February 2012

THE ACCIDENTAL STAR

Zee Avi's video appearances on YouTube led to worldwide success for this Malaysian singer-songwriter

WORDS TAN HEE HUI
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILLARY WALSH

It had all started unwittingly in 2007, when Zee Avi uploaded a video of her first song onto YouTube for one of her friends, who had missed her first performance in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The video earned rave reviews and inspired Zee to upload more. They then caught the attention of a representative from US-based Brushfire Records — and Zee was signed up. Notably, the recording label is partly owned by Jack Johnson, a popular American folk-rock singer-songwriter.

In 2009, Zee released her eponymous debut album, which earned international success for the Sarawakian. "I couldn't believe it, especially when I did not want to pursue a musical career in the first place; and even had second thoughts about it," says the 26-year-old. Back then, she'd wanted to pursue a degree in Creative Writing, "and also perhaps a minor in Philosophy". However, when the Brushfire Records deal came along, it was an offer she couldn't refuse.

Born in Miri, Zee remembers regular karaoke sessions at weekends and also piano lessons. "But with my fickle heart and mind, they did not last very long. Since I was young, my musical preferences have been pretty diverse, from The Carpenters to The Cranberries."

At 17, having been playing the ukulele for four years, Zee learned to play the guitar. Describing herself as "complex, unpredictable and someone who's known to speak in a blunt manner", she says her family and close friends "have thankfully stuck with me through my career and personal ups and downs. They'll also constantly remind me to never be afraid to be myself, to remember my humble beginnings, and to treat people with love and respect."

Her debut album achieved the No. 130 spot on the US Billboard Hot 200 Chart and was No. 2 on the US Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart. It sold 6,000 copies within two weeks of its release in the US, and subsequently sold more than 300,000 copies. The album's first single Bitter Heart spent three weeks on Japan's Top 100 Singles chart and was featured on the second season of hit TV programme Parenthood.

Undoubtedly, Zee's successes are attributed to her sheer talent, but with some inevitable luck and good timing. She says: "It's awesome to think that it had all begun with YouTube. Even the making of my debut album, which took just three weeks to complete and was capably led by producer Robert Caranzza, was memorable. Thankfully, I'd worked with the right people who'd shared my vision and complemented my brand of music, so the overall experience was rather painless.

"Robert was also responsible for providing me with insight about how the music industry works — and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with genuine people who've ensured that I remain down-to-earth."

Last year, Zee's sophomore album Ghostbird (which in Zee's native Malay language means 'owl') was released to critical acclaim. It had taken three weeks to complete the song-writing process and two weeks for the album's recording. "It was, however, almost seamless to produce the album. For one, I had a good idea about how I'd wanted each song to sound in the first place. And working with the album's producer Mario Caldato, Jr. had made the production process easier because both of us were on the same page in terms of incorporating the notes, melodies and rhythms into a range of songs that feature a certain style."

Having reached No. 129 on Billboard's Hot 200 Albums chart and No. 1 on Heatseekers Albums chart, the making of Ghostbird had involved a bigger production team than her debut album.

Both of Zee's albums notably contain songs with a unique acoustic folk vibe, inspired by genres such as jazz, world beat and classical music, as well as evocative musical influences from the 1950s to the '70s. "All of my songs have lyrical qualities that evoke different feelings and moods. My songs certainly do not promote just one particular genre."

Also passionate about performing live at showcases held around the world, which "will allow me to display my creativity in front of large audiences", Zee says her most memorable performances include headlining festivals such as San Francisco Outside Lands; San Diego Street Scene, a gig held at a private island in Bahamas; as well as serving as an opening act for one of Grammy Award-winning Ani DiFranco's gigs, and performing for a sold-out showcase held at Los Angeles' legendary Troubadour nightspot.

To survive, even thrive in the music industry, Zee "will definitely not do something, whatever it is, because it's hip or trendy. Qualities such as having faith and genuine passion for my endeavours are vital, as well as possessing lots of patience, love and wisdom".

"It also doesn't hurt to be a good judge of character. Trust me, being able to assess others' real personalities will serve you well in more ways than one."

ZEE AVI'S KUALA LUMPUR FAVOURITES

JALAN ALOR — "grilled stingrays and other sorts of seafood." DAMANSARA HEIGHTS — "great cocktails at The Hill restaurant-cum-bar."

JALAN TUN RAZAK — "wonderful ambience, great cocktails, and topnotch music ranging from 1920s' jazz to '60s garage at Intermark Hotel's Tate bar."

LAKE GARDENS — "the National Bird Park here has a huge canopy and a beautiful large lake. Enjoy a tranquil outing here; take a stroll while the birds chirp and sing for you. Sometimes, I'll bring a book and chill out here."

PETALING JAYA — "superb Balinese massage at the Khareyana Spa. Complete with seaweed body wrap and a relaxing milk bath." MAMAK STALLS — "regardless of the location in KL. Hanging out 'til the wee hours at the Indian-Muslim mamak stalls with vibrant setting."

Zee Avi's Ghostbird is available at good music stores and www.zeeavi.com/store