Introspectively speaking, there’s no one person in Malaysia which I’ve ever encountered who was able to shed an ethereal light for art like how Rociel did. Her passion for art is beyond words- she embodied the ethoes of art. For those who viewed art as something that’s lack of practicality, she’s definitely someone who will stir that very part of you which you’ve yet to divulge. Read on and you’ll know why:
1. Hi Rociel! Tell us more about yourself.
All of me is an instrument, and everything I do is an art.
2. Tell us more about your single, Orbit.
It’s a love song that draws a parallel between the tension of attraction and how an orbit happens in space.
3. Share with our readers on a glimpse into your journey on putting Orbit together.
I was captivated by the theory of how an orbit can only happen when the push and pull of two objects are perfectly in sync with one another. Just like two souls who found each other amongst the millions of stars, and fell …into orbit. The story came to mind, so I wrote the lyrics, composed the melody, and then arranged the instruments. I was quite particular about the tone of the sounds to get the feeling I wanted. Finally, I recorded the vocals and painted the album art.
4. Are there any plans to release more songs of your own in the near future?
That’s certainly something you can look forward to. As someone who perceives all things as a form of art, be it a conversation or a war – music and visual arts are to me, a means to deliver a message or express an emotion. Whether through the use of sight, sound or words, we communicate and convey by triggering the senses of another person. The process of writing a song is very much like painting colour on canvas, only it’s sound on silence. And the inspiration comes from my interactions and observations of the world. Which will get difficult to contain if I don’t share them in some way!
5. Will you be releasing an album of your own?
I’d love to.
6. What are your favourite genres of music?
I listen to everything from rock to jazz to classical. My favourite artists would be David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Buck-Tick, John Williams, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Joe Hisaishi.
7. Aside from music and art, what are the other things which you take pride on?
My ability to pierce through people’s souls and devise convoluted strategies. While still able to enjoy the simplest things in life.
8. Who inspires you to be the artist you are today?
As Chuck Palahniuk said, “Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I have ever known.”
9. Tell us more about “A night of ｢Nostalgia｣ with Rociel”.
What’s nostalgic from one person to the next varies, but we can all raise our glasses in unison to a night of reminiscence, wouldn’t you agree? I put together a list of my favourite pieces, some of which greatly influenced the person I’ve come to be, and shared them with dear people.
10. We’ve seen your setlist for “A night of ｢Nostalgia｣ with Rociel”. Can you put together a special setlist for our readers, specifically for the coming holiday season?
Ok, here goes …
- Billy Mack – Christmas is All Around (Oh yes I did.)
- Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas
- Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
- 中島 美嘉Mika Nakashima – 雪の華 Yuki no Hana (Fun fact: It’s my name in Chinese – Hsieh Hua)
- Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer – Baby, it’s Cold Outside
- The Commodores – Easy
- Muse – Feeling Good
Merry Christmas, folks! And a Happy New Year.
11. What are the highlights you’ve encountered in your experience as a singer-songwriter in Malaysia?
The fans expressing their genuine support, of course! Whenever I say thank you to a sincere praise, even though I say it with all my heart, I never feel like it’s enough to show them the depths of my appreciation. I don’t think it’s something I’ll ever get used to. My heart gets so warm and I smile to myself like an idiot when the good memories replay in my mind, or if the kind words were delivered through a non face-to-face medium. Another one of my greatest pleasures is when someone whom you respect shows appreciation for your work. It’s as if the universe conspired to bring like-minded souls together. Finally and most importantly, the people who have helped me on my journey. Who played an essential part in making everything possible. You know who you are. Thank you so much. And you know what’s the most amazing thing? Some people overlap onto all three categories!
12. Is there anything which you’d like to change about the local entertainment scene?
If I had power to dictate, a variety of creative studies would be compulsory in all schools. It’s ok if you don’t excel, but I believe being educated would increase the appreciation for it, and in general create a more cultured society. Learning is never a bad thing. Afterall, the practices of music and art, like language, is an accomplishment that distinguishes our human species.
13. Where do you see yourself in 2 years’ time?
Having the number of lives I’ve impacted increased by 2000 times!
14. Any life motto?
There is no such thing as a wasted experience. Your decision only holds meaning when it affects your next decision.
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