UP CLOSE WITH CA-AH
UP CLOSE WITH CA-AH
1. How did your journey into music begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a full-time performer?
Music has been my passion since I was young. Even though I never had any formal singing lessons or training, music has always been a part of me. What many people don’t know is that I used to be a traditional dancer! Haha. I started dancing when I was eight years old because my mother was a traditional dancer and a dance teacher.
When I entered secondary school, I started posting song covers on Instagram at 15, mostly English and Korean songs. Back then, I also dreamed of becoming a YouTuber, so I made Q&A videos and short vlogs.
I would say music has always been in my blood. What truly inspired me to keep going was the warm support and encouragement I received from listeners. Their love made me want to continue pursuing what I love.
2. You describe yourself as a full-time performer. What has been the biggest challenge — and the biggest reward — of making music your career?
Phew… definitely when I didn’t have any gigs! Haha, that’s probably a little too honest, right? But that’s the reality.
I had to find other ways to earn money. I even worked as a mascot once just to make enough for food. I’ve also worked part-time as a waiter, an event crew member, and all sorts of other jobs. That’s just the hustle before you start seeing the results!
And honestly, I’m okay with that. There was even a time when I was so desperate that I had to sell things I really loved, just to survive while waiting for better opportunities.
These days, I earn by singing on TikTok too. Compared to back then, Alhamdulillah, more people know who I am now. I used to lack the confidence to put myself out there, but now I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone — and I’m really glad I did.
3. Your music and visuals have a very artistic, intimate feel. Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
Really? I’m not so sure, but thank you! Personally, I just want to be different. I’ve always been a pretty stubborn person when it comes to staying true to myself. My mindset has always been, “Don’t change me — this is who I am.”
To be honest, I don’t even think I’m that extreme or unique. I’ve received offers to sign with a record label and even to sing an OST for a drama, but the moment they started talking about changing my image, I turned them down immediately.
I know that probably sounds selfish — or even a little foolish — because those were great opportunities. But that’s just who I am. I’m very firm about my values and what I want, and I’d rather stay true to myself than become someone I’m not.
4. You’ve performed at festivals and collaborated with other artists. Which performance has been the most memorable so far, and why?
Whoa, there are so many! Ever since I first stepped onto a stage until now, every performance has been memorable. Each one means something special to me.
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But if I had to choose one, it would definitely be performing in Singapore with SOG (Sekumpulan Orang Gila). It was the best experience I’ve ever had.
And here’s something not many people know — I’ve actually never traveled outside of Malaysia before. Haha, sounds a little sad, doesn’t it?
InshaAllah, I hope this is just the beginning and that even more opportunities will come my way. I honestly can’t wait for what’s next!
5. How does acting influence the way you express yourself as a singer on stage?
Besides dancing, I also acted in theatre productions with my mum when I was still in school. She was the one who supported my interests the most and always brought me along whenever she could.
I continued performing until I finished school. After that, I got more piercings and changed my style, so I stopped acting — maybe because there weren’t any roles that suited me anymore! Haha.
Since then, I’ve decided to focus on singing, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.
6. What does your songwriting process usually look like? Do melodies or lyrics come to you first?
Like I mentioned earlier, I actually struggle with low self-esteem. I’ve never really been confident enough to write my own songs. 🙁
I have tried before — there are even a few on my YouTube channel — but honestly, I hated them. A lot of people have told me to just keep going, even if it feels cringe to me. I actually enjoy writing, but I usually only do it when I really have to. Maybe it’s time I start practicing more.
So, melody or lyrics first? It can be either, but I’d say I usually start with the melody. A melody helps inspire me and gives me a better idea of the story or message I want the song to tell.
7. What can your fans look forward to next — new music, collaborations, or perhaps a larger project?
Something exciting is coming this July!
Even though it’s a collaboration, after spending years only covering other people’s songs, I finally have an original song with me as the lead vocalist. I’m honestly so, so excited, and I really hope everyone will love it.
I don’t know what the future holds, but I pray that I’ll have more opportunities to perform and travel overseas. My biggest hope is to release my own single — or maybe even an EP — before the end of this year.
Amin.
