Newcomer Melastik Bintang is gaining popularity through its cyber connection, writes RADIN SRI GHAZALI.

IT popped out of nowhere, thanks to the MySpace generation.

Melastik Bintang is among the many rock bands looking for a stage through the cyber connection.

The band, comprising Aryl on guitar, Ehsan (guitar), Firdaus (vocals), Karim (bass) and Zubair (drums), is conquering cyber space with its more than 4,000 fans through www.myspace.com/melastikbintang.

“It keeps increasing everyday,” said Ehsan.
“We are thankful for MySpace! It has made our life easier,” added Aryl.

“We have our gigs posted there and of course, our singles that are up for grabs. We even posted our performances in MySpace,” he said, adding that fans could download the band’s songs for free.

Melastik Bintang not only generated its own legion of fans through the website, it was spotted by Universal Music Malaysia through the webpage.

“Universal Music Malaysia saw our link through 6th Sense’s (another new rock band) webpage. It liked our materials so it contacted us for an audition before giving us a recording deal,” continued Ehsan.

The Perak-based band, which was formed in 2003, has faced several changes in its line-up. It finalised its members last year.

“We changed drummers at the last minute. The previous drummer left so Zubair replaced him,” said Aryl.

In 2005, the band recorded an EP with four tracks including Ego, Mendung, Laraku and Di Sini Saja.

“Well it is a DIY EP and we managed to sell every copy,” said Aryl.

The band also not only circulates in Perak and Kuala Lumpur, but also managed to sell the EPs in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We had orders from both states and we posted the EP to them. We even have the local DJs there playing the tracks,” said Aryl.

The members are aware that life in the music scene is not a bed of roses.

“We played gigs for free when we first started out and we are still doing it,” said Ehsan.

Under Universal’s wing, the boys hope to reach the bigger market.

“We have released our first single under Universal called Adrenalin. We are glad that it has entered the radio charts,” said Aryl, adding that the song is slowly topping Hot FM’s music charts.

“We were over the moon when it first came out over the station. We thought that would be the first and the last we would hear it but the listeners kept requesting for the song and it had more airplay,” he said.

“We hope that we will get support from fans. Our debut album relies heavily on the acceptance by fans. If we ace with our singles, we are able to make our first album,” said Ehsan.

The band’s peculiar name was given by a friend.

“One of our friends told us that we needed something eccentric yet catchy to get people’s attention,’’ said Aryl.

“People have complimented us on our name,” said Ehsan.

“We are flattered because the name is similar to Search’s number Melastik Ke Bintang,”

Aryl derives inspiration from American rock bands Dashboard Confessional, The Killers and The Calling, and other industrial rock tunes to compose the melodies.

“I try to insert a Malay feel into the songs and make it our own,” he said.

“Our music is simple. We want people to enjoy listening to our tracks,” said Ehsan.

“People can take Silverschair (an Australian alternative rock band) and Taking Back Sunday (American band) as the yardstick to how we sound,” he explained.

“Bands such as Meet Uncle Hussain and Hujan are paving the way for new bands. And we hope to pave the way for other new bands,” said Ehsan.