The Boy without a Band

Iz, a Malaysian teen heartthrob is in the city to perform for the first time. While he does seem like any other boy band singler, we discover that there's so much more to him

A two-letter name and a nation roars when he comes on stage. Malaysian pop idol Iz has indeed come a long way and now Bangalore's all ready to say -- Selamat Datang -- Welcome indeed!

This fashionable pop star was recently the opening performer at the Malaysian International Fashion Week 2009 too, and we can sure see why. Young, smart, impishly handsome and a voice that would make most girls (and a few boys swoon) -- Iz is definitely one good way to spend some extra time on hand.

The Guide Bangalore decided to get up close and personal with this looker from across the sea and here's some of the stuff we chatted about...



When did your musical journey begin and how has it been so far?
I've been singing for as long as I can remember, since I was a baby really. My dad has friends in the music industry, so I grew up around recording studios and musicians. Professionally I started in 2008, it's been great and so much fun, and I feel that it's going in the right direction -- my music has now brought me to India.u00a0 Of course like many other artists starting out, there are many challenges, but without those challenges I would not be who I am today.

Now, I'm much more focused on what I want to do, and I know what I want for the market and for myself as a singer and songwriter.u00a0

Your claim to fame?
In my country, I'm noticed for my personal style and choice of clothing. People recognize me especially because of my 'many sexy' hairstyles. I guess it's my personality, shown through a combination of my creativity and music with fashion. My audience also loves me as I love interacting with my fans at performances, or at events organized just for them or through my blog.

What brings you to Bangalore?
I'm here as a part of the pre-promotional tour for the soundtrack of an Indian film which will be released in March/April. It's called 'The Successor: Private & Confidential' and I've been sworn to secrecy, so I can't tell you anything about it. I'm here to explore a bit about India before I return as a part of the soundtrack tour, and then end with a huge grand finale concert in Bangalore much later this year. This week I have a few small shows. It's going to be really cool. So, I'd hope to see everyone reading this, there!

And after the show?
This trip, which is my first trip to India, is really just a whirlwind tour for me to check out the country, meet some of the lovely people, and give a very small sample of my music. I can't wait to come back!

What genre would you define your music as?
This is a hard question to answer. My music contains elements of different types of music that I love listening to, which is pretty eclectic. It's basically however, a mix of pop, R'n'B and dance.

Do you think it would have been easier if you were a female pop star?
Every artist is an individual, so there shouldn't really be a breakdown into genders, male or female.u00a0 Having said that, people always say that women have it easier in terms of choice of fashion and hairstyle, but I think, how I present myself is a visual expression of me, so I never ever have a problem!

Your music idols? Do you have any?
Of course I do, but then again, it's really hard to say. I just love voices, and I love finding new sounds from all over the world. People like Erykah Badu, Lucy Pearl and Anggun have a great sound and work successfully internationally. Being in Malaysia I grew up watching Hindi films, and I just love some of the music sung by Asha Bhonsle.

Any WTF moments on stage?
I was performing my new single called A.L.O.N.E (which will be on my 2010 album), during a fashion show in Kuala Lumpur. The backing CD skipped during a part in the song, which meant that I had to sing this tricky high long note for an extra 20 seconds without running out of breath. Luckily nobody noticed, except for my manager who was panicking behind stage. Phew!

At: Leela Galleria, 4 pm
and Hotel Atria, 8 pm
On: January 6
Call: 99800 45131