Kuala Lumpur-based label The Hoax Vision has been introducing us to so many amazing new acts and Zsyia and Viktoria are two of their best soldiers.
Last year, they released a collaboration EP entitled “Saccharine”. Both of them deliver very different vocal styles to the table with a good balance of tough and sweet attitude to the EP.
♪♫ Listen: “I Can’t Love You” + album stream
Zsyia on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud + beehype. Viktoria on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud.
Though mostly known as a hip-hop DJ, Dae Kim makes his debut release as an electronic artist.
The concept album of heartbreak simply titled “</3?” showcases his ability to dabble in ambient music with glitch that makes him one of the most versatile music producers in Malaysia right now.
♪♫ Listen: “Baby Blue”
Dae Kim on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud.
Malaysian hip-hop act Sayla drops an ambitious 20-track project album on New Year’s Eve and it redefines how we look at hip-hop.
“CSWSOS” is the artist’s memoir and it is unapologetic that has been broken into a series of four segments, with an accompanying website for the full story. And this is not even his official debut solo album yet!
♪♫ Listen: “Deactivate Myself” + album stream
Sayla on Twitter, Soundcloud, www.
After winning first prize for Malaysia’s The Wknd Recording Fund, Hoax Vision’s Orang Malaya launched his debut EP entitled “Radland Inn”.
His raw outlook on hip-hop that reminisces the likes of Awful Records and I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude makes release a one-of-its-kind effort.
♪♫ Listen: “I Might Be The Only One” + album stream (Spotify)
Orang Malaya on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud.
Even after releasing three album, Adam Kasturi still remains relevant with a lot of mystery to many.
This 27-tracks “Amok” album was released for free via Mediafire, but still manages to grab our attention and his constant growth with each new release is absolutely commendable for different palates.
♪♫ Listen: “Trofi” + album stream
Adam Kasturi on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud.
This great concept EP by The Venopian Solitude aka Suiko Takahara is based on a fictional story of a Malay nursery rhyme and it could scare the bejesus out of you, with a tinge of humour.
Though “Kereta Merah” (meaning “Red Car”) contains only four tracks, the story of a psychotic husband killing his wife is strong enough to keep you interested.
Make sure you keep the lights on for this one.
♪♫ Listen: “Bapa” + album stream
The Venopian Solitude on Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp + beehype.
This EP by Malaysian duo Stellar Dreams is almost like it is being taken off an ‘80s sci-fi movie soundtrack.
Drawing inspiration from the music by Hans Zimmer from the Christopher Nolan film “Interstellar”, they have given us this gem of a collection that is dreamlike and very cinematic.
♪♫ Listen: “Dimensions” + album stream
Stellar Dreams on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter, www.
Having been around in the local scene for quite some time now, synth pop duo Pastel Lite has made themselves a notable act since performing in China and Singapore last year.
The Kuala Lumpur-based group’s latest effort, “Etcetera” EP, solidifies them as a polished act with some major infectious tunes, so don’t let their petite sizes fool you.
♪♫ Listen: “Conquest” + album stream
Pastel Lite on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud.
Malaysian singer-songwriter-producer Leo Ari takes heartbreak to a whole new level with his debut album “Love Must Be Real”, using all the elements that make a great indie rock music.
Despite it is a collection of emotional content, Leo Ari still manages to keep it on an uplifting spirit the way indie pop should be.
♪♫ Listen: “Cotton Fields” + album stream
Leo Ari on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud, Bandcamp.
You cannot have a list of best Malaysian music – be it single or album – without mentioning OJ Law.
With eight of the best selected for “Let’s Be Adult”, it gave us the exciting singles “Tongue-Tied” and “Introverts” that kept us on our feets the whole year long.
OJ Law starts the album with someone being at their lowest after breaking up, then ends on a happy note after finding love. Perfect.
♪♫ Listen: “Introverts” + album stream (Spotify)
OJ Law on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Soundcloud, www + beehype.