Mozaik - Band - Friends - Musicians
The cast of characters that Mozaik comprises is indicative of the namesake they have taken; a myriad of individuals from disparate musical backgrounds working together to enthrall audiences with their eclectic brand of music. Though they hover within the boundary of experimental fusion jazz and pop, the bands’ palette of musical influences also include elements of Alternative Rock, Reggae, Latin and Electronica.
The band is fronted by the soulful and magnetic vocal talents of Dell Lawrence (vocals) Pamela Wang (vocals), Debbie Sophia (vocals + acoustic guitar) and Bryan Chia (vocals + guitars). Driving the rhythm section are the usual suspects led by Didy Listyarwan (keyboards), Nathaniel Russell (bass), Alexander Ang (drums) and Jim Elsom (percussion) and not forgetting the person who shape our sound, Alexander Lee(soundman).
BAND HISTORY
Prior to formation, the members of Mozaik had performed together in numerous incarnations of the band and many different ensemble projects between them. Through which, the group have developed a synergistic chemistry, a common fervor for playing music and above all, a deep friendship rooted in mutual respect and trust in each others capabilities and the endearment they feel while working together. Some members have known and played together for years.
The two ladies in the band, Pamela and Debbie have been playing together since their high school years and consequently have been performing in the local Kuching circuit as an acoustic duo. Meanwhile, the drum and bass combination of Alex Ang and Nathaniel Russell have worked together for a few years in a classic funk rock cover band, through which they met and enlisted into their regular session roster, Indonesian jazz keyboardist Didy Listyarwan.
Over the course of two years, the trio have accumulated under their belt, a list of corporate events and wedding gigs. On many such occasions, they featured Nat’s fellow student in music college - Sabahan-born guitarist Bryan Chia and vocalist extraordinaire Lindell Lawrence. In more recent times, bassist Nathaniel was involved in a music collective which involved Pam, Deb, Bryan and his esteemed work colleague, percussionist Jim Elsom.
All the while however, Nat, Jim, Bryan, Pam, Deb, Dell and Didy were also intertwined through playing music together in church. Through many such commitments and a number of secular events, some of the members made a good friend in sound engineer Alex Lee, the man behind the mixer board who manages the band’s front of house; notably the unsung hero of the band despite the fact he’s been given the mic on occasion to freestyle on some of the band’s hip-hop and “boyband” numbers. His involvement was nonetheless crucial in the band’s formation as he also fulfills the role of managing the band’s backline, filling their gig roster and serving as their pillar of spiritual strength.
It was only a matter of time before the shards and pieces fell into place and set the stage for the consolidation of Mozaik in February 2017. Opportunity struck when the band was called to fill a void in a local residency at which they made their first public appearance as a band. Who knows what trials and tribulations this relatively young tribe of musical misfits will face in the near future. One thing for certain, they are set to face it together.
