When it comes to interviews Brendan de Cruz is a traditionalist, he insisted that we met up at a café. I did not expect the story to be about him recording a three song EP at home during the lockdown.

Of all the musicians that I interviewed, he is the only one who produced something during the pandemic. While others turned to their digital platforms to stay connected with their fans, or do online performances, or pick up a side business, Brendan recorded from home.

His perspective on the segregation of music was also refreshing. We were always told that music is a uniting force, but in reality, it is not. This is apparent in a multi-cultural multi-lingual society like ours. Brendan pointed out how those who enjoy or sing a song of one language would not try another language even if they speak it.

Personally, I am guilty of that too. It is only recently, as I interview more and more musicians who perform in Malay that I realise my bias and started giving them a chance.

Read the published story here.