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Come back to M'sian melodies with Straw Lim's soulful ‘Pulang'

Singer-songwriter Straw Lim is known for her songs which blend soulful melodies with reflective lyrics. (Straw Lim pic) PETALING JAYA : In 2019, local indie singer-songwriter Straw Lim released her debut album, 'Excursion'. This soulful collection of melodies drew on her experiences backpacking in over 50 countries, only to realise that ultimately, Malaysia was where she belonged. It is fitting, therefore, that her follow-up album is titled 'Pulang' ('Return'). This new collection of songs explores the themes of identity, home and belonging, as Lim contemplates a question she has long been fascinated with: what does it mean to be Malaysian? 'Pulang' contains 10 highly personal songs, each sporting a unique sound of their own. 'Initially, I was wondering: what was the one common Malaysian sound that could unite us? But in the end, I realised how diverse we are, how good we are at fusion, at 'rojak'. 'So all the songs sound quite different, but ultimately there is one thing that ties everything together: the Malaysian spirit,' Lim told FMT Lifestyle. Born in Kuala Lumpur, this alternative folk singer is now based in Kota Kinabalu, and performs in five languages: Bajau, English, Hinghwa, Malay and Mandarin. She has toured in Malaysia, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong, and been featured in many events: Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival, Klang River Festival, City Roars Festival, and more. A promo photo from Lim's single 'Home', a song about identity and belonging. (Straw Lim pic) Lim will be performing at 'Marilah Pulang', an album showcase, at PJPAC One Utama next week. The showcase is presented by Playspace and RMP Productions, and features Melina William as music director, with guest appearances from Brendan De Cruz, Fikri Fadzil (aka Bayangan) and Suara Terpenjara. The event is supported by the Ministry of Communications and MyCreative Ventures. Audiences can look forward to a spirited performance from an ensemble of musicians from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, with an eclectic collection of musical instruments, including the rebana, seruling, sundatang, trombone, cello, guitar, and more, all on show. Accompanying Lim's music will be immersive visuals from Filamen and contemporary Chinese dance choreography by Marrow Collective. Lim is highly excited about 'Marilah Pulang': every detail of this performance is infused with personal meaning for her. Even her stage outfit, which she designed and sewed by hand, will contribute to the show's overall narrative. 'My clothes evolve throughout the show, with me putting on and removing certain parts, reflecting how I learn and unlearn certain lessons throughout my journey of learning to belong,' Lim said. Lim performing at the Short + Sweet Malaysia: Song Competition in 2024. (Chan Kien Ming & leggoshoot pic) 'The making of this album has been such a journey, and I am very thankful that it's now come to life. Working with so many amazing and talented people has been so rewarding,' she added. Her latest album's first single is 'Home', a nostalgic melody which won the Best Overall Production and Creative Excellence Awards at the Short + Sweet Malaysia: Song Competition in 2024. Look out for 'Hourglass', Lim's lament about the increasing problem of brain drain. Another highlight of the album is 'Air': this stirring song touches on the plight of invisible communities in the nation, and features Bajau lyrics co-written and performed by a group of children from a marginalised community in Sabah. 'Bubble', a song in Hinghwa, is introspective. It's about realising how one has been living in a safe, familiar world, and learning how to step out and grow without forgetting where one comes from. 'The Hinghwa dialect is not spoken that much in Malaysia nowadays. So I had to find people to help me translate the lyrics. But speaking it helps me feel closer to my father and my grandparents, who have both passed away. I wanted to add their language into my song in memory of them,' Lim said. Overall, Lim hopes her album and showcase will resonate with anyone who loves and cares about the country, and encourage people to come together. 'It sometimes feels like we're all so segregated nowadays. But I hope to create something that we can all enjoy together,' Lim concluded. 'Change is always difficult and takes time. But I believe that sometimes, music and art can open doors to empathy and understanding, when words and conversations fall short.' Event: 'Marilah Pulang' Venue: Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama E, Petaling Jaya Date/Time: May 24 at 8.30pm; May 25 at 3pm Tickets to 'Marilah Pulang' can be purchased via Onetix. Follow Straw Lim on Facebook and Instagram.