GEORGE TOWN: He lost his first love, and in the months staying at home during the pandemic, singer and songwriter Govin Raaj turned the memories of that pain into a song.
And it gained global attention, reaching all the way to British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) Asian Network.
His debut single Aruginil (In Front of Me) hit international airwaves in a recent episode of BBC Asian Network, and is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Amazon Music and several major streaming platforms.
“I first wrote it eight years ago. Aruginil is a Tamil song which was officially released this April.
“The song is about a heartbroken guy whose former lover strung him along for personal benefit,” he said, admitting that he penned the song from his own experience of being lost in love.
Govin, 29, said after being laid off during the movement control order, he sat at home and wrapped a melody around the lyrics, then recorded it.
“As cliche as it may sound, writing this song helped me get the closure I needed to move on. It taught me to channel all that energy into producing something that is worthwhile.
“It actually only took me two days to write the song and around two weeks to complete it. But I took eight years to release the single as I had no idea of how to do so,” he said.
Govin was retrenched from the hospitality industry last year and decided to pick up music again.
“I taught myself how to make music and release my single through free courses on YouTube, besides reading many articles,” he said.
He first began as a dance choreographer, organising many shows and concerts.
He also partnered with a charity organisation and co-produced charity concerts which featured artistes such as Karthik, Reshmonu, Roshan Jamrock, Rabbit Mac, Yunohoo, Dasha Logan and Thyivya Kalaiselvan.
“I’ve always wanted to venture into music but the course of my life forced me to prioritise my professional career and put my passion aside.
“I worked as a salesperson in the events and hospitality industry for eight years.
“Due to the worsening Covid-19 situation, I lost my job and thankfully, I managed to complete my song and am in the midst of looking for a job,” he said.
Govin said his single was added to the “Maajja Selects” playlist on Spotify on June 24.
“Maajja is an initiative by Oscar-winning producer AR Rahman for south Indian independent musicians around the globe. Being part of Maajjia has always been my goal and I am so glad to be on their radar. “It is the encouragement I need to work harder and it feels comforting to know there are people watching and acknowledging my work.
“I’m currently working on a couple of songs and collaborations in Tamil, English and Bahasa Malaysia. I can’t wait to show everyone what I have in store,” he said.