An Art Highway By Dukes

By, Aisyah Qistina Azhar

In this world of arts, five XY chromosome types embrace the journey of their young blood lives, serving us ethereal music – Dukes. They show this nature, the reality of the arts, and the melody. These boys are carving a niche with their unique blend of alternative and mainstream sounds, striving to remain authentic while resonating with wider audiences.

Stars of The Songlines

Ziyad, the Shah Alam vocalist, began his journey in music with the love for melodies and storytelling. Rayyan, the lead guitarist from Hartamas, brings the band the charm in his string creativity. Cheng, the drummer, the illuminator in his rhythm with precision, while Umar, the bassist, adds depth and groove. Jimbo, the synthesis of being the rhythm guitarist while injecting the cohesion and harmony into their arts.

The stories of these artistic men are serendipitous encounters and shared passions; interestingly, not all members hail from the same domicile. Some crossed paths in the innocence of childhood, while others found camaraderie within the halls of their university faculty. It was the fortuitous magic of social media that wove Cheng into their tapestry. And the rest, as the story goes, is history.

“We started underground because we were experimenting with our sound,” Ziyad explained. In the incipient moment, these boys are not really sure of what people think of their music and what will really happen; however, their creativity and persistence paid off well. With ‘Laila’ and ‘Girls’ gaining resonance on Spotify, they are now eyeing the mainstream market.

Under a great label, Dukes is striving for more as they had already contributed to TV drama soundtracks, which widened their public appearance. As they gear up for a full Malay album release next year, the band remains at their pace in unleashing their arts blending alternative with mainstream features, much like their inspirations from the 80s and 90s.

Verses that Speak, Chords that Heals

In their music, “Benci Jadi Cinta”, Cheng found the line “itulah perjalanannya” resonates deeply with him as he sees it as how life goes on. Despite the whole song being about an enemies-to-lovers trope, he also thought the line could be something completely different from the situation. Life is a journey and can be reflected in its ever-changing nature, where emotions are involved. “Itulah perjalanannya” isn’t just a line in the song; it’s a reminder of resilience, growth, and the inevitability of life’s flow, a sentiment that makes the song relatable to many.

In the enigmatic track “Into The Sky,” Umar finds himself captivated by the line “science is a witchcraft.” To him, it’s a metaphor-laden with depth, illustrating the peculiar overlap between what is observable and what is unseen. He interprets it as a reflection of humanity’s awe and skepticism toward the unknown—where the boundaries between logic and mystery blur. Umar explains that the lyric suggests that things deemed strange or unexplainable are not necessarily false; they often carry truths waiting to be uncovered. For Umar, this line captures the spirit of curiosity, reminding us that wonder and discovery often begin where certainty ends.

In the evocative song “Laila,” Ziyad is particularly drawn to the line “gadis berwarna,” which translates to “a woman is an idea.” To him, the lyric embodies the boundless complexity and individuality of women, suggesting that every woman, no matter how unconventional or unique, is a vibrant concept in herself. Ziyad reflects that the phrase challenges societal norms, urging listeners to embrace the beauty in diversity and the kaleidoscope of personalities that women represent. For him, “gadis berwarna” isn’t just a lyric—it’s a celebration of identity and an invitation to appreciate the extraordinary in what some may deem peculiar.

“Those Danish streets we should meet, they tell me that we can’t be.” Rayyan finds himself deeply moved by this line in the soulful tune “Fell in Love With a Girl in Bristol.” For him, the lyric captures the bittersweet essence of love restrained by circumstances. It paints a vivid picture of longing, where places hold memories of what could have been, yet reality whispers a different fate. Rayyan believes the line speaks to the universal ache of unfulfilled connections—where love exists, but the world conspires against it. To him, it’s more than just words; it’s a heartfelt narrative of desire, loss, and the roads we walk to find closure.

“Arts is vital for the progress of society”

The band members firmly believe that art is essential for the progress of society, a sentiment they see reflected in the world of music. They argue that music, as a form of art, holds the power to inspire, provoke, and connect people on a profound level. However, they acknowledge that for music to truly flourish as art, there needs to be a shift in how it is consumed. The band feels that thoughtful music consumerism can elevate the entire industry, fostering creativity and ensuring that music remains a vital force in shaping and reflecting the progress of society.***