Dyan Tai
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Dyan Tai

Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia | SELF

Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia | SELF
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"REDFOO A BIG FAN OF TAI’S KEYTAR"

Self-made rising sensation Dyan Tai is throwing it all on the line as he attempts to gain stardom in the latest instalment of the TV talent show.
With his signature blue hair and mirror-coated keytar, Tai has performed across the country, from Sydney Mardi Gras, the City of Sydney’s Dragon Ball, Sydney Fringe Festival, Brisbane Festival to the Tasmania Pride Festival.
The Newtown singersongwriter has also released two singles and an EP and has completed an Australian tour to promote his first release.
Tai, 25, said his passion for electro pop music stemmed from his classical music upbringing.
‘‘I grew up in Malaysia and my background from an early age was classical piano and the violin,’’ he said.
‘‘But when I came to Australia to study biotechnology at the University of New South Wales I began to start really liking electronic music.
‘‘So after I got my honours degree I decided it was time to try something new.
‘‘I was a bit of a sceptic at first but I figured I am only going to be young once so why not give it a go and see where I can take it, which brought me to my audition for Factor.’’
Tai is banking his hopes and dreams on the power of viral publicity for his debut performance.
‘‘At the audition I really wanted to impress Redfoo because I am hoping to become the first keytar DJ in Australia,’’ he said. ‘‘He got really excited to see the keytar and he commented about how unique my performance was.
‘‘Even though some of the moments on the show are quite scripted, the judges really let their enthusiasm shine and I just hope I can keep impressing them.’’
Tai said his passion was amplified by support from his friends and family.
‘‘The rest of my family are back in Malaysia but Mum has told me to give it my best shot so I won’t have any regrets . . . and that is what I plan to do.’’ - Central Mag


"Dyan Tai Live"

If you want to catch Dyan Tai live, he’s playing at the Eight by 8ight music festival at the Newsagency, Marrickville, on September 28. Details: eightby8ight.com - New Local


"Newtown's keytar-wielding star Dyan Tai looks for national fame on The X Factor"

A NEWTOWN keytar enthusiast is putting his skills to the test on the new season of Channel 7's The X Factor.

Self-made rising sensation Dyan Tai is throwing it all on the line as he attempts to gain stardom in the latest instalment of the TV talent show.

With his signature blue hair and mirror-coated keytar, Tai has performed across the country, from Sydney Mardi Gras, the City of Sydney's Dragon Ball, Sydney Fringe Festival, Brisbane Festival to the Tasmania Pride Festival.

The Newtown singer-songwriter has also released two singles and an EP and has completed an Australian tour to promote his first release.

Tai, 25, said his passion for electro pop music stemmed from his classical music upbringing.

"I grew up in Malaysia and my background from an early age was classical piano and the violin," he said.

"But when I came to Australia to study biotechnology at the University of New South Wales I began to start really liking electronic music.

"So after I got my honours degree I decided it was time to try something new.

"I was a bit of a sceptic at first but I figured I am only going to be young once so why not give it a go and see where I can take it, which brought me to my audition for The X Factor."

Tai is banking his hopes and dreams on the power of viral publicity for his debut performance.

"At the audition I really wanted to impress Redfoo because I am hoping to become the first keytar DJ in Australia," he said. "He got really excited to see the keytar and he commented about how unique my performance was.

"Even though some of the moments on the show are quite scripted, the judges really let their enthusiasm shine and I just hope I can keep impressing them."

Tai said his passion was amplified by support from his friends and family.

"The rest of my family are back in Malaysia but Mum has told me to give it my best shot so I won't have any regrets ... and that is what I plan to do." - Daily Telegraph


"Frontiers of Pop"

HE won the inaugural Sydneyvision Song Contest with his layered, well-structured, clean sound and now Dyan Tai is using social media to reach new audiences.

Tai moved to Sydney in 2007 after being crowned King of Cool in a Malaysian talent contest and has since opened a show for Jessica Mauboy and performed live on Sydney commercial radio.

FIND US ON: Facebook / Twitter

He released his first EP with a three-piece band in April.

“For other people to be aware of my music, especially my homies in Malaysia, I am releasing the EP on YouTube,” Tai said.

Tai trained in classical piano and violin from an early age and later gained a science honours degree in cell biology.

“I got so sick of classical music. Then I started singing. My music is Prince-esque, MJ (Michael Jackson), gospel R and B, occasional belting.

“Its harder being an Asian Australian in the industry, but people remember me for who I am. It makes me work harder. There’s only one guy with 7-inch hair and a sparkly keytar.”

The keytar, which features to great effect in his award-winning song Why Sydney, is a dangerous thing.

The mirrors cut Tai’s fingers when he plays.

But of course, rejection hurts more.

“People used to say no one will book you and that really hurts. It just made me work harder.” - Central Mag


"Frontiers of Pop"

HE won the inaugural Sydneyvision Song Contest with his layered, well-structured, clean sound and now Dyan Tai is using social media to reach new audiences.

Tai moved to Sydney in 2007 after being crowned King of Cool in a Malaysian talent contest and has since opened a show for Jessica Mauboy and performed live on Sydney commercial radio.

FIND US ON: Facebook / Twitter

He released his first EP with a three-piece band in April.

“For other people to be aware of my music, especially my homies in Malaysia, I am releasing the EP on YouTube,” Tai said.

Tai trained in classical piano and violin from an early age and later gained a science honours degree in cell biology.

“I got so sick of classical music. Then I started singing. My music is Prince-esque, MJ (Michael Jackson), gospel R and B, occasional belting.

“Its harder being an Asian Australian in the industry, but people remember me for who I am. It makes me work harder. There’s only one guy with 7-inch hair and a sparkly keytar.”

The keytar, which features to great effect in his award-winning song Why Sydney, is a dangerous thing.

The mirrors cut Tai’s fingers when he plays.

But of course, rejection hurts more.

“People used to say no one will book you and that really hurts. It just made me work harder.” - Central Mag


"F*ck Gaga, I want Dyan Tai"

You need to check out Dyan Tai, a fierce artist with a quiff in his hair thats bigger than your c*ck and a better beat than whatever is booming out of MTV. Besides any artist that can sport piercings in his arm is badass so don't mess with him!

Here he performs at Sydney's Candies Apartment and has had the opportunity to open for Jessica Mauboy, Scarlet Belle and Pete Wentz. Having seen many of his performances, I caught the one in the video above at Candy's Apartment and you get it why he battles it out with so many other musicians out there. And that's because he's an artist; he writes all his songs, produces every beat and performs totally live.

It's crazy to think that he also records sounds moments before the performance so that he has an instrumental to sing to. Genius or crazy, but it's pure talent and drive.

Catch him on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dyanmusic and his website http://www.dyantai.com

- Scenes of Sydney


"F*ck Gaga, I want Dyan Tai"

You need to check out Dyan Tai, a fierce artist with a quiff in his hair thats bigger than your c*ck and a better beat than whatever is booming out of MTV. Besides any artist that can sport piercings in his arm is badass so don't mess with him!

Here he performs at Sydney's Candies Apartment and has had the opportunity to open for Jessica Mauboy, Scarlet Belle and Pete Wentz. Having seen many of his performances, I caught the one in the video above at Candy's Apartment and you get it why he battles it out with so many other musicians out there. And that's because he's an artist; he writes all his songs, produces every beat and performs totally live.

It's crazy to think that he also records sounds moments before the performance so that he has an instrumental to sing to. Genius or crazy, but it's pure talent and drive.

Catch him on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dyanmusic and his website http://www.dyantai.com

- Scenes of Sydney


"Dyan Tai Album Launch"



It's a new chapter of the life of singer / songwriter Dyan Tai as he releases his debut album on April 1st at Candy's Apartment.

The launch party will be professionally filmed with behind the scenes interview edited in and the final product uploaded on YouTube. So come on down and support Dyan's music, and most importantly allow him to share his music with you.

Support acts include Nick Pes and Pink Ribbons. It'll be an awesome night!

When: Friday, April 1st
Where: Candy's Apartment
Cost: $10

- BBM Magazine


"Dyan Tai Album Launch"



It's a new chapter of the life of singer / songwriter Dyan Tai as he releases his debut album on April 1st at Candy's Apartment.

The launch party will be professionally filmed with behind the scenes interview edited in and the final product uploaded on YouTube. So come on down and support Dyan's music, and most importantly allow him to share his music with you.

Support acts include Nick Pes and Pink Ribbons. It'll be an awesome night!

When: Friday, April 1st
Where: Candy's Apartment
Cost: $10

- BBM Magazine


"Dyan Tai: Why Sydney? - Australia by Song"

It’s always a happy moment for me whenever I discover a song that embodies the idea behind Australia By Song, and I was recently fortunate enough to come across a bright, fresh piece of electro-pop dedicated to the fine capital of New South Wales, with the very inquisitive title of Why Sydney?

Written by Malaysian-born, Sydney-based singer/songwriter, Dyan Tai, Why Sydney is dedicated to those who reside within the vibrant walls of this city, but haven’t been quite so lucky when it comes to their quest for love. It was the winner of the 2010 Sydneyvision Song Contest, and the brilliant film clip -- featuring easily-recognisable locations such as the Opera House, Luna Park and Chinatown -- rightfully took out the “Best Music Video” award at the 2010 Citylove Music Song Competition.


(I really love those graffitied laneways too!)

I had a quick chat with Dyan about the song as well as a few other Sydney related matters:

What inspired you to write Why Sydney?
The amount of people in Sydney who are lonely and single, even though they might the the richest or the most glamorous people I’ve ever met.

How do you feel about living in Sydney today, and does it differ very much from your home country of Malaysia?
I love Sydney. It’s really diverse -- there are so many different colours and so many different flavas. I grew up in a tropical country so my first winter here was almost unbearable but I love it now. The only thing I dislike is how everything closes at 5pm. In Malaysian shopping malls, cafes and retail shops open til late, about 10-11pm, so the city is always lively, which is quite different to Sydney.

What’s your favourite suburb or part of the city to hang out in, and why?
My ultimate favourite is Newtown, where I live. I don’t feel out of place here when I do my hair up or getting breakfast in pyjamas after a massive night out.

I love Newtown too, it’s the best suburb for sure! So, where is the best place on the web for people to hear/buy your music?
Head to www.dyantai.com. You can also find a link there to my Facebook for updates and free downloads.



So check it out! There are a few other upbeat electro songs at his Facebook page available to download for free, including Part Time Lovers (feat. RJB), We Don’t Have To, and A Song For Linda, all recorded with his three-piece band.

Dyan Tai is definitely somebody to keep a close eye on -- and I do hope he finds the answer to his question, Why Sydney? soon

- Australia by Song


"Dyan Tai: Why Sydney? - Australia by Song"

It’s always a happy moment for me whenever I discover a song that embodies the idea behind Australia By Song, and I was recently fortunate enough to come across a bright, fresh piece of electro-pop dedicated to the fine capital of New South Wales, with the very inquisitive title of Why Sydney?

Written by Malaysian-born, Sydney-based singer/songwriter, Dyan Tai, Why Sydney is dedicated to those who reside within the vibrant walls of this city, but haven’t been quite so lucky when it comes to their quest for love. It was the winner of the 2010 Sydneyvision Song Contest, and the brilliant film clip -- featuring easily-recognisable locations such as the Opera House, Luna Park and Chinatown -- rightfully took out the “Best Music Video” award at the 2010 Citylove Music Song Competition.


(I really love those graffitied laneways too!)

I had a quick chat with Dyan about the song as well as a few other Sydney related matters:

What inspired you to write Why Sydney?
The amount of people in Sydney who are lonely and single, even though they might the the richest or the most glamorous people I’ve ever met.

How do you feel about living in Sydney today, and does it differ very much from your home country of Malaysia?
I love Sydney. It’s really diverse -- there are so many different colours and so many different flavas. I grew up in a tropical country so my first winter here was almost unbearable but I love it now. The only thing I dislike is how everything closes at 5pm. In Malaysian shopping malls, cafes and retail shops open til late, about 10-11pm, so the city is always lively, which is quite different to Sydney.

What’s your favourite suburb or part of the city to hang out in, and why?
My ultimate favourite is Newtown, where I live. I don’t feel out of place here when I do my hair up or getting breakfast in pyjamas after a massive night out.

I love Newtown too, it’s the best suburb for sure! So, where is the best place on the web for people to hear/buy your music?
Head to www.dyantai.com. You can also find a link there to my Facebook for updates and free downloads.



So check it out! There are a few other upbeat electro songs at his Facebook page available to download for free, including Part Time Lovers (feat. RJB), We Don’t Have To, and A Song For Linda, all recorded with his three-piece band.

Dyan Tai is definitely somebody to keep a close eye on -- and I do hope he finds the answer to his question, Why Sydney? soon

- Australia by Song


"Dyan Tai and an Array of Energy and Light"

As someone that doesn’t spend a whole lot of time in night clubs or the heart of Kings Cross, I entered Candy’s Apartment with a hint of apprehension and a further amount of nerves when I witnessed the lighting situation (a dark room with flashing, rainbow lights). However my nerves dissipated rather rapidly and I kind of got absorbed into the colour of Dyan Tai’s album launch when he came on stage. And if it weren’t for the fact that I needed to keep my almost-2kg camera up to my face for most of the time, I probably would have found myself dancing along to the music and the beat!


If he had been nervous before his performance at all, it didn’t show. With a mix of pop and techno-ish beats, Dyan’s show was entertaining and energising, and the crowd loved it! I almost got swamped when they came forward to shake his hand during the show and almost prostrated themselves at his feet.


The show ended after four or five songs and I found myself wishing it had gone on a bit longer! Because even if you do have heavy camera equipment strung across your shoulders and neck, there’s nothing like an energetic pop show to end your week on a high note!


Having experienced the music industry as a child, I know how rough it can be to make your mark, but after Dyan’s show, I can see why he won 2010’s Sydneyvision Song Contest and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him!


Words and photos by Alexis Bartlett @ Peapod Photgraphy (www.peapodphoto.com)


- What's on Sydney


"Dyan Tai and an Array of Energy and Light"

As someone that doesn’t spend a whole lot of time in night clubs or the heart of Kings Cross, I entered Candy’s Apartment with a hint of apprehension and a further amount of nerves when I witnessed the lighting situation (a dark room with flashing, rainbow lights). However my nerves dissipated rather rapidly and I kind of got absorbed into the colour of Dyan Tai’s album launch when he came on stage. And if it weren’t for the fact that I needed to keep my almost-2kg camera up to my face for most of the time, I probably would have found myself dancing along to the music and the beat!


If he had been nervous before his performance at all, it didn’t show. With a mix of pop and techno-ish beats, Dyan’s show was entertaining and energising, and the crowd loved it! I almost got swamped when they came forward to shake his hand during the show and almost prostrated themselves at his feet.


The show ended after four or five songs and I found myself wishing it had gone on a bit longer! Because even if you do have heavy camera equipment strung across your shoulders and neck, there’s nothing like an energetic pop show to end your week on a high note!


Having experienced the music industry as a child, I know how rough it can be to make your mark, but after Dyan’s show, I can see why he won 2010’s Sydneyvision Song Contest and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him!


Words and photos by Alexis Bartlett @ Peapod Photgraphy (www.peapodphoto.com)


- What's on Sydney


"Finding his groove"

WITH his red-streaked mohawk, arm-piercings and popstar fashion style, it’s hard to believe that Tai Yee Hong, 23, is a fresh graduate in biology and business from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

The Ipoh native now goes by the name Dyan Tai and spends most of his time performing, recently opening at the BlackBerry Pearl BlockParty for Pete Wentz and headlining the Newtown Festival, in Sydney, Australia.

Dyan didn’t get to these gigs by accident but by practice; music having been a part of him for most of his life. He started playing piano at seven and picked up the violin at 12.

“Funny thing is that neither of my parents play instruments themselves, but they had faith that music was in my genes since my cousin was a talented classical musician,” said Dyan laughing.

However, after a decade of studying classical music, Dyan knew he’d had enough. He decided to explore the other branches of music he was passionate about: pop and R&B.


Dyan Tai

“I grew up listening to bad 90’s pop, from 5ive to the Spice Girls and Back Street Boys,” confessed Dyan. He also found inspiration in the voices of R&B greats like Aretha Franklin and Baby Face, enjoying the challenge of performing vocal acrobatics.

For his new direction in music, neither the piano nor violin would fit. Instead, he choose an entirely more bizarre instrument, the keytar, a cross between a keyboard and a guitar. While his experience on the piano gave him a degree of familiarity with keyboards, it didn’t prepare him for the way the keytar needed to be strapped on like a guitar.

While the keytar may seem like a retro instrument more at home in an 80’s music video by Prince, but it is making a surprise comeback thanks to the revival of Synth Pop. Recently, musicians including Matt Bellamy of Muse and Lady Gaga have been seen wielding keytars, and Victoria Asher of Cobra Starship is a full time keytarist.

Learning to play the unusual instrument wasn’t the only challenge he faced. Between nine-to-five classes at UNSW and a part time job, Dyan had hardly any time for music practice much less a social life. “At one point, I didn’t go out with my friends for almost a year!” said Dyan, who put music and studies before partying. His philosophy was that he’d rather be the performer at a club than a partygoer.

Dyan credits his father who is an insurance manager for his pragmatism, and his mother for his determination, “she was a primary school teacher, so she had to be tough to manage classes full of naughty kids.”

That mental toughness would prove to be essential for Dyan in his attempt to break into the Australian music scene. While there were many music festivals and open mic sessions happening around Sydney, the local music scene preferred rock to Dyan’s blend of Synth Pop and R&B. “It’s so unfair how blue eyed, pretty rocker blokes got gigs so easily,” sighed Dyan.

To improve his chances of getting booked, Dyan took singing lessons, learning to drop his “-lahs” and roll his r’s. One thing he found odd was that even in the Australian market the acceptable accent to have when singing was the “American Twang”. He doesn’t think changing his accent meant turning his back on his roots, “no matter how I speak, my lyrics are still distinctly mine.”

His hard work eventually paid off, scoring him shows in the Oxford Art factory and winning him the Sydneyvision Song Contest. His recently released debut EP is further proof of his slow boil approach to his music, taking nearly two years to reach a point where he was satisfied with all the songs. Titled “D-Pop”. His EP features four tracks by four different producers leading to the EP’s varied sound.

Taking a cue from Nine Inch Nails’s The Slip, Dyan decided to make D-Pop free-to-download on his site (www.dyantai.com). He believes musicians don’t make money through direct sales of their songs but with their live performances, “an EP is your résumé and it gets you gigs, which is your job.”


Biotechnolgy student turned R&B and pop musician, Dyan Tai back in Malaysia for the Doppelgänger festival.

Dyan hopes to be a full time musician but in the mean time, he’s looking to land a day job with his double degrees. “I’m probably spending more money on music than I’m making!” he half-joked.

To help him accomplish the dream, Dyan has formed a band with a few other Australian musicians he met while making the rounds in Sydney’s music scene. Together, they’re planning a tour through Australia and South East Asia throughout 2011. He may not be sure what the band will be called nor where his music will go next, but he knows he’ll be ready to face any challenge head-on with his trusty keytar at his side.
- RAGE


"Finding his groove"

WITH his red-streaked mohawk, arm-piercings and popstar fashion style, it’s hard to believe that Tai Yee Hong, 23, is a fresh graduate in biology and business from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

The Ipoh native now goes by the name Dyan Tai and spends most of his time performing, recently opening at the BlackBerry Pearl BlockParty for Pete Wentz and headlining the Newtown Festival, in Sydney, Australia.

Dyan didn’t get to these gigs by accident but by practice; music having been a part of him for most of his life. He started playing piano at seven and picked up the violin at 12.

“Funny thing is that neither of my parents play instruments themselves, but they had faith that music was in my genes since my cousin was a talented classical musician,” said Dyan laughing.

However, after a decade of studying classical music, Dyan knew he’d had enough. He decided to explore the other branches of music he was passionate about: pop and R&B.


Dyan Tai

“I grew up listening to bad 90’s pop, from 5ive to the Spice Girls and Back Street Boys,” confessed Dyan. He also found inspiration in the voices of R&B greats like Aretha Franklin and Baby Face, enjoying the challenge of performing vocal acrobatics.

For his new direction in music, neither the piano nor violin would fit. Instead, he choose an entirely more bizarre instrument, the keytar, a cross between a keyboard and a guitar. While his experience on the piano gave him a degree of familiarity with keyboards, it didn’t prepare him for the way the keytar needed to be strapped on like a guitar.

While the keytar may seem like a retro instrument more at home in an 80’s music video by Prince, but it is making a surprise comeback thanks to the revival of Synth Pop. Recently, musicians including Matt Bellamy of Muse and Lady Gaga have been seen wielding keytars, and Victoria Asher of Cobra Starship is a full time keytarist.

Learning to play the unusual instrument wasn’t the only challenge he faced. Between nine-to-five classes at UNSW and a part time job, Dyan had hardly any time for music practice much less a social life. “At one point, I didn’t go out with my friends for almost a year!” said Dyan, who put music and studies before partying. His philosophy was that he’d rather be the performer at a club than a partygoer.

Dyan credits his father who is an insurance manager for his pragmatism, and his mother for his determination, “she was a primary school teacher, so she had to be tough to manage classes full of naughty kids.”

That mental toughness would prove to be essential for Dyan in his attempt to break into the Australian music scene. While there were many music festivals and open mic sessions happening around Sydney, the local music scene preferred rock to Dyan’s blend of Synth Pop and R&B. “It’s so unfair how blue eyed, pretty rocker blokes got gigs so easily,” sighed Dyan.

To improve his chances of getting booked, Dyan took singing lessons, learning to drop his “-lahs” and roll his r’s. One thing he found odd was that even in the Australian market the acceptable accent to have when singing was the “American Twang”. He doesn’t think changing his accent meant turning his back on his roots, “no matter how I speak, my lyrics are still distinctly mine.”

His hard work eventually paid off, scoring him shows in the Oxford Art factory and winning him the Sydneyvision Song Contest. His recently released debut EP is further proof of his slow boil approach to his music, taking nearly two years to reach a point where he was satisfied with all the songs. Titled “D-Pop”. His EP features four tracks by four different producers leading to the EP’s varied sound.

Taking a cue from Nine Inch Nails’s The Slip, Dyan decided to make D-Pop free-to-download on his site (www.dyantai.com). He believes musicians don’t make money through direct sales of their songs but with their live performances, “an EP is your résumé and it gets you gigs, which is your job.”


Biotechnolgy student turned R&B and pop musician, Dyan Tai back in Malaysia for the Doppelgänger festival.

Dyan hopes to be a full time musician but in the mean time, he’s looking to land a day job with his double degrees. “I’m probably spending more money on music than I’m making!” he half-joked.

To help him accomplish the dream, Dyan has formed a band with a few other Australian musicians he met while making the rounds in Sydney’s music scene. Together, they’re planning a tour through Australia and South East Asia throughout 2011. He may not be sure what the band will be called nor where his music will go next, but he knows he’ll be ready to face any challenge head-on with his trusty keytar at his side.
- RAGE


"An electro-acoustic experience"

Born in Malaysia, Dyan Tai discovered
his talent and love for music at a young
age, completing ABRSM Grade 8 Piano
and Violin at the age of 14. As he grew
older, his musical tastes delved into
American pop culture and he became
infatuated with glam, electro pop styles.
Soon after being crowned the 2007 Rexona
King of Cool in Malaysia, Dyan embarked on a
journey to Sydney in hopes of making it big with
his unique sound and style. Since arriving, Dyan
has done everything from fronting a rock band to
singing for UNSW’s Collegium Musicum Choir,
and is now a successful one-man performer.
Heralded as a combination of Prince and
Lady Gaga by judge DJ YinYang at a recent
comp at El Rocco in Kings Cross, his music
offers an eclectic mix of electro and pop. A true
entertainer, Dyan’s shows are technologically
rich and offer audiences an electro-acoustic
experience like no other. A favourite track of
his, ‘Why Sydney?’ is always a standout and
never fails to get people moving. “‘Why Sydney?’
is a track produced with Sydney in mind,”
says Dyan. “It’s about the juxtaposition of the
busy and chaotic city against the loneliness
I encountered when I first arrived. You’d be
surprised by the amount of people that are
lonely at night in such a bustling metropolis.”
Although he lives and breathes music, Dyan
admits there are pitfalls, the biggest being the
expense involved. “Being in this industry is
expensive and no one really makes huge amounts
of money unless they’re major players. It’s
especially costly to work with my chosen music
genre as there’s a lot of equipment and gadgets
involves such as my Roland AX-Synth keytar,
loop pedals, Kaoss Pad etc.” He also claims that
his unique and distinctive style can sometimes
pose a challenge when it comes to scoring gigs.
“Another big challenge I face is that some may
not appreciate my style, and because of that,
might not give me a chance. My music is just so
different from the typical singer/guitarist and
whilst that’s what I love and that’s how I want
to set myself up as an artist, it can be hard.”
Dyan was recently amongst the top
five finalists in the 2010 El Rocco Singer/
Songwriter Competition and has been a
finalist in a number of other competitions
across various Sydney venues.
Dyan’s a regular on the live music scene and
gigs all around Sydney, from Kings Cross to the
Inner West. He can be found at pubs and clubs
as well as intimate bars and jazz rooms. Visit
www.dyantai.com for upcoming gig info and to
check out his recently recorded tracks produced
by Hard Dance DJ and Producer, Thomas Saej.
Dyan says: “I strongly believe that live
music should always be fun, inspiring and
never boring. I’m not the typical singer/
songwriter singing country or folk tunes on a
guitar and I pride myself in that. My futuristic
style of music is a fusion of beatbox, 80s
synth pop and contemporary jazz piano.”
Dyan Tai will be performing an electroacoustic
set with live sampling on June 3 at
Favela Kings Cross. RSVP for free drinks! - South Sydney Herald


"Sydneyvision Song Contest Results"

The first annual Sydneyvision Song Contest Grand Final was held on 25 August to a packed house at the Dendy Newtown. The event was hosted by international stars Yuri Andropov and Constantina Chernenka who found a warm welcome in Newtown throughout the week of festivities leading up to the event.

First place was won, to the surprise of all the other suburbs, by Sydney itself. Who would have though the CBD could best Newtown in a musical showdown? Armed with his Keytar, an instrument rarely seen since the 1980s, Dyan Tai captured the first place prize with his energetic song “Why Sydney?”

Second place went to Anthony Hughes and the International Love Experiment, representing Cronulla with “Suburban Boy.” It is a heartfelt song created with love of the area where the artist grew up and disdain for the violent racist acts that took place there during the Cronulla riots in 2005.

Third place was won by The Tsars with their introspective and sensitive song “Newtown”, which claimed amongst many other preposterous assertions to fuse “traditional Russian folk melody with Newtown bohemia.” Their album, “In the Winter Palace” is allegedly top of the charts in Iceland, Slovenia and Moldova. - Newtown Neighbourhood Centre


"Sydneyvision Song Contest Results"

The first annual Sydneyvision Song Contest Grand Final was held on 25 August to a packed house at the Dendy Newtown. The event was hosted by international stars Yuri Andropov and Constantina Chernenka who found a warm welcome in Newtown throughout the week of festivities leading up to the event.

First place was won, to the surprise of all the other suburbs, by Sydney itself. Who would have though the CBD could best Newtown in a musical showdown? Armed with his Keytar, an instrument rarely seen since the 1980s, Dyan Tai captured the first place prize with his energetic song “Why Sydney?”

Second place went to Anthony Hughes and the International Love Experiment, representing Cronulla with “Suburban Boy.” It is a heartfelt song created with love of the area where the artist grew up and disdain for the violent racist acts that took place there during the Cronulla riots in 2005.

Third place was won by The Tsars with their introspective and sensitive song “Newtown”, which claimed amongst many other preposterous assertions to fuse “traditional Russian folk melody with Newtown bohemia.” Their album, “In the Winter Palace” is allegedly top of the charts in Iceland, Slovenia and Moldova. - Newtown Neighbourhood Centre


"Watch this face"

Malaysian-born Dyan Tai is certainly one of
Sydney’s and UNSW’s rising stars. With threads
to rival Prince’s glittery get-ups and hair to
out-bouffant Lady GaGa, Dyan shines on the
celebrity radar.
The winner of 2010’s Sydney Vision Song Contest with his
track Imma Rockstar, crowned the Rexona King of Cool in
2007 and shortlisted for the UNSW Sound Project CD (Volume
I) by the one and only Peter Garrett with his track A Song For
Linda, this unique individual “strongly believes that live music
should always be fun, inspiring and never boring”.
In between performing with the likes of Jessica Mauboy and
Pete Wentz, this standout student still manages to fit in an
honours year here at UNSW.

You’ve already performed at
some of Sydney’s top venues
and have an EP on the way
- when did you start taking
music seriously?
I started playing the piano when
I was seven; when I was 15, I’d
already finished playing grade
8 piano with a distinction, and
grade 5 violin with a distinction.
And after that I got really sick of
classical music, so I ventured
into pop and RnB and started
singing from there.
You grew up in Malaysia and
came to Australia a couple of
years ago - why the move?
Just to do my music; there’s
more opportunities here. And to
do my degree in science, which
is a completely different story!
What do you love most about
Sydney?
I love how in Sydney there’s
clubs and promoters …
everyone’s got a web presence,
so it’s easy to contact people. In
Malaysia, even the biggest clubs
still don’t have websites, so
there’s no way to get gigs.
What are you studying?
I’m doing honours in the
faculty of biotechnology and
molecular science - this is my
final year at UNSW.
I like science, and I like being
able to make a difference.
I’ll always be in science, but
music’s my passion. Another
good thing about Australia is if
you have the will, you can do
completely different things, and
I’ve been able to juggle science
and music for two years.
What are your songs about?
Bitching about people I’ve gone
out with! And just partying.
The funny thing is, because
I’m doing my honours and
I’m doing music, I don’t have
time to go out! It’s a way for
me to escape and go out and
mentally get drunk and get
trashed when I write my music.
What was it like performing
with Pete Wentz and
Jessica Mauboy at
the Blackberry Pearl
BlockParty earlier this
year?
I wrote a track for a Blackberry
competition which they asked
me to perform at the launch
party as the opening act, and
part of the deal was I got to
meet Jessica Mauboy and
Scarlett Belle - that was so
inspiring!
What’s next for Dyan Tai?
The EP (D-pop, produced by
hard dance producer Thomas
Saej) is out early next year;
right now I’m offering free
downloads through my website:
www.dyantai.com. - UNSW Blitz Magazine


"Meet our fierce Sydneyvision winner"

The winner of the first-ever Sydneyvision Song Contest says his microdermal implant piercings and 7” high hair meant he was certainly the ‘fiercest’ musician in the competition.

Newtown-based R&B and pop singer/songwriter Dyan Tai ’s winning song Why Sydney? was screened at Dendy Newtown to a full house audience last week as the Eurovision-style suburb vs. suburb song contest wrapped up.

Tai tells Same Same his song is about single Sydneysiders who have yet to find their other half. Watch it below.

“My background is Malaysian and I have moved all the way to Sydney to pursue music,” the singer explains.

“I love Sydney, I dig the lifestyle, culture and people! Also, there are definitely more opportunities here. I’m not just referring to the music industry – I’m an honour student pursuing a biotechnology degree by day and a singer/songwriter by night. It’s very very hectic but it can happen if you have the motivation.”

He says he hopes that his contest win will open doors not only for himself but also for others from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in music.

“But having said that I’m not your typical Asian boy,” he smiles. “My hair is 6-7 inches high and I’ve three microdermal piercings on my left forearm.

“To be very honest, I never would’ve thought that I would win. Seriously, every single entry deserved to win the competition.”

The Sydneyvision winner and runners-up will perform as part of Sydney’s Fringe Festival on Thursday September 16 at the The Sandringham Hotel in Newtown. More details are here.

Tai is looking forward to his first EP release in early 2011. Find more about him on his website.
- samesame.com.au


Discography

Digital Kiss EP (2013-2014)

The Roman Love Affair EP (2012)
1. Roman Love Affair
2. C.O.O.L.
3. Not Crazy For You
(Received airplay through Airit & Amrap distribution service on independent radio stations, nominated for a Music Oz Award 2012)

EP (April 2011)
1. Why Sydney?
2. Part time lovers
3. We don't have to
4. A song for Linda

(Winner of the inaugural Sydneyvision song contest, winner Citylove music competition)

Photos

Bio

Self-made sensation, Dyan Tai, is well known for his sky high blue hair and colourful performance style as a Sydney singer, songwriter & DJ.

Armed with his weapon of choice, a flashy mirror coated keytar, Dyans indiscriminate performance style leaves every audience he encounters captivated.

Dyan has performed to audiences across the country from Sydney Mardi Gras, City of Sydneys Dragon Ball, Sydney Fringe Festival, to Brisbane Festival and Tasmania Pride Festival.

As a singer-songwriter Dyan has released 2 singles and an EP entitled C.O.O.L. (Triple J Unearthed #4 Pop Chart, 2012 MusicOZ Award Nominee) and completed an Australian tour to promote his first release.

He also brought his high-energy electro-pop from the stage to the screen on XFactor Australia, Foxtels Planet Unearthed, and as a finalist on TVS Singer-songwriter Series.

The Malaysian-born keytar hero isnt just all glitter and glam. Dyan is a passionate believer in human equality and supporter of same-sex marriage.
Its not everyday you can say someone literally wears his heart on his sleeve but Dyan does exactly that, sporting a tattoo of his favourite childhood cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants' on his arm, tying the knot with Patrick Star.

Having acquired clothing sponsorship from European fashion label Mr Gugu, Dyan will be releasing a new single and music video in Dec 2013 and a follow up EP in early 2014.

Band Members