TWO years after forming a "supergroup", Rock n' Roll duo Jemson have finally released their self-titled album which features a blend of high-profile and obscure collaborators in the 12-track release.
The brand new album released on Friday (April 9) and is now available for listening on all major streaming platforms.
Among others, the release sees Jemson team up with the likes of Hujan frontman Noh Salleh, popular singer Naim Daniel, Vinesh of the punk band Trophy Knives, Sam from pop-punk group Bunkface, rapper Rudeen, Izo from the infamous XPDC, as well as Hujan guitarist AG Coco.
Jemson, which consists of guitarist Muhammad Najmi, formerly of metal group Against Infinity, and vocalist Mior Luqman Hakim – more affectionately known as Myo – who is also the frontman for rock band Oh Chentaku, have both been in the music scene for roughly 15 years each.
The two indicated that it was high time that they released the album after debuting with their first EP in 2019, 'Balada Cinta Kosmos', which contained five songs and was released in conjunction with Cassette Store Day.
Prior to the album's launch, Myo told The Vibes that the recording process started in November 2020 but they took a pause earlier this year when the second movement control order (MCO) took effect in January.
He said the band was only able to listen to all the mastered tracks of the release just days before it was made available to their fans.
"Overall, it was a fun process, not entirely smooth but we’re grateful for the experience. It’s awesome that we get to 99% collaborate with local musicians, engineers, designers, filmmakers on this album," Myo said.
"Balada Cinta Kosmos was entirely done DIY so it’s really cool that we get to do this album differently; still DIY, but with professional support. As musicians, we need to grow."
On the professional support, Myo was referring to an RM30,000 grant given by the government-linked Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana) from its recovery initiative to help the country's creatives. More specifically, Jemson was given the funds to help them record the album and carry out promotional works.
On whether he felt that Jemson was still an "independent" band despite receiving the grant, Myo – who treats music as a main source of income – said it was a matter of survival.
"Covid-19 really crushed me. I’ve lost 60% of my main income which is performing live shows. But like any other local musicians, we find other sources of income to support our family and staying motivated at the same time. Instead of dwelling, I resort to collaboration," Myo said.
"I curated weekly online shows called 'Karaokick', and collaborated with brands and hotels for my online show's prizes, while at the same time, I help boost local tourism."
"Back to the album, witnessing many engineers, recording studio, musicians struggle when MCO 2.0 was announced, I know I won’t be able to collaborate with everyone in the scene, but this album is also made to aspire and inspire, to get the music and art going.
"So, the band applied for Cendana support and we get to contribute to keeping our (Malaysian) music, film, and art ecosystem running; by Jemson supporting the local studios and everyone behind the making of this album."
On the collaborators, Myo said they were handpicked and suited for each song prior to recording, but not after being turned down by several artists.
"The truth is, there were some rejections but I honestly feel that every featured guest in this album made the songs in its own league."
Asked why Jemson was open to featuring Sam Bunkface in the record after the latter courted controversy when it slammed LGBT individuals in its song 'Akhir Zaman', Myo said people deserved second chances.
"We all should be given the opportunity to screw up, and opportunity to learn from damage done, and most importantly, to forgive," he added. – The Vibes, April 11, 2021
