The local Hip-Hop scene is thriving with unbelievable talent from across the nation, and Sevenpie snagged a golden opportunity with the amazing Alan D from MassMusic!
From starting an independent music label, to performing on the Good Vibes Festival stage, and releasing amazing bops like IMSO that hit over 7.6 million views on YouTube and a fresh release that everyone is raving about, “Sakura“, Alan D, together with his team at MassMusic is definetly a force to be reckoned with in the local Hip-Hop scene!
1. Could you tell our readers a brief introduction about yourself?
My name is Alan and I’m an artist representing MassMusic. I’m an eccentric musician with power from the gods (Midnight wrote this cause I couldn’t come up with anything).
2. What made you want to pursue music? Were there any inspirations that inspired you to start your journey as a rapper? Did you always want to pursue Hip-Hop? When did you discover your passion for Hip-Hop?
My passion for Hip-Hop came late to be honest, I started my musical journey with Rock and Punk music as a drummer. Early insecurity and anxiety caused me to develop a terrible stutter when I was younger. In a bid to solve this, I researched and found that singing and rapping had tremendous therapeutic potential. Long story short, I sat at home for over a year and practiced rapping every day. Listening to Nas, Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G.
3. How would you describe your rap style?
I’d like to think that I’m pretty versatile so you’d hear me on multiple sub-genres of hiphop like dancehall, trap, Rnb, old/new school. I’m always exploring new vocal ideas and tweaking my rap style.
4. Who are some of the people that you look up to in the music scene? Who are your dream collaborations?
People I’m listening to like right now include Young Thug, Gard Wuzgut, Yonnyboii and Greeta Van Fleet! My dream collaboration is probably Young Thug, Swae Lee or Drake, though lol
5. How did MassMusic come about? When did you decide to start an independent label?
MassMusic goes way back! Our friendship started in high school over a decade ago in Mont Kiara International School. Our initial 3 members included myself, Dr. Mingaling and Ilyas. We’ve since expanded our label to include IYB Midnight, Axel Jonas, Yutaka.
6. MassMusic performed at Good Vibes Festival’18, What was the experience like performing on the GVF’18 stage?
Performing at GVF was one of the best gigs we’ve ever done! We had a dance crew, a whole choreographed routine and a well practiced setlist. We had a little gimmick where we got, Dr. Mingaling who rapped too. The energy from the crowd was absolutely incredible. I think any performer would have fed off that, it was a high.
7. One of the fresh releases by MassMusic is “Sakura”, how did the song “Sakura” come about? What was the inspiration behind it?
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A timeless metaphor for the tragically beautiful existence of love. Blossoming once in a lifetime with intoxicating grasp and beauty. Sakura is a fleeting love, the one that got away. Tragically short and painful but the essence of their love lasts forever. Sakura is a story to embrace fleeting love and enjoy every moment of precious time knowing the uncertainty of next seasons blossom.
8. MassMusic uploaded a video on YouTube titled “The Making of Sakura” What would you say was the best part of making “Sakura”?
The creative process is the best part to be honest. Bouncing off ideas with Yutaka and Dr Mingaling. Figuring out different melodies and the storytelling element through lyricism. The process is a manifestation of energy, I love it.
9. What was the creative process like for the single “Sakura”?
Sakura was an interesting record for me, the symbolism of the cherry blossom and the significance it plays in Japanese culture intrigued me. It signifies a time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life. I spent a fair bit of time researching before I stepped into a creative zone.
10. Is there anything that you would change in the local Hip-Hop industry? If so, what would it be?
I’d just wish for our people to be more open to local English speaking music. Theres a tremendous amount of talent we are sitting on! Give us a chance, give us a listening ear.
11. Lastly, do you have any advice for Malaysians who are starting off their careers in the local Hip-Hop scene?
Well, just be prepared to make sacrifices. If you’re truly serious about a career in the industry be prepared to really embrace yourself. I think the most memorable musicians always seem to capture an aspect of the human condition. Always remind yourself why you’re doing this, stay consistent and be ready to pay your dues.
Thank you Alan D for joining us on this Featured Interview! Check out “Sakura” by clicking here. Follow him on his socials by clicking here!
Stay tuned, we hear that he has something new in the oven!
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