For this round of Lipstiq’s Man of the Week, we give you the super talented and incredibly humble, Aster Kyle. If you’re active in KL’s music scene, you would be very familiar with Kyle who is a member of the melodious ‘man-band’ known as Back2Basixx. Not only is he tall, charming and funny, the guy has plenty of accomplishments that he can be proud of.
Name: Aster Kyle Gunasekera (Kyle G.)
Age: 28++
Occupation: Business Owner of Stickman Integration, Musician, Emcee and Part Time Son/Brother/Driver
Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do etc.
Wow. It’s been a while since someone actually asked this. Let’s see, I’m a business owner who specializes in Brand Integration for children. So, I work with children most of the time. When I’m not doing that, I’m a musician with a vocal harmony group called Back2Basixx. I must stress that we’re not a ‘boyband’ but more of a ‘manband’, we like to call it. I’m also an experienced part-time emcee. But most importantly, I’m a devoted driver/food taster/advisor to my beautiful mum and annoyingly lovely sisters. In a nut shell, I’m just a normal guy with extravagant interest and not enough time in the world to do more.
What about a woman do you find to be the biggest turn off?
I think I would have to go with arrogance. I’m sure you might be famous, or constantly sort after, but it doesn’t give you the right to be arrogant about it. Being humble and friendly is definitely a turn on.
If you had to, which would you give up, five of your favourite food or sex?
Firstly, I’ve been single for about 4 years and a half. So… I would have to say sex. Wait.. food. This is a tough question!
What do you think of the current music scene in kl?
I think it’s growing. I think we (Malaysia) have a lot of talent. People like Talitha Tan, Fazz, Jumero, SOAP, No Tyra, Jon Liddell, Crinkle Cut, Evelyn Feroza, Kelly Siew, GrandTheftEx., Amoura, KissKillMary, Paperplane Pursuit, Kyoto Protocol and others are producing amazing sounds and music. Also thanks to bands like AHM, Reza Salleh, Wanted Symphony, and places like Merdekarya, The Laundry Bar KL, Pisco, etc who are giving opportunities for new bands and musicians to showcase their music every month. I think Malaysian radio stations are slowly opening up to the idea of playing more Malaysian music, which is great! I think we (as musicians and the public) could do and grow much much more! But we’re definitely moving in the right direction. We (as musicians) must just constantly work on our craft and continue producing great music, and the public to continue their support, offer their honest opinions/constructed criticism, and be the difference. After all, it does take two hands to clap!
What do you love most about what you do?
Well, I’ve always wanted to work with Children. Particularly, as a teacher. I may not be a certified teacher but my fantastic business partner/personal manger/best friend Terence S. Gill and I, we’ve been through a lot of ups and downs as entrepreneurs (4 years to be exact) doing what we love most, working with children. The icing on the cake for me is also being a musician, something I’ve always wanted to do since I first started performing at the age of nine. I love that I’ve met a lot of interesting and lovely people as a musician and I also JUST love being on stage doing what I do and watching people enjoy it. That doesn’t mean it is or has been easy, but I’m just grateful and blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to do what I love doing. Take note that I’ve not once said it was a job, cause I could never see it that way!
Tell us something about you that not most of your friends know about.
I know I’m so gonna be made fun off for this, but there is three things that I feel should be out of the closet. Firstly, I was a cheerleader for my high school for a year. None of the ‘pom-pom’ stuff as you might associate with cheer-leading, but just as ‘spotter’, I think that’s what it was called. Secondly, I often cry when I watch love movies or touching family movie moments. Last but not least, I’m a huge momma’s boy (which I’m proud to admit!). ‘I can feel a huge weight off my shoulders now’. 🙂
Would you rather fight off a life-sized cockroach or have everyone you know see your browsing history?
If you know me well enough, it could be a normal sized cockroach and I would still choose browsing history! I’m not shy to admit that I have my fair share of ‘sometimes filthy’ browsing history, but no way in hell cockroaches!
Are you a booty or boobies kinda guy?
I’ve been either throughout my life, but I have to lean towards BOOTAY! *sings* Bubble Butt, Bubble Bubble Bubble Butt! However, when a woman has a beautiful smile, that’s the deal breaker.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Successful. Firstly, as a business owner, then a musician. Providing my family the best. And also, making a difference in society, and hopefully, just hopefully, settling down. The journey is going to be bumpy but I’m in it for the ride!
