The Z List 2021 alumni Firdhaus is more than just a singer but an enigmatic musician who finds strength in making music that engages both emotionally and linguistically. We speak to him about his recent recognition on Apple Music, as well as his journey as a musical artist in Malaysia and beyond.
It was some years ago when I first encountered Firdhaus – his platinum blonde hair struck a cord, leaving a lasting impression as the guy with hair like Jackson Wang. But his talent stood out even more – he has a way to captivate with his velvety voice, most prominent with his melodious ballads.
‘Gulf of Alaska’ was the song that propelled him to stardom. It marked the first leap into a whole new realm as he catapulted into the international market, garnering the attention from fans from China and beyond. Though he was afraid of being a one-hit wonder, he constantly produced new music and covers – connecting deeply with people through his emotional renditions, especially during the lockdown.
Today, he remains a formidable figure who stays true to his musical ethos and creating tunes that are universally celebrated. As the next generation of trailblazing creators in Southeast Asia and recently recognised on Apple’s “Here’s to the Dreamers” campaign, Firdhaus opens up about his growth in the music scene as he stays on track to the next breakthrough moment in his career.
You’ve had quite the breakthrough since your debut in 2020 with ‘Gulf of Alaska’. Can you briefly share with us how has your journey been so far today? What has changed since then?
To be honest, after “Gulf of Alaska” was released, I was worried I might not have another breakthrough like that. It was a big moment for me, and the pressure was real. But as I continued to make music and had a few more hits after that, I realised that it’s all about staying dedicated and putting in the work. I’m happy with where I am now, and I’ve learned that as long as I keep pushing myself creatively, there’s always potential for another breakthrough.
The pandemic has also helped propelled your presence on social media and the digital world. Would you say the lockdown has allowed you to focus so much more on making music that reaches to your audience online in a much bigger scale globally?
Yes, although I was quite anxious about the whole situation, I can’t deny that the lockdown period was when I experienced the most growth. It gave me the opportunity to really focus on my music and connect with a global audience online in ways I hadn’t before. The circumstances were challenging, but they also pushed me to adapt and evolve creatively.
Speaking of your music, you have a way to captivate the audience emotionally with the melody and lyrics. Where do you find the inspiration to make such music?
I’ve always been a fan of Western music, and one thing I noticed is that Chinese music often doesn’t use the simple, straightforward lyrics that are common in English songs. I’m emotionally drawn to how English songs convey deep feelings with just a few words, so I try to bring that simplicity into my Chinese songs. I believe it creates a shared emotional experience with the audience. All of my music comes from personal experiences in my life, so it’s important to me that the lyrics feel honest and relatable.
How do you feel being on Apple’s “Here’s to the Dreamers”, as one of the featured Malaysian artists on this campaign?
I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity and blessed to be featured on such a major platform like Apple Music. Being recognised as one of the featured Malaysian artists is a huge honour, and it’s something I don’t take lightly. It’s amazing to see my music reaching a wider audience, and it motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and representing Malaysia on the global stage. I see it as a validation of my hard work, but also as a reminder to keep striving for growth and excellence in my music career.
What are your thoughts of the music scene in Malaysia? And do you have any favourite artists/musicians that you look up to here?
It’s definitely not easy to make music in Malaysia, but I’m encouraged by the number of talented up-and-coming artists I’m seeing lately. The music scene here is growing, and I believe it has the potential to become even greater in the future. As for artists I look up to, there are definitely a few who have inspired me along the way, like 3P. Their dedication and creativity continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Malaysian music, and I’m proud to be part of this community.
What’s next for you and what can your fans expect from you this year and the years to come?
I’m currently preparing for some exciting concerts and an Asia tour, which I can’t wait to share with everyone. It’s going to be an incredible experience connecting with fans across different countries. On top of that, I’m working hard on a new album that I plan to release before the year ends. Fans can expect a lot of new music and more opportunities to see me perform live. I’m really focused on pushing my creative boundaries and continuing to grow as an artist, so there’s definitely a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
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Written by
Martin Teo
Editor-in-Chief
Martin has a soft spot for art and architecture, fashion and food history. When embracing his spirit-ual side, he finds himself switching between a Negroni and an Old Fashioned, especially after a long week. His day is never complete without time at the gym and three cups of coffee — flat white with oat milk, no less.
