From halfway across the globe here comes a Malaysian pop-rock band with an insatiable avidity to rise to prominence in the American music scene. Despite having achieved multiple record and radio successes in Malaysia and its neighbouring regions, the band has always aspired to bring their music elsewhere.
With multiple internationally recognised awards under their belt, Beat The System is set to cross another milestone in their music career in today’s immensely competitive mainstream music scene. The band consists of lead singer May Leigh, lead guitarist Stewart Sellan, drummer/songwriter Gerald, and songwriter Adrian Puan. Together, the band has written and produced a 12-track album that reflects their journey through life, of love lost, love found, and what once was and is now. Check out Be Your Own below!
We managed to catch up with the band as they talked about their latest video and more!
How has the release of Be Your Own since the release?
It totally surpassed our expectations to be honest. The single gained traction the moment we released it and we’ve been receiving messages from people all around the world saying how the song has touched them.
Can you tell us something about the video no one knows?
We changed the storyline of the video a couple of times simply because we wanted to make sure the video has a twist to it that is somewhat unexpected. Many wondered if the actress in the video is actually dead or if the whole guy-girl romance is just a part of her imagination. As long as it keeps people guessing, I think we achieved what we set out to do.
Can you tell us something about your recent album?
We’re really really proud with our album that’s titled ‘Journey’. Every song reflects what we actually went through as a band. They are all so very personal yet relatable to a certain extent. The sound for each song is pretty specific too, no two songs sound similar to the other, at least that was what we had in mind.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Maroon 5. These guys have been around for the longest time and yet they remained relevant, a feat not many bands can pull off. They have a unique sound and they’re always open to experimenting different things.
So what’s the alternative music scene like in Malaysia?
It’s horrendous. There’s no growth there, everything is politicised to a point where new and emerging artists have no credible platform to showcase their talent. If you want to make it in music there, make sure to make the right ‘friends’.
Will you be touring at all this year?
Yes, certainly! We’re planning a tour in the West Coast as we speak.
So you’ve won a number of awards in your home country, are you ready to tackle the US and Europe?
We’re so ready! We’re extremely excited for what’s to come.
What was your favourite moment while recording the album.
It has got to be during the mixing session when all the creative ideas come together as one. Everyone was so incredibly professional and efficient that we didn’t have any ‘creative clashes’ with one another. It was truly a joy working alongside these award winning producers and mixers. We couldn’t have asked for a better team.