What made you want to be a singer songwriter?
I know it’s cheesy, but I actually started off writing songs as a way of expressing myself and getting away with it. I would put in these intricate subliminal messages in the lyrics just to see if audiences took the time to realize what is actually being said. With that, I could express myself without coming off as a whiny teen (which, sadly, at times, I consider myself to be).
How did you first get into playing the guitar?
Actually my grandfather played guitar. He played everything. And so did his son, my uncle. And when I turned 13, my uncles and aunts all got me an acoustic guitar. I suppose it was kind of like the family equivalent of a bar mitzvah. I already had some musical training by then. It was shortly after I started taking piano classes (although I could already play a few notes here and there before that) so I wasn’t too lost in trying to figure out how to play the guitar.
So how long have you been performing in KL?
I started off playing in a punk band called My 479 back when I was in secondary school. In fact, we were already playing gigs in clubs and pubs when I was 15. I only started branching off into my own solo act in early 2007. I must say though, playing in a band has really taken me on a journey vocally. Looking back at when my band first started, if I attend the show as I was then, I doubt you’d be hearing a flattering voice at On The Up.
What is your usual setup when you perform?
My usual setup? A terribly intonated guitar dropped one whole step. No effects, I’ve always had bad experiences with effects and excessive cables.
How would you describe your music?
I would actually say the music varies with my mood. Right now I’m trying to keep my options open, I mean, I’m still 19, plenty of music to absorb. I do however, tend to lean more towards blues and funk nowadays.
Who or what influences your music?
My earliest days of music revolved around me forcing my parents to listen to Michael Jackson’s (R.I.P.) albums in the car, on repeat. And when I got home, I would watch his music videos on VCR, on repeat. There was a point in my life when I was actually into rap. The wordplay got me hooked. In the later years of secondary school I primarily listened to emo/scream/death metal/pop punk. I had the chance to meet a bluesman named Patrick Laemmle while I was working in Switzerland, and he really steered me in the direction I’m currently heading. If it weren’t for him, god knows, I might be playing jiwang acoustic pop songs now.
What are your top three tracks on your playlist currently?
My number one track right now would be Adam Lambert’s version of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’ (yes, I did acknowledge the existence of that song long before Adam made that cover). Ever since Michael Jackson’s death I took the time to relive my childhood, so ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ would be second on the list. The third would probably be ‘You Belong With Me’ by Taylor Swift.
Any plans on coming out with an EP or album?
Well, I really would love to come up with an EP, but I’ve just been extremely busy with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. I’m also looking to find a studio that specializes in such recordings. Sadly, my band’s EP recorded in *insert anonymous studio here* didn’t turn out very pretty.
Where can people catch your performance?
Well, my myspace is pretty much defunct. It contains mostly old songs of mine, poorly written, atrociously sung, and badly recorded. Anyone who wants a good laugh can check it out at myspace.com/yoursecretadmirermusic. Right now I just moved to youtube, and you can find footage of songs, with both me as a solo act, as well as my band. The channel name is Aimran479.
Aimran Alif will be sharing the stage with Liyana Fizi, Rhapsody and Lovesick Avenue at No Black Tie for Time Out KL’s On The Up, Aug 19. |
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