You are my land
It has taken me a long time to get back to recording work of my own.
I’ve spent the last few years focused on composing for other artists and projects, which has been very exciting. I have been blessed with opportunities to compose for artists who I respect and admire. These artists include Dato Siti Nurhaliza (Malaysia's no.1 megastar for the past decade), Atilia Haron, Nadeera, and Alif Satar. I've also composed music for director Erma Fatima and have worked on various other projects.
Nowadays, though, I’m searching for another musician who shares my passion for combining the two worlds - East and West - in my music. Delaying this search was my struggle with illness, which I’m happy to say is now behind me. But now I’m back to searching for the right person to help make my goals a reality.
To start the day, I always burn incense and take in its scent on the way to the studio. Jeff Bova, my producer, performs this ritual burning every morning and I grew to love it. It is important to start your day off right, especially if for creative work such as music composition.
When I first entered his studio, I noticed Jeff had a peculiar coffee table. It was not an ordinary table. This was a truly autistic table, complete with wire loops, a keyboard area, a computer keyboard tray, and even a cupholder! I thought it was an ingenious and impressive design. It is so clever and organized and in such a compact space. It was a table truly fit for an aspie who’s big on organization. It is so me.
Jeff told me that he used this table when he travelled for recording sessions back in the day
His studio was filled with gadgets, equipment and many other things that caught my eye. For example, Jeff also has a cabinet full of sound effect CDs, which he uses for film compositions. I love the use of sound effects and cinematic elements in songs and have composed soundtrack music. I especially love Hans Zimmer’s work, and he has had a big influence on my compositions. Usually, I visualize my music as a score, the songs playing in scenes throughout a film. As someone on the autism spectrum, I think visually—even music. The sensations of sight and sound unify as one complete experience.
Our first song together is “You Are My Land.” When I wrote this song, I had my homeland, Malaysia, in my thoughts. This song is about courage. To make a change, we must make sacrifices and find the courage to make difficult decisions. Often, it involves taking the unbeaten path. Malaysia is where I started my journey, but it definitely not be the end. Still, we must remember our roots. What is a journey if we cannot remember the experiences along the way?
I used Rachmaninoff's piece, “Moment Musical No. 3,” as the main reference for this song. Its passion, intensity and anguish are the emotions I wanted to capture in "You Are My Land." We are also experimenting with both traditional and modern instrumentation, especially the gamelan, my favourite traditional Asian instrument. The instrument is a symbol of my beginnings. Traditionally Malaysian but still, the instrument completes a modern composition. It is not just piece but a significant part of the piece’s soul, like how my soul is rooted in tradition while also yearning for exploration. There is a sadness that comes with moving on, but then there’s the excitement of growth.
To give the piece a modern touch, Jeff suggested using a quaint synthesizer that processed spoken words to create sounds. With each word came a unique sound.
I love to innovate and always aspire to push musical boundaries. The word and concept of unity means a lot to me, so we decided to pass through the synth this word which is dear to me.
Jeff told me that using a word with significance gave the music intention. I could not have agreed more. I felt the intention of this song, so close to my heart, should be something that inspires journey. Although Malaysia is far away, my experiences so different and the world so vast, the unity still exists in all things. We are all connected. Always. Without unity in experiences how could we continue on the journey? What else but a connection makes a bunch of memories into a personal story? So I spoke the word that bridges my heart and my home no matter where I am geographically. That word is unity.
I’m excited to be recording “You Are My Land” in the studio this month. I’m truly grateful to everyone that’s been supportive of my music through the years.
Update: “You Are My Land” has been released. I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on my socials.
