Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Music
Traditional & Classical
Traditional Malay music is based largely on gendang (drums) but other percussion instru-
ments include the gong and various tribal instruments made from seashells, coconut shells
and bamboo. The Indonesian-style gamelan (a traditional orchestra of drums, gongs and
wooden xylophones) also crops up on ceremonial occasions. The Malay nobat uses a mix-
ture of percussion and wind instruments to create formal court music.
For Western-style classical music, attend a performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic
Orchestra at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas at the base of the Petronas Towers.
Chinese and Islamic influences are felt in the music of dondang sayang (Chinese-influ-
enced romantic songs) and hadrah (Islamic chants, sometimes accompanied by dance and
music). The KL-based Dama Orchestra ( www.damaorchestra.com ) combines modern and
traditional Chinese instruments and plays songs that conjure up 1920s and '30s Malaysia.
Popular Music
Snapping at the high heels of demure Malaysian pop songstress Siti Nurhaliza ( ht-
tp://sitizone.com ) are Zee Avi ( www.zeeavi.com ) , who was signed by the US label Bush-
fire Records for her eponymous debut album; and the sultry Yuna ( www.yunamusic.com ),
who has also cut a US record deal.
Winner of three AIM awards (the Malaysian equivalent of the Grammys) in 2004 for his
debut album, Monumental, is singer-songwriter Reshmonu ( www.reshmonu.com ); his 2009
release, Harapan (Hope), blends local rhythms and instruments into R'n'B and Latin
grooves such as samba and bossa nova. Famous for his distinctive look of braided hair with
flowing extensions, the multitalented 32-year-old has opened concerts for the likes of Ali-
cia Keys and the Prodigy, and featured on Lonely Planet's TV program Six Degrees: Kuala
Lumpur .
Generally, though, KL's indie music scene is erratic, with artists not always being able to
go the distance for local let alone international recognition. That said, some consistent tal-
ents to keep eyes and ears open for include the following:
ยป Azmyl Yunor, a singer-songwriter who's been cutting discs and making music since 1997; his 2012 album, Wilayah ,
was made with his touring band the Sigarettes.
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