Idealisation through the Conceptualisation of Traditopia Album: Nukilan Etnografi

Abstract

Malaysian music has continuously evolved, flourishing locally and globally from both independent and mainstream labels, developing a positive transformation and serving as a platform for artist reflection and musical perspectives. It has become a well-known musical identity, showcasing musical nuances that blend the idea of modernisation and preserving culture. On the contrary, language and cultural practices may be a challenge for international listeners, making it daunting to connect or fully understand and appreciate the music. This disadvantage may interfere with the aptitude for cross-cultural recognition. The Traditopia album positions itself within this continuum, demonstrating how modernisation preserves and reshapes cultural identity through an insightful approach from the project director, shaping the direction of musical nuances in nine original tracks. Traditopia examines the conceptual framework of Nukilan Etnografi, an innovative Malaysian music project that combines traditional Malaysian, western classical, and jazz elements to highlight the country’s cultural diversity, with the purpose of affirming the belief that modernisation need not erase tradition; instead, it can provide a platform for traditional sounds to resonate within a broader, contemporary context within the performing arts. This study reviews the objectives of the creative intentions behind the project, focusing on how the compositional works reflect the director’s vision. Drawing on literature reviews and primary sources, the research reveals that Traditopia serves as both a tribute to traditional Malaysian sounds and a reinterpretation of these sounds through a modern lens, intended to bridge traditional and contemporary musical forms.