Meet MassMusic, an independent band that is making waves in M ​​& # 39; s hip-hop scene

Hip-hop is one of the most malleable musical genres. What started out as a means of political activism against police brutality and racism has gradually gained momentum and has been used by all strata of society to tell stories about life, life and death. love and even injustices in the world!) From MIA to Lil Pump, Tupac to Migos and Logic to Tyler The Creator, every hip-hop artist brings his own twist to this genre.

This genre also had an impact on the lives of these four Malaysians, who found their voice in hip-hop and decided to form a band. MassMusic, composed of Alan (composer and co-producer), Ilyas (singer and songwriter), Ming (music producer and sound engineer) and Midnight (DJ, Hypeman and composer), is an independent new wave hip-hop band straight from KL and they push the boundaries with their music, tackling toxic relationships, while ensuring everyone has a good time.

We recently spoke with MassMusic (without Midnight) in their studio about their new album MassMusic Vol.1, their hopes for the Malaysian music industry and their future as artists. Here's what they shared with WORLD OF BUZZ:

How did you start your career as a MassMusic?

Alan: Well, it started in high school. We were all in the music and we met at school, with the exception of midnight. He joined us a little later. We belonged to different cliques, but we were rather linked by our love for music and video games, typical things for boys. After school, I started making beats and Ming also became interested in this and took over when I started writing songs with Ilyas. I could not sing, so rap was the next thing, and that's how we all started.

Describe your music in 3 words.

Ming: Corrugated!

There is: Atmosphere!

Alan: It's so simple! [Everyone laughs] Hmm … I think "dark" is a good word because our recent work fits that mood.

You identify your sound as "New Wave Hip-Hop". Is there a reason for this specific label?

Alan: With the new school and the new wave of hip-hop, it's less about telling a story than about making things feel and thrilling the songs.

There is: We try to further describe the emotion with the tone and sound used, rather than just using words.

What is the hardest thing about working together in a group?

Alan: Most of the time, he arrives (at the studio) on time! [Laughs] We do not have many creative differences, unless someone leaves the room in a rush. We have collectively reflected on what seems best in a song, so no one grudges if someone's ideas are rejected during the creative process.

Ming: We usually get along most of the time, so there is not a lot of conflict. However, when it comes to difficult tasks with administrative work, things can be a little difficult since we are independent.

There is: I guess because we're so close, sometimes we're not professional enough.

Are you all full time musicians? If so, are there any challenges you face in pursuing this full-time job?

All: Yes, we all do it full time.

Alan: I am still in college to study marketing. I still have one subject to study. After graduation, I will pursue him full time. I guess it's not that difficult to find a balance as a student because I just do not go to class! [Laughs]

There is: One of the challenges is undoubtedly related to the money. Especially being independent, building your own name from scratch takes a toll; Plus, when you put so much work into your music and nobody listens to it, it can be quite difficult to handle.

Alan: Yeah, it's just about raising awareness and educating people about the art you do. In addition, we do not intend to push people into the throat, but the major disadvantage is that people are not aware (of our art) as much as they should be, so this kind of things can be a little demotivating. That being said, there are advantages and disadvantages to being independent.

What can Malaysian listeners expect from your album? What do you hope people feel when they listen to MassMusic Vol.1?

There is: The basic theme of this album is toxic relationships, so relationships are bad for you but you do not want to leave at the same time.

Alan: It's like falling into a trap, but you do it willingly. You know that you are going to be hurt, but there is a hint of love or validation that you are looking for and that you get despite being hurt. Many songs come and go from male and female victims. It's like a toxic proclamation of love.

There is: It does not even apply to romantic relationships, it can even apply to love for substances and things like that that people can identify with.

How did the production process of the album go? How long did it take?

There is: It was everywhere! [Everyone laughs]

Ming: It took us about a year to do it. We were back in our old studio at that time. I was just doing beats and listening to the stories of people around us and I was inspired by their lives.

Alan: We were working on different songs with different vibrations, we created happier stuff, but I thought it was more digestible for us to go down a path and deepen a topic. So, it's a dark thing. We would always run the words of each other too.

How was the general response to your album up to now?

There is: There was a local portal that gave us a very bad review, we were the second album that they never saw again. [Laughs]

Alan: Yes, they gave us a rating of 5.5 out of 10, and I remember the criticism was that some of our songs were "enigmatic". That's fine, people are entitled to their own opinions, but it was a bit shady, the H! [Everyone laughs] However, we sometimes get the message from fans who tell us that our music has really helped them through difficult times, so we appreciate it. Some members of the sector also co-signed us and went to our studio, so it's nice to be recognized. We just want to keep doing our art and try not to pay attention to negative comments.

What do you think about the local hip-hop scene and the Malay music scene in general?

Ming: I think there are a lot of untapped talents here.

Alan: There is a lot of talent, but there is no support system here either. There is a huge difference with that, so I think that with more platforms supporting talent, it would really increase the notoriety of local artists.

Who are your musical inspirations and why?

Ming: Led Zepplin, Avenged Sevenfold, The Beatles and Travis Scott.

Alan: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani, Red Hot Peppers Chili, Metallica, Dream Theater, Rage Against The Machine; I was really in rock early and started playing drums. Then I started going into rap when I wanted to express myself more and overcome stuttering using my voice (in music). I was a fan of Nas, Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, Miller Mac, Kanye West, Young Thug and Lil Uzi Green.

There is: The Libertines, The Strokes, Radiohead. We have never really listened to hip-hop at the time. Kid Cudi was the first of its kind to introduce me.

You've been listening to rock for a long time, why choose to do hip-hop rather than rock music?

Ming: For me, it was cool and cool. And that was what we listened to the most when we started production.

Alan: Also, from a logical point of view, for rock, you have to record drums and other live instruments, which is very expensive. For hip-hop, you can get programs and create your own rhythms, which is much more practical.

If you had the chance to collaborate with an artist of your choice on a song, who would act and why?

Ming: Swae Lee definitely, and the late Mac Miller.

Alan: With hip-hop, definitely Swae Lee. In general, maybe Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix.

There is: Right now, I'm thinking of Young Thug and Travis Scott.

Do you have personal music recommendations for our readers?

Alan: Listen to Nas' album "Illmatic", Kendrick Lamar, from "Paris Tokyo" by Lupe Fiasco.

There is: Lupe Fiasco. His writing is really poetic.

Ming: Yes, pretty much the same; Biggie, Tupac, all OG.

Where do you see MassMusic in the next 5 years?

All: Without a doubt go international.

Alan: That's one of our goals, of course.

There is: But we absolutely need Malaysia to support us on this.

Does MassMusic have any other exciting projects?

Ming: We have two upcoming music videos. A music video falls on Halloween (October 31) and we have just filmed another video for our song, Samantha which will be released in November. We also have an upcoming event on November 10th at ArtBox.

What advice would you give to local musicians who want to devote themselves to music full time?

There is: [Jokingly whispers] Do not do it! [Everyone laughs] But honestly, learn to use social media, especially when you're starting out.

Alan: Be prepared to sacrifice relationships, lose friends and even sometimes lose touch with reality. You must detach yourself and this may mean that you can not be there. You will miss birthdays, family functions and things like that. If you're really serious, you'll get through all of these things, but if you're making progress, if you're productive and you're improving in the studio, know that you're on the right track, despite the broken bridges with your friends and sometimes family. Do not lose hope; people give up too soon, but they could do more.

Ming: As independent artists, study the company and learn to promote yourself. We are still learning, but it is very useful information.

Curious to know the sound of MassMusic? #SapotLokal listening to their first MassMusic Vol.1 album and discover their latest video clip produced by JUA Establishment!

Read also: This local experimental group is the future of the Malaysian music industry