THERE was a time when one record label here was synonymous with most of Malaysia's illustrious recording artistes.
Established in 1966, EMI Music Malaysia (EMI Music) had since boasted a roster of renowned homegrown singers and legends, including Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Puan Sri Saloma, Datuk Sudirman Arshad, Datuk Sharifah Aini, Datuk DJ Dave, Datuk Sheila Majid, Noor Kumalasari, Ella, Fauziah Latiff and Uji Rashid.
Popular bands, whose evergreen songs have since become classic tunes, include Black Dog Bone, Carefree, Ekamatra, KRU, Too Phat, Innuendo, Butterfingers, Amuk, as well as the popular teenage duo Anuar and Ellina.
When it was initially incorporated, EMI Music became the first multinational recording company here.
Its administration then was coordinated under one of the EMI Music Groups' subsidiaries, EMI International.
It essentially became a label that focused on the acquisition, production, marketing and distribution of recorded music.
However, it later championed the local music scene by signing and managing the musical careers of a string of outstanding singers Malaysia had since known and whose works are still revered by today's music fans.
Even then, the company had taken the lead in the battle against record pirates who violated music copyrights.
By 1979, it joined the Malaysian Association of Phonogram and Videogram Producers and Distributors, which was renamed in 1996 to Record Industry of Malaysia as part of a reorganisation.
However, EMI Malaysia ceased to operate as an independent company in September 2008 and became a part of the Universal Music Group in 2014.
Its releases have since been distributed by Universal Music Malaysia.
Back into the scene
Committed to innovation in the creative scene, Universal Music recently relaunched the iconic EMI label.
"When we acquired EMI Music, we also wanted to look for a new direction and positioning of an iconic household brand.
"We're here today to deliver that promise and to position EMI as a strong label across this region by having cross-market artistes under our new initiative, Nusantara Project," said Universal Music Southeast Asia chief executive officer Calvin Wong at the relaunch of EMI Music Malaysia last month in Kuala Lumpur.
Universal Music Malaysia managing director Kim Lim added: "Digital music consumption today is equally spread between back catalogues and front line, with both taking a share of approximately 50 per cent each.
"Hence, there's definitely a need to restore the glory days of EMI catalogues while pushing out new releases by our new artistes signed under this rebranded label.
"The appointment of Adib Hamdi, a young and talented figure in today's music industry, is a testament to our commitment and determination to see the EMI name means as much to the new generation as it did for mine."
Adib, who is EMI Music Malaysia head, said: "Being asked to rebrand and reimagine one of the country's most iconic record labels is like a dream come true, as is the chance to work with some of Malaysia's young and fresh talents.
"Having this opportunity to find and develop the talents of the future is what drives me and I can't wait to bring EMI to a higher ground."
As a start, the resurrected label is proud to introduce the two artistes — singers Irfan Haris and Ezra Kairo.
While some may remember Irfan, 22, who began singing professionally since he was still in school, Ezra, 23, who rose to fame through TikTok, had only recently released his first single Benar with the label.
"I'm very honoured to be a part of this label as I had grown up listening to songs by Sudirman, P. Ramlee, KRU and many others," Irfan said.
"So, when I was approached by Adib, I jumped at the opportunity."
Ezra, too, shared the same sentiment, and said: "I'll take this opportunity to hone my passion and hopefully go further as a singer under EMI."