BRINGING BACK FORGOTTEN SOUNDS

Belle Sisoski is a young multi-instrumentalist that's embracing the ethnic instruments of Sarawak by fusing their unique sounds with today's popular music

- ALISON LOH

IF YOU'RE A MUSIC LOVER and love scrolling through content on social media, then the name Belle Sisoski might ring a bell. With an impressive following on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, this young Sarawakian has a unique talent that upholds her rising popularity as a musician.

The 18-year-old is well versed with classical instruments such as the piano and violin. But she can also play the gu zheng, sape, tapi and many other ethnic instruments from her homeland.

The ability to play that many instruments and sing in various vocal ranges is a special talent, to say the least. And Sisoski takes it to the next level by fusing modern music with the traditional instruments, creating a new sound that defines her art and bringing awareness to the fading cultures of the Sarawakian people.

Your mother introduced you to the world of music, when and how did you stumble upon your love for traditional instruments? 

My mum is a music teacher, and I was in a way classically trained by her since I was young. When you have the right foundation and learning environment in this case for music - it's easier to pick up other musical instruments.

Just a year ago, I discovered that my mum had written an ethnomusicology thesis, which is the study of ethnic music. Her thesis focused on the music from the Iban and Dayak tribe of Sarawak. I read through her thesis, and it gave me a detailed insight into their instruments and musical notes.