Transcription
[Music] Hi guys. In the studio this week, we have Isa. Hello. Hello. Hi. Say alhamdulillah. Yeah. Yeah. When was the last I think is Korea, but correct me if I'm wrong.
>> I think it was Korea. No, it was definitely Korea. I think I was like 23. You were 17. Yeah, 17 or 18 somewhere around there. That was such a fun trip though.
Okay, that means we have a lot to catch up on. How was your childhood?
>> My childhood?
>> Yeah. um oh no. I don't know where to start, but all I can say, let me just describe myself when I was a kid.
>> um I I'm very close with my mom. I have a very small family, so um so my siblings, I'm the only boy in the family.
>> so just imagine growing up girls. I have two sisters and then I have like a few mates and then my mom. Mhm.
>> So for me, my childhood is fun, but somehow I learn a lot from my childhood because
>> going through a few things, young, personal, and you know, things like that really I need to to to be better day by day and again and again, you know, just to remind myself that. Yeah. Kind of thing. But my childhood at first, talking about music, um, I'm a swimmer. That's interesting.
>> and almost whatot, but then because I have eczema, my skin allergy is like five to sixine. So after that, so I cannot continue.
>> um yeah, I want to be a swimmer because I love to swim.
>> Yeah, but then I have to stop because
>> so yeah, but then um music after that. But music has always been with me since I was a kid and surprisingly, I used to hate music.
>> Yeah. Okay. So complex because your mom is a singer.
>> Yeah. So I would imagine that's not the case.
>> Yeah. I mean, um, because after my mom
>> Yeah.
>> with my dad 100% stop from the industry competition.
>> Maybe she was focused on being mom.
>> Yeah. Things like that. And then I had a talk to her at one point. So it's not her passion.
>> Oh.
>> So my insist her to become a singer somehow. Yeah. So they bought for my grandma, our grandma. So yeah. So when they stop and just not focus as a wife, things like that. So like literally and sometimes I play like, you know, how you know, you know, when I was a kid. Yeah. So my mom used to be a singer somehow.
>> Interesting. H okay, this one right. Uh, actually, I have no choice, right?
>> swimming and also so I photography. I just register for so since that I join for one year and then competition. The instrument is called Kahun.
>> Okay. So, uh, the solo singer, the mom two weeks before and then we have no choice. You your mom used to be a singer? No, I can't like zero. I was 11. Yeah, I was 11 years old. And and of course, just to impress girls, you know what? Let's just give it a shot. So, yeah, I tried and then that was my first competition. But but it's damn funny how is when Justin started career.
>> and then he was so young.
>> So that is why I also look up to him a lot. I want to be like him. He's young. He can sing in front of a thousand millions of people and happy. So I want to do that. Mhm.
>> And there's one thing that I realize is when I perform, that is where I found, okay, you know what, this is actually my passion because this is one of the easiest way for me to make people like to entertain someone, you know, kind of thing and it makes me happy. But sometimes, um, um, I'm the only person young. I'm I'm the clown.
>> Yeah. My sister saying extrovert, the whole family. I'm the most annoying person. But then what to do, right? Like I love. Yeah. And I'm trying to entertain myself in. Yeah. You know.
>> So for me, that is when I [Music] know. Yeah. But to perform in front of people, my first competition. But after that, the thing I tried to do is I did my own research and homework somehow from YouTube. And then a few years after that, Shawn Mendes Mendes is from Vine.
>> Yeah.
>> So Vine, Instagram. [Music] So Shawn Mendes gave me the idea, 15 seconds.
>> So that's what I did. Just those days. Yeah. And then, you know, because I feel like I'm enjoying it, so let me just try and learn by myself, you know, kind of thing. Is it I think is family. Interesting.
>> Is it weird? I guess maybe if you feel a lot of pressure that you want to make your family proud, then something in that maybe. Yeah. Maybe. But but to think about it. Yeah. Interesting.
>> Yeah. It's kind of weird. I don't know how and I don't know why. But then
>> Yeah. And then when I um, there's this one uh point of in my life, I told my mom, um, I want to try and find for my own money. Like I don't want my dad to the 13 just because I feel I don't want to burden anyone anymore because I'm not that good in school sometimes, but all the teachers love me, right? So yeah, you can you can ask them, visit my school, you know, because I love them a lot because. You get what I mean? We're still in touch. But then, um, Okay, back to the story. You know, like I'm a rascal, you know, at one point. There's a stereotype, right? But like a lot of like personality favorite. Yeah.
>> Like what? What? What's? I don't know what it is, but I I understand.
>> Right. So, I mean, it's just funny how the universe works. But then
>> yeah, those days when I told my mom like, "Oh, I want to try and find like my own and stuff." So, mama, what do you want to do?
>> Yeah.
>> All I need from you is to drop me the. That's what I said.
>> And okay, at 13, what is your plan? And I did.
>> Yes. I want my sister. [Applause] Oh, I just want to just want to have fun, right? Just be safe. I'll pick you up before. So like and yeah, alone. This is before I met which is um, I'm going to save it for later. But then this one I started um, ala. So I just and for like 5 hours like what? Seven ringgit.
>> and then you put seven ringgit. Do you have like a my room? Yeah. What was your like dream?
>> I I just want to sing. I have no like no other goals other than that. um this is the only thing I'm kind of good at and the only thing I happy in the same way or music is always there, you know.
>> when I not describe my feelings, since this is the thing, you know, and it makes me feel.
>> great, you know, somehow. And in my mind is just I want to do it again and again and again. I just want to show you guys that I can sing for you, you know, things like that. So I was damn sad. But and then I it's not my guitar, right? So I know for the fact that right? Yeah. So my mom a few weeks and then she surprised me with a new guitar. Yeah. How long did it take? 15.
>> So for two years you were busking.
>> Yeah.
>> Wow.
>> Yeah. Because at the age of 14 and 15, I met my friends. Yeah. Zen was actually my friend. Oh, this one guy followed me. It's actually me. Oh, really? So, it's funny. Oh, what's his name, man? Oh, that's me. Yeah, somehow. And then, hey, you know what? After that, where you going after this? Not sure. Maybe it's okay. Come to my place and somehow for more than two years with my family.
>> Wow.
>> Yeah. Because the only music, so I learned a lot from him. Look up to him. So join. I have this one friend, um, underground, the underground scene from 53 universe. And yeah, when I was 15, and we had a contract with them. Okay. You know what? Perform like, uh, seven hours.
>> You had a Sorry. You had a contract with them. You're like, what? 15?
>> Yeah. 15.
>> How are you doing school? You have a full career.
>> It's at night.
>> Wow. That's.
>> is at night. So that contract is just free food. Free flow. We can sing and we got free like food. Mhm.
>> Okay. Let's go. So for a few months, we got too. But that is the best one of the best experiences. You got to perform. You know, I have this one files lyrics. So I as my sister to print for me, can you like print for me this song? This song and stuff and Yeah. And at the age of um, 13, 14, 15, is the time where I try to perform the AU days. Have you heard of IU days?
>> No.
>> It's like an international understanding day.
>> Okay. And performers, you know. Um, funny story, somehow my batch, I Zane Insomniacs, Midnight Music are in the same batch for Are You Day? Wow.
>> And now for life. You get what I mean? So best and then the only social media we had was Instagram.
>> Yeah. That's how we linked up with everyone. And then
>> it was fun. It was fun. In those days, I try to be active out there, not for money, just to entertain, you know. Yeah.
>> So that is basically one of the best parts in my childhood. Yeah.
>> Very cool.
>> Yeah. So I did like and after that, I'm free. I can do anything like I do music.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Sometimes, Yeah. You know, things like that because I am too commit to music.
>> without any reason. Yeah.
>> And yeah, and then at one point, I was 15, I realized, okay, I want to be a singer. Like I want to do music. I want to share my music.
>> And I just want to be a singer and entertain people. That's it in my head. But my mom found out. Influencer. Everyone is taking pictures with you. Oh, actually, I've been doing covers on Instagram for like a few years already. And my followers. How many followers did you have?
>> to um 50 plus, 70 plus, and 100 plus, 100k plus. Yeah. From Instagram.
>> Which is a lot.
>> Yeah. And then, but yeah, those days it was fun. And then and then she asked me like, "So, do you want to be a singer?" And I said, "Yeah, I want to be a singer. Of course, I want to be a singer because I love it. Um, it makes me happy." But at one point, oh, I got an offer from Warner Music and a lot of labels try to Instagram, I guess.
>> So, yeah. And then I join um Universal Music. Yeah. That competition contract. Yeah.
>> So I tried. I shoot my let's try this. So I was like, damn sad, demotivated, and whatnot. And then Peace Entertainment, the first label that I signed with. And and then like, "Oh, you're going to be our first artist." And I was 16 turning 17. So I was like, "Something is different here." Like, you guys make me believe you guys are can do this with me together. You get what I mean?
>> So yeah, I told my mom about it. About my mom. My mom is happy and and excited to for me to start. First question.
>> Your mom.
>> My mom the face. Um, are you sure you are ready? Ready for what? Like, ready to perform? Yes, I'm I'm happy. I can't wait.
>> No. Are you sure you are ready with the industry? Because I was young and I what is the industry? You know, behind the industry, right? Because if I sign the contract, I'm good, you know, and that's it. It's actually not that. And then after that, I slowly blah, you know, and one thing about my mommy, the way she is for me to try and up my own mistakes. And that's one thing I like about her. I mean, of course, but at the end of the day, the way she protect me is is and I somehow I can't imagine my life without her, you know, and just like I said, I'm not that close to my dad when I was a kid. So I had a tough time growing up. So I always out there because I just don't want to be home, kind of thing. So it was a pressure, demotivated, and stuff. But my mom, my friends, and music was always there for me. So that is why these three things, you know. Yeah. Kind of thing.
>> Yeah, I understand.
>> So you get signed to this label.
>> And then you come out with your first single, obviously. Did you write your first single?
>> um a bit. um I was involved um as a songwriter. Happy. Not not like full song. I met producer two my first time. Ju producers, right? So I'm so happy to work with them and stuff. And then do you want to give some of your ideas? Oh, yeah, sure. So for yeah, I.
>> Yeah, this is wild considering is like 16.
>> 16 turning 17.
>> Coming out with your first song. Okay. When you first were coming out with your song, were you very I know sometimes when you look back at it's like, but I know that you're very young, so it's like your first thing. How did you feel about making your first song? Did you feel like did you have any expectation expectation?
>> but they just full with like enjoyment, you know, like I just can't wait to do it.
>> Yeah. To release it, to do it. It was kind of rushing. I have good people around me. I have my manager. Shout out to he was there for me and also bought the branding for. So for me, I put my trust in him and it works out. Alhamdulillah. And my mom. And yeah, to answer your question, I think because the pressure is my music, you know, you get it. So for me, I'm excited for people to get to know me. That's why you.
>> because I know I have something inside me, you know, with my music, with my my song, with my music, with my vocals or whatnot. But then
>> I just want the song to be out there now. Yeah. And then you said and the image of how was that image to character? Like, did you become the character? I Because one thing about % why the real game, you know, to be in the TV and whatnot. Jeans, skinny ripped jeans. But I want to wear this. I want to wear this. I don't want to, you know.
>> Fine, I'll do it. So yeah, but one thing about we connect because.
>> student university. Yeah, actually he's young. When I was like 16, 17. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's his song. You know, there's a lot of stories.
>> So smart and so young.
>> Yeah. It was fun. Is it very like those days, especially before co. Um, when I established as a singer, even shows are very different, you know, those days as a singer to. So for me, I was 16, 17. Can you imagine?
>> You're a kid.
>> Yeah. For a kid to like commit to. Hey, this is this is like work. Trying to get used to it and for me to try to fit in.
>> Okay. Sorry. What happened to school? Because Namblas is not like a working age though. Namblas is like a schooling age. So you what happened?
>> Uh, okay. So I homeschooled when I was 17.
>> Okay.
>> So that's when I decided to home school. Homeschooling and then, um, after home after 17 because, um, I really can't commit. Yeah. It's risky though.
>> Yeah. I know for the fact that because the same it's good for her.
>> but for me, like maybe I'm not trying to say people out there. I mean, study is still important.
>> but then I know myself and I know I can't do it, you know, so I need to choose one.
>> Because of course, I know me more than anyone else, right? So I told my mom, I I cannot. If it's going to be because we need to pay the bills and you know, things like that. So for me, why not just go all I want to focus on my career.
>> It was a tough decision. It was a risky decision. The only person young believe you, you know, things like that. So just my mom and me and my sister support in a way. You can do this, little little brom. Yeah.
>> And then especially my elder sister. I do college. So after.
>> So Sabah came out and it was an immediate success. Like, what was the reaction for these two? Like, you and your manager, who were these young boys that just like rambled on this career and then had a hit? Yeah. What was the reaction?
>> I think Masetu, it was the right time for us. M.
>> Everyone was busy with there's a lot of new singers. My batch is.
>> but with ballads, so they are like, you know, like ballads back to back. I'm the only person. Sabah, Sabah was like pop.
>> So, hey, this kid, who is this kid? I'm from Indonesia, from Singapore, or, you know, those kind of things. But this is not Malaysian music.
>> Unique. Like you stood out. Uh, because my first single, pun, I took the risk. um English.
>> Which is, yeah.
>> So mix is mix. Like both language. Why not? Because we have nothing to lose. We we just want to show people like we can do good music. That's it.
>> So my manager, must still believe in me. And then and then we did it. Yeah.
>> How did your life change? Like on a on a personal note, like your friends and like stuff, how did that change?
>> Crazy. Like I met a lot of people and then it was just for me to grow up with that environment. When you every month, you can't imagine. Of course, I'm somehow culture shock. Oh, I want to buy stuff. I want to buy cars. I want to buy this. I You get what I mean?
>> So that was me. But um, having that face in my life really helps me a lot. Even though it was hard for me. People come and go, my friends with a reason, things like that.
>> And then those days is when am I safe or not with my friends? Even with my friends, you know, you overthink, especially when I was a kid. Yeah, things like that. You know what? That's the only thing my mom because I'm an observant. So my mom is that kind of person. Even Yeah. I found um, we were talking about, you know, environment and stuff like that. I know that this is also the age and you decided to start living alone.
>> Yeah.
>> Right. So did that not make your situation worse? You know, support system? Why? I think because back then it's too much for me to handle things at home. That's why I wanted to like, you know, like to leave.
>> But somehow I would still visit you guys, things like that. Because I had this one deep talk with my mom. Um, I told her like, Ma, I need to live alone. Like I need your help because I'm 17 and then I I cannot sign contract. Yeah. That's why I need my mom. So they know why just stay here, just stay home. And then a few months after we had that talk, um, things are not doing great. um a lot of thing is going on like hard times, uh, between me and my my parents. And, uh, and then I decided to my um, that is the last option. I need to leave because I need to focus because I already took the risk. So if I can't focus in music, I know the fact that, you know, and I will fail and I don't want that to happen. So I told mama, you agree for me to make the risk.
>> And now we need to take another risk to make that risk happen. You know, the things that we decided, you know.
>> So much um, she tried to open her mind. And then my cousin. So yeah, and yes, it's very helpful for me to learn a lot of things alone. So that is when I try to um, you know, things like that. So at the age of 17, that is when I told to live alone. Yeah. Kind of thing. So it's not good, but in the same time, it helps more. You get what I mean? Yeah. Yeah. It's actually not good. We have to think about it back. Yeah, but it worked.
>> Is not good. I think it's just like it is what it is.
>> It is what it is. Pros and.
>> So it is what it is. But 17 living alone, that is that is a big step and I.
>> really.
>> It was not easy. It was not easy.
>> Yeah. Like for your mom to agree to that and stuff like that. But I I can in a weird way, I this is just about we're talking about in a way I can kind of kind of understand where it's coming from as well. You already made this risk. Now you have to keep making the risk of whatever it's just for most people, we make this in an age where.
>> Yeah, that's wow.
>> And that is also when I I took the wrong path in my life, not to say, but um, the environment supposed to be in that, you know, environment, you know, kind of thing.
>> Understand, you know, things like that. So.
>> That is when I say other face of culture shock because yeah, too much. What is the main reason? The singing part, the focus on your career path because IU had I mean, I had a lot of fun with my friends. So much. um this is not good, you know, but somehow quite late because I focus on one thing, you know, if I know things like that. So those days, life, if it's just too short for you to focus on one thing. Yeah.
>> Honestly.
>> I know some people who have had this exact same culture shock as you. So, I mean, 21 forever 21. I understand at the same time, I think that life. You mean obviously, I mean, we're not perfect. We're not perfect. But at least you went through it young and you're coming out of it young. The fact that you can even look back and your life at 25.
>> That's an achievement.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> But it was tougher because there's a lot of years, you know, things like that. What's the point, you know, because this is the one of the things which is music. M.
>> So I can try to find a way and still do what I love to do, which is to do music and shadow to people and entertain people. So I'm assuming your career was just like head after hit after hit. I don't understand. I mean, music semi struggle, it's hard to understand what that could have been. But when you are such a huge success at such a young age, did you feel a lot of pressure? Because I know when your first song, right? Was that did that ever feel like overwhelming for me?
>> Well, that's good.
>> Because up until now, numbers is not my priority.
>> If you ask me, because.
>> Because music is very universal. Like, um, you can explore a lot of things in music. There's a lot of genres, a lot of arrangement. So for me, it's an art. I want to share to people out there. Well, rather than that question, actually, I have this one phase in life where I cannot do my own music because I need to think about the listeners in our country.
>> Oh.
>> Yeah. So the label mum cannot. You have to do like that. Oh.
>> I want to do this. Can we have to do something radio play, radio play? You know, actually, that is the challenge personally for me.
>> That's so interesting.
>> Yeah. So, but rather than as a musician, if you ask anyone out there, so the the real challenge is actually not the pressure to share your song. The pressure is actually when you want to do your own song, but you can't because you need to think about the radio, the TV shows, the listeners.
>> I have a question for you. Okay. Okay.
>> So, obviously, like internal management kind of conversation. Okay. Okay. And you pop. That's not a good formula to do, but you did it and it worked. So, so is this is a repeating pattern with all artists? Is that after your art, which is unique and different, they're like formula, but you did something different. Why are you changing? I I feel that because every year there's there's new music, new people, new environment. And then.
>> The one year, oh, hip hop. End of the year, next year, you know, things like that. So in a way, after this 5 years after that, we release.
>> um, this is a sharing. That song was like six years ago, five years ago. 2022 and it works. But back to your question, right? Sometimes at the end of the day, sometimes the team and the people that we are in with the circle, and they think about business more, you know, and I'm not blaming them. No, it's just how it is. Like we still need to the people out there to do our own art. Be selfish. And 100% he's doing like a very different, different thing, right? But it's his art.
>> Yeah.
>> And something because because that thing is too heavy. Even sometimes takes time.
>> Honestly, I have no idea what Kanye's music is about. I'm sure. Yeah. And also, it's a risk for us to do something. But it works before. Maybe sometimes it's because of the risk.
>> And to talk about the artists out there, maybe they are going through their own things, personal things, affect like the releases. We'll never know. But yeah.
>> But I guess for you, I think this concept of like this struggle must have been really tough.
>> Because But from your like pattern of your life, is the commercial or the numbers? Like you literally just said, like the numbers is not my business, right? So you just want to make your art. So surely this must have been like frustrating. Restraint.
>> I feel like of course, in the same time, not to say happy, but it's good that things happen because I am I am here now. Like I am this version of me right now because of it. So, um, few years back, I would say somehow I somehow um roakan my own career in a way where I was too obviously out there. And then orang the eyes on me and stuff. And I did like bad things. Young people throws judge me as a bad person without knowing who I truly am and stuff. So on that year, hit me like a shock. Young, a lot of um event management band, I scholar band, I uh university band, I tal perform because I'm a bad influence artist, kind of thing. So that's when I stopped for 2 years. And I stopped for 2 years trying to learn again and again and again because of course, I admit, yeah, I'm the type of person young um somehow the same mistakes to learn again and again and again. But I'm not afraid to fail. You get what I mean? So because I believe in the time when you actually want to change, it will come because you cannot force yourself in a blink of an eye. So for me, it takes time because the goal is to be a better person day by day. So I can be a good person today, maybe I can be bad tomorrow. Things like that, we will never know what will happen in the future. But things that happen in my life, but I realize, you know what, I need to change this because there are one year, a downfall for me personally because I somehow a few contracts somehow, you know, things like that. And it hit me like a truck. Uh, I accepted it. And then there's two years where I to focus on my personal life because I started young. So Instagram was there already, right? So I share everything. I share everything, you know, like to a point when things happen, judge, judge, judge, judge, judge. So I took a step back and I stopped. I archived a lot of posts. I um, my posting two years, me, my friends, my family. Yeah. So 2020, 22, 23 was the year just to find myself again, you know, to understand and to know. And it was it was not easy. But.
>> Yeah, it's just crazy how um time flies. But alhamdulillah, now I'm feeling better. Yeah. Because a lot of things really affect me and my emotion, my brain towards the negative comments or um, the negative experience. This one situation. I have a best friend. I was sitting at the sofa. So you can literally listen what is going on. Mhm. I was at his house. Oh, like I It's okay if I can't be here, then I'll leave. And you know, for Yeah. For people to as that person, things like that. Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> That is when I also try to keep my circle small. And I try, as much as my career involves a lot of people. After what happened. Yeah. Because yeah, I learned from my from my past, from the past. And I'm trying to build a better future for myself to go because at the end of the day, in my in my life, I want to.
>> I want to have my own family, you know? I want to I want to be a man who who can take care of and like my own problems, solve my own problems, take care of my family and stuff. And my friends. I want to be that guy. I don't want to be the disappointment I will be. You get what I mean?
>> So, it's too much of proving so many things to people out there to appoint. Let me just prove this to myself, you know, like, let me prove it to myself. To. So yeah, that is the time. Leave this all behind. I was lost in music. 2022, I was so lost. My own sound, what I want to do. I write. I write. It's not something that is from the heart, you know, but Yeah, that is what happened before.
>> You know, it was tough.
>> Mhm.
>> But it was great. You know.
>> Why?
>> At least you learn a lot.
>> A lot. But alhamdulillah, I'm I'm very grateful. And it is not wrong for me to say, I don't afraid to like your own mistakes, you know, because we are a human being and we are not perfect. Nobody is. But as long as we accept our mistakes and try to be better in the future, you're good. Yeah. Because that is going through tough times. Imagine how tough it is. Yeah. Maybe yours 2% of you know. Yeah.
>> Honestly, I have I I have no idea what you have done that is so bad. I in my research.
>> So for what I I I don't really know, right? But what I can say from what I know is that when I met you, you were 17.
>> And you were a really nice guy.
>> Oh, thank you.
>> Yeah. I thought you were a really sweet boy. And I was like, "Wow, he's raised right. Like he's so polite, respectful, very successful, very sweet.
>> Very easy to talk to." That was my first impression of you.
>> Right. And again, I cannot speak on your mistakes because I have no idea what it is you've done. But I think also mam.
>> I feel a lot of um like, please don't judge yourself.
>> Yeah. For it is that like for a lot of people that work in entertainment and this is something, right? Is that.
>> Especially when you're so young and you know, like you grew up in a time where social like a right. Yeah. When you're young, right? It's it's a mistake that you have already come out the other side from. And I'm really proud of you for taking accountability.
>> Thank you.
>> You know, cuz that means that you have done something right.
>> It's not about the mistake. It's how do you recover from it?
>> You know what I mean? Do you look back and you're like, actually, I'm a G and that's fine. No, cuz that's not a very healthy way to live. Cuz then you're not going right. Yeah. Yeah.
>> As you came out of it, you're taking accountability for it. I'm proud of you for that.
>> Thank you. Appreciate it.
>> Cuz that's not easy, right? Like that's really hard.
>> Yeah.
>> A lot of people, right?
>> Yeah. Cannot. I'm proud of you for that.
>> Thank you. I mean, ah, that's such a sweet thing to say for you to say, and I appreciate it. But then for me, I'm still trying. And I do believe people out there, you know.
>> To to be a better person.
>> Uh, no matter how hard it is, just just don't give up, you know, like, and I believe in that. And things happen for a reason. I do believe in that. As much as it's kind of cliche, like things happen for a reason. Yeah. Maybe you can't find the reason why, but try to just like you said, try to. But when after that, that's the hardest part. That the actions that you're doing after what the mistakes that you did is the hardest part. But.
>> So true.
>> But yeah.
>> So true. And you know what? My at the end of the day, do you know what's so much more relatable is a story about somebody who's made a mistake and is like fixing it and is growing from it. Like we can all relate to that where we've made a mistake and we're trying to fix it, right? A story of somebody being forever perfect because we know it's fake.
>> Yeah, it's impossible. That's not real.
>> Yeah, it's not real.
>> Yeah. So, I think your story has the potential to inspire so many more people.
>> I hope so. I hope so. Yeah. Can I ask you a couple of questions about like, I saw you for like the first time I think at an event like I was like, where have you been, right? So what was like the biggest like lesson that you learned from not singing or not actively or whatever like, what were you doing with your time?
>> Two years.
>> Yeah. I realized appreciate my private life.
>> And I should my career and my work, my private life, that's what I should do.
>> And it was too transparent. Everything about me, you know.
>> And then, yeah, things like that. And somehow two years, I just like I said, I try to, you know, [Music] so I miss my family. My family. So I cannot like so. You know what I mean? I'm with my cats. So I realized that we need to spend time not just with people or with friends. Alone time is important, you know, to be alone. Yeah, it's very important for you to um maybe somehow refresh their mind to work better in the future and whatnot to get more ideas and stuff. So, so when I was gone for 2 years, I just focus with my like family and friends and my private life. I try to, you know, char um a new hobby and stuff, but it doesn't work like that. So for me, my charm, I just stay in my comfort zone and just nothing much though, honestly. I just enjoy my private life. That's it. Yeah. But enjoy my private life is not just one thing. It's a lot of things, you know.
>> And I realized family. So I spend time with my family more. Even though it's not easy and stuff. And then as much as so my my parents, uh, divorce. And um, uh, I realized that at the end of the day, my mom is always going to be my mom. My dad is always going to be my dad. But we are still somehow family, you know. So for me, that is also the time where I try to accept young. I need to make time for my dad. Yeah. So that's what I did mostly with my family and friends, just to show that I appreciate you guys to be in my life. So that two years really helped me a lot because I feel good when I I try to I try to spend more time with my mom, with my dad, with my siblings, happy, you know, and all of this music or career or industry needs somehow. But at one point, just like I said, because this is one of the things, it's so hard for me to stop. And I won't. So I know the fact that it's okay. I'll take my time and one day I'll be back, you know. Yeah. And that is when last year 2024, I signed with Dev Jam. Um, alhamdulillah, everything is doing great. And um, this is my first time being with a proper label because Dev Jam is a huge label. It's under Universal Music, right? So yeah, thanks to Joe. I want to sign you. I want to sign you all the time. A lot of times until 204. You know what? Okay. I think this spend time with my private life, share my private life separately. So I I manage my own, you know, time and life. So that is when I decided to sign with them. And I signed with Dev Jam and here I am now. Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. Wow. Crazy. So you're back.
>> Yeah, I'm back.
>> Right. And you're 25. So honestly, you're still early.
>> Like he's had a whole ass career and he's still early, right? Um, but what is it.
>> That's different this time? I guess like, like what's what's different about after you found your peace for like 2 years? Now you're more prepared. You're definitely an adult now.
>> Somehow I'm prepared. But then the environment is already different.
>> Yeah. TikTok is here now. Um, everything is.
>> TikTok.
>> And then everything everyone can be, uh, so and somehow, as much as I suddenly everything out there, you know, so I need to learn again.
>> Yeah. So right now, it's actually I'm still learning. As much as I tried to force myself, I'm trying my best because maybe those two years affect um, spend time, personal life, and stuff. I don't need to share.
>> But that my career actually involves.
>> You sharing.
>> Postings, you know, all of those things. So that is one of the thing actually. But in terms of music, um, I would say now that I met a lot of people, um, and I learned a lot of things already, I would say my music is kind of different now, the way I bought my own music, you know, like, um, the process of it. And um, I'm coming out with an album inshallah. Still in discussion. I'm not um expecting anything and anything. But what I can say is the songs are from the heart, mostly. Yeah. And there are a few songs right, um, with the things that I've been through this past few years, especially with my family and friends. So yeah.
>> Well, you're writing your own music again.
>> Yeah.
>> I'm writing my own music again. And.
>> It feels different now. It's about the way I write. A lot of people from and then, you know, all the people, my own label. So for me to learn too much.
>> There was no like, there's no blueprint before you. So this time around, I'm happy to be here, to be a part of this family, and it's amazing. So now it's it's been like almost 3 years already. Yeah.
>> That's awesome.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. You still live alone?
>> What?
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> Why?
>> Some things never change.
>> Okay. You're 25. Ego.
>> Come on.
>> Oh, yeah. No, that's good. That's good. I'm really happy to to see how far you've come.
>> Alhamdulillah. Yeah.
>> Yep.
>> I am super excited. But anyways, before we like, uh, go into the rapid fire or anything, I do want to talk to you about um, your single Tangalam.
>> Okay.
>> That's your latest one, right?
>> Yep.
>> Yeah. Okay. So, let's talk about that one. Seeing as right. So, let's talk about what is the song about? Like, how did you come up with it? Um, how excited are you?
>> Okay, so MFMF is the producer.
>> Yeah, they're great.
>> They're amazing. And then, um, we had this session.
>> Can you guys play any beats and we'll try and cook from there.
>> Mhm. So they play this one beat, which is it took me like a few seconds, the chorus. So everything was so easy. We started writing and I observe and I'm an observant. So I observe a lot. And it's about when you have that one person understands you and accepts you for who you are and somehow will always support you till the end. So, um, it's just an appreciation song towards a person, your friend, your partner. So for me, I have that one person in my life and I'm I'm happy, you know, and, um, um, that is when everything was just so easy for me to lagu and I observe a lot too. So it's based on the environment I'm in, basically. And when release, um, the goal is like, you know, in my music videos and stuff, I dance. Like and it was fun. It was fun because for me, I need to do something, you know, and a dance song with. And alhamdulillah, when I go to release, the feedbacks are are good. It's just that the difference is when maybe somehow move on to a lot of different artists, you know, you get what I mean? So much. It's a it's a struggle, um, for me. But just like I said, at the end of the day, it's not about the numbers. I just want to share what I want to share. So, this is just the start. Yeah.
>> Yeah. For sure.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> Why you look at me like that?
>> No, I'm just thinking thinking about your story, thinking about like, it's just like processing when you think because it's kind of like for such a young man, you've been through a lot. My.
>> Like a lot of ups and downs. Like and and it's it's it's like, um.
>> Not easy.
>> You know, actually, to be here. I'm not mentally prepared. Oh, why?
>> Why?
>> No, I mean, I mean, tala, because I don't know, like, there's a few things affect me about what happened before, right? With my life. There's a few things to affect my just like I said, my emotions, my the way I think and stuff.
>> So why I said mentally I'm not prepared to be here actually is because I'm I'm scared to be in your podcast. You know, like this podcast is like amazing. Like I watched a lot of episodes too.
>> But not I watched a lot of episodes too and I know somehow this podcast is amazing and the opportunity for me to be here is not easy. And when I'm here, I I'm just scared because because of like people out there, you know, like.
>> It's hard for me to be out out again now. Yeah, a bit hard. But I'm still trying. Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> But no offense, I'm not saying that.
>> No, no, no. None taken. None taken. I I completely understand. Like, and I I feel like I I can understand so much of what you're saying. And I'm I how do I say? I think there's always going to be a fear. And I think recently, which this is something that I battled with myself as well, right? Of like my fear of my own audience.
>> And how much that is like a really like a cage.
>> That you cannot like you have to force yourself to get out of it. I've been in some situations. I'm I'm definitely not a controversial person because I don't have the I don't have the I cannot handle it. There's like no way. Like there's no way, right? Like I'm too I'm too like a kong spider. I'm too like I will study hard. I'm on time. Like I'm too like that. You know what I mean? Um, but there have been certain situations where I thought I was doing the right thing and people got really angry at me. And when people get angry at me, they get really angry at me.
>> They get angry at me, right? And I'm like, guys, chill. Like I'm I'm always trying my best to do the right thing. And it's so scary.
>> And and after something like that, which is I I don't think it's on the same level as you experienced, but to a small percentage like of like being scared, I get it, right? But then you also have to think about it and like something and it's I think ourselves, we choose to entertain.
>> We choose to entertain. We are lucky to entertain.
>> Yeah.
>> You know, we are lucky that from what we love. You know what I mean? Exactly.
>> Like you cannot make other people happy if you are in a place of fear.
>> Yeah. And for a really long time in this podcast, I noticed that an interesting question. And then I'm like, if I am like this, then I'm messing up my guest. I'm messing up myself. I'm messing up everything because we're not making anything that's interesting. We're not entertaining.
>> Right.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. You're actually true. So don't be scared because you are you can accept responsibility for anything that you do. And 25.
>> I'm sure anything that you do in the future, it's the lesson that you learned from from from this in terms of how to take accountability, how to stand up, how to recover, how to this is what life is about.
>> Life is about like, then then you.
>> Oh.
>> Yeah, that's actually.
>> From the.
>> True.
>> Yeah. But I'm happy to be here. Don't get me wrong.
>> I'm so happy that you're here too. And I'm so happy to hear about everything that's coming up for you.
>> Um, I hope this show is about you. You have to. Okay, so album next year. Is there anything else? And it's fine if you want to because we're not trying to drop a spoiler like one year ahead of the album release. And also, I don't want to promise it's going to be next year.
>> Okay, maybe. But if it's next year, then I would say this album means a lot to me because.
>> Somehow this is not my first album. Um, but then it feels like my first album because I like um, write the cut this album and I like my ideas to cut this album for arrangement for the topics and stuff. And the songs inside is.
>> I don't want to share it too much, but then all I can say is it's very close to me. And I hope you guys I can relate and feel close. That's all I ask for. Yeah. And that's all I hope for. Yeah.
>> Good job. All right. Wow. Everybody, rapid fire.
>> Okay. Um, Okay. Uh, first question is, who is the first person you let listen to your new songs?
>> The first person?
>> Your mom.
>> Oh, not my mom. No, your mom. Okay. Okay. That's one thing. My mom always the last because I want to give the.
>> The perfect one.
>> Okay. First demo. Usually my friends are.
>> Oh, okay. That's good. Um, a lyric that you wrote that perfectly describes you.
>> He said, "I wrote them all about me. um one of it is, okay. Okay. Um, I'm going show you my best side." Something like that. Yeah.
>> A that's nice. Okay. What food can you never say no to?
>> Beef. Beef.
>> Never. I can't say no to beef. I agree. Um, the best app on your phone.
>> The best app.
>> The best app. Oh, Facetune. Okay. Okay. You guys don't even know. Yeah, it's okay. It's the best. Okay. Yeah, you know, they can do video now, too. Crazy. Okay. Correct. Uh, one movie you can watch over and over and um, The Notebook. Okay. Kasanova.
>> Wait, I think I'm so bad at this. No, the notebook. I cannot. Such a good movie.
>> Yes, it is such a good movie. No.
>> Right.
>> Okay. One more. Anchor.
>> No, you don't have to. The anchor too. No. Notebook is great. That's a great choice. Oh my god, we're so.
>> No, because I can watch it every year.
>> Stay still. Notebook. Yes, you are me.
>> You can watch every year.
>> Yeah. Okay. Um,
>> Best advice you've ever been given and from who?
>> Um, my mom.
>> Um, and as long as we can accept our mistakes to be a better person in the future.
>> Then you're good in life.
>> That's so true.
>> Yeah.
>> So true.
>> That's one thing I can hold on to. Yeah. When she said that. Yeah.
>> Good job. I'm proud of you.
>> Thank you. Um, hey everyone. Um, I'm back. I'm doing music again now. And I'm focusing uh to do more music in the future. And I really hope you guys are still with me and uh, keep supporting Malaysian music. And all I can say is, don't forget to listen to Tungalam and more music coming in the future.
>> Thanks guys for watching. you guys enjoyed this episode. Thank you. I'll see you guys next week. Same time, same place. Bye. Bye-bye.