who blazed a trail with a progressive new sound in the mainstream, while the Positive Tone imprint pushed forward the young “Malaysian” sound with OAG, Poetic Ammo and Too Phat in the 1990s.

As a soundtrack for integration, Malaysian music cannot be underestimated. Most notably, you have to credit today’s new independent artistes who have made an impact and attracted a multiracial make-up in their audience – be it at the Urbanscapes/Sunburst type festivals, small live venues or concerts.

Singer-songwriter Reza Salleh concurs. “Given a chance and unhindered by peer pressure, music remains the one thing that it is – the universal boundary breaker.

“It’s kind of like how food is appreciated in Malaysia. You’ll get the handyman and the Datin buying from the same cendol stall because the food is simply good,” he says.

Yuna does think, however, that language is a factor.

“If I sing in English, it reaches out to more people. It’s more universal, so that plays a part,” she asserts.

According to indie outfit Couple frontman Aidil, the greater type of segregation within the scene is actually “according to genres”. And he agrees with Yuna that a larger part of multiracial appeal lies in the language.

“If you sing in English, it is a bit easier to cut across the racial and language divide because almost everyone understands it.”

Bridging the divide

These bold artistes have been largely successful in producing output that’s been embraced across the board, irrespective of language preference. Yuna’s Dan Sebenarnya won Best Pop Song and Best Song at the AIM 2010 awards. Yuna also won Best Local English Song for her Deeper Conversation at AIM and she created a bit of history for herself as a newcomer act – winning in the Malay and English categories.

Her fanbase has been a mixed audience as witnessed by her high profile album launch last month. Before Yuna made significant career strides this year, there was Zee Avi who uprooted from Kuala Lumpur and went over to New York to carve out a career for herself two years ago.

Her popular songs – Bitterheart, Kantoi and Honey Bee – which have an international feel have found an audience abroad as well as paved the way for a more “Malaysian” sound to infiltrate the scene.

“When you hit the stage in New York or Los Angeles, people want a taste of contemporary Malaysian music – not a racial breakdown lesson. The idea is to represent Malaysia abroad … always tell the audience where you come from and give them a unique sound that they will talk about,” says Zee.

Elsewhere, Pop Shuvit even managed to bridge the language barrier with its Malay singles Marabahaya and Oh Sizuka! Both tunes have given the band a broader fan-base while it keeps its distinct rap-rock edge intact.

Lyrically, hip hop and R&B are the genres also gaining notable mention in uplifting the Malaysian sound for the masses.

“Despite the mischievous lyricism, Malique and DJ Fuzz’s Cerita Kedai Kopi is a recent example of a Malay hip hop track which every young Malaysian can relate to, while Mizz Nina’s What You Waiting For is the sort of modern R&B track that paves a fresh path – sexy and substantial – for the new generation,” says Adly Syairi Ramly, programme manager at XFM, a station which concentrates mainly on new Malaysian music and styles.

“There is a sense of change in the air – Malaysians are more open-minded with their music tastes. You can have a fresh sounding Malay song and attract the multiracial masses and also release an English tune that goes beyond the urban demographic.

“Another name making the shift in the market is Malay singer-songwriter Aizat, who arguably started off with a Malay fanbase. With his new album (Urusan Aizat Amdan) and English singles, Aizat has gone past ‘Malay artiste’ stereotypes and proved that talent can get you a wider audience,” he points out.

Talent of all stripes

The broadening of audiences appears to be a reflection of the maturity of both the artistes and the music listeners themselves.

“We have smarter listeners these days. Artistes would have to be smart, too. They have to be sincere in making music because I really think thatm what listeners are looking for nowadays is honesty in songs. They want real music from real people, people who have their own ideas and opinions on things and maybe share them in their music,” says Yuna.

Azmyl has a slightly different take on the subject.

“I think it’s the reflection of the maturity of society more than anything else. Don’t forget that artistes themselves are audiences too in other contexts and settings. We’re part and parcel of what makes the entire whole, there’s no exclusivity here to begin with. ‘Industries’ sell the idea of ‘exclusivities’ to exclude other potential participants. The Internet and recording technologies have broken that,” says Azmyl. Extrapolating further from Yuna’s and Azmyl’s arguments is also the notion that the new generation of independent artistes have been able to forge deeper connections with more diverse audiences because they are able to develop in an environment free of traditional (or major label) recording industry maneuvering.

Instead of being restricted to finely-tuned demographic targeting, these artistes are able to cast a wider net in a more “honest” manner – some might say. And it looks like audiences are picking up on this.

Though we certainly have come a long way, issues that are entwined in music and race still do exist, according to singer-songwriter Liyana Fizi.

“To create a truly united and muhibbah music scene in a country like ours, we would need to celebrate our differences and appreciate our identity. This diversity as a good thing, so we should take care of it with more mutual respect and understanding for each other,” she says.

Yuna herself feels that artistes do need to play a part in promoting racial harmony and the acceptance of diversity. “Artistes have a responsibility in promoting all positive things in life. As a musician, I strongly feel that as long as I can spread joy to the world, making people happy with my songs, maybe inject some sort of positive message in the songs, I’m happy. It brings joy to my career as well – I feel good doing what I do.”

Any combination of factors could be behind this encouraging trend of racial plurality within the independent music scene. The dominant theme however, is that diversity breeds diversity. As a Malaysian society and creative culture in general, it looks like we’re simply fortunate to have access to a wealth of talent of all stripes.

Here is Pop Shuvit’s ad on Anti Piracy. Yep, pls don’t download songs for free. Go and buy them from itunes or something…it’s only 99 cents per song. Or just stream from our website here (our songs of cos). Cheers!

Here are some pics from Singapore taken by Rudy. For those interested in Rudy’s picture taking adventures, check out www.rudylightroom.com. Rockstar photographer la konon…haha.

Pop Shuvit is mentioned on BILLBOARD.COM. Check out the article below on Timbaland’s performance this coming Sept 24th in Sunway Lagoon. We will be joining the legendary producer on stage performing our rock set.

< Excerpt From Billboard.com>

Timbaland is to headline an outdoor concert in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, as part of the global “Arthur’s Day” Guinness brewery celebrations, set to take place Sept. 23 to 24 across the world.
Timbaland will be joined by Thai-American hip hop band Thaitanium and Malaysian rock acts Pop Shuvit and Mizz Nina, at the live event, which forms part of a simultaneous worldwide concert series held in honor of Arthur Guinness, founder of the Dublin, Ireland-based Guinness brewery.

The Malaysian leg will be staged at Kuala Lumpar’s Sunway Lagoon Resort, which played host to the MTV World Stage Live In Malaysia show, featuring Katy Perry and Tokio Hotel, earlier this year. Organizers are yet to reveal capacity or ticket details.

Last year’s inaugural “Arthur’s Day” event saw over 60 artists, includingBlack Eyed Peas, Tom Jones, Jamie Cullum, Kasabian and Estelle, perform around the globe.

Newly confirmed acts for this year’s U.S. Midwestern leg include Papa Roach and Gaellic Storm, although concert locations have yet to be announced by organizers.

Jamaican dancehall and reggae artists Shaggy, Lady Saw, Beenie Man,Mavado and Bounty Killer have also been confirmed for the Caribbean leg, with concert sites to be confirmed shortly, according to organizers.

David Gray and U.K. rock bands the Manic Street Preachers and Biffy Clyro have, meanwhile, been added to the Ireland leg, which sits at the heart of the global celebrations and will also include performances fromKillers‘ frontman Brandon Flowers, Kelis and Snow Patrol.

Check out some pics from the Anti Piracy Shoot we just had few days back. Cheers!

Come on guys, this is a once in a blue moon event. We rarely do showcases and play our most favorite or obscure songs…but yep, we’re doing it. July 24th at Penang’s Hard Rock Cafe. Block your dates. We’ll see you there. Check out the flier below for details!

Hey boys and girls. We’ve been busy the past two months working on new material. Even Rudy didn’t have time to update the blog. But here’s the latest updates. We have a gig this Sunday at Dataran Merdeka for Xfm. Check us out there at 5pm. It’s gonna be mind blowing. Then next week, we’re back on TV with our entrance into Muzik Muzik. We’ll be playing Liar Lara as our submission this year. Wish us all the best and yeah, we do need your support on that. Vote for us, sms for us etc!

In July, a historical event will happen for us. We’ll be showcasing for the first time in Hard Rock Cafe Penang! For all you penangites…watch out and come one and all to the showcase. We’ll possibly doing a meet and greet and something historical which we wont announce now too! We’re excited!

Anyway, here are some pics of us in the studios last night working on our brand new materials! Check it out!!

Digital Trinity Entertainment (DTE) is a digital content provider, and events management and marketing consultation company set up by musicians for musicians. The all-star rockstar team is made up of One Buck Short’s Rahul, Pop Shuvit’s Moots! and Love Me Butch’s Meng. Not your average corporate lemmings, Rahul takes on events, Moots! handles sales and marketing, and Meng oversees on the operational side of things. DTE also oversees the marketing of Macbeth.

Image Euseng Seto

Right now the company is hoping to reach out for support from people in the creative scenes through their street team. Besides this, they will be supporting a lot of local gigs and international shows/festivals, joining forces with XFM radio, organising a Macbeth gig and, by the end of the year, releasing a Macbeth Asia compilation.

Macbeth Footwear was founded by Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 in 2002. The brand has expanded to t-shirts, sweatshirts and sunglasses, and is a mostly vegan product, which JUICE highly approves of. The boys explain of the new Macbeth collection, “The highlight of this collection is the studio project line featuring Taking Back Sunday, as this is the first time a whole band was sponsored and not just a single member. The studio projects are very unique because not many brands out there get to work with such a talented pool of rockstars!” There are also the brand new Mike Dirnt (Green Day) project and Cassadee Pope (Hey Monday) Studio Projects to check out. Rock on!

All Eyes On The Prize: DTE talks shop

What’s your personal favourite pair of Macbeths?
Rahul Love the Hensley’s and can’t wait to check out Eddie Reyes’ (Taking Back Sunday) shoes out soon.
Meng I love the Wallister. A classic short eyerow Oxford style on Macbeth’s signature low profile, vulcanised outsole. The Wallister has a custom heel, tongue logo patches and upper seam binding. It looks good with skinnies. Another cool thing about Macbeth shoes is that when you remove its insoles, there’s a hidden hardcore/vegan message underneath!
Moots I love the Brightons and Elliot! The colourways are very nice, especially the Brighton blues from the spring line.

What can we expect from you this year?
Rahul I’m planning Rockaway 2010 at the moment and the show this year will coincide with the release of One Buck Short’s brand new EP.
Meng LMB will be releasing its 3rd LP this year and of course…tour, tour, tour!
Moots The Shuvits are living life finally after ten years together and planning to hit the studio again to churn out new tunes!

Macbeth is available at all Ex Limited stores in Malaysia. Check out more Macbeth goodness at www.macbeth.com and find out where you can get yours at www.ex.com.my.

Meng (left) wears the Wallister kicks, top from Macbeth and sunnies from Macbeth Delonge with tortoise shell. Rahul (middle) rocks it out with the Hensley shoes and Macbeth Delonge shades. Moots (right) tricks it with Macbeth Elliott Premium Gold Holiday kicks, Macbeth New Era cap, Macbeth tee and The Wallister shades.

It’s the youth olympics man…and also our second trip to Sgp in ages.

Yeah…our biggest fan is throwing a party and we’re rocking them out.