Crossover turns 17 this year, and to celebrate our anniversary,
we sat down with creative anarchist all across Malaysia to hear their side of
the story. They've overturned opinions and toppled down walls to chase
their dreams.

We sat down with Music Producer & DJ Daaliah (@daaliah_) to learn more
about music producing and how it’s like to be an audio engineer in Malaysia.
We spoke about his life ambitions and his inspirations as well as some genuine
challenges he's faced throughout his career. 

A SUBVERT STORY

DAALIAH, ARTIST

Q1: Tell us more about yourself and what you do.

Hey guys, my name is Wilton and I produce Music and DJ as Daaliah. I love anything that gets the creative juice flowing. My love for art and music cannot be overstated.

Q2: What is the experience like as a DJ in Malaysia?

In short, challenging. I started without knowing anybody relevant to the industry. I had to find my own way through. It was and still is a process. However, I revel at the experience of DJing, big or small crowd doesn’t matter. It’s about being able to control the vibe, and the energy of a room—I think there’s something special about that to me.

Q5: What plans lay around the corner for your music and DJing career? 

I often choose to let the plan surface on its own. It’ll come out when it comes out, you know? Although I’ll say this much—it’s gotta be new music, new shows in new cities and places with a new me.

Q6: Crossover is turning 17 this year. We realize society and its people change across culture and time and sometimes out of our control. How will this impact your career as a Music DJ? For instance, Artificial Intelligence. Is it a threat to music made by human beings?

Oh A.I. could certainly help us but also turn against us if we’re not careful. It’s tough to say simply because it’s still new and the common people aren’t all that familiar with it yet. In my opinion though, I feel it could be a threat to music made by real human beings. Listening to music made by something or someone that isn’t human just doesn’t feel real somehow. Maybe in 100 years, it could be the norm, we’ll see.

Q7: Being a DJ is an attractive prospect for many of us out there, now more than ever. Any advise for our aspiring youths?

Ever since technology has made it easier for people to start learning how to DJ, it has also made it more difficult to stand out. You really need to do something or play something that sets you apart. Trends come and go in my opinion but your true essence and your personality towards your “brand” as an artist would hopefully set you apart for the long run. I’m honestly still figuring this out so I can’t say with absolute certainty. 

Same thing goes for music production. Making what feels true to yourself and releasing it in a way that would make people want to listen to it now but also in ten years’ time—that is the challenge. Also, not to forget to have an open mind towards everything and not just music—art, cultures, languages, people—there’s just so much out there to discover and be inspired by.