LALOK’S 'TENGKOLOQUE'
Khairil Ridzwan Anuar, popularly known as Loque, is the lead singer of pop group Monoloque. He is a former guitarist of Malaysian rock-and-roll royalty, Butterfingers. TASNIM LOKMAN gets up close and personal with the musician-cum-entrepreneur as he talks about his fashion sense and why he strives to encapsulate the Malaysian DNA in his work
THE lead singer, guitarist, songwriter and composer of five-member pop group Monoloque said his nickname back in school was lalok, which is a Malay slang meaning sleepy or high.
The 41-year-old, whose real name is Khairil Ridzwan Anuar, says he used to “space out” during classes in school.
“I modified and stylised my nickname lalok to Loque. And it has stuck with me ever since,” he says.
Loque is also known for his style of pairing his outfit — be it jeans, T- shirt or black tie suits — with tengkolok and sampin.
He owns tengkolok of all colours and designs for all types of occasions, and he even wears them during holidays and family outings. His love for the headgear led him to establish his own brand under the Tengkoloque label.
When asked why he is inclined to such a fusion in fashion, he says it is an expression of who he is.
“To me, this is how Malaysians should look like. This is not a borrowed or stolen style from anyone. It is ours and it is our heritage. It’s from our ancestors.
“It is a unique wear that has conquered the seas and streets, so to speak. So, why not?
“In this era of globalisation, why should we be ashamed of these things?”
THE MALAYSIAN MUSIC SCENE
Loque said despite experiencing continuous growth in talent, the local music industry had been stagnant in recent years.
As with the rest of the world, Malaysian music has evolved from traditional and organic ways to the digital realm. Loque believes the industry and the people in it have yet to fully adapt to this change.
He says millennials are at the forefront when it comes to the digital music world, but the same could not be said about older music fans.
“I feel a bit disappointed that there is not enough substance in the music I hear. But I’m not saying this is the case with every musician.
“The music industry is growing and people are following the trend, but there is no originality in it. Everyone is trying to copy or be like someone else. I am not saying we need 100 per cent originality, but stop carbon copying, There’s no effort to be yourself.
“There is not much Malaysian DNA as musicians are either trying to be another Kanye West or Lana Del Rey.”
He, however, agrees that industry players are making better products compared with 10 years ago. There are more talent, creativity and technology now, which help make music more diverse.
Loque urges artists to do more research on past musicians to infuse more character in their artform.
“Musicians should check out the music produced by the industry’s unsung heroes.”
While Loque agreed that musicians should keep themselves updated with musical and artistic trends, it was equally important to be in touch with their roots to represent their personalities.
He organised classes upon returning from the United States, where he went to study at the Berkeley College of Music in Boston. But his programme, called Sekolah Baru Kuala Lumpur, has been temporarily suspended due to his hectic schedule.
“I plan to restart once I have more time,” he says.
LOVE FOR COUNTRY
Loque says he is inspired by anything and everything around him when it comes to songwriting. His favourite subjects are nationalism and human relationships.
After his work with his previous band, Butterfingers, slowed down about 16 years ago, he began to recruit members of that band into his new group, Monoloque.
The results were extraordinary when he started to infuse traditional Malay folk music with his love for rock and pop.
One of his most popular tracks is a duet with singer Atilia titled Kekanda, Adinda, which is taken from Monoloque’s first album Hikayat Halimunan Abad Ke-21 Jejak Tanah in 2011.
Loque and Atilia performed the song when it made it to the 26th edition of TV3’s Champion of Songs Awards.
Last year, Loque addressed the hot topic of bullying among youth through a ballad titled Slagi Ada Waktu.
He says his “muse” nowadays is his country and all the unique things about it.
“You can’t find any other country like ours. Malaysians are really original. It’s good to find your style and roots.
“I do not want to be a phony or someone else,” he says, insisting that his patriotic spirit comes from within.
Loque says he comes from a family of strong-willed and strong-minded individuals. He draws inspiration from his grandparents.
“I used to hear stories from my grandparents and relatives about how tough life was back in the old days. My grandparents were teachers during pre-independence years and many of my relatives served as civil servants under the British.
“I remember a story about a relative who was sacked for telling off his superior, and another who slapped one of his British superiors in an argument, and got sent back to the village.
“Most people feel that having a short temper is bad, and I agree. I am not like that, but I suppose speaking our mind runs in the family, perhaps,” he says.
For now, the father of two is content on focusing on balancing his music and entrepreneurial endeavours through his band, and through his fashion label.