Teen musician makes it into record book

(From left) Hanif, Jordan, Yeoh and Wong at the certificate presentation. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star

15-year-old recognised as youngest Malaysian to compose and produce solo album

MUSICIAN Jordan Ezra Au-Xavier, 15, made it into the record books for being the youngest Malaysian to compose and produce a solo album.

The teen’s entry into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) was made even more special with the presence of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and MBOR chief executive officer Christopher Wong, who presented him with the certificate of achievement at Drum Live Asia in Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were film producer and musical composer Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, Bentley Music Group executive director Datuk Ken Phua and wife Datin Cathlyn Lee, Blues Gang guitarist Julian Mokhtar and Alleycats ex-keyboardist Francis Khor.

Jordan, who is a student at Sri KL International School, was also feted by the institution’s chief executive officer Hanif Merican.

His debut album Oddity in Duality features 10 songs, all composed, recorded and performed in his music room at home in the space of three months.

The teen, who started his journey in the world of music aged nine and had been mentored by Khor, played every instrument including guitar, piano, bass, drums and keyboard.

Jordan (right) and Aiden performing at the event.

The first Star Wars Millennium Falcon electric guitar in Malaysia was also unveiled at the event.

It was built by Star Wars fans and presented to Jordan by Julian.

The guitar was later used by Jordan and his band, Motion, to perform five songs from his debut album.

The other members of Motion are Brandon Musdiono, 13, on vocals and piano; Aedric Phua, 15, on drums; Aiden Neo, 15, on keyboard; and Shawn Chong, 19, on bass.

Jordan hoped to be accepted into the renowned Berklee College of Music to pursue a degree in composition, production and sound engineering.

“I want to continue writing songs and producing albums,” he said.

Yeoh said that while there was a lot of emphasis on academics, Malaysia’s youths were gifted in many spheres, including the arts.

“My ministry plans to create more opportunities and platforms for youth to showcase their talents,” she said.

Oddity in Duality is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and YouTube.