KUALA LUMPUR — Renowned Malaysian guitarist Samad has unveiled his latest EP, Sehayat Dalam Sedetik recently.
This 5-track acoustic fingerstyle collection is an evocative blend of personal stories, recorded between 2004 and 2010, now reimagined and remixed for a contemporary audience.
The title, meaning “a lifetime in a second,” encapsulates the EP’s emotional essence, the musician noted in a press release recently.
“It reflects how the quality of a friendship or experience isn’t defined by its length,” says Az, who is also a Yamaha Music Malaysia ambassador.
“Sometimes, a single moment can feel like a lifetime. This record is about cherishing the people around us.”
A mix of nostalgia and modern production, Sehayat Dalam Sedetik features tracks that Az recorded during his time at Berkeley, California, in the late 2000s.
After years of being tucked away, these raw recordings were revisited, retaining their youthful honesty while being polished to meet contemporary sound standards.
The EP pays tribute to Az’s mentor, the legendary fingerstyle guitarist Eric Roche, through the use of DADGAD tuning.
Though the percussive influence of Michael Hedges can be felt, the release leans into the emotive melodies of Alex De Grassi.
Sehayat Dalam Sedetik opens with its title track, which captures the core message of the album—finding depth in fleeting moments. Mengapa follows with its haunting meditation on loss and grief, written after the passing of a close friend’s father.
The track Kit’s Song offers a melodic homage to a cherished friendship formed during Az’s years in Berkeley, while Bayang Biru draws inspiration from classic folk ballads.
Closing with Sayup, the EP brings the listener on a journey through Az’s emotional landscape, with melodies that echo the intricacies of human connection.
A pillar of the Malaysian music scene, Az Samad has built a 30-year career as a virtuoso guitarist and composer. He is a Yamaha Music Malaysia ambassador and NUX endorsee.
Recently, Az displayed his versatility at the Klang River Festival, blending instrumental virtuosity with spoken word poetry. Sehayat Dalam Sedetik marks a return to his roots and is a tribute to his evolution as both an artist and a person.
The EP is available now for streaming on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal. – February 3, 2026