WE were once like pariah, deemed a disruptive influence and corruptor of youth moral, said veteran independent rock musician Fareeq Alias.
"That was three decades ago. In fact, all of us were lumped together in the much-dreaded "Black Metal" genre, even when the vast majority of our bands were clean, wholesome fun," he said at the launch of his new documentary film Pekik at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) in Jalan Hulu Klang recently.
STARK CONTRAST
"That's a stark contrast today, where many musicians proudly brandish their independent rock roots. And some have become big winners in music awards, as well as household names respected by parents and kids alike."
Pekik, a production of Fareeq's company Stereo Pixels Sdn Bhd and aided by MyCreative Ventures with the support of Finas, premieres on Astro First today. It may be considered the country's first independent rock "biopic".
RENTED ROOMS
Through interviews with musicians from more than 50 bands, Fareeq brings to light independent rock music's "coming-of-age" journey, from its humble beginnings in tiny rented rooms, to major concerts in the federal capital and beyond.
The featured bands and artistes include Loque of Monoloque, Emmett of Butterfingers, Azmyl Yunor, Izzat Uzaini of Hujan, Tam of Blind Tribe and Sekumpulan Orang Gila.
COMING OF AGE
Told entirely from the point of view of pioneer soloists and bands, Pekik is meticulously crafted by a team of longtime musicians, gig organisers and concert staff.
Fareeq serves as its executive producer while Alel Hashim is producer and Izuan Shah is the scriptwriter.
Fareeq said: "For two hours, we have dozens of interviews with independent rock musicians old and new, and footage of major concerts involving these bands over the decades."
HAPPY AND SAD
"Some have happy stories to tell, others sad, but at the end of the day, all of them are optimistic about the future of indie rock, and believe it is here to stay".
He added that Pekik, which means scream in Malay, was a reunion of sorts for independent rock veterans, such as Aru Peruzza of Koffin Kanser, Radhi of OAG and Fathul of Spiral Kinetic Circus.
A DOZEN SONGS
"It also features a newly-recorded soundtrack with over a dozen songs by various groups," said Fareeq, adding that filming took place over a year beginning in 2021.
The catchy and power-packed theme song, also titled Pekik, was written and composed by Fareeq and Alel, and performed by Radhi and Tam, with backing vocals from members of the interviewed bands.
COLLECTIVE STRUGGLES
Radhi said that Pekik was the "moment he was waiting for".
"I am most honoured to sing the theme song, as it told the story of our collective struggles poetically.
"After all I am featured prominently in this movie, likewise my duet partner Tam.
"But it's not my story or his; it is our collective story, the star of the show is Malaysia's very own indie rock music," he said.
EVERYBODY EVERYWHERE
The idea came about a decade ago, but it took Fareeq "quite some time" to get all the major acts together.
"It wasn't an easy job because everybody was everywhere.
"But I persevered and got most of them during the last two years.
"I'm happy that many of my fellow musicians kept footage of old gigs and had good recollections of their old studios and offices, and they took me down memory lane to create this masterpiece."
MAMAT KHALID MOVIE
Singer-actor Adam John of Rock 'N Roll John said that this was his second time in a movie after Rock 4, Rockers Never Dai by the late Mamat Khalid in 2020.
"Back then, I was playing a fictitious character named Rayyan, an aspiring rock musician. But this time, I am featured as myself. This documentary is a brilliant introduction for all viewers who want to know about indie rock in Malaysia."
MAJOR NAMES
Rock magazine ROTTW founder Mohd Rom Mohd Nor said that it was the right time for Malaysians to know about the independent rock scene.
He said: "Pekik precisely chronicles the genre's journey from its humble beginnings, its major setbacks and some of the major names that emerged from it."
The documentary is also available on Astro On Demand and Astro Go.
For more information, visit https://pekik.stereopixels.com.