“That’s a misconception,” she said with a laugh.
The powerhouse vocalist from Ujong Pasir, Melaka, told FMT Lifestyle that country music is all about storytelling and soul. “It’s about stories with a message. That hasn’t changed, whether it was 60 years ago or today.”
Meta, who grew up listening to The Eagles, Dolly Parton, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, will be one of the many homegrown talents performing at the inaugural Malaysian Country Music Festival and Awards (MCMFA) next month.
Meta, known for her deep, brassy voice, will perform her latest country single “Home To You,” penned by US songwriter Denise Dimin, along with other beloved country hits.
“Country music is about experiences and stories that people can relate to,” Meta said. “You’ve got to give them the classics.”
But Meta acknowledged that country music in Malaysia is still a niche genre. “You don’t hear it much unless someone’s a die-hard fan. Walk into a pub, and you’re more likely to hear pop or rock,” she noted.
However, she’s not deterred. Meta is already planning her next album, which will be a country-themed collection. She’s no stranger to the genre, with 12 country singles already under her belt, spanning traditional country, country blues, country pop, and rockabilly.
As a young kid, Meta was already writing songs while learning the guitar. By her teens, she was performing at gigs, and in 2016, she released her first EP, “This is Lyia.” Since then, her music has gained international recognition, with airplay in the UK, US, and Australia.
Her love for music was sparked by her father, the late LD Vincent, who was the lead vocalist of Melaka’s Kilat Band before singer Helen Velu joined and made it famous.
“My dad’s influence was huge. We didn’t have much money to buy the cassettes that we wanted, so we’d listen to whatever cassettes that my dad had,” she recalled.
Indeed, their home was filled with music, with Meta and her siblings constantly singing and dancing — so much so that their mother often had to tell them to quiet down. She fondly remembered singing Janis Joplin’s “Summertime” at a family gathering when she was just eight.
However, being a singer wasn’t Meta’s original plan. She earned a diploma in interior design and worked various jobs, including as a junior secretary and receptionist, in an attempt to escape music “but music just kept pulling me back.”
Her guitarist husband, Zack, has been a rock of support throughout her career, helping her transition from live performances to producing music.
Now, with two studio albums, three EPs, one mini EP, 21 singles, and countless international awards under her belt, Meta has come to accept her destiny in music.
“God is trying to tell me something. There’s a reason I’m here, and some things you don’t fight,” she reflected.
Excited for the MCMFA, Meta is busy rehearsing with her band to deliver a show-stopping performance. She’s even hoping to convert some new fans to country music along the way.
In the end, Meta wants to be remembered as someone who “achieved as much as she could against all odds. I went into the storm and weathered it. The truth is, I’m doing it every day.”
Sharing the stage with Meta for the MCMFA event will be legendary local country band Os Pombos along with OnStrings, Raymond Chia and Mark Renesh, and the Thompsons Country Band.
The MCMFA, in aid of the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB), is also supported by FMT.
Speaking about the event, George Thomas, MAB’s CEO said: “Music is associated with the blind and as such, we welcome the support. This would definitely help the blind in the music and arts industry and hopefully, in the creation of careers for them.
“With the funds collected, we plan to hold training programmes for singing and rhythm music. We will be working together with Aswara Academy.”
Tables for the gala, which begins at 6pm, Sept 8 at Menara BAC, Horizon Hall, 52, Jalan Utara, Section 52, Petaling Jaya, are available at RM10,000, RM5,000, RM3,000 and RM1,200 (inclusive dinner).
Loose tickets are also available on a first come, first served basis. For bookings send a WhatsApp message to 03-4031 7666.