Accident to Artistry

Accidental Singer:

I initially only wanted to be a songwriter. I was working hard to pitch my demos to other singers or publishers, writing music in various styles. However, due to a twist of fate, I felt compelled to write a song about the "Kalimah Allah" issue in Malaysia. I uploaded the YouTube video and it was picked up by the news. I was interviewed the very next day, and the rest, they would say, is history. After a while, the media started calling me "The Accidental Singer" since it was unplanned.

Accidental Single:

The unexpected didn't stop there. The first song I recorded and released for my current album is "You Are My Land." The funny thing is, this song wasn't even considered at first because it was just a short piano demo of me singing and playing the keyboard alone in my room during an emotional turning point in my life. Then one day, someone heard me playing the demo and asked me about it. I told them it was just "one of those small ones," but recognizing it was more than that, they encouraged me to release it. Still unconvinced, I ignored their advice and moved on.

Later, when I was going through all my tracks with my music producer, Jeff Bova, for my upcoming album, we went through my demos. After playing all the completed ones for him, Jeff asked if I had any more. I almost said no, but then remembered I had a few short piano ones. I explained they weren't finished, so we might as well not listen to them. But Jeff insisted several times that I play them for him. Reluctantly, I did. One of those was "You Are My Land."

Jeff only had to hear the song once before announcing it was going to be the first song on my album. He said, "This is your song. This is your sound! The entire album should be built around this." He thought its melancholic, cinematic vibe tied in perfectly with who I was as an artist and the other tracks that had already been chosen. In the end, we ended up recording "You Are My Land" first and then forming the rest of the album around it. Totally unexpected!

Accidental Cover:

The unexpected didn't stop there. When it was time to shoot the cover for the single, we organized a photoshoot but didn't find any of the photos suitable. I was feeling so exasperated as time was running short for the release. On a whim, I decided to take one last look at the shots, and the photographer had made a quick sample retouching on a random photo he had picked. I thought, "That looks pretty good for the cover!" And that random photo ended up being the cover for the single.

Accidental Haircut:

And the surprises kept coming. I went to get a haircut prior to shooting the lyric video for "You Are My Land." I told the hairdresser I wanted a diagonal long haircut and to "do what he thinks will look best." He ended up cutting my hair into a short bob! That was totally unexpected, and that's how I ended up with a short diagonal bob for the "You Are My Land" lyric video shoot.

It just goes to show that sometimes the most meaningful and impactful things can come from the most unexpected places - a spontaneous moment of emotion captured in a simple piano demo, a random photo, an accidental haircut. If I had dismissed the advice of those around me and never revisited that unassuming recording, I would have missed the opportunity to create something truly special.

This experience has taught me to always keep an open mind, to trust my instincts, and to never underestimate the power of those "small" moments of inspiration. I loved these beautiful accidents, and I'm grateful I followed my heart and allowed these unexpected moments to shape the story of "You Are My Land" and my entire single. Sometimes the most beautiful things happen when you least expect them.

I Don’t Have To Mask With Music

As an autistic person, I often face situations where I feel I am misunderstood.

This is why I sometimes feel that music is the only thing that truly understands me. With music, I am able to seek the emotional understanding I am seeking for.

When I am down, I would listen to Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto on repeat, following every note as the music went along as if my heart depended on it. I would feel like I understood every note, every word and every emotion in the piece.

The feeling of "being understood" by music is also what drove me to start songwriting and composing.

There is a deep feeling of fulfilment and connection that washes over me when a melody I hear that has been playing over and over again in my mind is finally turned to a piece of music.

Many times when I am heartbroken, I would turn to songwriting and spend hours listening back to the song I wrote, and finally feeling understood.

#Aspie, #Neurodivergent, #Vulnerable

I Live Without a “Box Around My Head”

As an Aspie, I live without a “box around my head”.

I see the world in black and white. For some, this may seem odd, but for me, it's simple. To me, there is much greatness with this clarity.

Being different or being a minority doesn't mean that one is deficient. I refuse to think that I'm deficient in the way I am born. It is just that I am different. As an Aspie, introvert and HSP, I function and flourish in different settings and environments than others.

Put me in a quiet place with plenty of nature and I am the happiest and most productive person. Put me in the city surrounded by loud noise, cars and crowds and I face burnout and sensory overload daily, becoming almost nonfunctional.

It's tough having to redo parts of your life, and sometimes, you can't and have to find a way to move on anyway.

There are many gifts in being an Aspie, HSP and Introvert. Many academicians and creatives are HSP and introverts, and people with Autism/Aspergers have come up with many innovative and thought-provoking ideas.

We all need each other. We are all essential and complementary.

I have been on a quest to live my life more authentically and let the world see me without the masks I've constructed for myself over the years to get by in an NT world. And I must admit, it's quite liberating.

#Aspie, #Neurodivergent

Unity Is My Personal Legend

The message of unity inspires me every single day. It is the driving force in my life and the reason I do what I do. Unity is my musical inspiration, my muse, and my personal legend.

This world is a truly beautiful and diverse place.

When we fall in love, we fall for the person they are inside. Race, religion, nationality or distance become irrelevant. And even as we move through life's journey, many of us may be forced apart from our loved ones. Yet love has the power to transcend all boundaries.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all retain the innocence of children, where the color of one's skin, social status, or wealth didn't matter at all? Does growing older have to make us suspicious and intolerant of those different from us?

Unity is love.

As Leonard Bernstein eloquently stated, "This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before."

This is the message I carry in my heart - a message of #EastMeetsWest, #3rdCulture, and the transformative power of unity. It is the driving force behind all that I do, my personal legend that inspires me every single day.

#Unity

The Beauty of Differences

“The beauty of differences gives birth to the masterpieces of love, and through the masterpieces of love lies the freedom to both worlds.” - Amirah

When a friend informed me about the desecration of churches and mosques in Malaysia on January 7th, 2010, I felt extremely angry, disappointed, and worst of all, helpless. I had been reading about the Kalimah Allah issue for a few days while juggling my university assignments at graduate school overseas. The shock and anger from the news made me forget about the horrible freezing winter. As I started to think about my beloved Tanahair, I asked myself, “God, why?”

To me, Malaysia is like a beautiful hidden treasure in the deep sea. It has so much potential. It has so much richness and opportunity but is also filled with many “eggshells” that one must carefully tread around, especially about religion and race.

Growing up in Malaysia, I wondered why I did not feel at home despite living my entire life there. As a child, I was convinced that something was wrong with me. I could not talk to anyone about my thoughts. When I sought guidance from my teachers, I was scolded for asking certain questions and expressing certain opinions. However, as an adult at graduate school overseas, I discovered there are many people that shared my thoughts and ideas. The same questions I was discouraged from asking in Tanahair are commonly discussed as part of university courses where students were expected to answer by thinking critically. For the first time in my life, I felt I was normal. It was then I realized the answer; it was because I could not be myself in Malaysia.

As I learned more about the desecration of houses of worship in Tanahair, I felt a great urge to do something about it. I did not want to feel helpless anymore. I wanted to express my emotions and thoughts about the issue, although it was a difficult thing for me to do, as a quiet and private person. I thought of writing something but nothing sounded right. I felt like giving up many times. Yet I asked myself: why is this happening, what does this mean, do words define God, do words define who I am … are words how people define themselves?

As I thought about the Creator’s beautiful creations, I felt a sudden feeling of calmness. I started composing a song in Malay. In the song, I asked the questions that I felt were on the minds of the Malaysian people. After finishing it a few minutes later, I recorded it and wondered how I could share this song with other Malaysians. I did not have a Youtube account at that time and realizing that Youtube only accepted videos, I felt nervous at the thought that everybody would be able to see my face. I asked myself, “If expressing my thoughts and opinions on this issue would ruin my songwriting career, a career that I am trying so hard to do, a career that has barely started, would I still do this?” The answer was a resounding “Yes”. I went ahead and uploaded the video to share the song with my friends and family.

A few days later Bernama TV News called at 2:00 am to interview me about the song. To my surprise, many people supported the message of my song. I also found out from a friend that Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, the daughter of Malaysia’s ex-Prime Minister Tun Mahathir, mentioned the song in her article written for The Star newspaper. For the first time, I did not feel alone anymore knowing that many other Malaysians shared similar thoughts with me.

My aspiration for Malaysia is for all Malaysians to have freedom – freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the freedom as an adult to marry whomever they love. Most of all, I aspire for each Malaysian to have equal rights regardless of one’s race whether it is Indian, Kadazan, Chinese, Malay, Dayak, or mixed-parentage like me.

Read the full article here: https://www.loyarburok.com/2013/01/06/katakanlah/

#Unity

Interview: From Purpose to Impact

‘Never setting any boundary before her art...Amirah aligns purpose and impact in a greatly versatile way. Her calls for unity and peace come with perfect timing...”

Thank you for the thoughtful write-up and the opportunity to discuss my music. You captured the deep passion and purpose that inspires my artistic journey.

#3rdCulture #EastMeetsWest #Unity

Buried Dreams - The Silent Agony

As children, we dream big with no limits. But as we grow up, we're told our dreams are unrealistic.

Many people end up burying their dreams, only to wake up later in life and realize this isn't the point of living. Tragically, some take these unfulfilled dreams to their graves.

As a child, I remember dreaming so big, with no limits. The world was my canvas, and I truly believed anything was possible. My dreams were pure and untainted.

But as I grew up, I started hearing that those dreams were naive, unrealistic - even childish. I was told to be "responsible," If I didn't prioritize financial success, I was labeled as selfish or immature.

Slowly, those buried dreams faded into the background.

It makes me sad to think this happens to so many of us. We wake up later in life, realizing this isn't the true purpose of living. Some manage to fulfill those buried dreams even in their 50s, 60s, or beyond - but the attempt is better than a deathbed of regret.

Those buried dreams eat away at our souls, decaying our spirit until they haunt our dreams and nightmares. It's truly tragic to think of all the people who will pass away with unfulfilled longings still weighing on their hearts.

The Solution

The key is learning to manifest our dreams early on, instead of just focusing on making a living. Imagine if everyone's buried dreams were supported and fulfilled - what an amazing world that would be! Less conflict, more progress.

The Bigger Picture

I wonder if wars and fights could be avoided if everyone focused on fulfilling their dreams, rather than creating borders and divisions. Can we achieve the buried dream of seeing the whole world as one, with no borders - just brothers and sisters sharing this planet?

It's time to unbury those dreams and make them a reality, don't you think?

#Vulnerable

Protocol to Manage Stress and Loneliness

This is the protocol I use to manage my stress and loneliness as an autistic person.

First step is to unplug. The constant noise, messages, and digital stuff just drains me. So I make sure to create quiet, peaceful spaces for myself. I'll meditate, take a silent bath, or go hiking with just a notebook - no phone or music. I let myself fully process my thoughts and feelings without any filters.

Then I ask myself two important questions:

1. Why do I feel this way? What is the root cause of the stress or loneliness I'm experiencing? I dig deep to understand the core issue.

2. How can I fix this? What specific actions can I take to address the problem and find a solution?

I write everything down - the problems and the potential solutions. Seeing it all laid out helps me think more clearly.

Next, I take action on those solutions. I put my plan into motion, step-by-step. But I don't just do it once and stop. I constantly re-check if it's working. If not, I'll adjust my approach and try again until I get the result I want.

This routine is how I manage the sensory overload and social fatigue that really overwhelms me as an autistic person. It gives me control and helps me find the calm I need, even when everything feels chaotic.

#EastMeetsWest #Minimalist #3rdCulture

The First Piece of Clothing I Designed

This minimalist white modern kurta top was one of the very first pieces of clothing that I designed.

I was looking for something very specific - something functional, easy to match (I don't like spending a lot of time figuring out what to wear), comfortable, doesn't wrinkle easily, can be worn casual or formal, and represents my cultural identity and roots. But I couldn't find it in the stores.

So I decided to design it myself.

Here I am wearing my white minimalist modern kurta top. I paired it with a pair of black vegan leather jeans and white loafers. Yes, I'm a loafers girl forever!

This kurta top is exactly what I was looking for. It checks all the boxes. Functional, easy to style, comfortable, and it connects me to my cultural heritage. I'm so glad I took the time to design this piece myself instead of just settling for what was available.

Sometimes you just can't find what you need, so you have to create it yourself. I'm proud of this minimalist kurta design. It's become a wardrobe staple for me.

I Haven’t Played the Piano for Years

I know this sounds ironic, but I haven’t played the piano for many, many years.

It’s really hard to believe and even harder to admit to myself. I used to play the piano every day after school when I was a child, as I was alone most of the time. The piano became my best friend every afternoon.

I would channel all my emotions into my piano playing, searching for piano pieces that resonated with what I was feeling.

I would play one piece after another, flipping from page to page, until all my emotions were fully expressed.

When I became a teenager, the piano was moved to my mother’s daycare center.

I started to struggle tremendously without my piano. Without my piano, where would all these emotions go to?

When I grew older, I got a keyboard. I used it to record all my songwriting demos. I would bring it with me everywhere I went, as I was constantly moving from place to place.

But, I barely touched it. Nothing beats the feeling of a wooden acoustic piano.

I hope to have my own little wooden acoustic piano one day. I really miss it.

#Vulnerable

My First Podcast Interview!

I had such a great time speaking to TL Mazumdar and being a guest on his podcast. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my artistic vision and passion for using music to bridge cultural divides.

#3rdCulture, #EastMeetsWest #Unity

How a Guitar Cover Reignited Memories of My Songwriting Journey

Listening to this guitar arrangement of a song I composed and wrote called "Alone Again" by Josh Hana evoked a lot of old memories in my mind.

When I started my career as a singer-songwriter, I was still confused about which songs truly represented me as an artist, and which ones should be for other artists. It was tricky, since I had composed and written them all myself. They all sounded so different from each other, jumping between pop and world music. How could I know which one represented me and which one did not? I was at a loss. It took me many years of soul searching to figure it out.

When I listened to this guitar arrangement of my song "Alone Again", I felt super touched.

Thank you for the great arrangement and playing, Josh Hana!

PS. If you know of any artist who may be interested in this song, email management@amirah360.com for the full demo.

https://soundcloud.com/joshhana/alone-again-acoustic?si=bd30fc1bbf1a4b8ea5d5547f781309e0

#Vulnerable

A Full Circle Moment I Never Expected

I never thought I would see this come full circle in my lifetime.

I had initially planned to be a songwriter for other artists. But due to a twist of fate, I changed paths to become a singer-songwriter. The reason has to do with my strong belief in freedom of religion for all.

I believe that everybody should be able to freely practice their faith, religion and beliefs. I feel this beautiful and should be celebrated and respected.

Nobody should be forced to convert simply because of who they love and want to marry. And anyone should be allowed to leave a religion they do not feel aligned with, peacefully and with dignity.

When I composed "Katakanlah" in 2010, it was because I wanted to voice that everyone should be free to practice their religion and faith peacefully, with dignity and respect. I was saddened that something so beautiful, like recognizing that God is one, turned into a tool for separation and violence.

This compelled me to write "Katakanlah."

And that changed the trajectory of my career - from songwriter to singer-songwriter, with the encouragement of my newfound fans.

As the battle went on in the Malaysian courts. I was heartbroken. But 10 years later, to my surprise, I found that this rule has now been overturned. Who would have thought the reason I composed "Katakanlah" would come full circle in my lifetime?

To all Malaysians, we all deserve a place in our Tanahair, equally, as free and respected citizens.

Let's keep inspiring unity together.

Read the full article here: https://www.loyarburok.com/2013/01/06/katakanlah/

#Unity

Coping Strategies for an Autistic Life: Managing Sensory Overload and Burnout

As an Aspie, I've had to be proactive about managing my energy levels and sensory needs every day. Being diagnosed with Asperger's as an adult made me realize that I experience the world much more intensely - I feel, see, and hear things on a deeper level. This means I get easily overwhelmed and exhausted in social situations and noisy environments.

That's why having a solid daily routine and rituals is so important for me. They help keep me grounded, focused, and in a good mental and physical state. I wanted to share the strategies that work for me, in case they can help you too.

Morning Routine

My mornings set the tone for the rest of my day. I start the night before by ensuring I get to bed early. Then I wake up and take time for self-care, re-visit my plan for the day and have a nourishing smoothie. I also spend a lot of time organizing myself throughout the day, which helps with executive functioning.

Scheduling & Planning

I plan out my week in advance on Google Calendar, factoring in my sensory needs and social commitments. I then rewrite everything by hand in my paper planner (Hemlock & Oak Weekly). This helps me avoid over-scheduling and ensures I have enough breaks. I also minimize screen time as much as possible.

Journaling Writing

Writing down my thoughts, feelings, and gratitudes is incredibly therapeutic for me. It allows me to process my emotions, which can often go unnoticed due to my alexithymia. Journaling also helps me problem-solve when I'm feeling anxious or overwhelmed. I love using black Sharpie felt pens for this.

Sensory Regulation

Noise is my biggest sensory trigger, so I always carry my Bose noise-cancelling headphones. They're a lifesaver in overstimulating environments. I also find great comfort in certain scents, like jasmine and rose, which I carry with me. Plush robes and furry slippers also provide calming sensory input.

Nature & Movement

Connecting with nature through walks and hikes is essential for my wellbeing. I also love the rocking motion of swings and Pilates reformers - it builds strength and has a very soothing effect on me.

Exercise

Pilates reformers are a favorite activity as the rocking motions have a calming effect on me.

Digital Detox

I'm very sensitive to digital stimuli, so I'm intentional about limiting my screen time and exposure to EMFs. I wear blue-light blocking glasses and turn off WiFi, TVs, and other devices before bed. I unplug every weekend and keep my phone turned off every day. My dream is to live completely unplugged.

Self-Care

Prioritizing sleep, silent time, and a healthy diet are crucial for managing burnout. I make a cut-off time to end my work at 6pm every day. Connecting with nature is my ultimate reset button.

Finding ways to navigate my sensory needs has been life-changing. It's allowed me to stay grounded, productive, and socially engaged in a way that works for me.

I hope these strategies provide a helpful starting point for you as well.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach - it's about discovering what works best for your unique autistic experience.

#Aspie, #Neurodivergent

Thank You, Ulises

I am deeply moved by your powerful message. We need unity now more than ever before. To unity and beyond.

“If there's one thing we all can learn from AMIRAH, it's that no matter how rigorous or unforgiving this world can be we can still strive to become something more ambitious and greater than who we are today. We all come from different walks of life. Some of us come from South America, Malaysia, Europe, even those who are new to this group are from places where there's no such thing as a utopian society. In this group everyone is welcome. It doesn't matter if you have light skin or dark skin. We are here because we have one thing in common and that is to love our brothers and sisters. We will always welcome our comrades and treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve. That is the dream we all have in our hearts. We will make sure that AMIRAH'S dreams will become a reality. She started this crusade with a purpose. It's our turn to make sure that her dreams are alive and well. We are her heart and soul and we will be there for her in this life and the next. TO UNITY AND PROSPERITY.”

#3rdCulture #Unity

Love is Our Birthright

Many of my songs touch on intercultural and interfaith relationships. Just as I believe that creating hybrid music helps foster unity, I also believe that love between people of diverse backgrounds accomplishes the same goal.

I get teary-eyed with joy when I see people of different cultural and religious identities come together, putting aside their differences to celebrate one another. I love witnessing how their multicultural children learn to respect and appreciate the diversity of cultures, often becoming fluent in multiple languages. I'm also in awe of how the blending of ethnic groups can produce such beautiful, unique features both physically and culturally.

I've seen firsthand the challenges that interfaith and intercultural couples face due to family or societal disapproval - and it breaks my heart every single time.

The freedom to love should be a universal birthright, not a privilege.

Love should unite us, not separate us.

Similar to music, I believe that love has the power to transcend all borders and bring us together.

I firmly believe that interfaith and intercultural relationships have the potential to create profound unity. We should be encouraging and celebrating these unions, not discouraging them. There is no place for forced religious or gender conversion in this day and age.

Love is love, and unity is love - and we need a lot more of it.

Everyone should have the freedom to love and be loved, regardless of culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, class, or economic status. The freedom to love is our birthright. Antiquated laws and societal pressures should not dictate whom we can give our hearts to.

Love is our birthright.

#3rdCulture #Unity #Vulnerable

An Interview: A Message of Unity Through Music

If there was ever a time in our modern history when we need unity, it is now. In our politically, culturally, and physically divided world, it can be easy to retreat to our tribes, and often for good reason. But there is also plenty of space for messages about unity to remind us of the common good among us as human beings.

Malaysian musician Amirah is an artist who believes in the message of unity wholeheartedly and is using her talents to spread that message wherever she can. The award-winning singer/songwriter grew up in Malaysia and blends traditional Eastern sounds with more modern Western pop music, showing unity through the medium of music.

Both of her latest singles 'You Are My Land' and 'Tell Me' are cinematic in scope with luscious live strings and modern pop drums. Originally composed in Malay, her music explores faith, freedom, and the endless search for meaning for who we truly are as a people. Amirah's lyrics speak specifically to women of color who fight for their dreams, as she confidently creates her inspired music and stays loyal to her heritage.

We spoke with Amirah to go deeper into some of these themes and learn more about her music, her background, and her message.

Tell us about your journey into music – where did it all start for you?

I was a very introverted child growing up. I gravitated toward my grandfather's old piano, which he had bought for my mother when she expressed interest in learning to play. Eventually, my mother enrolled me in piano lessons, which I am eternally grateful for. I started composing small piano pieces as a child, and later picked up the cello, an instrument I have grown to deeply adore. Over time, I became a songwriter, composing songs for other artists and various projects.

One day, a song I had composed and sung myself, a piece calling for unity, caught the attention of the national news in Malaysia. Due to this unexpected turn of events, I was encouraged to start singing and performing my own original songs.

Growing up in an Indian and Malaysian family you have been influenced by cross-cultural influences. Can you tell us how that defined your sound and you as an artist?

I am very proud of my biracial heritage. Growing up in the melting pot of cultures that is Malaysia definitely shaped my sound and who I am as an artist. I was exposed to both Malay and Indian cultures at home, and I learned to deeply appreciate, understand and love them both. The music, language, dance, and fusion of foods in Malaysia are absolutely extraordinary. There is nowhere else I have seen where a person can experience such incredible diversity and blending of traditions in a single nation.

However, this richness of cultural influences also raised many questions for me regarding my own identity. How could I embrace both my modern sensibilities and my deep cultural roots? Why did I have to choose between them? This sparked my journey of experimenting and fusing traditional Eastern instruments into my cinematic pop music. It was a way for me to authentically express the full breadth of my artistic and personal identity.

You are also an activist who wants to give greater representation for women of color especially. What are some of the causes you are passionate about?

I am a feminist, and have been since I was a child, almost by default. I have always questioned everything. Being unfairly treated due to my gender damaged my self-esteem for a very long time. I remember telling a relative that I wanted to be a doctor, only to be told that if I did, I would be too old to get married and no man would want me. Some of my school teachers even told me I was too dark-skinned, which they equated with being ugly, and they asked me to stay away from the sun. I was also taught to be ashamed of my body as a woman. It was a very lonely experience, not having anyone to discuss these topics with, and never meeting anyone who shared a similar mindset as a child and teenager.

However, I have now grown to deeply love my beautiful skin color and my body. I look up to Zainah Anwar, a Malaysian female activist, whose articles I loved reading as a teenager. They gave me a glimpse of hope that there were other people out there who thought like me.

Tell us about your latest singles “You Are My Land” and “Tell Me”. What are the messages behind them? 

I was literally in tears when I composed "You Are My Land" on the piano. The song is an expression of my deep love for my country, Malaysia, and the pain I feel in watching it be torn apart by power, greed and corruption. I also thought about people from other countries who have had to flee their homelands due to war. With the worldwide pandemic and so many people being uprooted and displaced, I feel that the message of this song will resonate strongly. I have been very touched by the positive, heartfelt responses and comments I've received from people all around the world.

"Tell Me" is the English version of my song "Katakanlah", which poses the question of who we truly are. Are we defined by our name? Our face? With the urgent call for racial equality and unity, I believe it is critical for people to start asking these important questions. Why do we hurt others simply because of the color of their skin or their religious beliefs? When we hurt others, we only end up harming ourselves, and humanity and the planet pay a devastating price. During times of pain and division, it's important for us to realize that we are not alone. Sometimes, that realization alone can be the start of the healing process, allowing us to unite and work towards a better future.

How do you balance wanting to stay true to your heritage with the often narrow confines of the music industry and what is considered “pop music”? 

Balancing my desire to stay true to my heritage with the often narrow confines of the music industry has been an ongoing challenge, and one I grapple with in many ways. There was a time when I couldn't even listen to the radio for several years because of this conflict.

However, the rise of the internet has been a game-changer. More and more artists are now able to express our true creative visions musically without being pigeonholed into specific genres. Genre boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred, and alternative sounds are gaining greater acceptance.

The world is our audience now, not just a particular geographic location. I work incredibly hard to stay faithful to my own artistic vision and not let genre classifications dictate how my music should sound.

I understand the practical need for genres when it comes to music distribution and discovery. But those categories should not be allowed to influence the artistic creation process itself. I ask myself every day to ensure I am always serving the music first, and never shortchanging my creative vision.

Your lyrics explore faith, freedom, and the need to find meaning. Can you share more about this, and why it has become an important part of your music?

I've always had a curious mind since I was a child. I questioned everything, because freedom is extremely important to me. Personally, I've turned to songwriting as a means of expression during my loneliest, most isolated, and painful times - the times when I felt misunderstood and didn't belong. It is through the act of songwriting that I am able to express my pain, my struggles, and my deepest truths. Sometimes I feel that music is the only thing that truly understands me.

Who are some of your musical heroes, and why? 

Some of my musical heroes include Jacqueline du Pré, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Anoushka Shankar, Yo-Yo Ma, and Tan Sri P. Ramlee. Each of them has endured immense personal challenges in their lives, some of them extremely tragic.

Ryuichi Sakamoto, in particular, is one of my favorite composers. I greatly admire how he endured and defeated throat cancer, never giving up on his "personal legend" and always striving for greatness.

I also have a deep admiration for cellist Yo-Yo Ma, for creating The Silk Road Ensemble as a means of spreading a message of unity through music. And I'm in awe of Anoushka Shankar's courageous collaborations and her work in breaking down barriers as a female sitarist.

None of these artists gave up on their dreams, even in the face of adversity. They have all inspired me with their resilience and dedication to their craft.

We live in such a divided country, and world. How do you hope to unite people with your music? 

I always remember what my cello teacher said - that music has the power to profoundly alter people's emotions. As musicians, we must remember that we hold a great responsibility when wielding that power. Do we want to create music that promotes harm and conflict? Or do we want to craft music that helps people feel connected and heal?

Music is incredibly powerful because it has the ability to transcend boundaries. There is at least one situation where you can find people with opposing beliefs come together in celebration - at a music concert. During a performance, people seem to forget their cultural and political identities, uniting instead in the magic and spirit of the music. Even if it's only for a night, that shared experience is so meaningful.

Through my music, I hope to pose important questions in people's minds. I want to help them realize that, at our core, we are all the same - we all want the same fundamental things in life. My goal is to use the unifying force of music to bridge divides and bring people together.

What can listeners look forward to next from you?

I am working on releasing a few more songs and completing my full album project. I plan to share a lot of behind-the-scenes content and updates with my audience as that creative process unfolds.

Alongside my music, I have also been designing my own East meets West clothing line, which I'm excited to be releasing soon. Additionally, I'm in the process of creating a miniseries of East meets West-themed YouTube videos that I hope will resonate with my fans.

People can check out my latest creative projects and releases on my website. I'm really looking forward to continuing to share my artistic vision and message of unity through this diverse array of mediums - music, fashion, and video content.

My goal is to use every platform available to me to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

#3rdCulture #EastMeetsWest #Unity

An Interview: Bridging Differences Through Songs

“Unity and equality shape my music as these values affect me greatly,” says singer of Malay-Indian parentage.

UNITY is a value close to singer-songwriter Amirah’s heart. It is even reflected in her music.

For this lass of Malay-Indian parentage, assimilation of different races comes naturally.

“As a child, I would hear my father play Hindi songs while my mother played her keroncong music,” she told The Sun in a recent email interview from Los Angeles where she is based.

Her first release, You Are My Land, tells of the pain she feels as Malaysia goes through political challenges. This was followed by Tell Me that questions Malaysians’ identity.

“Values such as unity and equality shape my music because these issues affect me greatly.

“Unity is the driving force in my life and it breaks my heart when I see people hurt or fight each other. Unfortunately, racial polarisation has reared its ugly head,” Amirah said.

“When we focus on our differences, we are divided,” she added.

“However, when we focus on our shared humanity, we see that we are all the same.”

To push her message of unity across, Amirah blends traditional Malaysian sounds with Western pop music.

Amirah began composing music on the piano at the tender age of 11. Her introduction to the gamelan during her teens set her on a path to fuse traditional Asian culture with Western modernity.

Gamelan is a traditional musical form that has its roots in the Malay archipelago.

“It is sad that this beautiful music has been forgotten by the young. It will be a great loss if we do not incorporate it into our culture,” she said.

Her sentiment for her culture and tradition, combined with personal identity issues she faced in the past, led her to embrace her roots.

“When I started writing songs, the big names in the local music scene then were Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Nadeera, Atilia Haron and Alif Satar,” she said.

Amirah attended the annual American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers conference that eventually led to an introduction to producer Jeff Bova.

“It was like the doors had finally opened for me. Jeff understood my musical concept instantly.

She moved to Los Angeles to record her first album.

The album was scheduled to be released late last year but it was delayed due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 in the United States.

But for Amirah, the delay was a blessing.

Being autistic, she has trouble functioning with background noises and large crowds.

“With the lockdown to curb the pandemic, there is less noise in my surroundings and there are no crowded places,” she said.

Amirah has come a long way. Just recently, the singer-songwriter reached the semi-finals in the International Songwriting Competition and is a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

She said those who would like to help her release songs that inspire people to unite, could sign up as a member of the Amirah’s Aliens.

#3rdCulture #EastMeetsWest #Unity

Honored to Have My Music Recognized on the Global Stage

I wanted to share with you an exciting and humbling update: my song "Tell Me" was awarded Finalist in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest and "You Are My Land" was awarded Semi-Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.

"Tell Me" made it to the top 4 in the Inspirational category. The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is a prestigious international annual contest created by Yoko Ono Lennon, and the ISC featured judges such as Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Tom Waits, so I feel incredibly honored and blessed.

To celebrate this achievement, I treated myself to a delicious Nasi Bungkus - a traditional Malaysian rice dish. It was the perfect way to mark this special occasion.

I'm deeply grateful to everyone who has supported my music and encouraged me to keep composing and singing.

A heartfelt thank you to my amazing producer Jeff Bova, the legendary tabla player Satnam Ramgotra, as well as Dave Eggar, Amy Powers and Satoshi Naguchi. Your contributions have been invaluable.

These accolades serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our beautiful, hypnotic traditional instruments like the tabla, tanpura and gamelan. I'll always do my part to keep these cultural treasures alive through my music.

This recognition is a true honor, and it inspires me to continue using my art as a bridge between cultures, fostering greater understanding and unity.

For those of you that have been following and supporting me from the beginning, you know how important the the message of unity is and always will be to me.

To my Aliens, I am forever grateful for your encouragement. You put the wind in my sails. I have taken these humble steps forward in my musical career because of you.

#3rdCulture #EastMeetsWest #Unity

My Sensory-Rich World

Feeling every whisper and breeze, I'm often overwhelmed by life's constant noise.

As someone with Aspergers, my senses are extremely sensitive. It's like seeing and hearing everything in 4D, all the time.

While social interactions can be tough for me as an autistic person, my unique perspective brings strengths like attention to detail and deep focus on my interests. However, unaesthetic visuals, loud noises, strong smells, uncomfortable textures, bright lights, and excessive socialization can be Kryptonite to my Central Processing Unit (my brain).

I have a love-hate relationship with sounds. As a songwriter, I find great joy and inspiration in working with different sounds. However, there are times when certain noises can be truly draining for me. I've come to recognize two distinct categories of sounds in my experience. On one hand, there are sounds that bring me a sense of joy and relaxation, like the captivating music from my Gamelan classes. These are the sounds that energize and rejuvenate me. On the other hand, there are sounds, such as mechanical noises, that can feel utterly overwhelming and disruptive. These are the types of sounds that tend to drain my energy and leave me feeling unsettled. It's an intricate balance, but learning to navigate this love-hate relationship with sounds has been an important part of my journey as a neurodivergent artist.

Being highly sensitive to sensory input is often seen as a weakness, but I believe it's actually a gift for autistic individuals like myself.. It enables me to think outside the box and perceive things that others might miss. I also find solace and inspiration in solitude and silence, which is where I truly thrive. However, the sensory overload can be debilitating, leaving me with headaches and a feeling of impending panic.

Despite the challenges, I still manage to overcome the struggles and pick myself up again. A little silence might help do the trick and calm me down. Additionally, here are 10 personal tips that may help you whenever you find yourself in a similar situation:

1. Go to a quiet place. Remove yourself from overwhelming sensory input.

2. Do not suppress your emotions. Cry if you need to release the built-up tension.

3. Do not be afraid to seek help or accommodations when you're feeling overwhelmed.

4. Take time to enjoy your special interests - they can be soothing and restorative.

5. Schedule periods of doing absolutely nothing to allow your mind to rest and recharge.

6. Prioritize taking regular naps to help manage sensory fatigue.

7. Plan your schedule a week or month ahead to avoid back-to-back sensory/social activities.

8. Unplug for a full day, weekend, or even a week to give your senses a much-needed break.

9. Unsubscribe, remove notifications, and streamline communication to one platform, like email.

10. Avoid crowded places and background music when possible to minimize sensory overload.

I hope this provides a glimpse into the daily life of an Aspie. I know it's a lot of work, but it's a choice I don't have. Many people are unaware of how much we strive to appear "normal." Regardless, I am proud and happy to have Aspergers, and I truly love myself for it - gifts, flaws, and all.

#Aspie #Neurodivergent