Evolving from an aspiring guitarist in the early 90s to becoming a full-grown musician in his own right, with a rich history in bands like Matahari and Hurricane Honey, Ainol Bakhtiar bin Dr Kamaruddin, better known as Nol, eventually found his solo identity, adding depth and resonance to his musical odyssey.
Distinct in its vulnerability and personal touch, his solo project, “Nol K”, brings a different sound that is completely his own, from writing, instrumentation and arrangement to sonic identity.
“It serves as a self-assuring love letter to myself, emphasising mental health, which was catalysed by my father’s cancer battle,” said Nol. This prompted him to realise the brevity of life, igniting an internal urgency to pursue his passion.
TEEN GUITAR DREAMS
At the age of 14 in England, Nol’s musical passage began when he witnessed Kurt Cobain and Slash on MTV, sparking a desire to play the guitar and further encouraged by his mother who had gifted him with an expensive hair-metal guitar from Denmark Street.
“Despite having a formidable instrument, my lack of guitar skills led me to seek lessons during summer holidays when I returned to Brunei.”
Nol fondly recalled how, with the help of a talented janitor who played guitar, he began with Scorpions but swiftly moved on to his favourite genres, including Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Guns N’ Roses.
Five years went by and Nol founded the band Matahari after attending the London Music School. Initially reluctant about his pursuit of music, his father eventually provided wholehearted support for him to attend where he later earned a Vocals Diploma.
The unexpected switch from guitar to vocals during his studies led to the formation of Band ‘D’, later known as Matahari. The band achieved exceptional success, touring and performing with renowned acts like 100 Reasons, Lostprophets and Bullet for My Valentine.
In 2006, Nol returned to Brunei and initiated the band I Mean The Snakes (IMTS).
During this period, he met his wife Sue, who played a pivotal role in getting their music on the local radio. The journey continued with the formation of another band, The Late Yetis, playing a number of shows in London, followed by a return to Brunei and the resurrection of IMTS.
Evolving into Hurricane Honey, the band embraced a hardcore punk sound, released a rare EP, and gained a strong following, only to face the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
AUTHENTIC UNVEILING
“Over the years, my musical journey has seen a notable evolution, particularly during my time at music school. Exposure to diverse genres like Latin, samba and jazz expanded my horizons, influencing my approach to music composition,” said Nol, adding that recently, bands like Teenage Wrist, The Wayside and Turnstile have inspired him, showcasing the enduring spirit of 90s rock.
Nol couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement as he reminisced about the time when Incubus reviewed Matahari.
“It flew with Brandon Boyd and Mike Einziger (of Incubus), and they liked us. That was enough for me,” said Nol.
At 44, Nol’s song writing has become more heartfelt and cathartic, a stark departure from his teenage years.
“Influenced by Kurt Cobain, my raw and authentic style has garnered positive reviews worldwide.”
The latest album, centred on mental health, holds a poignant track, There You Go, reflecting on the loss of a friend and the importance of recognising mental health signals.
“My personal struggles with anxiety, diagnosed during my time in England, have shaped my music.
“Overcoming the internal voices, I’ve found comfort and authenticity, discarding the façade of public school charm,” said Nol, adding that mental health awareness has become a crucial theme in his work.
“Simplifying my song writing process, I prioritise serving the song rather than complicating it with unnecessary elements.”
For him, creative expression serves as a transformative outlet, releasing internal turmoil, and embracing this has not only brought personal fulfilment, but also unexpected opportunities for him, like becoming a music producer.
Ignoring the naysayers, Nol emphasises the intrinsic value of creative pursuits, believing in their priceless impact on one’s joy and well-being.
“The ripple effect of my creative journey has extended to production work and collaborations, blessing me with a busy and fulfilling schedule.
“In essence, pursuing what one loves is a fundamental right, a sentiment I consider vital for all individuals.”
GRUNGE REVIVAL
Creating Nol K, his solo project deeply influenced by hard rock and grunge, resulted in an impressive reception, boasting nearly 8,000 monthly listeners – a notable accomplishment in a genre often overshadowed by mainstream rap.
Unconsciously riding the resurgence of the grunge movement and the return of Nu Metal, Nol actively engages with a new generation enamoured with 90s bands while embracing his role as “Uncle Nol”.
“As I produce local acts and navigate the music landscape, I observe a thriving scene in Brunei with emerging talents like Chlorine and Secret Signal.”
Looking ahead, Nol’s aim is to perform globally, representing Brunei in the international music scene, with a newly formed band consisting of diverse talents – with members ranging from aged 19 to 40 looking to make a significant impact in their debut gig.
“Brunei’s music landscape is vibrant, there’s a multitude of talented young bands. Genres like shoegaze and indie are definitely making a strong impact.”
As the music community thrives, Nol shared that there is also the prospect of Hurricane Honey making a return to the stage and contributing new music adds to the excitement of Brunei’s dynamic musical scene.
PASSION OVER VALIDATION
“For musicians feeling discouraged, my advice is to persist and hone your craft. Recognition will come when you excel, and it should be motivation in itself.
“Crucially, don’t seek validation externally – do it for your passion. Those facing disenchantment can pivot to roles like music producer or mixer, investing in courses for skill enhancement.”
In his own journey, Nol is currently still in the early stages of learning music production and audio engineering, accelerated by working with a Canadian professional. Although costly, he believes it is an investment in himself.
“To aspiring artists, Spotify isn’t the end; the real work begins with submissions to global playlist curators in your genre on that platform.
“Without major labels, independent artists must take charge, utilising strategies like paid boosts on social media for visibility.”
The misconception that Spotify alone will bring discovery is dispelled; Nol believes that proactive efforts are essential, an insight stemmed from his own experiences and learning, shared with fellow musicians navigating their paths. – Izah Azahari
