REFINING VERSUS SIMPLIFICATION IN SAPE PLAYERS' TRANSMISSION AND PERFORMANCE THROUGH SOUND MANIPULATION

Sarawak distinguishes out with its multicultural flexibility in comparison to a larger Malaysian nation-state where pluralism is all-encompassing and dominant. That is, Sarawak society appears to be more open to appreciating the complex tapestry of its people’s lives as well as their stated desire for an identity distinct from any dominant culture. The growth of regional music on audio carriers promotes the economics of a region. Aside from generating revenue, the music of Kayan and Kenyah and other groups of people living in the region can be shared with people in other countries, attracting tourists and social scientists from around the world. Among the main protagonists are Tusau Padan, Matthew Ngau Jau, Jerry Kamit, and Tuyang Tan Ngan. This study compares and contrasts performance ideas of their sape playing and productions, addressing simplification and refining of sound/devices/musical instruments and setting using some elements of Hendrix and Edge’s (U2 guitarist). The analysis will be focused on specific sound qualities, gadgets employed, and musical instruments as a whole. The discourse encompasses both artists’ perspectives as well as the audience’s comprehension.