With her famous long hair tied back in a bun, Ella looked demure in a red blouse and statement necklace. She also had a black trenchcoat on. All in all, she looked different from her trademark jeans-and-white-T-shirt-rock-star persona.
Don’t worry though, the 48-year-old singer assured that her rock star days are far from over.
“This is not a comeback. I’ve always been around,” stated Ella, speaking very softly. “I’m just putting the final touches to my new album.”
It was eight years ago that she released her last full-length studio album Rama Rama. At a recent press conference, she unveiled her new single Istimewah, signalling that she’s raring to get back into the spotlight and perform again.
At a separate interview after the event, she gleefully shared that the song was penned by Bunkface frontman Shamsul “Sam” Annuar, who happens to be her cousin.
“We spend a lot of time jamming together in the studio. One day, he suggested that I sing one of his songs. I listened to it, loved it and here it is as my new single.”
Despite having three decades of experience and notable successes – like being the country’s top-selling female singer (her album Ella USA released in 1994 has sold over 350,000 copies) – Ella confessed that she’s anxious about making a return to the music scene.
“I love this song. It’s special and I sound relaxed. Still, I wonder if my fans will accept this new song. I wonder if they will like it, do they think it’s something positive, or otherwise.”
Istimewah is perhaps best described as a pop ballad number. Although there’s no mistaking Ella’s signature raspy vocals on it, the song is not filled with angst.
“I really hope that my songs still have a place in today’s music scene. I put a lot of thought into song selections. The last thing I want is for anyone to say I’m being syok sendiri (self-indulgent).”
It was also announced that Ella’s recording company Universal Music has made plans for her to perform and record music videos in Europe, to accompany the release of the album. Ella shared that the album, due to be out sometime next month, would have at least eight songs.
At the time of the interview, she didn’t have a title for it yet but was considering Istimewah and Sujud.
As for her showcase in Europe, she said it will be “an intimate acoustic affair with style”.
Speaking of performing, Ella admitted that she still feels nervous about getting on stage. “I have to tell myself to relax, take it easy.
“Before the show, I try not to talk too much. Instead, I drink hot chamomile tea.”
When pressed about her stage fright, Ella claimed that she can’t figure out the source of her nerves. She said: “It never goes away, I don’t know why. You can ask my husband about it. Sayang, come here.”
Just like that, Ella got her husband Azhar Ghazali to join our interview. Meanwhile Azhar, who is a pilot, reasoned that it’s important for Ella to still feel nervous after all these years.
“I think if the stage fright is not there, then it would be the end of her career. You need that kind of fear as a performer so you’ll keep challenging yourself. I will tell her to relax and that it’s OK to be afraid.”
The couple got married in 2012. According to Ella, the marriage has spurred her love for music.
“I’m really lucky to have met someone who also loves music. He plays the drums and guitar. We have jam sessions at home.”
Azhar continued: “She will come home and ask for my input on a new song. Then we try it out. We’ll see if the song’s tempo needs to be slower or faster.”
Ella looked on proudly as her husband said why he’ll always support her career in music: “She’s my wife. I can’t deny her career and dreams. I’ll support her wholeheartedly. I think she’s in the right place and she has always been herself.”
When asked what’s his favourite Ella song, his wife quickly jumped in with: “He’s a not a fan (laughs).”
Azhar smiled at his wife before giving his answer: “Kabus Dan Sirna.”
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