E0515_PEOPLE Feature

3
110 ELLE.MY E lla arrives at the shoot with a smile on her face, obviously in her element at the retro-themed Mr Brooks bar in Bangsar. While known as the Malaysian Queen of Rock, she’s one of the least diva-ish rock stars you’ll meet. Norzila binti Haji Aminuddin, or Ella as we know her, made it big in the local rock scene back in the ’80s after she was discovered singing in the band Ella and the Boys. She later went on to sell the highest-grossing EP by a female artist in Malaysia when her album Ella USA sold over 300,000 copies. The petite rock star has been busy collaborating with the likes of acclaimed local musicians Datuk M. Nasir and Sam Bunkface on her highly anticipated album (due out this month). The album is a more mellow take on her music. “It’s all about the quality of the music, the lyrics, the meanings behind the songs,” she says. MUSIC MAKERS Malaysia’s music scene is a thriving soundscape. We speak to a legendary hitmaker, freshly minted songstresses, a musical maven and a raucous band. Photography by Kim Mun. Styling by Andrea Wong. By Samantha Joseph and Noor Amylia Hilda When asked about how she has evolved since her heyday, she says, “When you get older, you get wiser, you start to see things differently. You’ll know what to focus on and what to ignore.” She adds that she’s thankful for the opportunities that have come her way, “I thank God as I’ve always had loyal fans, and even in the digital age we live in now, I still have new fans, so I’m really happy with the way things are.” Obviously, Ella is still as passionate about music as ever, but music isn’t the only thing on her plate; she’s recently launched a line of health and beauty products called Lameya. Does she have any fashion advice? “Not really, I’m always willing to be a fashion victim, I know the trend doesn’t suit me but I’ll still wear it just for the sake of it!” she laughs. We disagree. She looks more like a trailblazer from where we’re standing. Ella wears: Jacket, Mulberry. Shirt, Michael Kors. Trousers, H&M. Shoes, Ella’s own THE ROCK LEGEND ELLA, 48 ELLE. MY 111 PEOPLE FEATURE D asha Logan is a busy girl. Perched on the makeshift hair and make-up area we’ve fashioned out of a table at the back of Pisco Bar for the day’s shoot, she lets us in on what she’s been up to since her self-penned song and surprise hit Cleverly claimed the No. 1 spot on the UK Soul Chart late last year. After this shoot she has a sound check at five; on Friday, she has a gig at Calavera and on top of that she’s a regular at No Black Tie, singing smoky jazz. That’s in between running back and forth from KL to UK, recording music for her first album (hopefully out this year, she says). Dasha chatters about her work in London along to the buzz of the hairdryer before talk turns to New York, upon which she snaps her fingers and declares, “Once I get my visa, I’m there.” You have to hand it to her: the girl knows what she wants. The 27 year old proved it on her first trip to London, where her passion for jazz led her to haunt Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club — once the stage for Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Prince — for two months, in the hopes that they would let her sing. “They kept saying no because they didn’t know who I was and if I was bad. They didn’t want to tarnish their reputation. Finally on my last Wednesday there, they said they would give me a shot.” That night, she jammed with Amy Winehouse’s guitar man, Robin Banerjee. Born into what can only be described as Malaysian music royalty, with a singer grandmother, and her father and uncle both members of the local legendary band Alleycats, Dasha is more than comfortable talking about music as a way of life. When asked what her music favourites are, she recites almost automatically: John Mayer, John Legend, Amy Winehouse. Dasha is clearly in her element and talks about singing the songs of Winehouse and Janis Joplin, and discusses Jeff Buckley, the rock singer who died of an accidental drowning in 1997 and is best known for Hallelujah and Lover, You Should’ve Come Over. Although she claims she sings other genres (“I sing a lot of rock,” she insists), her first love is jazz. “Jazz is a bit more… unforgiving,” she contemplates. “When people listen to you sing jazz, they listen to every single note that you sing and how you express the song. With jazz, even with a very soft voice, you have to hit every note correctly and deliver the message of the song, all eyes and all ears on you.” That would be something Dasha should get used to from now on. Dasha wears: Jacket, RM1,879, Michael Kors. Top, RM499 and skirt, RM499, both Michael Michael Kors. Shoes and accessories, Dasha’s own “When people listen to you sing jazz, you have to hit every note and deliver the song’s message, all eyes and all ears on you.” THE RISING STAR DASHA LOGAN, 27

Transcript of E0515_PEOPLE Feature

Page 1: E0515_PEOPLE Feature

110 ELLE.MY

Ella arrives at the shoot with a smile on her face, obviously in her element at the retro-themed Mr Brooks bar in Bangsar. While known as the Malaysian Queen of Rock, she’s one of the least diva-ish rock stars you’ll meet.

Norzila binti Haji Aminuddin, or Ella as we know her, made it big in the local rock scene back in the ’80s after

she was discovered singing in the band Ella and the Boys. She later went on to sell the highest-grossing EP by a female artist in Malaysia when her album Ella USA sold over 300,000 copies.

The petite rock star has been busy collaborating with the likes of acclaimed local musicians Datuk M. Nasir and Sam Bunkface on her highly anticipated album (due out this month). The album is a more mellow take on her music. “It’s all about the quality of the music, the lyrics, the meanings behind the songs,” she says.

MUSIC MAKERSMalaysia’s music scene is a thriving soundscape. We speak to a legendary hitmaker, freshly minted songstresses, a musical

maven and a raucous band. Photography by Kim Mun. Styling by Andrea Wong. By Samantha Joseph and Noor Amylia Hilda

When asked about how she has evolved since her heyday, she says, “When you get older, you get wiser, you start to see things differently. You’ll know what to focus on and what to ignore.” She adds that she’s thankful for the opportunities that have come her way, “I thank God as I’ve always had loyal fans, and even in the digital age we live in now, I still have new fans, so I’m really happy with the way things are.”

Obviously, Ella is still as passionate about music as ever, but music isn’t the only thing on her plate; she’s recently launched a line of health and beauty products called Lameya.

Does she have any fashion advice? “Not really, I’m always willing to be a fashion victim, I know the trend doesn’t suit me but I’ll still wear it just for the sake of it!” she laughs. We disagree. She looks more like a trailblazer from where we’re standing.

Ella wears: Jacket, Mulberry. Shirt, Michael Kors. Trousers, H&M. Shoes, Ella’s own

THE ROCK LEGENDELLA, 48

ELLE. MY 111

PEOPLE FEATURE

Dasha Logan is a busy girl. Perched on the makeshift hair and make-up area we’ve fashioned out of a table at the back of Pisco Bar for the day’s shoot, she lets us in on what she’s been up to since her self-penned song and surprise hit Cleverly claimed the No. 1 spot on the UK Soul Chart late last year.

After this shoot she has a sound check at five; on Friday, she has a gig at Calavera and on top of that she’s a regular at No Black Tie, singing smoky jazz. That’s in between running back and forth from KL to UK, recording music for her first album (hopefully out this year, she says).

Dasha chatters about her work in London along to the buzz of the hairdryer before talk turns to New York, upon which she snaps her fingers and declares, “Once I get my visa, I’m there.” You have to hand it to her: the girl knows what she wants.

The 27 year old proved it on her first trip to London, where her passion for jazz led her to haunt Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club — once the stage for Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Prince — for two months, in the hopes that they would let her sing.

“They kept saying no because they didn’t know who I was and if I was bad. They didn’t want to tarnish their reputation. Finally on my last Wednesday there, they said they would give me a shot.” That night, she jammed with Amy Winehouse’s guitar man, Robin Banerjee.

Born into what can only be described as Malaysian music royalty, with a singer grandmother, and her father and uncle both members of the local legendary band Alleycats, Dasha is more than comfortable talking about music as a way of life.

When asked what her music favourites are, she recites almost automatically: John Mayer, John Legend, Amy Winehouse. Dasha is clearly in her element and talks about singing the songs of Winehouse and Janis Joplin, and discusses Jeff Buckley, the rock singer who died of an accidental drowning in 1997 and is best known for Hallelujah and Lover, You Should’ve Come Over.

Although she claims she sings other genres (“I sing a lot of rock,” she insists), her first love is jazz. “Jazz is a bit more… unforgiving,” she contemplates. “When people listen to you sing jazz, they listen to every single note that you sing and how you express the song. With jazz, even with a very soft voice, you have to hit every note correctly and deliver the message of the song, all eyes and all ears on you.” That would be something Dasha should get used to from now on.

Dasha wears: Jacket, RM1,879, Michael Kors. Top, RM499 and skirt, RM499, both Michael Michael Kors. Shoes and accessories, Dasha’s own

“When people listen to you sing jazz, you have to hit every note

and deliver the song’s message, all eyes and all ears on you.”

THE RISING STARDASHA LOGAN, 27

Page 2: E0515_PEOPLE Feature

112 ELLE.MY

PEOPLE FEATURE

Bil Musa is a name to watch this year. The indie singer has been signed under local singer turned international star Yuna’s eponymous record label, Yuna Room Records. But Bil, (short for Nabila) still hasn’t come to terms with this fact. “It’s kinda amazing. It hasn’t really sunk in yet — that Yuna is my boss.”

Although Bil is still in a dream state and pinching herself, things have already been looking up for the 22 year old. After making headlines at the Laneway Festival in Singapore earlier this year, where she performed with fellow Malaysian band Enterprise, Bil went on to launch her new EP in April, and there’s no sign of her slowing down anytime soon.

Bil describes her sound as, “sort of an indie-folksy vibe with a touch of electronic,” and adds that she owes her taste in music to her parents. “I listened to a lot of oldies. I love ABBA, but my mum says it’s embarrassing for someone my age to like that kind of music,” she laughs.

When she’s not singing or writing music, you’ll find her practicing languages. “When I was younger, I realised I could pick up languages pretty quick. I took some time off to learn intensive French and that’s why some of my songs are in French.”

The soft-spoken singer went on to add, as if still in disbelief of her newfound fame, “you know, before this I never thought about music as a career, but after Yuna’s manager approached me, I gave it a long, hard think and thought why not?”

Listen to Bil’s Soundcloud stream at soundcloud.com/nabilahmusa

Bil wears: Jacket, shoes and necklaces, Bil’s own. Dress, RM949, Michael Kors. Belt,

stylist’s own. Rings, RM49.90 for set of three, H&M

“I haven’t come to terms with it. It’s kinda amazing. It hasn’t

really sunk in yet — that Yuna is my boss.”

THE INDIE INGÉNUE BIL MUSA, 22

ELLE. MY 113

As you might expect from an actress and singer, Ida Mariana is all about poise and charm. The former lawyer found her true calling in theatre and went on to obtain a master’s degree in theatre studies in Australia.

Ida, who recalls childhood memories of singing into a hairbrush and being deeply engrossed with her

performance in front of the mirror, will be taking part in Pan Production’s staging of Cabaret this month at KLPAC. “I will be playing a Kit Kat girl in this one, and as I love a challenge, I’m looking forward to the dance routines by the amazing choreographer, Suhaili Michelline,” she says.

The ‘Jazzbird’ (as she’s known in local music circles) also sings on the side, performing in various nightspots. But she’s most well known for her role as Bayan in the acclaimed stage

Dress, Michael Kors. Earrings, Ida’s own

musical production of Puteri Gunung Ledang. She describes performing in theatre as a drug. “I fell in love with the rehearsal process, searching for the character and digging for emotions and the realities within you,” she adds. “I’ve learnt that acting isn’t really acting, but about being real.”

Ida also has a surprising confession, “I’m obsessed with essential oils,” she says as she pours a minty liquid on her hands. “They’re so relaxing, and I love mixing my own scents.” The mixing of things, in a way, sums up her career. “[Acting and singing] exist at the same time. The need for one is equal to the other. Perhaps that’s why musical theatre comes naturally to me.”

Catch Ida in Pan Productions’ Cabaret, May 6–15, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre; klpac.org

THE THEATRE DARLING IDA MARIANA, 40S

Page 3: E0515_PEOPLE Feature

114 ELLE.MY

It just happened,” says guitarist Melissa Wong of the band called Crinkle Cut. “We were eating at Ninja Joe’s in Mid Valley and we looked at the fries.” She laughs raucously and then adds, “they closed down that Ninja Joe’s. It’s very sad.”

This irreverence bubbles throughout as we speak to the band. Although keyboardist Grace Foo and Melissa Wong have

been playing together occasionally four years ago, the current iteration of Crinkle Cut has only been around for two years.

“We all met at university. It started off with Grace asking me for gigs. Sometimes I’d call Frances for help, so she’d sing the main vocals. Then we thought we needed some percussion, a beat. Ashley was the only percussionist we knew at the time,” Melissa says. And so Crinkle Cut was born.

At first, the band attempted to create a buzz doing covers on YouTube. Melissa admits they “got lazy” and didn’t post up often enough to sustain a following. The band’s YouTube channel is still up, but the girls are now focused on gigs, school and work.

THE ALL-GIRL BANDCRINKLE CUT

Frances Thomas, 22, lead vocals; Melissa Wong, 22, guitarist; Grace Foo, 22, keyboardist; Ashley Choong, 24, percussionist

Electro-acoustic may just be a whole new genre, and how the girls got there was a slow evolutionary process. “We played acoustic stuff in the beginning, just acoustic [guitar], keyboard and cajón [the drum],” explains Grace. “We decided to create a sound that’s uniquely ours.” With the help of effect pedals, vocal processors and iPad percussion apps, a new sound was born.

You can see the combination of these otherwise disparate instruments in a performance of Pretty Boy that a fan uploaded to YouTube. Ashley Choong is perched on the cajón, tapping away at the screen of an iPad, every tap an electronic sound that merges with the guitar, keyboard and lead singer Frances Thomas’ raspy vocals. The end product is strangely captivating, the sound effects of an arcade game let loose in a smoky club.

Crinkle Cut is working on their EP, which they aim to release this year. In the meantime, they’ll be playing gigs at La Bodega.

Catch Crinkle Cut at La Bodega Bangsar, May 22 and 24

From left to rightGrace wears: Dress, RM149, sunglasses, and rings, RM49.90 for set of three, all H&M. Belt, Michael Kors. Boots, stylist’s own. Melissa wears: Coat, Mulberry. Scarf (worn around head), RM960 and boots, RM3,610, both Gucci. Dress and accessories, Melissa’s own. Ashley wears: Dress, RM199, bangle, and ring, RM49.90 for set of three, all H&M. Boots and necklace, Ashley’s own. Frances wears: Vest, RM199, jumpsuit, RM99.90 and hat, RM79.90, all H&M. Shoes, Michael Kors. Jewellery, Frances’ own

ELLE. MY 115

PEOPLE FEATURE

HAIR

: MES

H SU

BRA/

A-SA

LOON

. MAK

E- U

P: JO

EY YA

P; W

AN N

ING.

STY

LING

ASS

ISTA

NT: F

LORE

NCE

SONG

. SP

ECIA

L TH

ANKS

TO P

ISCO

BAR

AND

MR

BROO

KS FO

R TH

E LO

CATI

ON

When asked about her niche career choice, Jessica Cho protests: “I didn’t want to be a musician growing up. I wanted to be a doctor. My family runs a fish ball noodle soup restaurant, and after having to help out every day when I was young, I wanted to do something else entirely.”

Hence the decision to become a doctor. Instead, she became a composer and contemporary pianist, a path no less complex than that of a surgeon. “I still help out on Sundays, though.”

In videos of her performances, Cho is a dynamo on the piano. Sounds crash out with the intensity of her playing, the music discordant, tense and mysterious, her whole being focused on her instrument. Face to face, she’s quiet and soft-spoken, her voice rising only when she talks about music.

Starting a little late with piano lessons at the age of eleven, she went on to take the third prize at the 2011 Asian Composers League Young Composers Competition at the age of 23, the youngest composer there. Her winning composition, Five Little Pieces for Piano premiered in Sheffield during her postgraduate days, and was played in a Viennese music festival as well.

After completing a master’s degree in performing and composing at the University of Sheffield, she came back to Malaysia to a commission from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO). For the MPO, she composed a modern music score for scenes from the film Merong Mahawangsa — her first time creating music for a complete orchestra. This month, Cho will be heading to Kyoto to perform at the International Contemporary Music Festival.

Lamenting the little exposure that contemporary classical music is given, she’s nonetheless set in her musical path. “When it comes to contemporary music, you feel lonely because no one understands. But when you hear the outcome of the whole music when it’s played, it’s like hearing your mind projected out. You feel so…” Here she flaps her hands and says “ahh” softly. She grins. “And you feel even happier when people clap. You know they appreciate it.”

Sweater, RM4,790, Mulberry. Pants and

watch, Jessica’s own. Necklace, stylist’s own

“You feel lonely because no one understands classical music. ”

THE CLASSICAL PIANISTJESSICA CHO, 27