The secret is out
> Local band Vanessa s.y.t + Her Secrets is set to perform its debut concert in Mid Valley City to celebrate the yearend festivities
OUR LOCAL music scene has seen a growing number of talents over the years, and Vanessa s.y.t + Her Secrets is one you don’t want to miss.
Leaning heavily on R&B but not without some dancepop, ballad, EDM, rock and hip-hop elements, the band is set to perform at The Gardens Theatre in Mid Valley City at 8pm on Dec 6 and 7.
Although this marks the band’s debut concert since its inception in 2014, guests can rest assured that they will enjoy a night filled with commendable performances.
The band is made up of the power quartet of vocalist Vanessa Tan, bassist Nazrin Mohd Nasir (better known as A.J.), pianist Dennis Law, and drummer Omar Ibrahim Mohd Azmi – all successful musicians in their own right.
Although she is not yet a household name, Tan has over 10 years of experience in the industry, from conquering small and large stages in Europe, Asia, and Malaysia to high-profile events.
Those who attend her performance are mainly from the well-heeled community including royalties, ministers and celebrities such as Mel Gibson, Tony Blair, and more.
Her vocal prowess tells an even more impressive story: her versatile vocal range lets her easily move from jazz to R&B and dance genres flawlessly.
Law, meanwhile, is a classically-trained pianist who has been playing the piano from the tender age of 12.
His experiences included directing numerous concerts such as for Taiwan-based Malaysian singer Z-Chen, as well as performing for wellknown Taiwanese and Hong Kong artistes such as Michelle Pan and Choo Mi Mi.
The talented pianist is also no stranger in the local music scene as he has previously performed in Cabaret, Secret Life of Nora, and more.
A.J. is a familiar name to many in the local music scene. Apart from being part of local award-winning rap-rock group PopShuvIt, the bassist has also collaborated with many artistes over the years in various genres.
He now lends his years of producing and arranging skills to Vanessa s.y.t + Her Secrets to bring forth new sounds and styles.
Setting the group on the right beat is Omar, who is well-equipped with impeccable musical chops and an impressive range of experiences that span some 10 years.
Those experiences include playing for British singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, opening for Michael Buble’s Crazy Love Tour, and performing at many international music events such as South by Southwest Festival 2016 in Austin, Texas.
Performing together in public for the first time, the four hope to introduce their versatility, while maintaining a positive mind-set with a splash of fun and mature sound.
Vanessa s.y.t + Her Secrets will be performing at least 12 original songs as well as some yearend festive numbers with a twist that hopefully will capture the hearts of all ages.
While it isn’t yet signed to any recording company and doesn’t plan to, Tan said it still would be good to have a helping hand.
“I don’t think we need to see something like a record label. We [just] want someone to give us the path and opportunities,” said Tan during a recent interview.
“I think what we probably need is a good manager who can promote and sell our talent, because right now, from the logistics to promotions, from doing the songs to recording, and mixing to mastering, it’s being done within the team and it’s really quite a load for all of us.”
Despite that, they are doing their best to make good music besides managing the band as a group.
“Practice makes perfect … when you see the work and ethics [of] other international bands and compare it with what we’re doing here – we do need to step it up a bit,” said Omar.
Tan adds: “I think we are too fortunate, because we seem to be dabbling with a lot of things, whereas I feel that the international artistes, this is their bread and butter, so they’ve got to give it their all.
“And I think we still have ways to improve, like us putting in more, dedicating and sacrificing more – but finding the time [to do it] is always a challenge.”