Dyan Tai Releases Empowering Anthem ‘Hantu’

Gaysian Empress of Sydney Dyan Tai, releases an empowering electronic liberating anthem ‘Hantu’ that fuses the artists’ heritage, featuring Malaysian and Indonesian soundscapes layered with delicate Tuvan throat singing.

‘Hantu’ which means ghost, is a haunting exploration of queer liberation by confronting inner demons and parts of our identity that are hidden. It peels back the layers of societal neglect and exposes how circumstances can mould individuals into reluctant participants of our own shadows. This track serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate dance between adversity and identity, a dance that often leads down unexpected, perilous paths. 

On the single, Dyan Tai said, ”’Hantu’ is particularly important for me as a Queer artist and musician. I had to dig really deep to find sounds and lyrics that reflect my experience  and upbringing as a queer person who grew up in Malaysia.I wasn't able to fully express my queerness until I moved to Sydney and through this song, I've been able to fully confront and liberate myself,”

“I grew up in Malaysia, however my background is Chinese which is why I know more about Malay culture and music. It was interesting to be part of a diasporic migrant experience in Malaysia and now I have the same experience here in Australia. I consider it a blessing musically and being able bring Malay and Indonesian sounds into my music is healing,” they said.

Originally made for Sydney WorldPride 2023's Djarabba Disco, Dyan went on to further develop the song, which was then mixed by Wave Racer (Astral People) and mastered by Ben Feggans (Studios 301).