Basic HTML Version
FireFlyz | 63
when I was scouted by an agent from the
BBC show
The Voice
, while in the UK.
Unfortunately, visa issues put an end to
that dream real fast. Another memorable
experience was touring the UKwith artists
like Swallowand TheWolf, Emma Harrop,
Jim Kirby, SHE, Voice Nate James and
many more.
7. Doyou still get nervous?
I’ve done quite a lot of shows for the past
four years, but I still get nervous. I always
throw up before a show, clear my system
and pump myself up for an energetic
performance.
8. Anygroupie stories?
Haha… well, I have encountered some
while on tour in London. Nothing crazy,
but I’ve kissed some female fans on the
cheek.
9. Your most embarrassing performance
story?
I continuously screw up on stage, but I’ll
cover it up with some impromptu strum-
ming or harmonising. But the worst was
when my guitar died on me; I ended up
turning it into an intimate performance,
but thankfully, it all worked out in the end.
10. Favourite artists?
I would say David Bowie, Billy Idol, The
Kinks and Johnny Cash. There are many
talented Malaysian artists who I idolise as
well, such as the great Sudirman, Zainal
Abidin and The Band Search.
11. Inspiration behind writing your own
lyrics?
My influences would have to be the
metaphoric sounds and lyrics of David
Bowie and JimMorrison from The Doors.
I guess listening to a lot of psychedelic and
expressive music has affected the way
I sound. My genre is Alternative, Indie,
Freak, Folk, so I have a lot of freedom
when writing.
12. Cool collaborations so far?
I did an electronic folk song with DJ Philo
from Zimbabwe. Great experience! It’s on
YouTube and Soundcloud. It’s called
Elena
.
13. Dreamcollaborations?
There are so many, but if I had to choose,
I would love to work with Yuna, Ning Bai-
zura, and Zainal Abidin. Internationally,
I would love to work with Prince, Bruno
Mars and Florence and the Machine. A
boy can dream!
14. What were your greatest struggles
trying to get into the Malaysian music
industry?
Not getting enough exposure and not
getting called up to do shows. Malaysia’s
music scene has improved a lot since I first
started. I’ve been rejected countless times,
but things have started getting better since
being picked up by local music stations.
Hey, they do say, what doesn’t kill you
only makes you stronger!
15. Anyadvice for future rock stars?
Master the basics and always be humble.
Keep striving and always work hard. Don’t
let anyone kill your dreams, believe in
yourself and someday you’ll get there!