What is your definition of success?

Success is not only money or wealth. Expensive things won’t bring you complete happiness. To me, being successful is about leading a full, exciting life of adventure and earning enough money to take care of yourself and the people you love.

What’s your proudest achievement to date?

Writing my very first song when I was 20 years old in my bedroom. Years later, it was recognised as the 'Song Of The Year' at the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) awards!

Why did you decide to pursue a career in entertainment?

I discovered from a young age that I have a flair for writing songs. Knowing that other people loved my songs sustained my purpose. To be frank though, the entertainment industry does come with a lot of things I do not like—like losing my privacy—but I deal with these obstacles because I love music so much!

What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?

Juggling my music career and personal life without dropping the ball. It was a struggle to properly organise my time working on album in the US and planning my wedding from across the globe, but I managed to do it!

What was the highlight of your career so far?

“Launching successful singles with Usher and Jhene Aiko. I was also honoured to have a chance to perform at the Soul Trains Awards.”

What is latest book, music or film that is influencing your works right now?

The book that inspired me to pursue music was Just Kids by Patti Smith, which narrates how she first got into music and moved into New York in the late 60s.

It is not a film per se, but when I was 19,  I watched a Youtube video of Canadian musician Feist that convinced me that it would be cool to be a singer-songwriter who played the guitar.

How do you hope to impact Malaysia in the future?

I hope as a Malaysian singer-songwriter based in LA, I will inspire the youths of our country to reach for bigger goals. Don’t limit yourself. No one will be mad at you for dreaming big and wanting more outside of what people say you can do.

What do you think stand between you and complete happiness?

My ego! Sometimes, I always remind myself to bring my guard down and just be humble. With humility, it opens up a lot of opportunities for you.

You stood by your beliefs despite the hypercritical industry you are in. What advice would you give for those who are trying to stand up to discrimination?

Always look for the positive side of things. It is easy to get caught up in other people’s opinions. I am glad I held on to my tudung all these years. I owned it and I know that no one can take that away from me. People can say whatever they want about me, but I know what it took and cost me to keep my scarf on in the US music scene. No one from home can understand my struggles, and it’s fine. I would say, ignore the ignorant and listen to your own gut.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

I want my music to touch hearts around the world. People will remember a great song forever.

ICYMI: Meet Hiko Momoji, another Malaysian making waves in the US music scene