This feeling, however, is a natural part of the human experience. And funnily enough, it can serve as a useful reminder to re-examine your existence from a different perspective, and try your hand at something new.
Such is the uplifting call of “Kining Posah”, the new single from Kuching six-piece band Meruked.
“Listen to ‘Kining Posah’ if you feel you’ve been stagnant for a long time. Because that’s how we, as a band, were feeling for a while. But this song is the product of us being spontaneous, having fun and being a band together,” Meruked lead singer Syed Ashraf Edruce told FMT Lifestyle.
“If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost your way, and you need a good anthem, this is something you might enjoy.”
Formed in September 2016, Meruked consists of Syed Ashraf Edruce (lead singer/electric guitar/floor tom drum), Mohammad Athif Azfar (bass), Syafiq Harzmi (percussions 1), Titus Ron Andrew (percussions 2), Gideon Langub Pasen (sape), and Abdul Farouq Mousthofa (acoustic guitar).
The band is fiercely proud of its East Malaysian roots: its name comes from the Lun Bawang dialect and means “everlasting”. This is also reflected in the band’s symbol, which incorporates the infinity symbol.
One unique thing about Meruked is that while their music features percussion, the band does not utilise drums. Replacing them is the melodic sound of the sape, a traditional Borneo boat lute instrument.
The band have performed at many famed music events, including both the Rainforest Music Festival and the Georgetown Festival last year.
They name iconic Sarawakian music stars such as At Adau, Alena Murang and Mathew Ngau Jau as influences, as well as international acts such as the Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, and the Everly Brothers.
“Kining Posah” means “crystal clear” in Bidayuh, and coincidentally was also the name of one of Syed Ashraf’s friends.
“The whole song was recorded, shot and edited in the span of one week. And that’s the craziest thing we’ve ever done as a band. I don’t think we’ll ever do that again,” Syed Ashraf laughed. “We didn’t plan it, it just happened. It all goes back to the song lyrics: ‘crystal clear, the moment’s here!’”
‘Kining Posah’ was launched as part of a collaborative project between Meruked and Article 19, a human rights non-governmental organisation that advocates the freedom of opinion and expression.
The project aims to understand and address hate speech in Malaysia in its various diverse contexts. It is also supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia, with the Sarawak Women for Women Society and creative hub HAUS Kuching jointly participating.
“We feel grateful that we were approached and took part in this campaign. We hope that our message serves as a great representation to people, especially those coming from East Malaysia.
“It’s imperative that we acknowledge hate speech exists in the context of east Malaysians, as we feel almost always misrepresented to the general public,” he said.
He added that the song also addressed issues such as vulnerability, and the stigma against men expressing their emotions.
He hoped “Kining Posah” would help raise awareness of mental health in men and encourage them to speak out when they were having problems.
Meruked is working on an upcoming album, and hopes to be touring overseas this year. The band also encouraged local listeners to check out more music from East Malaysia, as there were many very talented performers and groups there.
“I believe music is an incredible and powerful tool. I know for some people who struggle, music can be like their best friend. And if I, or anyone in the band, can contribute even an ounce of relief to anyone who listens to our music, I would already be very happy,” Syed Ashraf concluded.