SARAWAKIAN independent music artist Alisa Spencer is on a mission to bring Iban culture to the world through her music.
Born and raised in Kuching, the 28-year-old is not only a singer-songwriter but also a familiar voice on ERA Sarawak’s morning show, ‘Ooha Pagi ERA’.
Her passion for music started at a young age, leading her to form a band, win competitions and eventually step into the world of broadcasting.
Now, she is making waves with her latest single, Sayau, a soulful blend of R&B and Iban influences that aims to redefine how Iban music is heard on the global stage.
In an interview with Sarawak Tribune, Alisa shares the inspiration behind her song, the challenges of balancing two careers, and her aspirations for the future.
Sarawak Tribune: Can you tell a bit about yourself and what sparked your passion for music and performing?
Alisa: I am a Kuchingite, born and raised, and a radio announcer on ERA Sarawak’s morning show, ‘Ooha Pagi ERA’, alongside Ilmo Iltizam.
Music has been a part of me since childhood – I started singing at five but truly realised my potential at 12 after joining a school singing competition. Later, I competed in High School Idol, organised by St Joseph’s, in 2014.
These experiences sparked a deeper passion for music and performing. I eventually formed a band, The Fingerprints, and our dedication led to wins at the Kuching Jazz Festival and Busker Raya Borneo 744 in 2019.
The next year (2020), I ventured into broadcasting while continuing my music journey, culminating in my singles – Semudah Itu and Sayau.
Sarawak Tribune: What was the inspiration behind your new song Sayau?
Alisa: My passion for singing runs so deep that I sometimes feel insecure about not having released a single of my own. I have always wanted to write my own song but lacked the confidence.
I used to worry about what people would think. However, I set a personal goal to release at least one song before I turned 30.
Inspired by artists like Sofia Karlberg, Tori Kelly, and Daniel Caesar, I leaned towards R&B, jazz, and soul while blending elements of Iban music for a fresh take on tradition.
Sarawak Tribune: How did this song come together? Can you describe your songwriting process?
Alisa: Sayau is a heartfelt mix of English and Iban, making it more relatable and to introduce Iban culture to a wider audience, promoting my race and ethnicity on a global platform.
I started writing the song in 2021, using random beats I found on YouTube. The genre is slow R&B-soul, capturing a romantic and emotional vibe.
As the process unfolded, I was fortunate to work with an amazing team—Andro Keebox, Aerron Teo, Erfan Aszman, Tiffany Tammy, and Alex Munan—who guided me in polishing the song to make it truly shine.
Despite the excitement, it was a challenging journey. I was pursuing my broadcasting career in Kuala Lumpur while traveling back and forth between KL and Kuching to record my vocals and shoot the music video.
I was nervous about introducing this fresh sound to Sarawakians as it felt risky and strayed from traditional expectations. But when I released a teaser on TikTok, the response blew me away.
The excitement and overwhelming demand for the full version reassured me that this song was something people genuinely wanted to hear. It filled me with joy and motivation to keep creating music that represents who I am and what I stand for.
Sarawak Tribune: Are there any specific influences (artists, genres, or personal experiences) that shaped the sound or style of this track?
Alisa: I wanted Sayau to reflect something I’m truly comfortable with—something authentic to me. This project is close to my heart and was made possible with the passionate support of Andro Keebox, Aerron Teo, Erfan Aszman, and Tiffany Tammy.
I drew inspiration from artists like Putri Dahlia and Yuji with their debut single, “Old Love.” The way that song resonated globally was deeply inspiring. I once travelled to Thailand and Indonesia and noticed their song was on repeat in cafés, malls and shops.
It gave me chills to see Malaysian music being embraced so widely. That experience fuelled my desire to create something that not only represents my roots but also elevates Malaysian and Iban music on the global stage.
Sarawak Tribune: How does Sayau differ from your previous work?
Alisa: This is my second single, made possible through the Cendana Malaysia Independent Music Funding Programme 2021 (PEMULIH). Unlike my first ballad which was entirely in Bahasa Malaysia, Sayau takes a different direction. I wanted to elevate the Iban language and encourage others to learn and appreciate it.
By combining both English and Iban in the lyrics, I hope to connect with a wide range of listeners, touching their hearts while celebrating my cultural heritage.
Sarawak Tribune: What was the most challenging part of creating this song, and how did you overcome it?
Alisa: Time management was a major hurdle. I had to move to Kuala Lumpur for my job, but I had not finished recording my vocals yet.
Thanks to the support of my management team, we found solutions. Some parts of the song were recorded in a studio in KL, while others were done at home. At one point, I even flew back to Kuching to record some key sections.
Another challenge was songwriting. As a perfectionist, it was difficult to write in mixed languages without sounding forced. I know this is something I truly want to pursue, and I always remind myself–if I want it, I will achieve it.
Sarawak Tribune: What part of the song are you most proud of?
Alisa: The chorus and second verse in Iban. The song begins in English, and when it transitions into the Iban chorus, it creates a powerful surprise—listeners don’t expect it.
This was intentional, as I wanted to create something that could elevate Iban music internationally. Some listeners have even called me the ‘SZA of Sarawak’ – a huge compliment!
Looking ahead, I am eager to create more songs like Sayau, possibly integrating sape and traditional Iban instruments while maintaining an R&B-soul feel.
Sarawak Tribune: What message do you hope listeners take from this song?
Alisa: I want this to be everyone’s go-to song for late-night drives—a soundtrack for those moments when the world feels still, and emotions take centre stage.
It’s a cozy, chill, and romantic vibe that wraps around you like a warm hug. More than that, the song captures the electric, giddy feeling of love at first sight—the excitement, the unspoken connection, and the butterflies that come with meeting someone who takes your breath away.
Through this song, I aspire to redefine Iban music, blending its cultural roots with modern influences to create something entirely fresh and contemporary.
It’s not just a song; it’s a journey into a new era of Iban music—one that represents both tradition and innovation. I hope listeners can feel the depth of emotion and the passion behind this piece, making it a timeless favourite for every romantic soul.
Sarawak Tribune: Is this song a reflection of where you are personally right now, or is it more of a fictional or abstract piece?
Alisa: I have been in that beautiful place where you fall deeply in love—where someone occupies your thoughts constantly. It is part of human nature, I believe, and everyone has experienced it at some point in their lives.
It is that ‘angau’ feeling—the butterflies in your stomach. You find yourself calling your crush ‘sayau’, a term of affection that translates to ‘Sayang’, ‘My Love’, ‘Darling’, or ‘My Baby’. It is that sweet, innocent feeling of adoration that makes your heart race.
Sarawak Tribune: Have you had any memorable or emotional reactions to this song since its creation?
Alisa: The response has been incredible. People were surprised by the fusion of R&B with Iban. Some mentioned they had not seen anyone attempt this genre in Iban before, which I see as a positive because it sets me apart.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s rewarding to see that people appreciate the uniqueness of the project and the direction I’m taking with my music and my team.
I won’t lie that I shed tears of happiness when I first teased a 42-second clip of this song on TikTok and it received over 100,000 views in less than a day. This track, made with my Sarawakian friends, has been so positively received, not just in Sarawak, but nationwide.
I am proud to share my Iban language with the world, and to see audiences from Brunei and the Philippines love it too—it’s incredibly relieving. I am happy that Sarawak’s music has found a place in everyone’s hearts.
Sarawak Tribune: What do you want your fans to feel when they hear this song for the first time?
Alisa: I want them to feel that it is okay to be shy when you have feelings for someone. It is completely natural to experience those butterflies of love, and you are never alone in that!
With this song, I hope to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, whether you are out on a late-night drive, cruising in your car with your thoughts, or enjoying a cozy coffee date with loved ones or friends. It is about those special, quiet moments where love and connection shine through.
Sarawak Tribune: How does Sayau fit into your upcoming projects or album?
Alisa: This is just the beginning. The song has opened doors and I’m eager to collaborate with more artists and expand my reach internationally. It’s an exciting step in my journey, and I’m eager to see where it leads as I continue to grow in my music career.
Sarawak Tribune: What’s next for you creatively? Do you have more new music in the works?
Alisa: Oh, I am not stopping here. This year, I am definitely planning to release more songs in a similar style to ‘Sayau’, especially given the strong demand. I am really excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share more of my journey with my fans.
