Art Fazil
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Art Fazil's music is an uplifting, multi-layered experience – a mirror of his diverse life, which began on a small village near the rainforest in Singapore.
Left alone from a very young age while his family worked, he learning to play through stolen moments on his uncle's guitar and lessons from a friend, Art's father rewarded him with his very own for passing exams and the spark continued to burn. He enjoyed everything from Bob Marley to the Rolling Stones to the sounds of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – all which have in common a cultural richness and depth that you'll find in any of his thoughtful compositions.
In the early 90’s Art began working as a roadie for Ramli Sarip while he continued writing songs for major Malaysian acts, with many published by Warner Music.
He then went on to form the world music- folk rock trio called Rausyanfikir (signed to Pony Canyon, Japan) and selling 30 thousand copies in Malaysia and Singapore.
Its single from their second release “Fikir Fikir” was awarded Best Local Malay Composition 1997 by COMPASS ( Composers and Authors Society of Singapore) Awards.
In between the band’s albums, Art went on to record a solo English album of self written songs. The single, “Sometimes When I Feel Blue”, went to the number 1 spot in the local charts for several weeks, and awarded the Best Local English Pop Song in the COMPASS Awards.
In 1997, Art moved to London to re-invent himself. He started gigging at open mic sessions and continued playing on the circuit.
He played at almost every venue in London including The Rock Garden, Bungies, The 12 Bar Club, Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues etc. He also played at venues around the UK- from Kent and Manchester Universities to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Some of his best live cuts have been captured in his 1998 release “Acoustic Juju” which also includes the Tympnali Song Competition winner, “Monsoon Rain”.
In January 2000, Art Fazil performed for the Taman Warisan Fundraiser (Malay Heritage Board), performing with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Victoria Concert Hall. The prestigious event were attended by the President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. S.R. Nathan and the First Lady, Foreign Dignitaries and local MPs.
In October 2000, Art released Nur. The album received 7 nominations in Mediacorp’s Anugerah Planet Music 2001 which brought together acts from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He won 4 out of the 7 awards he was nominated for. The song ‘Merindu Kepastian (Longing)’ went to the Number 1 spot in the Singapore charts.
In December 2001, Art performed as part of Jawi Empire, a world music band with strong influences from African and Gamelan at the Royal Festival Hall, London, music as part of the multicultural celebrations, Festival of Lights.
In September 2002, Art played at the South Bank Centre in London, as part of the singer-songwriter festival called ‘The Song’s The Thing’ organized by Kashmir Klub and The Performing Rights Society (UK).
In October 2002, Art recorded an English number for the Mercy Relief charity album. The song, entitled ‘Song For The World’ was co-written with Canadian songwriter Lee Lindsey and two British songwriters, Mark Bryan and C.Christine. It was produced by Jack Guy at Sphere Studios in London.
In between all the traveling, recording and performing, Art went on to complete his post-graduate course at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2003.
Art continued developing his songcraftsmanship by constantly gigging at the various live music venues in London such the world famous Kashmir Klub founded by ex-Cutting Crew Tony Moore, Tall Poppy Presents, Pronto (Frith Street, Soho), Mawar (Edgware Road), The Visible (Portobello Road), The Bedford (Balham) and The New Inn (St John’s Woods)
In 2005, as part of MAT London (Malay Arts & Tradition London) Art Fazil organised the first London Malay Festival (www.london-malay-festival.co.uk) which had the participation from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Art Fazil is currently recording his new record in London. The sound of his music can be described as truly World Music- incorporating the various global sounds London has to offer yet maintaing his Indo-Malay musical roots. The yet to be titled album will be released by London’s world music label Space Shop Records which is also the home of Madagascar artist, Modeste.
REVIEWS: "Art Fazil is one of the most natural and comfortable performers you will ever see. His sweet soulful singing combines with classic writing to produce an artist who only needs his voice and guitar to move mountains. Maybe a shade of Tracy Chapman on first listening yet you are soon taken on a musical journey that visits hit song after hit song, all different and yet all Art." "....Art was recently voted Most Laid Back Man In The Universe, but that doesn't stop him writing wonderful new songs and singing and playing them with utter conviction." - Kashmir Klub (www.kashmirklub.com)
Awards:
- 1995- COMPASS Best English Song for Sometimes When I Feel Blue
- 1995- Anugerah Persuratan (Malay Literature Award) for lyrics of the song ‘Ali Malas’ from Rausyanfikir II.
- 1997- COMPASS Best Local Malay Song for Dikir Fikir Fikir from Rausyanfikir II
- 1997- Winner of Tympanli Songwriter’s Competition, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland, United Kingdom
- 2001- Anugerah Planet Music Awards organised by Mediacorp:
- Best Singapore Album 2001
- Best New (Singapore) solo Artiste 2001
- Best New (Regional) Artiste 2001
- 2001- Getaran Global Rian (World Music Programme)
- The New York Festivals Finalist Award, International Competition For Radio Advertising And Programming
For further information please go to: www.myspace.com/artfazil
