Blue-haired ambition
Newtown resident Dyan Tai believes he has a challenge ahead of him on his musical journey as an out Asian performer.
The blue-haired, extravagant singer and keytar instrumentalist has released two singles and an EP, and was recently voted number four on Triple J’s Unearthed Pop Chart. Dyan is appearing on The X Factor, which began this week.
“I feel that as an Asian musician and being openly gay, I’ve got to break barriers,” said Dyan.
“I’ve always wanted to be on the show. It’s not the only way to get out there in Australia but I feel that because I’m quite an individual, it’s a platform to get myself seen.”
Dyan grew up in Malaysia where he was classically trained in the piano and violin until the age of 15.
Since moving to Sydney, he has been living in Newtown and pursuing his dream of writing and performing music.
“I’m very inspired by Newtown. People are quite accepting. You can walk down King St in your pyjamas and it’s fine,” said Dyan.
Newtown bears little similarities to Dyan’s hometown of Ipoh in Malaysia.
“In Malaysia you need to tone it down a bit – I’d get cut on the street with blue hair,” said Dyan.
“Growing up in an Islamic country, it’s pretty hard for someone to be open and honest with themselves. After I came here I felt really comfortable with who I am and decided to be an artist.”
A year after arriving in Sydney, Dyan was performing in a band as a keyboardist before venturing out on his own as a performer.
“I realised that, if the chick I was playing for can do it – she’s black and from Western Australia – then I should give it a shot as well,” said Dyan.
He said he experienced some opposition to his colourful stage persona.
“My drummer basically left the band after a gig and told me that ‘because you are the way you are you’re not going to get booked’,” said Dyan. “Sometimes I wonder if I don’t get certain opportunities because of that.”
In the past two years, Dyan has performed across the country from Sydney Mardi Gras, City of Sydney’s Dragon Ball, Sydney Fringe Festival to the Brisbane Festival and Tasmania’s Pride Festival.
Dyan is a passionate believer in human equality and same-sex marriage, and said he will voice his beliefs on the new season of The X Factor.
“I believe that people should be allowed to be with someone that they love and everyone should get equal rights,” said Dyan.
