Say hello to Resh, the artiste formerly known as Reshmonu

Keeping it f-Resh: Singer Resh is no longer Reshmonu. He assures fans that his passion, objective and goal in making good music is still the same. Photo: Universal Music Malaysia

Forget what you know about singer Reshmonu. His days as the musician with cornrows who mixed R&B with traditional sounds are over.

These days, the artiste is sporting a slick quiff and shorter moniker – just call him Resh.

Since the release of his debut album Monumental in 2003, Resh has kept himself busy in the music industry. He has released four albums including Harapan, a full Bahasa Malaysia album in 2009 and Theendathey, a Tamil single the following year.

A notable livewire on stage, he was the opening act for international artistes such as Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas and The Prodigy during their shows in Malaysia.

After more than 10 years and dozens of accolades including an Anugerah Industri Muzik award for Best Vocal Performance In An Album (Male) award, 39-year-old Resh believes it’s time for a change.

“I have simply gone one full circle and realised that it’s time to go international,” he said in an interview in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

There is more to Resh’s plan for an international breakthrough than a new image and name, though. First up, a new single entitled Half The Man, helmed by American producer Jim Beanz, who is also overseeing Resh’s upcoming seven-track EP.

Just how did Resh get a hold of the same hitmaker who has produced songs for the likes of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Jamie Foxx? It all started with a simple e-mail blast.

1. How is Resh different from Reshmonu?

The personality, the passion and the objective will always remain. It’s just a new persona with a whole new sound that feels more current.

There was a point in life where if I wanted to shoot a music video by diving out of a plane, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I’ve shot a music video underwater, I’ve gone to Morocco to shoot a music video with just a four-man crew. I won’t say that I’m reckless. It’s just that my passion sometimes drives me to do crazy things.

But now, as a father to three boys (10-year-old Maureece, six-year-old Tyreece and three-year-old Jareece), I realise that I have a family to take care. You can say I’m more careful now.

2. How did the collaboration with Beanz happen?

I sent out an e-mail with my music portfolio to various producers around the world. Then Sunset Entertainment, Beanz’s management, replied to the e-mail with a message saying they are intrigued. I flew to Philadelphia in the US to meet Jim, and then we decided to cut eight tracks together.

For his new music project, Resh flew to the US to work with producer Jim Beanz. Photo: Universal Music Malaysia

3. What was the direction you wanted to take with him?

I couldn’t even begin to describe how nervous I was at the beginning. It was my first time working with a music producer. All this while, I’ve always made my own decisions. To suddenly go to a completely different environment and work with someone like Jim – it’s a nerve-racking experience.

I remember when I first met Jim, I said: 'I want you to forget everything you have heard about me. Let’s work at creating a new sound. We can agree that we want a sound that would fit the international market. I want you to work me to the bone. Treat me like a new artiste.'

I guess it was also scary for him to meet and work with someone who has just flown all the way from Malaysia. But after what I said to him, he was relieved.

I’ve heard stories of musicians breaking down and crying in his studio; He’s a perfectionist!

It was brilliant to work with him. He was very nit-picky in terms of slang, word placement, rhythmic timing and lyrical presentation. He broke it down to the core and built it right back up. I came out a new man with a newfound perspective on music production.

4. Was cutting your hair an easy decision to make?

Yes. We flew down to South Korea to get my hair cut there. I’ve had long hair for 20 years, half of that time in cornrows. This guy just snipped everything off in 15 minutes!

At first, it felt weird. Then, when he styled the new look, I connected with it immediately. But I remember taking a shower and I was feeling my head with my hands, thinking: 'Eh, where’s my hair?'.

I needed the change so there was no forced scenario. Plus, I can still go crazy with short hair!

5. What is your advice to your children if they want to pursue a music career like you?

My boys are already into music as they play drums and guitars. I’d tell them to finish their studies first and establish a strong foundation to fall back on. Then, follow your dreams.

That’s the plan now. But, you should check with me again in 10 years (laughs).