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
Tiada ulasan:
Catat Ulasan