KUALA LUMPUR – Marking a musical comeback, home-grown singer-songwriter and multi-disciplinary artist, Mohd Jayzuan, has unveiled his long-awaited single Sanglirsari.
Released last September 27, the track offers a first glimpse of his upcoming fourth album, Senandika, which is slated for a physical release in 2024.
Hailing from Ipoh, Jayzuan has not only marked his return as a veteran of the local indie scene, but also embraced a group music performance with a seasoned line-up.
Per a press release, Jayzuan’s latest release involved a collaborative effort with Projek Rabak, an artist collective, as well as the lifestyle brand FK Sneakers.
The lyric video was shot in Venice, and features various clips of Jayzuan dancing playfully in various picturesque parts of the Italian city. Watch it below.
Published by Taja Archive Publishing, the single boasts a diverse ensemble of instruments, including guitars, bass, drums, organ, keyboards, brass and more. This is the result of an incredible partnership between Jayzuan and the versatile multi-instrumentalist Adink Permana, who also serves as a co-producer.
The recording process for Sanglirsari was facilitated by Lisa Fuad, an indie pop and shoegaze sensation. Fuad and her band, FUAD, have brought their unique talents to this single.
The collaboration between Jayzuan and Adink dates back to 2009, and their chemistry has been a driving force in their creative journey.
“Our thought patterns align, like how Tom Waits has Kathleen Brennan, Nick Cave has Warren Ellis, and I have Adink Permana. Besides, it’s more interesting to create with a friend who understands what stirs within me; we don’t just make music, we also engage in deep conversations about the harsh and banal aspects of life.”
Adding to the collaboration, Adink emphasised: “We’ve been friends for a long time, we tell stories to each other, and the music follows our discussion process, and Sanglirsari is a genius yet uncomplicated piece of music. It takes you to a realm of sensation not only to hear but also to see the music and listen to the colours.”
Meanwhile, Lisa Fuad, who joined forces with Jayzuan and Adink for the first time, described the single as a fusion of classical Malay prose seen through a contemporary lens, executed brilliantly by Jayzuan.
She believes that this track represents a significant step forward in creating a new genre that will captivate audiences.
Jayzuan’s artistic vision extends beyond his music as his desire to craft authentic, rugged Malay songs led to him coining the term “Pop Tenggara” to describe his distinct musical style.
His works often incorporate Malay and Malaysian themes, reflecting his exploration of the rich cultural tapestry of the Malay world.
“That’s the intention; I miss performing, sharing story-emotions with my audience out there live, face to face,” Jayzuan said.
Jayzuan noted that over the past decade, he had been focusing on his career as a contemporary artist with the Projek Rabak collective, but now he’s ready to put on his music hat and howl once again.
The enchanting sounds of Sanglirsari were crafted at Moonjabé Studio in Cairo, Egypt, under the skilled engineering of Adink, and at The Archive Studio in Damansara Perdana operated by Hazeeq Azhar, while mixing and mastering was carried out at Sine Studio in Jakarta, Indonesia, by Dzulki Sunarya.
Fans can listen to Sanglirsari on various streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Deezer, Anghami, Tidal and YouTube Music. – October 17, 2023