Indie Star, Yuna Rocks Out

Yunalis Zarai AKA Yuna, 24, is a Malaysian independent singer-songwriter. The Indie music scene is growing worldwide and Malaysia has discovered an artist that is strong enough to bring her own voice, and rock her own style. With the release of her album last July, Yuna is already taking the music world by storm. Her sweet sound captures raw emotion that leaves the listener addicted. A talented artist and a young business owner, running her own clothing boutique, Yuna is a shining example for Muslim youth.

How did you get your start in the music industry?

I started off on the Internet. I had a MySpace music profile where I uploaded music. I went from 3 fans to 300 to 3,000. My fan base grew within in a year and I started to get a lot of invitations for shows. After that, radio picked up my song and then I started performing.

Where do you find inspiration to write your songs?

I get inspiration from everything that I see. Like sometimes, I watch a film and there will be some line in the movie that I like. If I have a conversation with someone and remember the stuff we talked about. Sometimes I remember things that happened three years ago or four years ago. Basically, everything I see in daily life. I’m like a sponge. I absorb everything from my surroundings and environment and put it into words.

Which musicians did you look up to growing up?

I used to listen to a lot of bands from the 90’s – The Cardigans, Blur and the Cranberries. Also, I listen to a lot of the recent stuff like Coldplay. I like sort of pop rock and alternative music.

How would you describe your album, Decorate?

It’s a combination of all of my favorite songs that I wrote throughout my four years in the music industry. I have like 30 songs and Decorate is a few of my best songs that I really like and want to share with everyone. It has a little bit of a story line. It’s songs about life, loss and love. It has different elements and different sides. Some songs have a darker element and some songs have very, very happy mood. Basically, they’re just songs that are meant to decorate your life.

What is your favorite song off the album?

My favorite song would be ”Decorate.” It’s really short and sweet and so direct. I love how the music goes into a full band thing toward the end. It has a strong message to it.

You also have your own record label and you co-own a clothing shop so you’ve got a lot going on. How do you balance your work and your personal life?

Well, here in Malaysia, I’m not signed to a major label. When I first started out, I sort of did everything on my own. It’s easier that away. I have 100 percent creative control and quality control. After a while, I managed to have more people help with the label. I also managed to venture into other projects like the clothing store. I love clothes and I love fashion. Those are two things that I really do love. My clothing shop started out as a blog shop. It’s something I can do when I’m not performing or not doing anything. I pick out all the clothes for my shop. And basically, the clothes that I sell are the clothes that I would wear. It’s not really stressful. It’s a lot of fun.

You have a really cool style that incorporates a lot of color with edge. Any favorite designers or style icons?

I get my inspiration from a lot of street style blogs. I go to blogs every other day and check out the latest trends and check out what’s in fashion right now. I would say that one of my style icons would be Agyness Deyn. I also love the stuff that they sell in Top Shop.

When you’re traveling, what do you miss most about home?

It’s the food. Malaysia has the best food in the world. The food is amazing so whenever I’m traveling, I’m always thinking about food and also the people in Malaysia.

If you could collaborate with any two artists on your next record, who would you want to work with?

I love Lykke Li and also Adele.

What is the first thing you do on Sunday morning?

I would probably wake up and go back to sleep. That would be the first thing I do on Sunday morning. I work almost every day so if I have a day off, I like to sleep.

What is your biggest indulgence?

It would have to be watching channel E!. Here in Malaysia, everyone loves Hollywood.

If you were forced to listen to one song on repeat for the next week, which song would you prefer it be?

It would be Operator Please and the song is called ‘Back and Forth.’

What advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians?

Be yourself and don’t be afraid. They will always be people who try to put you down but it doesn’t matter because the positive will always overcome the negative. Just be positive about everything and work really hard and hopefully your music will be out there and everyone will love it. Don’t stop believing in yourself.

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