COVER STORY | ISSUE 001 | JAN '22
THIS IS FATIA: THE LATEST UP-AND-COMER ON THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE. ALSO KNOWN AS TIKTOK'S VERY FIRST GLOBAL RECORDING ARTIST, THE 21-YEAR-OLD MALAYSIAN BUILT A FOLLOWING ON THE APP WITH HER CAPTIVATING COVERS, WHICH EVENTUALLY EARNED
HER A RECORD deal.
Raised in a home filled with pop, classic rock and soaring showtunes, the self-taught musician found her voice performing in secondary school during choir and choral speaking events. Her debut single, 'My World Too'—written and
composed by industry veteran Aubrey Suwito—tells her story through a catchy pop track with refreshing musical theatre influences.
Bright-eyed and fresh-faced, we spoke to the burgeoning star—who is currently juggling her studies with her growing career—about her journey from TikTok creator to the big league.
Bright-eyed and fresh-faced, we spoke to the burgeoning star—who is currently juggling her studies with her growing career—about her journey from TikTok creator to the big league.
Shirt and shoes: Behati; Skirt: Stylist's own; Scarf: dUCk
What does 'My World Too' mean to you?
"To me, 'My World Too' is about plucking up the courage to be yourself and express yourself. Growing up, I've struggled with self-expression, being vulnerable and speaking my mind, so this song empowers me to not spend my entire life dulling myself to make other people comfortable."
What inspired you to start making TikToks?
"I downloaded TikTok when the pandemic started and was deeply inspired by the variety of content that existed on the app. I felt like it was very inclusive and that there was a place for everybody. I love singing and musicals, so I started duetting musical accompaniments and it grew from there. I even met some musical enthusiasts along the way, which is awesome."
"To me, 'My World Too' is about plucking up the courage to be yourself and express yourself. Growing up, I've struggled with self-expression, being vulnerable and speaking my mind, so this song empowers me to not spend my entire life dulling myself to make other people comfortable."
What inspired you to start making TikToks?
"I downloaded TikTok when the pandemic started and was deeply inspired by the variety of content that existed on the app. I felt like it was very inclusive and that there was a place for everybody. I love singing and musicals, so I started duetting musical accompaniments and it grew from there. I even met some musical enthusiasts along the way, which is awesome."
Face: Step 1 Primer Hydra Booster, Step 1 Primer Dullness Eraser, Reboot Foundation Y245, Ultra HD Concealer #31, Matte Velvet Skin Compact Powder Y245, ARTIST Face Color B316, ARTIST Face
Color S116, PRO Glow #02 Iridescent Gold, Mist & Fix Makeup Setting Spray; Brows: AQUA Resist Brow Filler #20, AQUA Resist Brow Fixer #20; Eyes: AQUA Resist Color Pencil #6 Forest, Aqua Smoky Lash; Lips: Rouge Artist Lipstick #112 / All by Make Up For Ever
What sparked your decision to become a recording artist?
"I've always dreamt of being an artist or performer one day, and that day came a lot sooner than I thought. It's all so surreal and very unexpected, but when someone offers to make your dreams a reality, you take it!"
How was the experience of recording in a studio for the first time?
"It was really cool to be in a studio for the first time and to see the process behind the making of a song. Working with Aubrey is so inspiring—he has years of experience with the details of getting it right. Despite it being my first time and wanting to do a good job, I really felt like I belonged in that space."
Talk us through the concept of your debut music video.
"The music video echoes the message of the song—it's all about self-expression and finding the courage to be yourself. It sheds light on the many parts of me beyond being an artist, like my love for karaoke and being a student."
"I've always dreamt of being an artist or performer one day, and that day came a lot sooner than I thought. It's all so surreal and very unexpected, but when someone offers to make your dreams a reality, you take it!"
How was the experience of recording in a studio for the first time?
"It was really cool to be in a studio for the first time and to see the process behind the making of a song. Working with Aubrey is so inspiring—he has years of experience with the details of getting it right. Despite it being my first time and wanting to do a good job, I really felt like I belonged in that space."
Talk us through the concept of your debut music video.
"The music video echoes the message of the song—it's all about self-expression and finding the courage to be yourself. It sheds light on the many parts of me beyond being an artist, like my love for karaoke and being a student."
Top and skirt: Behati; Sweater: Ghostboy; Scarf: dUCk; Shoes: Ezuwan Ismail
Are you interested in writing music moving forward?
"Yes, I'd love to. I've written some songs over the years and would love to share them. Songwriting is a skill I'd like to improve on, and I am always listening and learning from different artists to improve. Ultimately, I am my biggest critic, so I always say I'd like to reach a level that I'm proud of before sharing it with the world. However, we all start somewhere and I'm so excited to explore that."
What are some of your biggest musical influences, locally and internationally?
"Locally, I look up to Yuna because she's uniquely herself, which is reflected in her music and I find that inspiring. Internationally, I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan; I admire her ability to move people with her songwriting, and her constant evolution and experimentation with different styles and genres. I also love Sammy Rae and The Friends—their joy of making music is translated into every song and just makes me want to dance. Listening to them truly solidified my intent on making music."
"Yes, I'd love to. I've written some songs over the years and would love to share them. Songwriting is a skill I'd like to improve on, and I am always listening and learning from different artists to improve. Ultimately, I am my biggest critic, so I always say I'd like to reach a level that I'm proud of before sharing it with the world. However, we all start somewhere and I'm so excited to explore that."
What are some of your biggest musical influences, locally and internationally?
"Locally, I look up to Yuna because she's uniquely herself, which is reflected in her music and I find that inspiring. Internationally, I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan; I admire her ability to move people with her songwriting, and her constant evolution and experimentation with different styles and genres. I also love Sammy Rae and The Friends—their joy of making music is translated into every song and just makes me want to dance. Listening to them truly solidified my intent on making music."
Face: Step 1 Primer Hydra Booster, Step 1 Primer Dullness Eraser, Reboot Foundation Y245, Ultra HD Concealer #31, Ultra HD Setting Powder 3.0, ARTIST Face Color B218, ARTIST Face Color S116,
PRO Glow #02 Iridescent Gold, Mist & Fix Makeup Setting Spray; Brows: AQUA Resist Brow Filler #40, AQUA Resist Brow Fixer #40; Eyes: Artist Color
Shadow S814, 12 Flash Color Case (shade M804 Fuschia), AQUA Resist Color Pencil #1 Graphite, Aqua Smoky Lash; Lips: Rouge Artist Lipstick #162, Ultra HD Lip Booster #00 Universelle /
All by Make Up For Ever
What TikTok tips do you have?
"I think the best TikTok tip (which I need to follow too) is consistency. No matter what type of videos you make, you should keep sharing it consistently, and not overthink it. Most importantly, have fun!"
What's coming next from Fatia?
"I'm still exploring and finding my sound, but I'm hoping to dive into more musical theatre and Disney-inspired sounds because I love it—perhaps I'll release a cover! I'm always listening to what my audience likes and what they want me to try as well. I'm still very new to this, so now is just a time to learn and experiment, and I'm beyond excited."
"I think the best TikTok tip (which I need to follow too) is consistency. No matter what type of videos you make, you should keep sharing it consistently, and not overthink it. Most importantly, have fun!"
What's coming next from Fatia?
"I'm still exploring and finding my sound, but I'm hoping to dive into more musical theatre and Disney-inspired sounds because I love it—perhaps I'll release a cover! I'm always listening to what my audience likes and what they want me to try as well. I'm still very new to this, so now is just a time to learn and experiment, and I'm beyond excited."
WATCH NOW: Quickfire Questions with Fatia
Fatia's debut single 'My World Too' is out now. Follow her on TikTok and Instagram for more updates.
credits
EDITOR / RACHEL AU
text, styling & creative direction / kelly lim & REDZHANNA JAZMIN
photography / AMANI AZLIN
videographY / Farna Syhida & YEN
makeup / JAYCE LIEW FOR MAKE UP FOR EVER
hair / Dayah Thamrin for CocoDry
layout design / sarah tai
text, styling & creative direction / kelly lim & REDZHANNA JAZMIN
photography / AMANI AZLIN
videographY / Farna Syhida & YEN
makeup / JAYCE LIEW FOR MAKE UP FOR EVER
hair / Dayah Thamrin for CocoDry
layout design / sarah tai
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