After over a dozen years of largely solo experience in the local music circuit, the soulful songsmith has started a band. Meet Jaki-Brashga, a “New Age alternative rock” ensemble that brings together some of the most talented artistes from the local music scene.
Speaking with FMT, de Cruz shared that he was inspired to create a band after the success of his maiden concert “Love Life Music” last year.
“The concert was great, but the one thing lacking was chemistry between the band. It was good, but it was made up of sessionists. They weren’t like the Rolling Stones, who’ve been playing together forever and have a certain energy.
“Afterwards, I realised I wanted a group of people I could always work with,” de Cruz, 34, explained.
Jaki-Brashga, which was formed in December, consists of Jamie Gunter on bass, Kieran Jumawan on lead guitar, de Cruz on vocals, Ashwin Gobinath on drums, and Gabriel Januarius on keyboards.
The band’s name comes from a combination of the first few letters of each member’s name.
“We were having a horrid time coming up with a name!” de Cruz chuckled, explaining that their first choices “had already been done, were too tacky, or were just trying too hard”.
“Usually, a band’s name is an indication of the kind of music they make. So what was the meaning of our name? I think you can make your own meaning.”
Ashwin chimed in, saying they wanted to create “a new sound” based on de Cruz’s distinct style.
“It’s an evolution of the sound of his music,” he said. “If you’re a Brendan de Cruz fan, you will definitely hear his voice, just in a different way.”
Jaki-Brashga have released a single, “What Did You Do”, which has been gaining momentum on local music platforms.
“This song is a good introduction to the band. It’s a good representation of us without going too much to our extremes; a nice middle ground,” Ashwin, who is also the band’s co-producer, added.
He describes Jaki Brashga’s music as “progressive folk fusion”, while de Cruz sees it more as “alternative indie folk post rock”. Each bandmate has vastly different music influences and playing styles, but it is their eclectic combination that gives rise to a truly memorable sound.
And while they have big plans ahead, including the release of a second single, Jaki-Brashga are most excited about “Our Worlds: A Live Experience”, their maiden concert at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) next weekend.
Music lovers can look forward to a “live aural and visual experience”, with effects and projection mapping from multidisciplinary artist Faris Nasir aka Vuevossa, who de Cruz calls “the sixth member of the group”.
“I think what the pandemic has shown is that people need music and want live performances,” Ashwin shared. “I also hope this encourages our local audiences to grow more open to local talents.”
“We want people to have a good time, and enjoy our music and the experience,” de Cruz added.
For him, it’s almost like starting his career all over again. But he reassures fans that being part of the band does not mean he is giving up on performing as a solo artiste. It’s still something he very much loves.
“In other words, if we’re One Direction, he’s Harry Styles,” Ashwin quipped, causing de Cruz to laughingly exclaim: “No, don’t use that reference!”
‘Jaki-Brashga Presents Our Worlds: A Live Experience’
When:
May 12 @ 8.30pm
Where:
Nero Event Space @ PJPAC,
1 Utama Shopping Centre,
Lebuh Bandar Utama,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tickets, priced at RM98, are available here.
Check out Jaki-Brashga’s music on Spotify. Also visit their Facebook and Instagram profiles.