Born as Harikrish Menon Ramachandran on June 2, 1973, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the artist known as Haze has emerged as a pioneering force in dance music, making waves both locally and internationally. Recognized for his evocative vocals and immersive beats, Haze is celebrated for chart-topping hits like “Changes” and “Freak,” which took the UK and European dance scenes by storm. However, his journey was far from conventional, marked by perseverance, talent, and a passion for blending genres to create something truly unique.
Early Beginnings of Haze: The Making of a Malaysian Icon
Haze’s journey into music began humbly, hanging out at Yamaha Music near Wilayah Complex, immersing himself in keyboards and pianos. This self-driven passion led him to the attention of Roslan Aziz, a legendary music producer in Malaysia. Aziz, who was searching for a keyboardist for his label, R.A.P. (Roslan Aziz Productions), gave Haze his first big break. At just 17, Haze began his career as a keyboardist, allowing him to work alongside some of Malaysia’s most celebrated artists, including Sheila Majid, Ning Baizura, and Amir Yussof.
This early experience was a powerful influence on Haze’s musical identity. Working with these top Malaysian performers expanded his understanding of various genres, from jazz and soul to R&B and hip-hop, all of which he would later incorporate into his unique brand of dance music.
Building a Name: Collaborations and Musical Growth
Haze’s role as a producer quickly gained traction as he collaborated with renowned Malaysian artists such as Too Phat, Zainal Abidin, and the late Sharifah Aini. His expertise was not limited to Malaysia; he also worked with artists across Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia’s Kris Dayanti and Singapore’s rap star Sheikh Haikel. These collaborations allowed him to develop an impressive repertoire, mastering styles across a spectrum of genres, all of which contributed to his versatility as a dance music artist.
In the mid-1990s, Haze became part of the band Asia Beat, which further honed his musical skills and exposed him to international influences. His experience in Asia Beat marked a period of self-discovery and experimentation that would shape his sound and identity as a musician.
International Success: Breaking into the Global Dance Scene
Haze’s breakthrough moment came in 2003 with the release of “Changes,” a collaboration with New York house music luminary Sandy Rivera. Released under Rivera’s alias Kings of Tomorrow, the track was an instant success.
With its catchy beats and Haze’s soulful vocals, “Changes” soared to the top of the UK Dance Singles Chart, making Haze the first Malaysian artist to achieve such a feat. This was not just a personal victory for Haze but a momentous achievement for the Malaysian music industry, proving that Malaysian artists could make a mark on the global stage.
The success of “Changes” catapulted Haze into the international spotlight, leading to more high-profile collaborations and performances. His next major hit, “Freak,” also gained international acclaim, reaching the Top 10 on the National Top 100 Singles chart in the Netherlands. These achievements marked Haze as a trailblazer, inspiring many Southeast Asian musicians to believe in the global potential of their music.
Life on Tour: A Journey of Musical Exploration
His success with “Changes” and “Freak” opened doors to international tours. In 2003, he joined Sandy Rivera on the Kings of Tomorrow/Deep Vision World Tour, performing across Europe in countries like Switzerland, Portugal, and the UK.
One of the most memorable stops on the tour was in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Due to diplomatic restrictions, Haze initially faced challenges entering the country, but his determination paid off, and he eventually performed in front of 7,000 fans. This experience highlighted not only his dedication to his craft but also the universal appeal of his music.
The Craft of Production: Striving for Perfection
For him, music is more than just a career; it’s a continual journey of refining his sound. In his own words, “I always strive for perfection, if it does exist.” Every time he produces a new track, he pushes the boundaries of what he considers his “perfect” sound, making each project a new checkpoint on his journey. Through his collaborations and experiences abroad, Haze gained a unique insight into what it takes to create music that resonates internationally.
Haze’s production style has become an art form in itself, where his meticulous attention to detail results in a polished sound that stands out in the dance music genre. His vocals—referred to as “NYesque” due to their smooth and ethereal quality—paired with his intricate beats have made his music a mainstay on dance floors around the world.
Future Aspirations: Bringing Dance Music to Asia
Though he has achieved significant success abroad, Haze has always maintained a strong connection to his Malaysian roots. He dreams of creating a musical hub in Asia to foster new talent and bring his music closer to Malaysian audiences. Haze recognizes the untapped potential in the Asian music market and is committed to using his influence to give Asian fans more access to global dance music.
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