Malaysian artiste Daiyan Trisha is back with a new album after four years. Photo: Handout
Malaysian singer-songwriter Daiyan Trisha exudes wit, poise and confidence.
The minute she steps up to the podium to introduce her latest music project, her playful humour instantly brightens the mood in the dimly lit restaurant.
But as we settle into one of the VIP lounges for our interview, Daiyan candidly admits that she had been feeling nervous the whole time – and for good reason.
Four years after releasing her self-titled debut album, the 30-year-old has finally unveiled her second album Lovelorn, which had been brewing since 2019.
The 11-track project, centring on the absence of love, encapsulates Daiyan’s turbulent relationships over the past five years.
“Releasing this album was so important to me because it’s me going back to myself,” she tells StarLifestyle during this interview in Kuala Lumpur.
“Ever since I put music in the backseat, I felt the need to share all the songs I have worked on. This album marks a new beginning as I no longer feel like I owe myself anything.”
Working on Lovelorn was a “spiritual and reflective” experience for Daiyan, who had been on a journey to understand herself better.
After releasing her single Penat in 2021, she paused her music career to focus on acting.
The following year, Daiyan starred opposite actor Ben Amir in the 20-episode drama Tetuan Ang & Rahimin and collaborated with Zizan Razak on the movie Rompak.
She found herself busier than ever in 2023, landing major supporting roles in the hit series Projek: High Council and the award-winning horror flick Sumpahan Jerunei.
Daiyan (left) played a major supporting role in the award-winning horror film Sumpahan Jerunei, led by Bront Palare (right). Photo: Handout
She was also the lead star of W: Two Worlds, a local series adapted from the K-drama W.
Yet, even throughout her acting stint, music always lingered close to her heart.
“I may have put my music career aside after releasing Penat, but I wrote so many songs after that. I just had not shared them yet,” she says.
Daiyan returned to the music scene in May with her EP Lagu Dulu Dulu, followed by the single My Home Is In Your Arms, also featured in Lovelorn.
Her decision to reconnect with music stemmed from facing several challenges over the years.
Earlier this year, Daiyan was listed in the Blockout 2024 movement, which aims to boycott celebrities who have remained silent on the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict.
She then took a stand by terminating contracts with brands perceived as pro-Israel and donated RM100,000 to four Palestinian relief organisations.
“I had to make tough decisions that would change me as a person. I didn’t want to force myself into doing anything that clashed with my values or integrity,” she says on the matter.
“I also fell in and out of love.”
All these experiences are what manoeuvred her back into music, she shares.
Jill of all trades
Born in Bangi, Selangor, Daiyan is the second child of five siblings. Growing up, the talented artiste envisioned two possible futures – one in the corporate world and another in the arts industry.
She started writing songs at 14 and posting song covers on YouTube at 16.
At 21, Daiyan kickstarted her acting career in the 2014 drama Dee, where she also made her official music debut by performing the show’s soundtrack Kerana Kau.
Over the past 11 years, she has explored nearly every corner of the entertainment industry.
As a singer, Daiyan has released successful tracks such as Kita Manusia, If I and Langit.
In 2014, she also represented Malaysia by singing the Malay version of Disney’s The Glow – originally performed by British singer Shannon Saunders – to introduce Rapunzel into the Disney Princess lineup.
Daiyan has collaborated with international acts like American singer Sam Tsui and Indonesian pop star Calvin Jeremy.
On the acting front, Daiyan earned a Most Promising Actress nomination at the 30th Malaysia Film Festival for her performance in the 2018 musical Busker.
She added hosting to her portfolio in 2021, serving as a presenter for the Muzik-Muzik programme for six months.
The multi-faceted star has also worked with major brands in the beauty industry – including Skintific, Lancome and Glow & Lovely (formerly Fair & Lovely).
Finding her place
Unfortunately, her successes have come with their share of hurdles as well.
In January last year, Daiyan admitted to feeling hurt by allegations suggesting she’s being supported by a sugar daddy.
The claim surfaced after naysayers questioned how she could afford to buy a house at such a young age.
She called the accusation not only baseless but also a reflection of the outdated mindset that women are unable to succeed on their own.
“If they knew me, they would know how hard I’ve worked since joining the industry.
“I always tell myself that there’s always a way to work around it... that each struggle comes with a reward. You just have to be patient and trust yourself,” she says.
In her 11-year career, the talented artiste has worked as a singer, actress, model, presenter, writer and director. Photo: SAMUEL ONG/The StarAnother challenge Daiyan faced after stepping into showbiz was figuring out which market suited her best.
“Do I want to cater to the masses or the indies?
“I’ve always been in the middle because the masses help with exposure, but the indies are better known for having their own identity, which is also very important to me.
“Even after 11 years, I’m still trying to find the balance between the two,” she adds.
Reflecting on her longtime career, Daiyan is grateful for the opportunities that have come her way – from performing outside Malaysia to opening for international acts like Secondhand Serenade and Tsui.
She believes her younger self would’ve been amazed at where she is today.
“My dream was to tour the world and release five studio albums,” she reflects on her earlier ambitions.
“I was so innocent then and didn’t realise these things are easier said than done.
“I still dream of having a world tour, performing at places like Madison Square Garden in New York or stadiums across South-East Asia.”
Most recently, Daiyan made her directorial debut with her music video Lovelorn, from the album of the same name.
She says it’s the “most fulfilling” thing she has ever done as an artiste.
“I’ve written many of my music videos but didn’t feel confident directing them at that time since I didn’t have a background in broadcasting.
“Directing this music video while working on the album has made me the happiest I’ve ever been,” she adds.
As for whether she’s interested in directing a drama, Daiyan says it’s not in the cards for now, though she’s not ruling it out entirely.
“Maybe it’s something I might consider when I’m older,” she adds.
More than words
To top off her glitzy showbiz career, Daiyan has also stepped into the literary world with the release of her first book Tulisan.
Published last year, this collection of poems offers readers a window into her innermost thoughts and feelings.
“I created Tulisan back in 2018 for my random musings but eventually developed a stronger love for writing as the years went by. I then began crafting longer pieces to better express what I was feeling,” she shares.
As our conversation deepened, one word kept coming to mind to describe Daiyan: “courageous”.
She never shies away from speaking her mind and is open about her mental health journey. It’s one of the reasons why her fans feel such a strong connection to her.
Through writing, Daiyan has discovered an effective outlet to alleviate her concerns.
She says, it’s her most powerful tool in maintaining a healthy mindset.
“I don’t like holding onto things for long because it creates an emotional baggage. When that happens, you feel that heaviness in your chest.
“Writing is one of my coping mechanisms. It eases my anxiety and gives me something to hold onto when others bail on me,” she says.
Daiyan reveals that writing once saved her life.
In 2017, she faced a mental breakdown due to problems in her studies, social life and career.
“It felt like the world was caving in on me. I didn’t know who to turn to, so I kept everything to myself and cried in my bedroom for days,” she shares.
Desperate for relief, Daiyan decided to pen down her thoughts in a track.
This led her to write the song Kita Manusia, which sheds light on depression and anxiety.
“I was able to find release from working on this song. It’s funny how something that makes me vulnerable is my greatest source of strength,” she says.
Daiyan’s mother Dr Samsiah Mohd Nor is a writer too, having published various books in the 1990s.
However, Daiyan never felt compelled to follow in her footsteps.
For her, releasing a book was a spontaneous endeavour.
Daiyan's mother Samsiah (left) is also a writer. Photo: Daiyan Trisha/Instagram
“Honestly speaking, I’ve only read one or two of her books. Her works are incredible, but I don’t exactly resonate with them.
“She’s more of a philosophical writer. Maybe my writing interests come from having her DNA, but our styles are completely different,” she says.
A second poetry book is currently in the works for Daiyan. However, it won’t be out anytime soon as she’s putting her music first.
“I’ve been writing some poems for my second book, but it won’t be released soon.
“I’m currently working on a new music video and will be releasing a single for a drama, which I can’t disclose just yet.
“This year is all about music,” she adds.
Not all out of love
Although Daiyan’s latest musical project revolves around the absence of love, the singer herself is anything but devoid of it. In fact, she has lots of love to give and plans on getting married someday.
“I initially planned on getting married at 25 but clearly, that hasn’t worked out. If I find the right person, I’m open and ready to settle down.
While the singer hopes to find her soulmate someday, she isn't in a hurry to marry. Photo: Daiyan Trisha/Instagram“I don’t have an age limit for marriage, but I do have one for motherhood as it involves my health and biology,” she says.
As for her ideal partner, Daiyan values deep connection and someone with a strong religious faith.
“The most important thing is for the person to be close to Allah and religion. Otherwise, I myself won’t be able to understand him,” she adds.
While Daiyan is excited about finding her soulmate, she isn’t in a hurry to walk down the aisle. Instead, she wants to enjoy life for now and let fate take its course.
After all, there’s still a lot more for her to explore in life.
“Love is a state of being comfortable with yourself or with someone else. I feel like when you’re in love or when you’re loved, you become a better version of yourself.
“So yeah, while I’m looking forward to settling down, I’m just going to go with the flow and see where it brings me,” she concludes.
