With his career gaining more traction, the singer-songwriter is off to UK to promote his latest album, writes Shuib Taib
GIVING up is the only sure way to fail. This was the belief that kept Ariff Abu Bakar, who took part in a singer-songwriter competition in Kuala Lumpur in 2009, forging ahead.
Ariff AB, as his stage name goes, entered the competition to try out his skills. The contest, Acoustic Showdown, held at Urban Attic Caps Square, Kuala Lumpur provided a platform for budding local amateur singer-songwriters.
But he failed to get through the first round. The following year, he took part in the same competition again and faced the same fate.
For the average Joe, this would be a sign to do something else. But not Ariff. The first few failures didn’t kill his spirit. Instead, it only pumped him up to better.
“So I decided to give it a few more shots until I was absolutely sure that music could not be my calling. Finally, in my fifth attempt, I made it to the finals. I performed my first composition, Heart Train. And guess what? I finally won!” said the 25-year-old, adding that the win gave him the much-needed confidence to further his music ambitions.
CIRCLE OF TALENT
The win resulted in Ariff receiving an invitation to perform at the World Expo in Shanghai, China alongside local acts like Liyana Fizi. At the event, Ariff sang Bye Bye Baby, a self-penned number which was later included in his 2014 mini album, Transmission.
Known as Maravilla Ariff (Ariff Wonder), a name given to him by Spanish fans, Ariff slowly but surely built his name. Thanks to the release of Transmission, Ariff attracted more listeners.
The album contains six tracks including Satellite, Rundown, Brake Lights, The Last Flight and Amie.
“I uploaded Bye Bye Baby onto Soundcloud (a global online audio distribution platform that enables its users to upload, record, promote and share their music) and it became a hit.
“Rundown also made it on BBC Radio 1 and 2, another platform for unsigned segments. Then Patrick Lyons contacted me. The rest is history,” said Ariff.
Lyons is an NME award-winner. It’s an annual music awards show in the UK, founded by the music magazine, NME which stands for New Musical Express. Lyons, who was also instrumental to the success of UK band Fat White Family, is Ariff’s talent agent.
“Lyons points out the direction I should take,” said Ariff, who expressed his excitement at returning to the
UK soon.
During his first trip in 2013, Lyons secured Ariff several gigs and radio interviews, one of which was with Deptford Radio at New Cross Station.
“I had goosebumps when I heard Rundown on the radio,” recalled Ariff, adding that after that song went on air, his Facebook fanpage increasedfrom 1,000 to more than 22,000.
In 2014, promoters booked him for more shows and Ariff was the opening act for Leanne Robinson (of The X-Factor UK fame) at one of them.
Ariff has also opened shows for UK indie artiste Russell Swallow, Irish-born singer-songwriter Kal Lavelle and multiple-platinum singer-songwriter Fiona Bevan, who co-wrote Little Things with Ed Sheeran. That became a hit for One Direction in many countries.
“Just being able to rub shoulders with this circle of talented people is simply wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Ariff, who has also performed at The Green Note in Camden, London.
Ariff, who leaves for the UK on Aug 29, will spend a month in London, promoting his latest album, Blue Skeleton.
One of the tracks, The Wolf, is on the hitz.fm chart. The album includes a Malay song, Bukan Sempurna.
“I have never written a Malay song and this was my first attempt. I even wrote the lyrics. I hope to release the album soon,” said Ariff.
He added, “As for the UK tour, it is going to be a surprise. I will perform songs from Blue Skeleton.
“The last time I was in England, I did 51 shows, including opening acts and intimate shows. This time around, I hope to do more,” said Ariff, who has a diploma in business and music from ICOM and a degree in broadcasting from IACT
College, Petaling Jaya.
Ariff, who sings with his trademark shades on, has come a long way. But why the dark glasses?
“I am quite a shy person. Without those dark glasses, I feel inhibited. They allow me to move and sing freely and be myself.”
Ariff’s confirmed tour dates
Aug 31 - The Hospital, London
Sept 1 - Beatnik Sessions, London
Sept 2 - The Cellar, London
Sept 3 - Sessions 58, London
Sept 4 - Green Note, London
Sept 5 - Electric Foxes, London
Sept 6 - BarFly, London
Sept 7 - Brinks Session, London