Native Tongue Records (NTR) is a Singapore based independent record label dedicated to preserving traditional Malay music by uncovering, exposing and reinterpreting the diminishing artform through various recent musical forms such as hip-hop, breakbeats, drum & bass, etc. The alternative multi-genre label, intends to rewrite the rules of the local independent music in radical fashion, by delving back to its ethnic roots rather than merely drawing from its Western contemporaries for inspiration.
Founder, Soulhuman7, saw the urgency of rescuing his musical heritage from oblivion in the MTV generation of the 21st century, where kids are raised up on western music culture rather than being passionate about their own musical heritance. Malay music subgenres such as Zapin, Inang and Joget are generally alien and non-existent on todays mainstream radio.
NTRs ongoing mantra is to uphold, maintain and continue traditional Malay musical aesthetics by fusing its elements with modern day subcultures of music which the kids are listening to such as hip-hop, progressive dance, experimental ambient, etc.
I noticed a wide range of Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Arabian traditional musical elements in modern progressive dance music, hip-hop and R&B such as produced by Talvin Singh (Dance UK), Rishi Rich(R&B UK), Jay Chou (Hip hop/R&B Hong Kong) and Dj Krush, (Experimental Hip hop Japan).These artist have managed to infuse and maintain their personal cultural identity in their music, yet making inventive and exciting music which is the basis for Native Tongue Records. Traditional Malay music is getting lost in the airwaves and it is our duty to resurrect it
With influences ranging from hip-hop, dance, rock and Nusantara music (such as dikir barat, jaipong and asli) and fusing it Malay music styles ( such as joget, zapin and inang) Native Tongue presents a unique take on Malay music with an amalgamation of diverse musical influences synthesize into one unique timbre.
Native Tongue Records was founded by multi-faceted producer, Norhisham Iskhandar (Soulhuman7) in August 2006 in which he acts as CEO, Producer and Artist. Soulhuman7, who records under in his own name, Gurindrum and Drum élan reflects a mix of genres with each moniker defining a purpose and style. Native records has released Soulhuman7 debut hip-hop instrumental album in late August 2006 and is gearing for the introduction of Gurindrums traditional Malay instrumental single to be release in conjunction with the Muslim fasting month in late September 2006.
