#SHOWBIZ: Belle Sisoski blends tradition and EDM

New Straits Times

6 days ago

SARAWAKIAN musician Belle Sisoski creates a truly unique sound by combining electronic dance music (EDM) with traditional instruments from her heritage.
She effectively blends old and new, integrating centuries of history and tradition into modern music, giving new life to some long-forgotten musical instruments.
Belle samples traditional Sarawakian instruments like the stringed sape, the long-forgotten tapi, as well as the turali and keringut flutes — incorporating these into her vibrant EDM beats that accompany her powerful vocals.
This new generation, cutting-edge music has earned Belle a substantial following, with over a million fans on each platform: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Two years ago, she made waves as one of the top three finalists for the Commonwealth Song Contest. Her track, 'Stop Your Games', vividly captured the gloomy and dark emotional days of the global Covid-19 lockdown.
Belle's latest single, 'Mother's Calling', is a poignant appeal for environmental protection and conservation which is inspired by her concern for ecological destruction.
She performed it at the 27th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching last year.
CLASSICALLY TRAINED
In a recent interview, Belle revealed that she received classical training in piano and violin. She grew up listening to classical composers like Debussy and Chopin, alongside modern contemporary artists such as Yanni, Vangelis, and John Williams.
"I was born and raised in a musically inclined family," she shared.
"My mother is a music educator and ethnomusicologist, and her research into indigenous Iban music deeply influenced my artistic journey."
As an only child, Belle began classical piano training at the age of three, later picking up the violin, guitar and vocals.
Over time, she found herself drawn to traditional Bornean instruments like the engkerurai, sompoton, sape and tapi.
Her interest also extended to other Malaysian traditional instruments such as the kompang and rebab, and even Southeast Asian instruments like the angklung, jaw harp and gamelan.
Belle's early influences were a rich blend of classical greats, cinematic film score composers, traditional folk music and experimental electronic artists.
"Today, I draw inspiration from such film composers and unconventional masters of traditional instruments."
While Belle was classically trained locally, much of her music education stemmed from experimentation and hands-on experience as a performer and producer.
During her school years, Belle actively participated in music competitions and concerts. The growth of social media during and after Covid-19 led to appearances at major music festivals, including the RWMF.
"This festival is one of the milestones that gave me clarity about the kind of artist I wanted to become," she said.
"One of my most impactful performances to date was at the Ultra Taiwan music festival, where I premiered my Southeast Asian ethnic-cinematic-electronic live set to an international audience."
LOCKDOWN EXPERIMENTS
Belle said during the Covid-19 lockdown, she dedicated a significant amount of time to production and experimentation with various musical instruments.
She also created covers of different genres and music from various nationalities.
"It was a journey of self-discovery and experimental improvisation that led to combining traditional instruments in EDM," she added.
Belle's songs are imbued with strong emotions on various subject matters, reflecting her passion and awareness for humanitarian causes.
"When creating a song, I begin with a topic or emotion that I want to highlight," she said.
Currently, she and her one-woman band are touring across Asia and also expanding globally.
"Performing at more international festivals will not just showcase my music, but also represent my Southeast Asian and Malaysian heritage on a global stage."
Outside of music, Belle is also a visual storyteller who paints, writes poetry, and directs and edits her own visual content.
"If I were not a musician, I might have pursued filmmaking or cultural anthropology," she said.
Belle is currently working on a multi-part conceptual album inspired by elemental philosophies.
Additionally, she is developing a music video and instrument introductory series titled 'Wonders of the Southeast', all while maintaining a schedule of live performances for music festivals and corporate events.
"My next release, 'The Resistance', will continue exploring the fusion of cinematic soundscapes and electronic elements with indigenous instrumentation."
As a musician, Belle dreams of becoming a music producer of world and film music.
"There's no shortcut to performing at a high level with live instruments,
"It requires consistent practice at a high level to master every detail of my equipment, ensuring the best delivery in every music production and live show," she concluded.