He wants to champion culture

 taken from The New Paper, 16 November 1994

M NASIR is probably THE most successful composer in Malaysia. His production fees are hefty and he has raked in royalties for hundreds of hits.

Will having his own label also mean reaping a bigger haul?

"If the songs sell, we earn more, but we bear the cost of production," said Nasir.

So, where previously he might have earned 50 cents, he could now earn about $2. But it may cost much more to produce the album.

"We still depend on the distributors for their expertise, but at least we have more control over the direction of the albums," he said.

Now, Nasir will talent-hunt for singers who will sing his songs, his way. Going by his record, his three proteges, Joey, Meor and Ruby, should be treading the rosy path.

Nasir said: "The problem with most producers is that they have no taste."

"A producer has to have that instinct, above all, to entertain."

He deals out mass-appeal songs to other singers while keeping his best works for himself. But there is irony in that seemingly selfish move.

His solo albums do least well of all those he produces. Only with his latest album, Canggong Mendonan (Awkward Stranger), did sales reach an all-time high of 80,000.

He produced two albums for top rock bands Search (Fenomena) and Wings (Teori Domino). They sold 250,000 copies each and both won platinum awards.

The ones he keeps for himself, he admits, are not for easy-listening pleasure. Like the man, they often have a deeper meaning, usually philosophical, religious or mystical in nature.

His songs also go deep into folk culture. Is championing all things cultural his aim? It seems to be so. "It's my upbringing," said Nasir, after a moment's thought.

"I don't know about the rest, but when I was young, during my Jalan Teck Whye days, I always 'sensed' culture. I love my culture."

His dream? To be able to bring culture to the modern world. To make it hip to listen to dondang sayang (Malay folk music). Nasir is happily married to former singer Junainah Johari. They have three sons.

This is the last in the Noren Interview series

'I'm not difficult'

 taken from The New Paper, 16 November 1994

By Norenshah Sahari

“We cannot easily say it (mass appeal numbers) is bad for our culture or that we lose our roots. We don’t have enough good products to counter this culture.”

 — M Nasir (above)

BE prepared for an empty notepad, I was told by frustrated colleagues.

M Nasir, 37, music man extraordinaire, has a reputation for being “difficult” and a dislike for the notebook and pen brigade.

An attempt to speak to him during the Malaysian Film Festival three years ago drew zilch. He was a man of monosyllables.

This time around, Nasir was asked to speak or forever hold his peace.

“Me, difficult?” he said. Silence. He looked perplexed. “No. If reporters ask me questions, I answer,” he added, shrugging.

Usually with just a yes or no and a full stop. But this time, over fish and chips, Nasir — the weaver of tales, creator of stories untold, in melodies never before imagined — spoke.

Gingerly at first. Has he become approachable because he has more acting roles under his belt, and now, singers to promote?

Silence. Three minutes later, a response: “I’m still the same.”

Singapore-born Nasir, a graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, left for Malaysia in the '80s in search of greener pastures. There, he made a name for himself as singer and songwriter.

Later, he set up a production company and studio, Luncai Emas, which became a veritable gold mine of hits.

Nasir has now launched his own record label and three new singers under his wing.

Why a record label? After all, Nasir produces albums and songs across the board, irrespective of the record label. Fledglings, singers desperate for a comeback and chart holders wanting to maintain star status, all turn to Nasir for that Midas touch.

His ingots range from the Alleycat hits in the '70s to rock chart toppers like Sejati (Wings) and Fantasia Bulan Madu (Search) to film scores such as Azurah, which won Best Original Song and Best Original Score in the 1991 Malaysian Film Festival, Kembara Seniman Jalanan (Street Artist) and Tsu Feh Sofiah.

Nasir, himself, has recorded 12 solo albums and is making a name as an actor, having starred in five films including the award-winning Selubung (Veil).

In slow, barely audible tones, Nasir said: “It’s a continuation of my plan to be self-reliant. It’s a step-by-step development.”

Ah, talking about music is where he is in his element.