GEORGE TOWN - The idea of Malaysian politicians forming a rock band may be anathema to some, but that is precisely what Penang state assemblypersons Zairil Khir Johari, and Syerleena Abdul Rashid have done.
The duo formed the band Priwayat, which was conceived during the movement control order (MCO).
They will be releasing a five-song extended play (EP), titled Suralaya this month.
Zairil said he had stopped playing music for a long time due to work commitments.
“I have a piano at home and I thought I’d get it tuned at the beginning of the year, but I didn’t start playing it until the MCO,” Zairil said.
Syerleena, however, had been in the music scene before her involvement in politics. She formed the rock band Paku, together with her brother.
They even toured the United Kingdom (UK) and were featured on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). However, they disbanded in 2010.
Syerleena was involved in an accident last year that briefly rendered her bedridden.
“I could not do anything except to play my guitar. Then after that, MCO happened, and I guess we reconnected with our passion for music,” she said.
“The first time when we jammed was when the MCO restrictions were eased, and the first time I heard him (Zairil) play the piano, I was shocked. I was like, where did this come from?”
They were given the opportunity to make their live debut at the Petra Kasih concert recently, held in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations at the Magellan Sutera Resort, in Kota Kinabalu.
“One day, Zairil texted the band saying that we’ve got our first show, and it will be in Kota Kinabalu. Everyone was like, ‘Yes, let’s do it,’” Syerleena told The Vibes.
Zairil said he felt overwhelmed as most bands land their first gigs in neighbourhood pubs, while Priwayat had the honour of being the opening act at a concert where local household names such as Zainal Abidin and Dasha Logan performed.
“I can do ceramah anytime, but I never played the piano in front of an audience. Syerleena has spent years playing to an audience.
“I have never even played the piano for a school show. I’m used to being on stage but playing an instrument is something new for me. But now, I would gladly do that again, anytime,” said Zairil.
Syerleena, who is the lead guitarist of the band, however, was very much in her element.
“It was the first time in a long time for me, playing on stage with a band. I was excited.
For Syerleena, standing up on stage alone, during ceramahs, without the presence of band members is more “nerve-wracking”.
The other members of the band are vocalist Zam Vigil, bassist Shanx, and drummer Jern Sistynine.
The band was named Priwayat, which means storyteller because they believe their lyrics tell a story.
“We have a song called Janabijana, an old classical Malay word that means our land of birth. It describes a stormy scene, symbolising an upheaval, and in the chaos, the puppet master becomes emperor.
“It is about a certain political move, but it is anyone’s guess,” said Zairil.
Zairil predominantly writes the lyrics, while Syerleena crafts the rifts of the music they produce.
“The cool thing is that you can record stuff on the phone, and just send the rifts over and settle stuff on Whatsapp.
“In this band, everyone brings something different to the table, and at the end, when all five of us are in the jamming studio, that is when the magic happens,” said Syerleena.
She says they sing about the things they feel very strongly about, and “it is only natural that, as politicians, we have some songs that carry a political narrative”.
However, there are other songs like “Sumpah di Bumi Kawi” which is about the curse on Langkawi island.
Syerleena said, juggling a political career, with a pet project like music requires time management skills.
“I’ve been an advocate for the arts and music industry, as these are two things that I don’t think are given the same priority compared to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“I believe it is a gift that God has given us, and it will be a waste if we don’t do something with it,” she said.
Priwayat was officially formed in June 2020, and the five songs in their EP were recorded in Penang and mixed in Kuala Lumpur. – The Vibes, October 11, 2020
