Empty Wallet is a moniker straight out of high school with tales of unemployment but this five-piece band have put that name to good use with some sweet indie pop tunes.
The band members Hanif, GG, Mamat, Melvin and Zizan started the band nearly a decade ago after finding that they had a lot of time on their hands after finishing high school. Today, they have evolved from performing covers to writing original songs. They’ve even played at a number of venues outside Brunei.
We had the chance to sit with the band’s vocalist, Hanif, and ask him more about what keeps the band going and the new song they’re released in the Locals Only Vol 2 album.
Listen to their new single, ‘Haru Biru’ on Progresif Radio> On Demand> Locals Only. Download the Progresif Radio App on Google Play and the App Store.
Tell us the story of how Empty Wallet started?
Empty Wallet started back in 2011 when we were all just graduated from high school. We decided to join forces as we were unemployed and haven’t thought of continuing our studies yet, and that’s how we came up with the name Empty Wallet.
Which band or artist do you think you sound like? Who have been your major influences?
We don’t really have a specific genre for our music because each of us has different tastes in music. So the band as a whole doesn’t really have a common major influence. We create our own sound and we like to mix things up.
Do you have any pre-gig rituals?
Usually, we just joke around before the show just to shake off the nerves.
Any upcoming projects that you’re currently working on?
We are currently working on our EP, so for most of the time. That has kept us busy and focused on recording our songs for the album.
If you’d like to listen to their new single, ‘Haru Biru’, download the Progresif Radio App on Google Play and the App Store.
What are the future plans for the band?
We would like to play in more gigs and shows so that we can continue to improve ourselves and get our message across. We would also want to keep making more songs.
What does the word progressive mean to you?
For us, progressive is about being more productive and creative.