We first heard his voice on house heavyweight Sandy Rivera's track 'Changes" when it became a monster on the airwaves, but noone guessed then that vocalist Haze is in fact a local boy, born and bred in Old Klang Road, deep in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Hari 'Haze' Menon started off playing keyboards for pop diva Prema Lucas at 17, but soon found himself exposed to something new when he ventured into underground club culture at the notorious Backroom.

He refers to his music as "stylish, sophisticated and supernatural", a fitting description for a sound that is so difficult to pigeon-hole. Spanning mainstream pop to Hiphop, RnB, Classical and even Dangdut, Haze has his bases covered in terms of musical diversity. Despite almost giving his father a heart attack by ditching his accounting degree for the music business, Haze has gone from strength to strength in his chosen profession.

Transmit got a chance to talk to Haze during an interview session at Genting Highlands, where Haze was set to perform later on that night with Gabriel Chong at Cream Live @ Genting.

How long have you been producing music?
Haze: I started off as a musician first, so with the musician side of it included, it would be about 13 years. But if it was production alone, it would be about 11 to 12 years. It's really close.

How did you get started in producing?
H: I used to write some stuff for Amir Yussof and then went on to do some stuff for Prema Lucas and also Ning Baizura. So part of that made my career more prominent as a producer in (Malaysia).

How does it feel to be one of the few producers who have succeeded in going international?
H: I don't harp on that 'cos I've never set any boundaries or any markers. I just go forth as boldly as I can. It feels great, it's nice to know that I'm Malaysian when I'm out there and I'll just carry on with what I'm doing.

So does that mean you still remember your roots when you're out there?
H: Yes always, I'm very proud to be Malaysian. When you're in the same vicinity as all the great producers and they don't know where you're from, it's great to put it on the map that way.

It's been said that people in the Malaysian dance music scene (i.e. DJs and producers) lag behind the international scene. What are your views on that?
H: That's a very subjective question. For me I've never really thought about it. To me I think there is always room for improvement in whatever we do. The learning never stops for me. And basically it's all about learning and applying what we've learnt. I think with a mindset like that, the (Malaysian) industry can go far. I've actually had the opportunity to go overseas and work with some really good producers and good people and learn techniques and bring it home and apply it. I've been really lucky that way. It's just about mastering what you do best.

To the Malaysian people or the mass crowd there's not much that has come out of the Malaysian market that has been heard outside as well. And I feel that with MTV and Channel V, I've found that the Malaysian people have become more educated with what is good and what is not. Because if we were to just have a Malaysian music channel, they would not say that we were lagging behind. I think that it's up to the people in the industry to prove them all wrong.

You've been overseas for quite a while now. How long have you actually been out there?
H: Oh, I've been back and forth mostly for two years. Most of my time was spent in New York and London, and I did some tours in Europe as well.
How would you compare the Malaysian scene to what's happening abroad?
H: We're really small compared to the rest of the world. But there is a possible existence of greatness waiting to happen.

Do you think you'll ever come back to Malaysia to produce music full time?
H: I would like to do it full time for the world. Be it Malaysia or any part of the world, I always have my ears open to new talents that come from Malaysia and if I hear something that I like I would totally get myself involved with it.

How does it feel to have come so far in your career?
H: Frankly to me, you don't look back and that's what keeps me going. It feels good but there's a long way to go, just in different stages.

What's the hardest thing you've experienced as a producer?
H: I think the hardest thing would be working with another producer. It's just like having two painters painting one canvas. So I think that's the hardest thing. But it's been done and eventually you find a way through it.

How did you feel when you first got to know that 'Changes' was on the charts?
H: I was happy internally. But I looked back and said to myself, "you've come this far and got this title". It makes my job a lot more difficult, because getting here is one thing and sustaining it is another. So I'm all for longevity in the business and that's my virtue in this business.

Are you going to be working on anything new?
H: Well there's going to be lots of new stuff coming out. I'm working on some stuff on my own at a solo level. And I'm working on some other stuff such as songwriting and working with some other producers from London as well. I'm going to carry on with this songwriting thing - because 'Changes' was a song I wrote as well.

So are we going to see you work other local artists, producers or DJs?
H: I'm sure you will but I don't know who yet.
What can we expect from you and Gabriel tonight?
H: Mr. Gabriel Chong, since you're here why don't you tell us what to expect for tonight…
Gabriel Chong: well we're basically going to spice it up a lil. We'll basically have a good time-lah.
H: we'll try to make everybody smile today. That's our goal.

-Matt
 

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