“SOMEONE recently said that I have a nomadic soul. It’s quite true, I like to go where the wind takes me,” says singer-songwriter Zee Avi when asked about her next destination (after her years in Los Angeles, United States).
The 33-year-old artiste (whose real name is Izyan Alirahman) has been back in Malaysia the past two years. “So we’ll see where it’ll blow me next.” But for the time being, the Miri-born singer seems happy and contented to be here for a while.
Last Monday on Malaysia Day, she released her latest single Who Are U.
“It’s a song with lyrics about being fearless, about embracing who you are at this moment in time,” she says. “It is a song for those who are misunderstood, those who need a little boost in their day, and more importantly, a song you can sing to yourself in the mirror, a song on reflection of the self.
“It’s like a gentle reminder that we shouldn’t pay any mind to other people’s expectations of us as this journey and path (in life) is our own, and we’re all here to learn.
“And that life is a never-ending journey.”
In a nutshell, the song is about celebrating diversity. Hence its release date had been carefully chosen to coincide with Malaysia Day.
“I actually wrote the song four years ago, while I was still in LA. In fact, it was recorded there too.”
But Zee kept the song for a good four years: “I didn’t need to rush,” she said.
Zee made it into the pages of Teen Vogue during her early days as a singer based in the US in 2009, making music her passion, going at her own pace, on her own terms.
Zee is now back to being an indie artiste. When she flew to the US, it was to seal a record deal with Brushfire Records, and by May 2009, she had dropped her first album, a self-titled one.
“It is really an expensive affair, being an independent artiste. So if anyone or any corporation would like to be my patron, it is very much welcomed,” Zee adds.
INSPIRATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS
While the single Who Are U had been written and recorded in the US, its music video has the Made-in-Malaysia stamp all over it.
“The video is 100 per cent Malaysian-made, using only mutual connections and friendship favours and trust.
“I was very clear about wanting the video to feature young Malaysian talents. The new generation of Malaysians, who have gone through adversity, obstacles and have come out strong,” says Zee
“Malaysians have their own unique story of how we have embraced our differences as individuals in a society that might be limiting us from blooming into who we truly are.”
The video features some of Malaysia’s scenic gems and individuals with their own stories of how they have come to be so brave and confident and unapologetic as to who they are.
“I want to celebrate Malaysians. We should all be proud of the diversity we have around us, of our different colour, creed and beliefs.”
She roped in 30 individuals to be in the video. “I made a list of 30 names and I told the video director Hafreez Amminuddin that there will be no payment. I would be happy if we only had 10 people but all 30 said yes, and the end result is beyond my expectations.”
The talents include stylist Ethan Chu, fashion designer Melinda Looi, Says.com writer and video presenter Nandini Balakrishnan, fashion model and actress Alicia Amin, Insta-famous personality Faiz Dickie and Stail.my cross-dressing fashionista Nyonya Mansoor.
“I can empathise with this misunderstood crowd. I’ve been there. I was once considered a nutcase and criticised by some people here.
“While nay-sayers can say what they want, what is important is how we deal with it.
“You can wallow in sadness over harsh words or you can rise above them. As long as we’re honest to ourselves and to the art we make, we can make progress, and when we succeed, that will be enough to shut them up.”
With many colourful personalities featuring in her music video, Zee Avi has this to add: “I support love. In whatever form it may come or take.”
WHAT’S NEXT
The single Who Are U is one of nine songs Zee has for her upcoming album titled Ellipsis.
Her first two albums — Zee Avi and Ghostbird — were released while she was in the US. However, she is mum about the release date for the third album.
Her music instruments and equipment were back in Kuala Lumpur in February, and the singer, who is a visual artist/fashion designer by training, says this signifies her readiness to release her first album here.
“I’ve been away since I was 17. I spent four years in the UK and then another four in New York before I moved to LA,” says Zee who believes that Malaysia is more than ready now to accept indie artistes.
She admits that after a decade, it feels good to be back home. “It’s nice to be back with the family. And, of course, there’s the food. No matter how far the wind may take me, there’s nothing that spells home quite like Malaysia.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be here, but I hope this time it’ll be longer than usual,” she adds. Zee is open to collaborations with local artistes, especially the younger folk as she believes there are new experiences to be learnt from them.
Looking at her own, Zee has undoubtedly gone through a music evolution.
“Before everyone (in the music industry) in New York started to move to LA, I had already transplanted myself in the Golden State in the west coast.
“Local music fans are ready for my music which at one time was perceived as eclectic. I’m willing to take my chances here now.
“That is also the reason why I’d love to explore more with younger artistes here, who have bravely paved a new segment in the music scene. In fact, they inspired me to give it another try here,” shares Zee.
While her concert with NJWA initially planned for last March had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, Zee is hopeful for a showcase in November. “I plan to invite some of my friends in the industry to perform too.
“And I hope to have another showcase. This time it’ll be a performance strictly by yours truly, in December, on my birthday,” says Zee, whose birthday falls on Dec 15.