A Malaysian songwriter and performer has been invited to attend Red Bull’s international travelling music symposium in Montreal later this year. Takahara Suiko, who performs as The Venopian Suicide, is a local electro-pop songwriter with a powerful voice who sings in both English and Bahasa Melayu.

From 3,500 applications sent in from singers, musicians, DJs, and produces around 102 countries, the jury of Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA) selected 70 music makers, including Malaysia’s very own Takahara, to be a part in this month long event from 24th September to 28th October 2016.

Takahara is the first Malaysian to be chosen for this event, now on its 18th instalment, and was thrilled to receive the news.

“It almost feels like one of those ‘Nigerian prince’ email scams! It feels so surreal” – Takahara

Takahara will spend time with other selected musicians at Phi Centre in Old Montreal. The musicians will attend lectures, exchange ideas, enjoy concerts, and talks in this musical event to bring together the international music community.

Takahara released an EP entitled Kereta Merah last year – a collection of songs adapted from Malaysian nursery rhymes – which, obviously, captured the hearts of her Malaysian friends. She has also performed at festivals and workshops in Berlin, Japan, Amsterdam, and Singapore.