BLAST FROM THE PAST: INFINITI ALBUM
The group took time before going into the studio to record the 3rd album. After coming home, Zaid and Aziz took a break before the group settled in KL and start writing the materials for the new album. Belantara recruited an additional guitarist -- Benson Lee -- after holding a private audition.
The band manage to write 5 songs before taking a break due to financial constraint. Our project of building our own studio halted and everybody seems to be going on their own directions though we occassionally meet at Booty Boys Studio in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng where Zaid worked during that time. We tried recruiting a lead vocalist as Zaid felt that he wanted to concentrate on producing and writing but to no avail and "disaster" (the story some other time, maybe) we were not able to find one that "clicks". One notable singer turned us down due to other commitment (or was that a polite no? maybe).
When Zaid completed the vocal parts on "Telefon", everybody was convinced that the band was now ready to go back into the studio. He also recorded a demo - slow number "Airmata" with the help of Is Wow. But there's still a few more songs short. Zaid then came up with "Mereka", Aziz w/ "Pelita Ketenangan", Benson "Lautan Cahaya" (w/ no title and words yet) and Shuk "Jalan Pulang".
Finally when everyting was ready we then again set for Lion Studio in Singapore. This time we were driven in a van and settled in a rented apartment for a week to record and mix the album. The way we work this time were not glamourous either, like working in a factory shift. First two days : record click, drum parts and bass w/ basic guitar or piano track as guide. Then all the guitar parts, then keyboards and lead and background vocals. Imagine going into the studio @ 9.00 or 10.00 a.m. then working till 3.00-4.00 a.m. for a week.
But we manage to finish in time. Problems arises but solved or compromised for the sake of the album. But overall we were glad that the record company never interfere in our writings and music. In fact for all 3 album the record company does not question on our materials at all. (I guess there are good and bad things about their non-interference). But this also educate us on what works and what not for any future music recording works. It is just an expensive lesson in the School of Hard "Rock".
We tried and compromise to the market with our ballad especially "Airmata" but put an edge a bit on the lyrics as the song about love & death. Something different.
The band manage to write 5 songs before taking a break due to financial constraint. Our project of building our own studio halted and everybody seems to be going on their own directions though we occassionally meet at Booty Boys Studio in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng where Zaid worked during that time. We tried recruiting a lead vocalist as Zaid felt that he wanted to concentrate on producing and writing but to no avail and "disaster" (the story some other time, maybe) we were not able to find one that "clicks". One notable singer turned us down due to other commitment (or was that a polite no? maybe).
When Zaid completed the vocal parts on "Telefon", everybody was convinced that the band was now ready to go back into the studio. He also recorded a demo - slow number "Airmata" with the help of Is Wow. But there's still a few more songs short. Zaid then came up with "Mereka", Aziz w/ "Pelita Ketenangan", Benson "Lautan Cahaya" (w/ no title and words yet) and Shuk "Jalan Pulang".
Finally when everyting was ready we then again set for Lion Studio in Singapore. This time we were driven in a van and settled in a rented apartment for a week to record and mix the album. The way we work this time were not glamourous either, like working in a factory shift. First two days : record click, drum parts and bass w/ basic guitar or piano track as guide. Then all the guitar parts, then keyboards and lead and background vocals. Imagine going into the studio @ 9.00 or 10.00 a.m. then working till 3.00-4.00 a.m. for a week.
But we manage to finish in time. Problems arises but solved or compromised for the sake of the album. But overall we were glad that the record company never interfere in our writings and music. In fact for all 3 album the record company does not question on our materials at all. (I guess there are good and bad things about their non-interference). But this also educate us on what works and what not for any future music recording works. It is just an expensive lesson in the School of Hard "Rock".
We tried and compromise to the market with our ballad especially "Airmata" but put an edge a bit on the lyrics as the song about love & death. Something different.
