No stranger in the Malaysian music industry, Ila Damia shares with us how she was inspired to be a local recording artist. Put your hands up for Ila!
Hello Ila! Introduce yourself to our readers! 🙂
Hi Sevenpie Team! Yes, I’m a full time singer from Kuching, Sarawak, and I’m also blessed with a family who enjoys the same passion as me – my brother works in the entertainment industry back in Kuching, and my dad is excellent with the guitar!
Tell us your journey as a musician! When did you first discover your passion for music?
My father was a musician when he was younger, and my elder brother’s also a singer. My younger siblings are currently attending music classes too! So you can imagine us as a family constantly singing together at times.
I was first discovered from a reality show Mentor back in 2010, where Joe Flizzow picked me to become his protégé. This lead to him signing me under Kartel Records straight after the show ended.
Do share more about your latest hit song, Cuma Kamu! What was the inspiration behind this song?
‘Cuma Kamu’ basically celebrates all types of love that you find in your daily life – your love with your partner, with your parents, siblings, etc. It’s especially perfect as I’m newly married and totally enjoying my married life with my best friend.
The song brings colors to my life, my career and hopefully to those who listens to it too!
As a recording artist, share with us the creative process of a song.
For Cuma Kamu – we worked with one of the top Indonesian team, I was constantly flying back and forth Kuching > KL > Jakarta! After a long e-mail thread prior to the recording session to finalize on the lyrics and production of the music, I recorded my vocals in Jakarta with the team who has worked with names like Afgan, Dato’ Rossa and Raisa. It was an eye-opening experience learning how they create love songs!
How would you describe your singing style?
R&B, Jazzy and Classic Malay style.
Tell us a random fact about yourself that people don’t know about you!
I got the Dean’s List for every semester when I was studying Mechanical Engineering. I love engineering! But… nah.
Any advice to budding musicians out there?
Focus on the positive, take note of the negative. No matter what people say, make sure it won’t stop you from doing what you love to do.
Any upcoming projects for you?
Now that ‘Cuma Kamu’ has finally been released, I’m itching to work on my next single soon!
What is a typical day in your life?
When I’m in Kuching, I’ll get up early, breakfast, cook my lunch, watch movies, jamming and karaoke session with family. And yes I spend a lot of my time with my family! Because nothing beats HOME. But when I’m in KL – it’s strictly business, I do most of my work in KL as my recording label and management is based there. I would be out from morning till evening daily meeting people, having interviews with the media or performing of course!
Any life mottos?
“Do what you love, love what you do.”
Who is your all time inspiration in life?
Mizz Nina!
What is the ideal weekend for you?
Picnic by the beach!
What makes you smile the most? ☺
My husband!
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Still singing, and a businesswoman. Who knows!
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