Three of the tracks in the EP feature her uncle, David Arumugam, the original member of the Alleycats. Photos: Handout
When Dasha Logan entered the recording studio to record her EP featuring songs originally sung by her late father, the 37-year-old was understandably emotional.
Her father was Datuk Loganathan Arumugam, one of the founding members and lead singers of the band Alleycats, along with his older brother, Datuk David Arumugam.
Loganathan passed away from lung cancer in 2007.
“It was overwhelming,” said Dasha when met at an event to launch her EP. “I didn’t know if I could sing without crying.”
Although it was challenging, Dasha knew she had to put her emotions aside and focus on the work.
The result of over a year of work is the EP Legasi, featuring five reinterpreted Alleycats songs by Dasha.
The songs are Jika Kau Bercinta Lagi, Senandung Semalam, Seribu Bintang, Andainya Aku Pergi Dulu and Sampaikanlah Salam.
This EP follows her 2021 English album, Over You.
“Not everyone gets the chance to hear the voices of their loved ones after they’re gone. For me, this is both a blessing and a challenge,” she said.
“Singing the songs once performed by my late father is an emotional journey, and Andainya Aku Pergi Dulu is a song that is particularly close to my heart.
“Although difficult, it reminds me of his presence and legacy,” she added.
Three of the tracks also feature her uncle, David, whom she described as incredibly easy to work with because he knows exactly what to do.
“He comes in, does his part, and leaves. I think if he was there when I was recording, I would be even more nervous.”
Dasha Logan says she was emotional when she first entered the studio to record these tracks.Ready for criticism
While Dasha was interested in giving a new spin to these classic numbers, she admitted she had to practically “delete” the original songs in her head in order to find her own way of singing them.
She achieved this with the help of producer Rozhan Razman, and Melina Williams who did the musical arrangements, as well as renowned music director Jennifer Thompson.
“These are classic songs with a signature sound. Changing them completely wouldn’t make sense.
“And I had no idea how to change them on my own. It was only with the help of Rozhan and Melina that we could figure out how to make them just a little different ... The original sound is still there.
“So when you first listen to the songs, you might think, ‘Oh, I don’t like it.’ But if you keep listening, you’ll realise – this is actually a fun way to reinterpret these songs.”
Asked if she is ready for criticism, Dasha says she is.
“I am ready for comments like, ‘This isn’t as good as the original,’ and that’s OK,” explained Dasha, whose first single Cleverly reached No.1 spot on the UK Soul Chart in 2014.
“As long as people are talking about the Alleycats, I’m happy. Whether they’re listening to the old version or the new one, it means the music is alive.
“I just hope people listen first, then compare. Everyone has their own opinion, and I’m completely fine with that,” she explained.
After all, her goal with Legasi is to reignite interest in Alleycats’ songs – not just among younger generations who may be unfamiliar with the classics, but also for older listeners to rediscover them.
“My hope is to honour the legacy of the Alleycats, revive forgotten songs, touch listeners’ hearts ... These songs have long been close to my heart, and maybe they hold a special place in the hearts of many others too.”
Heart, soul and dedication
When asked about David’s thoughts on her project, Dasha said her uncle advised her to “take care” of the songs and treat them well.
In a press release, David expressed his pride in Dasha.
“She has truly poured her heart, soul and dedication into this project, and it clearly shows,” he said.
Adding on what he thought of the new versions of the songs, the 74-year-old performer said he likes her take on the iconic numbers as he brings her own style to the songs.
“The result feels fresh and exciting,” he said.
Dasha, who started her own singing career at the age of 17, credits her father and uncle for teaching her the most important lesson when it comes to performing.
“His advise and my father’s advise were the same – sing from the heart and make sure the song has meaning. Don’t just sing a song for the sake of it ... it’s not about appearances, it’s about the essence of the song.
“When I first heard Andainya Aku Pergi Dulu, I didn’t fully grasp its meaning. But he told me, ‘When you perform live, the emotion will come through.’
“That’s what I learned from them – when you sing live, you have to show the song, let people see and feel it ... and I carried that lesson with me.”
Check out Legasi on all streaming platforms.
