Recently, in the Malaysian music scene, a melody emerged, resonating with a blend of aspiration, culture, and the enduring spirit of a talented musician. This melody is the creation of Satish Raj Kunasangaran, known by his stage name, Ztish. From the humble town of Klang, Ztish embarked on a musical journey, weaving a narrative of perseverance, discovery, and the pursuit of a dream through his melodies.
The recent bestowing of the “Kalai Maamani” award on Ztish by the ‘Mega Sakraa Puthumugam Arimugam Network’ (MSPAN) is a melody of recognition resonating through the Malaysian Tamil music industry. Ztish, already a notable music composer in the Malaysian Indian industry, has adorned the cinematic tapestry of Malaysia with his musical compositions in six movies and a handful of telemovies aired on Astro. Although his discography boasts numerous creations, he modestly admits there’s much more he can’t recall. “This award is not just a trophy, but a milestone, a note in my musical narrative that echoes the love and acceptance of the audience,” reflects Ztish.
His journey, combining rhythm and rigour, started at Limkokwing University. “Before Limkokwing, I was a blank musical sheet. The University was my composer, instilling in me the notes of sound engineering, the rhythm of perseverance, and the melody of creativity,” shares Ztish. His academic sojourn at Limkokwing University, where he pursued a diploma in sound and music (2011-2014) and a Bachelor in Recording Arts (2015-2017), served as the bedrock of his musical expertise. Despite initial struggles with the physics involved in sound engineering, his determination saw him excel and become one of the top students in his class. His lecturers’ support at Limkokwing played a pivotal role in sculpting the music composer he is known today.
The origins of his musical passion trace back to the tender age of seven. A simple miming act in a school bus unknowingly sowed the seeds of composition in young Satish. His musical inclination sprouted during his teenage years, leading him to learn the guitar. Unlike the traditional career paths often chosen within his community, Ztish’s parents nurtured his musical aspirations, even dedicating a room in their home as his mini studio. This parental support forms a cherished chapter in Ztish’s narrative.
With eyes sparkling with excitement, Ztish shares his anticipation for his upcoming debut in a Malay film. His journey thus far has predominantly been within the Malaysian Indian cinematic sphere, and this new venture symbolises a cross-cultural blend, introducing him to new experiences and collaborations.
Among his favourite projects, he reminisces about the second movie he worked on in 2017. The exhilarating challenge of working on three different movies simultaneously, each demanding a different emotional palette, highlighted the dynamic demands of his profession. Yet, the memorable instance of composing a song within a stringent two-day deadline before a movie shoot encapsulates his work’s exhilarating pace and rewarding nature.
His achievements, decorated with awards, include a special mention of the MSP award he received for his debut song in 2016. The journey to recognition wasn’t without its hurdles, as he discusses the challenges faced by Indian composers in Malaysia. Ztish recalls his initial struggles, “Every note I composed was a step towards my dream, despite the discord of challenges.” The lack of a robust team like those in India and budget constraints often see him donning multiple hats - a composer, a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer. However, the adversities have only strengthened his resolve.
The “Kalai Maamani” award is not just a recognition but an affirmation of Ztish’s melodious contribution to the Malaysian Indian cinematic and music domain. His eyes now set on a global symphony, Ztish shares, “The world is a vast musical arena, and I’ve only just struck the first chord. This award is a beautiful prelude to the endless melodies awaiting creation.” Ztish eyes the global stage with hopes of someday being nominated for an Oscar. Although it might elicit chuckles today, his journey from a small town in Malaysia to become a noted composer in the local film industry exemplifies that dreams intertwined with determination know no bounds.
Ztish’s narrative is not just a tale of an individual’s journey but echoes the broader narrative of aspiring artists in Malaysia. His advice to budding musicians and students at Limkokwing University is a testament to his journey - a blend of parental support, academic nurturing, and an undying passion for music can craft melodies that not only resonate across Malaysian cinema but echo across borders, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
His upcoming venture with a record label from Chennai, India, is a melody waiting to be heard. As the world waits for the release in 2024, the narrative of Ztish is a reminder that music, much like dreams, knows no boundaries. His story exemplifies that with passion as your compass and determination as your rhythm, the world is your stage.
