THEY'VE been performing their brand of alluring and heartfelt vintage local tunes in a big band style which highlights Malaysia's past since 2016.
The brainchild of singers and theatre actors Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana, Tarakucha! is always accompanied by a fun and feel-good vibe that entertains music fans of all ages.
But the past two-plus years during the pandemic has been anything but fun for the ensemble which continues to explore the Malaysian songbook.
"It was hard, especially when us artistes were considered as non-essential not just here but around the world as well," says Sean during a recent chat in Bangsar, KL.
"That broke me. What was worse was not being able to see my 9-year-old daughter at the time who was living overseas. I missed out on two years of her life, not being able to be with her as she grew and developed," adds Ida.
But when things started to open up the two artistes and their trusted ensemble band of 10 musicians, including music director and pianist Nish Tham, went on to perform again at BoboKL late last year.
"It was a cathartic experience, where we came together to mend," says Sean adding that thankfully, things have been looking up this year.
The two are now co-hosting their own radio show, Lagu-Lagu Dulu-Dulu, on BFM Radio which airs every Tuesday at 10pm (with past episodes available on the BFM website).
"It's really in line with what we do that is to uncover songs from a different era and we get to present them together with details that people might not know of during the show," says Sean.
"We do lots and lots of research and discover many great songs from the region as well, some of which are suitable to the Tarakucha! aesthetic that we could perform. So, it's been sort of like doing our Master's degree but so much fun as well," says Ida.
In keeping the momentum going, Tarakucha! will be performing its latest season of shows, dubbed Viva Tarakucha!, from today until Nov 20 at BoboKL.
Expect a joyous experience as the two and their sizzling band perform a host of classics from Rasa Sayang, Burung Kakak Tua and Punch Card to Jelingan Manja, Getaran Jiwa and Gelora.
Both Sean and Ida agree that Tarakucha! is entertainment with a very distinct Malaysian spirit.
"From the Tarakucha! show, you get a bit of a history lesson and moments of real beauty in the songs and performances.
"It's got its moments of fun but the power of the music itself tends to inspire deep reflection that takes your breath away," says Sean.
He adds: "These are our local classics and I really think our strength is our diversity and in Tunku Abdul Rahman's vision and the promise of what we could be.
"This run of shows will be an interesting experience for the audiences and all of us too since it's during the season of the 15th General Elections," says Ida.
Aside from Viva Tarakucha!, Sean plans to have a special cinema-themed season for next year.
"I want to do a Tarakucha! goes to the movies theme which will feature western as well as local music pieces. There much that we can draw from the huge library of P Ramlee's works," he says.
Ida also plans to record some songs for an EP or even album if everything goes well.
Aside from drawing up a strategy for touring to get more exposure for the Tarakucha! brand, Sean also intends to find a permanent home for the whole ensemble.
"I'm thinking of a venue that's bigger than Bobo that could draw more people and become a fixture in KL.
"The goal is so that we can perform more regularly and perhaps even become some kind of a tourist attraction.
"It'll be a more controlled environment where we can make it an experience that's more than just the music. That would be great," he says.
Catch Viva Tarakucha! at BoboKL at 8pm from now until Nov 20. Tickets to the 120-minute show are priced from RM260-RM300.
Visit www.cloudtix.co/shows/viva-tarakucha for more details and to purchase tickets.