A coming of age. An honorable distinction given by peers as his name appears. A single man painting the picture of his life has successfully build a stronghold foundation of fans across the nation and easily said, it has not be an easy path for the individual.
The same artiste that crossed over into the English Market in early 2002 with his hit single ‘Tide is High, Sasi The Don has sold 19,000 units of his first Tamil album Manitha Piravi, performed more than 200 shows in the local and international circuit, released his second album ‘For Real’ that contains hits like ‘Anbe’ and ‘Suatu Impian’ this album sold more than 8000 units, Sasi has shared stage with Apache Indian (UK), Bally Sagoo (UK), Shankar Mahadevan (India), Anuradha Sriram (India), Amy Search, Zainal Abidin, Siti Nurhaliza, Ning Baizura, Ella, Ferhad and laid down other unbelievable portrait as a musician in this country.
It has not been easy but it has been an incredible journey says Sasidharan Chandran when asked about the road that has leaded him to be one of the most promising artiste that has emerged in this country for past 5 years. Starting off his career as a DJ back in his university days out of interest brought him to places he never imagined. An engineering graduate from University of Malaya is today holding the post as the head of MindShare Entertainment of MindShare Malaysia which is one of the world’s leading name in the media and communication industry doesn’t know how he ended up where he is today but believes it is out of hard work and determination. An independent artiste back in 2001 who only believed in one thing: going places only happens if you, yourself want it to happen and nothing else should stop you from reaching there. It’s the same mantra he reads out loud till today.
Being independent is not easy as many of us know it but Sasi only believed in himself before he even began to make others believe in his talent. Not accepting for labels or others to handle his task, he went out there marketing and promoting his music with the help of so many loving friends from local prints, television station’s, record labels and not forgetting the radio station’s who help pump his music to higher heights. The video of ‘Anbe’ and ‘Suatu Impian’ made him a name for remember by every Malaysian family who finally saw a character that coloured the screen with rich cultural background but stayed relevant and edgy with what he had to say. The lyrics were up to date and the music he had to offer was different from what others were offering on a repeated formula.Then, he was slowly seen in public more often than you see any other reggae musician. The collaborating with other genre musician was ground breaking and surprisingly, Sasi finds a place everywhere he goes where he is well received with respect and love.
Sasi the Don, the name itself made many wonder of the background the individual hails from but believe as he says I’m just like you, just another Malaysian doing the country proud. My music is unique and my melodies are friendly and the outcome: eclectic. But why the heavy influence of reggae? I don’t play reggae music but I have a brand of my own music which I’ve named Asian Dancehall which combines reggae, ragga, dancehall and sounds of Asia in words and rhythm.
Sasi who grew up listening to Dr. Alban not only fell in love with his music but admired the background of the artist. Dr. Alban was a DJ who became a dentist and left his profession to pursue music. Adding to the list, Sasi idolized Apache Indian, Shaggy, Bob Marley and many other great legend’s of Reggae music. Picking up the skills of understanding the essence and roots of reggae music gave Sasi sleepless night singing and breaking the language barrier of pronouncing Pattwa laced words. The attitude speaks on the microphone because today, he has brought the combination of his style and rhythm that executes his music to a commercial level where the nation couldn’t resist loving this reggae influenced artist who has no dreadlocks.
The humble 27 years old who has faced the mirror of both ups and downs in the industry confidently pronounced the facts that he has gained enough experience to understand the current state of the music industry in our country. Knowing the pathways that he has learned without taking short cuts to arrive where he has stepped foot today, shines through the achievement of finishing his new album. How many times do we hear a Malaysian artist crossing borders to make a hit with an international star? A few but the one Sasi the Don has locked down in history. The first single of his 3rd album, Hold Up featuring Apache Indian is a treat for the nation especially his fans who been waiting for his release since the artist disappeared to a very low key person who constantly kept his hands busy with work since 2004. It’s a beautiful struggle but not a very pretty fact of growing up has made Sasi the man he is today. Matured and grown to keep his eyes open for every opportunity that doesn’t knock twice normally at our current state of Malaysian music.His new album works that he began working back in 2004 whereby Hold Up featuring Apache Indian was recorded and kept for future purposes. Soon the ideas were pouring but time was something Sasi didn’t have much. Juggling between work and late night recordings was not an event Sasi has not been but this time around, he wanted the best product that he could offer the nation and make the country proud across the borders and waters. The pressure was brought in and it was time to nail down the secrets kept inside of him. He started dwelling with crazy ideas that gifted unforgettable melodies, company of friends with conversations gave him inspiration and the bond between him and his team of producers was the reason of scoring the rhythm for his new album. The 2 year work process was tiring but the pay off he was about to get was not something he expected but saw it coming.
The news was slowly leaking out of the circle. Recording labels were starting to eye on Sasi the Don and the progress of his new album.
