Cover Amy Search
Amy Search
1 / 1
From dominating Malaysia’s rock scene to finding new adventures in life, Amy Search reflects on his musical journey, the icons who inspired him, and the continuous evolution that defines his career.
From his early days fronting the legendary Malaysian rock band Search to becoming a solo rock icon, Amy Search (Datuk Suhaimi Abdul Rahman) has never shied away from breaking new ground. The band’s albums, especially Fenomena (1989) and Mentari Merah di Ufuk Timur (1987), achieved massive commercial success, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Fenomena alone went multi-platinum, solidifying both Amy Search’s and the band’s status as one of the most successful rock acts in Malaysia.
Read more: Coffee Prince, Boys Over Flowers and more: The best K-dramas of all time
Inspired by rock legends like Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant, Amy’s flamboyance and electric stage presence are elements that set him apart in Malaysia’s entertainment industry. Yet, despite his success, Amy speaks candidly about the challenges of navigating the music business, particularly in the face of exploitation and outdated systems that fail to protect artists’ rights. His reflections on the need for change in how royalties are distributed and the protection of intellectual property highlight the ongoing struggles within the Malaysian music industry.
Which albums greatly influenced your life and can you tell us more about that?
My life? I always enjoyed listening to Pink Floyd during long breaks. I’ve been really influenced by Freddie Mercury of Queen and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. I love their style. They had such strong stage personas—flamboyant and powerful—and I love that. Those two figures gave me a lot of inspiration to become who I am today. Since I started in the late ‘70s, they’ve always been a part of my journey.
What do you wish you had known before becoming a recording artist?
I should have learned more about the industry, especially copyrights and how things work in the music world. After a while, you realise that you're surrounded by people who appreciate your work, but at the same time, some are exploiting you. Back then, I just loved making music, dreaming big, and exploring my creativity.
See also: Rejina Pyo’s ‘As She Is’ exhibition: When one woman celebrates many other women
But you can’t just stay satisfied with what you’ve achieved. You must keep dreaming and developing new goals, or you’ll stagnate. For me, it’s all about chasing satisfaction through new dreams.
What is your best investment, not necessarily financially but in terms of time, effort, or energy?
Time and effort, definitely.
When I started in the industry, it wasn’t just about being a singer or the lead vocalist of a band. There was so much more to it—investing in your image and personality, and building a strong stage presence. You always want to stand out, whether in music or in how you invest in yourself as an artist.
In the last five years, what have you learned that has improved your life?
Over the last five years, I’ve been involved in a lot of crazy activities—scuba diving, hiking, skydiving, and cycling around different parts of the world. It’s changed me a lot.
At 60, I started doing these things, like hiking Mount Kinabalu and going to Annapurna Base Camp. These experiences have given me energy and changed my outlook on life.
They made me think differently about my next move and helped change my environment mentally and physically.
Can you tell us more about your experience at Annapurna Base Camp?
I celebrated my 60th birthday while trekking up and down Annapurna for 12 days. It was an amazing experience, especially after climbing Mount Kinabalu. It’s not just about reaching the summit—it’s about personal satisfaction. It’s about how you manage to get there and the emotions that come with it. It was a totally different spirit, and it changed me.
What advice would you give to a talented artist or musician entering the industry today?
First, you need a solid reference point—know what kind of music you're aiming for and keep learning.
It’s not easy to stay relevant for a long time. You have to keep producing and composing good music and be patient.
Believe in yourself, and always know when the right time is to release your albums. And of course, know your rights as an artist, especially today with everything going digital.
What would it be if you had the power to change something in the music industry?
I would change the system of distributing royalties. It’s outdated and it’s not transparent. Performance rights, sound rights, and composition royalties need to be handled in a more modern way. We’re still using the same old system, and it’s unfair to the artists. Even in the film industry, we’re not properly compensated for our work. It’s wrong. Performers should always receive their due, and that needs to change.
Don’t miss: Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite sets the bar high for Business Class
If you could make your own slogan tee, what would the slogan say?
Search forever.
What’s an unusual thing you love about Malaysia?
The food, of course. I love our culture, even though we sometimes don’t take it seriously. Without our culture, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
What was the last great Malaysian meal you had?
Bubur Lambuk. That was the last great meal I had but home-cooked food is always the best. I love to cook!
What’s your favourite dish to cook?
I cook asam pedas—meat asam pedas—I love cooking meat dishes.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
NOW READ
Can creativity be taught? Press Start Studios’ Vincent Siu certainly believes so
5 Indian designers who are at the forefront of South Asian fashion
Topics
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
About
Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
Work
As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
Follow her on Instagram @lynette_ow or LinkedIn
