We caught up with singer songwriter, Kael about his neverending journey for music.
Hello Kael! Introduce yourself to our readers!
Hi everyone! I am a singer-performer-recording artiste and I perform actively under my own name.
I also run my own entertainment/talent productions company where I conceptualize stage acts or performances for corporate/private showcases or functions.
How would you describe yourself?
I personally like the idea of being known as ‘Freedom Writer’, where all these years I have to path my own ways striving and fighting my way through to get to where I am today. And because of that, I aspire to be a freedom writer for others who are struggling too whether or not it is through music or the establishment of friendship. I have big dreams for my music and business. All in all to connect with people.
Tell us your journey as a musician! When did you first discover your passion for music?
I started singing when I was 11 but most of my singing endeavors were for church events, parties and campfire nights. Of course back then I’ve always loved the idea of being in a boy band, whether or not it’s N’SYNC, Switchfoot or BLUE, and in those days I can boldly confess that we had the best coverage of music in the 90’s. There were so much of music genres all around and I really love the vibe of great music. I perform a lot in school and sometimes in class (just to vow girls you know! We were once young wild and free!). We do not have social media or YouTube back in the day so it took a lot of ‘ON Ground’ grinding to get a place within the scene or setting a foot within the industry.
I was performing for fun while I was in college and then it became a serious question one day to pursue it. So I started a band for ‘passion project’ while I took up several jobs to sustain myself financially. It took me 3-4 years exploring before I could have a performing career on my own, or so to say to really get serious with it. I guess overtime through the struggles I realize I’m in for this, both music and the business of it too. I feel strongly that music can really relate with our emotions and it is one tool we can use to reach out to people or touch hearts be it in a moving/sentimental or even fun way. People respond to music and I believe it is through witnessing all these I discover my true passion.
Do share more about your hit song, Seribu Satu Dusta! What was the inspiration behind this song?
This would be one hard nut to crack. The making process of this song took me almost a year. Well it wasn’t because of getting the song written or done but overall to get the vibe and portraying it itself was quite a journey. I was in a transition, and I rebranded my music direction. Or to be more specific, I took my career to a whole new level.
SERIBU SATU DUSTA [1001D] is a song written by renowned /established producer Audi Mok/Shazee Ishak. The song speaks about people generally often being deceived by an appealing outlook from the outside, not knowing that it could all be a lie, a deception. What seems sweet, good or tempting outwardly be it a friendship or any form of relationships (in which I would like listeners to interpret it themselves) can be one factor that would break us apart. I know the lyrics can be quite deep or dark, but If you take a listen to you, you may dance to the song. That’s the whole point! Dance to your sorrows!
How would you describe your singing style?
I would like to think that I am more of a Pop R&b, Ballad-Soul singer.
Share with us the creative process of a song/album.
It really depends on the artiste’s and producer’s way of working. It can be a lengthy one or for some talents they do it fast and quick hence the process varies. But generally, you always think of the overall picture or story of a song you intend to write, and then work on it till you get the structure done. From the music, lyrics and overall sound and lastly the delivery of it. It’s not an easy thing to do I would say but if you love it, you’ll get it. It’s like LEGO; you need to put all the pieces together little by little, or should I say that it’s very alike with baking. The more you bake, the better you become, the longer you’ve been baking the greater your recipe or content is, and it taste good!
Tell us a random fact about yourself/something people don’t know about you!
I like asking people their full names. You know being a Malaysian and living here we have so many different ethnicity with interesting names and I’m always interested with fancy or long names or sometimes I laugh at their funny names too!
Who are your favourite musicians in Malaysia?
Too many. But I really love Dato Sheila Majid, she’s a legend. I also like the young, swag and energetic Ryot Jones and my own Gangster Squad!
Any advice to budding musicians out there?
If it comes easy for you, it’s easier for you to lose it. Keep building and doing what you love. Find ways to expand it or to reach out to people. As much as building our music, let’s build or character too.
Any upcoming projects for you?
I am in the midst of writing an English single while I still actively will be doing my own showcases with my band, The Gangster Squad.
Any life mottos?
You reap what you sow. Love tirelessly, hope positively and have faith in the things you believe in!
Who is your all time inspiration in life?
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Mother Theresa.
What is the ideal weekend for you?
A roadtrip! Or in an island.
Tell us what makes you smile the most?
Having in-depth meaningful conversations or connecting with people that matters. And of course FOOD!
Where do you see yourself in 2 years’ time?
Making great music and reaching out to many more people with it. Having my entertainment productions expanded. Hopefully I’d get to work with many more talented people.
Wanna find out more about Kael?
YouTube