Canada-based singer-songwriter says being 'stranded' abroad has pushed her to tell her stories through music
MALAYSIAN multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter Izabelle Merican or Zelle Eliz has been far away from home for the first time since becoming a university student in Canada last year.
Nevertheless, her stay in Vancouver, British Columbia has brought her closer to her culture, history and roots, and made her feel "more Malaysian".
"As a student in a foreign land, my experiences have made me look deeper into where I come from and how important it is to be proud of my culture.
"While the world is facing a difficult time, this Malaysia Day, my heart goes out to all the frontliners who continue to keep our people safe," she says.
Zelle, 20, who is of Malay-Filipino descent, was first exposed to music at three.
"I come from a performing arts background, and at a young age I participated in musicals and joined the Permata Seni Choir as well as the National Choir of Malaysia," she says.
"My parents often told me that as a baby, I learnt how to sing first before I could even speak," says Zelle, whose mother and elder brother are musically-inclined.
Zelle's first major public performance was when she was four.
"I was following my brother to audition for a Christmas musical. He got selected and so did I since the producers needed a girl to sing a particular song. It was performed live on television.
"After that I played a young princess in the musical The King And I at Istana Budaya while pursuing my violin scholarship at the Petronas Junior Programme."
Zelle's exposure as a national rhythmic gymnast while in primary and secondary school, as well as being involved in competitive dance helped her appreciate various styles of performing arts and disciplines.
"But the real turning point was when I auditioned for Miss Saigon The Musical in Manila and impressed the producers for their future musical projects."
Zelle says that music is in her blood, and from watching her brother play the piano and her mother perform in musicals, she quickly developed a keen interest in it.
"My musical influences are diverse. There is Lea Salonga, the Vienna Boys Choir, jazz legends like Regina Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and Randy Bernsen, and R&B, soul and pop greats Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind And Fire, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson, The Black Eyed Peas and our own Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Yuna and NJWA," she says.
Zelle who excels in the violin, piano and ukulele, began songwriting and composing at 12.
"I had my formal training in violin and piano when I was six. I'm also a self-taught guitar and ukulele player."
Zelle, who is pursuing an international studies and political science degree, has released two singles titled All Or Nothing (AON) and Kaleidoscope Adventures (KA).
"AON released last March is about the doubts that surface in our minds when we are in love.
"As for KA, I wrote it to remind myself and listeners how life is an adventure.
"The song is about life being all colourful, unpredictable, beautiful, and an ongoing journey. At the time of its release last June, people were in quarantine and I wanted to unite us all by finding hope and joy within our homes," she says.
Zelle is fortunate to be mentored by established musicians, artistes and producers, such as Bernsen, Idang Rasjidi, Mac Chew, Jenny Chin, Arthur Kam, Sandy Monteiro, and Cheah Mun Kit.
"I believe in working with the best, for only then will I know my true potential in music."
Calling Vancouver her second home, Zelle says it is a great place with the same diversity of people and city, feel that reminds her of KL.
Coping with the Covid-19 pandemic being away from her family can be a scary experience.
"When I first heard about the coronavirus, I was concerned about our educational environment and the shift that was necessary. I was fearful but in a good kind of way.
"It opened my eyes to how scary it was, and the new norms made me grow up a little faster than I expected.
"I learnt to be more practical while educating myself with survival skills and most importantly being grateful every waking hour.
"And I took the time to research more about music production, social media presence and marketing strategies," she says.
Marking her first Malaysia Day celebration away from home, Zelle says she misses not having her usual Malaysian breakfast comprising nasi lemak or nasi kandar, with the family.
"We would usually go to Dataran Merdeka, the place where our independence was first declared, and take photos together with the Malaysian flag.
"My father's birthday falls around the same time, so we mark Malaysia Day as his birthday celebration too," she says, adding that she now appreciates spending time with her loved ones.
"I am grateful that they taught me the importance of appreciating my country's rich heritage. And during every Malaysia Day season, I realise that there is so much to miss and love about my home."
Canada may now be Zelle's base, but she will never forget how the Malaysian government and health professionals are fighting the Covid-19 pandemic to keep the country safe.
"Being a Malaysian far from home and having my friends commend our country for its efforts in battling Covid-19 brings me a sense of pride."
Zelle aims to tell her stories and help make a difference in her work.
"Composing and songwriting allows me to share my heart and soul with music fans, and knowing anything is possible if you believe.
"I stay optimistic that tomorrow is always a chance to turn life's experiences into great music," she says.
Zelle's singles are available at www.zelle-elizmusic.com