Written by J.L and Aqil
From rap, mainstream, indie, to the downright experimental, 2019 has proved to be a happening year for the local music scene, hence this was a very difficult list to pick out from. Nevertheless, here’s the cut that made it to the best of 2019. Enjoy.
Damn Johnny by Jetcetera
After their first single ‘Hear Me Out’, Klang valley-based indie outfit Jetcetera released another one called ‘Damn Johnny’, a tune dedicated to the hardworking fuckboys around in KL. If you’ve ever been ghosted by one/you are one, check this one out then:
Caramel Cream by Midnight Fusic
Fans yearned more from the boys ever since ‘Lovesick’ came out, and who are we to complain? The Sony signing brought out their cheekier, more adventurous side in ‘Caramel Cream’, where their lo-fi influences flow into their ‘Star Barks’ drinks.
Getir by Leaism
Lea has gone a long way since her busking days, and we’re proud to say that she has finally found her sound in the Kesuma album. Out of all the tracks, ‘Getir’ featuring Leo Ari felt right. Despite Lea’s vocal abilities, she didn’t need to challenge herself too much on ‘Getir’, resulting in an honest piece about love and anxiety.
Naluri by TUJULOCA
Tuju may be one of the more prominent members of the K-Clique, and his collaboration with his partner Loca B, shows that Tuju can bring his talent outside of the group. Loca B also rolled up her sleeves to show fans her ruthless side and together in ‘Naluri’, their chemistry promises more excitement in the future.
Simple City by Alien Lipstick Fire
Alien Lipstick Fire is the new kid in town: young, hungry, but unlike the stereotype, they’re pretty chill. Ever since they signed for Breaking Music, Alien Lipstick Fire has made a lot of noise on Spotify with their new album, Different Days. Simple City is a good introductory track for what Alien Lipstick Fire can offer.
We’ll Be Fine by Playburst
At first, it may be a bit weird to hear Aidil Rusli’s voice coming from a different band’s song (since it’s been Couple’s signature touch for years), but his second baby, Playburst, brings the emo days back to 2019 with the Positive Jams record. ‘We’ll Be Fine’ showcases Playburst’s unique songwriting, and from its chorus, you can tell that it’s made for larger crowds.
In Time by Jaggfuzzbeats
After the success of Rest Now, the Shah Alam-based duo produced two more singles for 2019 and ‘In Time’ caught our ears. The garage-y, borderline-country track is a 100% indie rock anthem for the lost and jaded youth, reminding them that, in time, we’ll be alright.
Si Kiwi by Sweetass
Albert Ng concludes Sweetass as ‘Smashing Pumpkin on ketum’, and we can’t disagree. Si Kiwi is obviously about their drummer James Rivers, and what’s crazy is that, after about 2 minutes into listening, you’ll realise that it’s slowly turning into a Grease hit.
Wonderland by GARD WUZGUT
GARD WUZGUT’s CPR album is frankly one of the freshest thing to come out from Malaysian hip hop this year. Lyrics like ‘Cam ringgit gulung dengan soda’ and ‘Macam SPD, suku potong dua’ were accepted and celebrated by hip hop fans. Will this be the dawn of a new era, heralded by GARD WUZGUT?
Asmara Botol Kaca by Margasatwa
After a long wait, Luncai Emas signing Margasatwa has finally released a new single called ‘Asmara Botol Kaca’. Their nusantara soul is laced with quirky, psychedelic-folk sound in this song, accompanied by trippy visuals and an iconic Margasatwa look that will be remembered by indie fans.
Gundah Gulana by Loko
The Shah Alam born Loko has brought their name all the way to China in 2019. In celebration of that, the music video of this catchy tune was recorded there, and out of all the songs they released, this one provided a glimpse of Loko’s potential to be an indie great in the coming years.
DGAF by Eat Shit And Die!
Eat Shit And Die has been stomping around the scene — even got themselves a slot in the previous Rockaway. But DGAF is a statement, that Eat Shit And Die is not fucking around. An angsty, punchy tribute to the angry youth, who are sick and tired of getting stepped on, definitely a call to fight and stomp back.
Sek Kito Jange Pecoh by No Good
When someone says ‘Kelantanese music’, you’ll most probably visualise a traditional setup, dikir barat, or a really bad Golok version of Akon’s ‘Right Now (Na Na Na)’. But the guys from Killeur Calculateur and Dirgahayu had other ideas, thus No Good was born. ‘Sek Kito Jange Pecoh’ gives fans an idea of Kelantanese no holds barred punk rock together with the dialect, and without the fear of getting raided.
Jangan Cakap Saja by Iqbal M
Iqbal M’s Jangan Cakap Saja won Tapau Awards’ best song for a reason: it is one of a kind. As said by many, Iqbal M is carrying the scene on their shoulders and ‘Jangan Cakap Saja’ is becoming an anthem that indie kids will always look forward to. Best part is, Iqbal actually educates his fans in the song, something that can be considered quite rare these days.
ur cute but boring by lunadira
You’ve seen STUCK WITH YOU and Forever’s Not Our Thing soar through the international markets, but 2019 was UCBB’s year. ‘ur cute but boring’ gained so much traction, that a number of Twitter users shared their experiences with guys with UCBB tropes. Kudos lunadira, we all know a queen when we see one.
Pelukan Angkasa by SOG ft Shila Amzah
Ever since they got back from France to record with the dudes from Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, SOG has not been the same. They recruited multi-instrumentalist MK Ridzuan, and even landed an OST stint for local movie KL Vampires. KL Vampires may not get the success they wanted, but the roaring harmonies of Riko, Raja Nazrin and songstress Shila Amzah made ‘Pelukan Angkasa’ a lot more memorable than the movie that they were supposed to promote.
Get Munni by Zamaera x Lilasianthiccie
Zamaera has made a lot of hits before, but a duet with Lilasianthiccie in ‘Get Munni’ is the collaboration we never asked for, but it’s also the one that we don’t deserve. The chemistry between the two rappers is sublime, and personally almost like a diad in the Force. ‘Get Munni’ showed teeth, grit and a big fuck you to whoever it’s intended it for.
Mimpi by K-Clique ft Alif
‘Hidup aku bagai mimpi’ is most probably the most sung rap chorus this year, and with K-Clique’s chugging the hype train, we understand why. It’s still crazy to think that ‘Lain Lane Line’ was only launched a year ago, because the group from KK grew tremendously since then. I can dare say that ‘Mimpi’ is the track that ascended them to the level of Malaysian hip hop greats.
Hello Sayang by Pastel Lite ft Naza The Times
Yuna Room Record signing Pastel Lite had a good run for their previous album Balada, but their recent album, Pop Bilik Tidur, is a beast on its own. Who would’ve thought City Pop would challenge the current sound, and made 2019 theirs? Together with Naza from The Times, ‘Hello Sayang’ signals the arrival of Pastel Lite, and showed their ability to offer great tunes beyond the trending sound.
Desire by LUST
No one complained when Tekesima won the best album award at Tapau Awards, because despite a tight competition, the album deserved the accolade. ‘Desire’, one of the fan-favourites in the album, captured our hearts and ears with a relevant chorus that will echo through the 2020s. ‘Throw another brick at your desire’, will be sung and remembered at gigs, award shows, jamming studios or just at the comfort of your homes.
