Born and bred, from the streets of Kl, Christian Theseira embodies Malaysia music, art and culture. His art is a reflection of the various experiences he has encountered throughout his growth as an artist. Starting his musical career at the tender age of 17, Christian Theseira experimented with various genres of music until finally settling on RnB and Soul.
With a passion to break into the music industry, Christian took to stage in the local pub and club circuit, playing his unique arrangements of famous covers. This naturally cultivated his artistic soul and a longing to create his own original music. Since returning from India for some soul searching, Christian has played at various music festivals, shows and events. We were lucky enough to be able to ask him a few questions.
Tell us more about Christian Theseira.
Christian Theseira? Can’t say I know him too well! (Laughs) Well, I was born and raised in Happy Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. I lived in Paris, France for about a total of 1 – 2 years on and off as a child. I lived in India for 2 years while I was completing my bachelor of Physiotherapy. I grew up in a large, loving and very loud family, who were always very supportive and nurturing. I have a Manchester United tattoo on my left shoulder and on the weekends you can catch me at BRJ (mamak in Old Klang Road) watching the United game with my friends and cousins or at score arena (OKR) on Sundays for futsal. Generally I am your average Malaysian guy. Oh, and I love music.
What has been the weirdest thing that’s happened to you as a musician?
The irony that I am an RnB and Neo soul artist that apparently looks like John Legend, who is also an RnB and Neo soul artist.
Do you get told that you look like John Legend often? And if so, how do you feel about it?
(Laughs) Every single day of my life! Personally, I don’t see the resemblance but quite a number of people seem too. I’m not quite sure as to how I feel about it to be honest. I mean, I don’t want to be know as the “Malaysian John Legend.” I’m an artist with my own identity and original music but I am flattered that people think I look like him!
Your song “Someone Like You” has a very smooth and sexy feel to it. Was there a muse that inspired you to write this song?
Thank you! I’m hoping that many children will be conceived to this song. (Laughs) Well, generally Neo soul music is smooth and sexy, and if you like the vibe of this genre there are tonnes of Neo soul artists out there. D’Angelo, MusiQ Soulchild, Raheem DeVaughn, Erykah Badu and the list goes on. All of these artists have heavily influenced my music. In regards to “Someone Like You’, yes there is a muse and no, I will not be revealing the name of said muse. It’s a love song about the heart wanting what it wants, when it wants. Despite what our head sometimes tells us.
We know you’re in a band called Back2Basixx… Do you find it to be easier working as a solo artist or in a band?
The dynamics are very much different. I really can’t say one is more or less difficult. I love doing both and the challenges that they both present. I love singing with Back2Basixx. The members are in fact my real family members and we’ve grown up playing music together. It’s a dream come true for us to be singing in a vocal harmony group and have the kind of support we have from our fans. I mean, come on let’s face it, who didn’t want to be part of a boyband growing up in the 90s?
How long have you known music is your calling?
Singing is the only thing I can say I really truly know. It’s such an intimate journey of one self. When you’re singing or playing music you are completely devoted to that moment, intellectually, emotionally, physically. It’s almost like being in a deep state of meditation. You explore yourself while discovering the infinite possibilities. There is total peace and the most beautiful part about being an artist is that I get to share that experience the people around you. That’s truly a gift. I have always known that music is my calling. Just like we know the sky is blue or the sun is bright, I have always known and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
If you were asked to give up music or sex, which would it be?
That’s tough! Well, I really love sex but I don’t think I could live without music. Music has gotten me through some really rough times in my life. But… sex is so good (laughs). This could take a while! Is there a third option?
Take a listen to Christian Theseira’s ‘Someone Like You’ below:
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