From the land below the wind, Beverly Matujal has always a long standing love affair with songwriting and music. Actively gigs in English Indie music scene, we got to know her personally and her music about intimate matters of the heart and soul.
Hi Beverly! Tell us more about yourself.
Hi there! I’m a singer-songwriter from Sabah. I’m 24 this year. I’m a closet shopaholic and a sugar addict (someone please throw me a cupcake now).
Tell us your journey as a musician! When did you first discover your passion for music?
My passion for music started pretty early because my dad is a great singer and a music lover as well. He used to listen to a lot of sentimental, old school music from bands like The Carpenters, Bread and Michael Learns to Rock to name a few. And the thing about music back then, the lyrics meant a lot and was an integral part of the songs. So I think I grew up wanting to write meaningful songs for a living. When I was eleven or twelve, I started learning the guitar and piano by ear. Songwriting felt like a natural habit I picked up soon after.
How would you describe your music style?
Genre-wise, I would say my music tends to geer into the pop category with a little hint of folk(?) haha I don’t really know. I’m really bad at defining genres. But I know that my music is intimate and personal to me. So more often than not, it tends to sound sappy and melodramatic.
Congratulation on your launch of your first EP [Echoes]! Share with us on your journey in preparing this gem.
Thank you so much! Well, it’s been a long time coming and to be honest the journey was an emotional roller coaster. I worked with Angie Farr as my pincipal producer for the record and we started and finished recording mid-last year. The whole process was like a dream come true because I never thought I’d be able to come this far. After the recording had finished, I had to fight a lot of my fears and insecurities that stalled the process of crafting the EP. But now, I’ve worked through all of that and I can’t wait for my launch on the 26th August at Merdekarya!
Share with us the idea/concept behind [Echoes].
Because I’ve been songwriting for awhile, I had to pick and choose the right songs that would work together in an EP. To make things easier, I established a theme for the record. And that was (surprise, surprise) unrequited love. So all five of the songs in the EP centers around that theme. I came up with ‘Echoes’ for the title because these songs were words I would never say to the person I have feelings for. So in turn, they continue echoing in my heart much like a voice would in an empty hall. I hope that makes sense. Hahaha.
Where do you get your music inspirations from?
From everywhere! Haha. But mostly from my own experiences and sometimes, from people around me like my friends and family.
Where can we usually find you performing?
I perform at various places like Merdekarya, Gaslight Café & Music and The Bee (Publika & Jaya One). Or even sometimes busking in Publika.
Share us 3 random facts that people don’t know about you.
- I can’t commit to a single TV Series because I get stressed out easily by drama.
- I have a deep love for guinea pigs and have two of my own named Lucy and Sofia. Am considering getting two more and naming them Frodo & Sam.
- HUGE Star Wars fan. HUGE.
Do you have any musicians that you look up to in life?
I’m constantly inspired by Joni Mitchell. I feel like she really has the soul for creating art and music. All her lyrics are beautifully written and carry so much weight. I can only hope one day I’d be able to be half as good as she is. And as for more current musicians, I would say Sara Bareilles. Great voice. Great lyrics. I have a girl crush on her.
Any life motto?
It’s a bit cheesy, but I’d like to quote my favourite actress, Audrey Hepburn. ‘For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.’
Any inspiring advice for the musicians out there who wish to have their own EP?
Just keep working hard. I’ve definitely been in your shoes and I know it’s difficult. But stay humble, keep your faith and soon enough you’ll get to where you want to be.
Say something to those who supported you throughout this journey
I’d like to send out virtual hugs and kisses to my friends and family in Sabah and all around the world, thank you for believing in me. You are the reason I’m where I am right now. And wherever I go, I will try my hardest not to let you down.
