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Guitarist Az Samad turns home rehearsals into a five-track experimental EP
MALAYSIAN guitarist and composer Az Samad has released Sebelum ke Galeri, a five-track EP built from improvised solo electric guitar sessions recorded in his home studio.
Released independently on June 15, the mini album emerged while Az was preparing for his debut appearance in the ImproVision series at UR-MU Bukit Bintang.
Unlike the gallery performance, where his improvisations responded directly to the artwork around him, Sebelum ke Galeri documents the earlier process of testing sounds, equipment and musical ideas.
Az recorded the material using effects pedals, a looper and an eBow, an electronic device that produces sustained guitar notes. The recordings were made without predetermined structures before being edited into individual tracks.
This EP captures the energy of searching. I recorded these sessions at home while experimenting with my gear, adding one pedal at a time to find the right textures.
The music came first, completely free of preconceived structures, and I edited the recordings later to give them shape. It’s a very different direction, and I hope listeners connect with that spirit of pure exploration,” he said.
Exploring sound without limits
Sebelum ke Galeri favours atmosphere, noise and texture over conventional melodies, drawing influence from improvisational guitarists David Tronzo and David Fiuczynski.
Its five tracks are Ada Masanya Tak Perlu Berfikir Sangat, Jangan Percaya Semua yang Kita Baca Online, Dan Itulah Sebabnya Kita Jangan Dengar Fitnah, Kepada Kucing Hadapan Kedai and Sebelum Berangkat ke Destinasi.
The track titles were chosen after the recordings had been completed. Among them, Kepada Kucing Hadapan Kedai uses expressive guitar lines intended to evoke a cat’s movements and curiosity.
From studio to gallery
The release follows Az’s acoustic EP Sehayat Dalam Sedetik and the electronic and hip-hop-influenced In the Background of Your Mind.
At UR-MU Bukit Bintang, Az performed a 30-minute Still Live set while audience members sketched, followed by a 20-minute ImproVision set inspired by artworks displayed in the gallery.
Further gallery performances are being planned, with dates to be announced.
A Berklee College of Music alumnus, Az has worked as a guitarist, composer and educator for nearly three decades. His music spans classical, jazz, electronic and experimental styles.
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