KUALA LUMPUR: Local rock act Kyoto Protocol said that performing as the opening act for the recent Muse: Will of the People concert at National Stadium Bukit Jalil gave the band a much-needed confidence boost.
The five-member outfit was selected after auditioning in a band search organised jointly by Hello Universe and Media Prima. Members of the UK-based band Muse were also part of the selection process.
Kyoto Protocol singer and frontman Fuad Alhabshi said the band questioned their relevance in the music scene during the pandemic and never had a chance to participate in events when the music scene started opening up.
"There were a lot of festivals after the Covid-19 pandemic but we did not land an invite.
"I don't know, maybe it's about the places or our music was not so appealing to the intended audience," he said.
"There was a moment where I questioned whether we were outdated? Are we friendly enough? All of that just kind of plagued my mind, and made me wonder whether Kyoto Protocol had become irrelevant now?" he added.
The chance to perform live to a stadium audience for an international act was a lifeline for the band especially after seeing how the crowd responded positively to them.
"It's nice to know that we still got it, and have the ability to make the best out of the situation," said Fuad.
He shared that he was nursing a fever during the performance and is still recovering at the time of this interview.
Fuad said they had to work around multiple user requirements in terms of stage accessibility to ensure there was no interruption to the main act.
"For instance, we weren't allowed to use the long runway at the centre of the standing zone.
"It is a little bit of a shame because it would have been nice to go out there and really interact with the crowd. But we do understand the considerations," he said.
"Nonetheless, we did get a lot of new fans in the process. I think in a single night, we received over 100 direct messages and hundreds of new followers on our social media, which is a very big deal for us.
"We have always been planning to push for a new album, so maybe sometime around next year," he added.
The band has since credited Muse for allowing the chance to share the stage despite not having the opportunity to meet in person.
"I have seen a lot of acts performed and honestly the concert production is next level," said Fuad.
"To Muse, I hope that you enjoyed us and you see us fit as a good opening band. If there is a chance for us to be taken on the rest of the tour together, that will be an amazing platform for us," he added.
