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#SHOWBIZ: ALVN's bittersweet ditties on love

MALAYSIAN singer and actor ALVN is happy that one of his biggest dreams has come true with the recent release of his full-length studio album, titled 'Between the Lines'.

The 33-year-old artiste, whose real name is Alvin Chong, has also gifted fans with the new track, 'Rescue Me', which serves as the lead track for the album.

Composed by Hyuk Shin and Seann Bowe, the tune features lyrics penned by Bowe and ALVN himself.

'Rescue Me', which was arranged by CUURLEY and produced by Hyuk Shin, speaks of something very personal for  ALVN.

"The track is about thinking that love is not for you especially while witnessing other people, like your close friends falling in love, getting married, and having children.

"This is because every time you try to get into a relationship, it never seems to last.

"Personally, none of my past relationships lasted more than a year. It was either three, four, or just six months," says the Penang-born artiste.

"So, after a few encounters you begin to question yourself and ask why it is so hard for you but so easy for other people to find love. That is the story and inspiration behind the song."

ALVN explained that the situations are clearly described in the lyrics, especially during the pre-chorus and chorus segments of the new song.

"People just float by nobody stays, why is it always this way/ I've been trapped in this place too long/ It's like heaven built a prison for me," sings the hapless romantic in the chorus.

"I guess you begin to feel like no matter what you do or whatever way you try to find love or to feel love, it just seems impossible.

"So, I think many people can relate to this song," says ALVN with a smile.

"I know many people around me who are still struggling to find their significant other, so I'm sure many people feel the same way that I do.

"It's relatable and hopefully, they will also love this song," says ALVN.

The fresh-faced talent reveals that he wrote 'Rescue Me' with Hyuk Shin and Seann Bowe in Los Angeles, USA.

"We met on the first day I arrived, and we immediately started writing and talking. After exchanging ideas and life experiences, we proceeded to record and finish the track on the second day.

"It took us just two days to finish the whole track," he says of the smooth writing process.

ALVN adds that he enjoyed working with Hyuk Shin and Bowe as they are both experienced and fun-loving musicians who made the entire experience a good and memorable one.

When asked about the album and why he decided to name it 'Between the Lines', ALVN says that it's a way for his listeners to get to know him better.

"I co-wrote most of the songs, and there are about five tracks that I got involved in. And if you can read 'between the lines', you will probably know me slightly better.

"This is because, from the first to the eighth track, the songs all tell a story of falling in love for the first time, then falling in love with your best friend and wanting to see them again for one more night.

"And then you want to do it all over again, and eventually there's communication problems before finally getting heartbroken.

"It's a whole journey of an emotional cycle," explains ALVN in detail.

Although ALVN is ultimately hopeful, he doesn't have many expectations for the album except that he just wants to release his very own music.

He also hopes to be able to perform the songs in the future and share his life experiences with people who love his music.

ALVN, who is signed to SomeDay Records under Universal Music Malaysia, began his entertainment career around 2009 when he moved to Kuala Lumpur.

Fluent in English, Malay, and Mandarin, he has released various singles sung in those languages.

ALVN has also acted in numerous drama series, telemovies, and films such as 'Mak Cun', 'Ben & Bella', 'She Was Pretty', 'Iskandar Chempaka', 'Suri Hati Mr Pilot', 'Tangisan Kubur', 'Hantu Judi', 'Huat The Fish' and 'The Dream Boyz'.

'Between the Lines' can be streamed on all digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, KKBOX, Deezer, and YouTube Music.

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