This is exactly what local author and bassist Rodin JS Kumar has done. His first book, “Who Do We Think We Are: Mysteries, Miracles and Mythology – Volume 1” hit local bookshelves at the end of September, followed by his debut album, “Compromise”, last month.
“I’m very pleased with how this has turned out. It’s definitely been a challenge, but I’m delighted to have been surrounded by so many talented people who really helped in getting these two projects out this year,” Rodin told FMT Lifestyle.
“It has also been a good balance. Whenever I get tired of doing music, I move to writing; and when I get tired of writing, I go back to music!”
Rodin is possibly a living exemplification of the term “Renaissance man”: the 65-year-old is professionally qualified in accountancy, audit and finance, and is a certified management accountant and internal auditor. Yet, he is deeply passionate about creativity and the arts, and considers them his second calling.
The Sentul-born talent is a music producer, publisher and composer, and a prominent name in the local music and culture scene. Jazz lovers may know him as a co-founder of the KL International Jazz & Arts Festival and the KL Jazz & Arts Centre.
Despite Rodin’s considerable performing experience, he has no formal music education: this is something he considers a strength.
“One thing about not going through a formal route is you’re not restricted by rules and regulations. You’re not bound to what a curriculum says, you’re given the freedom to explore and experiment.
“When you’re on your own, you discover your own things, and that makes it interesting,” he said.
Rodin’s influences are diverse and varied: he cites jazz masters such as Charles Mingus, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington; rock icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple; and western classical composers such as Mahler and Tchaikovsky.
Therefore, while driven by heavy jazz and rock sounds, he labels his music style “uncharacteristic Neo Gen”.
And you can hear this on “Compromise”, which features nine songs composed, produced, arranged and performed by the man himself, alongside many of his musician friends from around the world.
Highlights include the blues-based jazz ballad “Grief for a Bee” (co-composed with his brother VJ Thison), and the mystical, mythological-influenced “Leida’s Lovers”. Also listen out for Rodin’s singing as he takes the mic in one version of the title track.
Meanwhile, his song “It’s Never Too Late” is the only track from a Malaysian to have been featured in the commemorative CD of the KL International Audio & Visual Show 2023, alongside songs from 14 international artistes.
On the other hand, bibliophiles – especially those who are into philosophy and enlightenment – will have a lot to think about when reading Rodin’s “Who Do We Think We Are”. An inquiry into humanity, it asks questions about everything around us, taking readers on a journey of introspection.
The self-published book opens with a chapter on storytellers and travellers, then delves into questions about reality and spirituality, the beginnings of life and the universe, and the nature of consciousness.
“It questions the human spirit,” Rodin said, “both individually and as a community, and addresses collaboration and competition, crowd psychology, and many other issues.”
Not content to rest on his laurels, he has more planned for this year. His second album is slated for an April release, as is the second volume of his book, in addition to several other upcoming publications.
While waiting, do enjoy Rodin’s current works – maybe even at the same time! One of the tracks on “Compromise” has the same name as his book: did he intend for the song to be listened to while reading, akin to a soundtrack?
“That’s an interesting suggestion! Yeah, why don’t you give it a try?” Rodin replied with a laugh.
Get your copies of ‘Who Do We Think We Are’ and ‘Compromise’ at major bookstores, via this website, or by sending a WhatsApp message to 012-571 7759.
Also follow Rodin on Facebook.