By: roodwill
KOTA KINABALU — Chris Pereira, better known as DecipherBKI, has spent more than two decades in Sabah’s music scene. Yet until this year, he had never released an album that truly belonged to him.
That changed with the release of Architect of Sound & Syntax.
More than a debut album, Architect of Sound & Syntax serves as a musical autobiography, tracing his journey from his first radio single in 2007 to songs developed as recently as 2024.
“It’s a retrospective journey in a way. When I was putting this album together, it dawned on me the change and evolution of my sense of music. I went from emulating to creating what is me. So this album is about my growth and acceptance of where I am now and the journey that still goes on.”
For fellow musician and collaborator Stevell Lumbasi, Chris has long been one of the people shaping Sabah’s musical landscape from behind the scenes.
“Underrated. Itu perkataan yang sesuai untuk dia. Banyak cap jari dia dalam karya muzik Sabah. Tapi tidak ramai yang tahu. Orang-orang lama dalam industri saja kenal.”
Chris admits that much of his early career involved sacrifices, including his own growth as an artist.
“Painful and a blessing. I sacrificed my own advancement as an artist to help and push others before me. Those sacrifices were of my own choosing to be where I am now.”
But through that journey, he found something more valuable than recognition.
“I found musicians and producers and engineers that were like minded and went from acquaintances to friends. I found my people.”
The album reflects that journey.
“From my 1st radio single in 2007 to what songs I’ve been working on up to 2024. You’ll hear my thoughts in my lyrics, my own struggles, my hope and frustration through my instrumentals. My journey sonically as a producer and composer. Letting the music guide me to what and where I am now.”
The album captures the growth of a man who spent years helping others shine before finally allowing himself the space to tell his own story.
Within Sabah’s music community, Chris is known for his meticulous approach to sound. Stevell believes many of his ideas were ahead of their time.
“Kualiti bunyi yang dia hasilkan 10 tahun lalu, baru tahun ini orang lain dapat kejar. Banyak idea muzik dia yang lama-lama dia pernah kasih dengar saya yang ‘eh, ini style sekarang ni’.”
For Chris, music is not about following trends.
“I want to create songs that are timeless. Something you create that when people listen to, it’s not jaded. So I like to blend genres and ideas, create something that is you. Something that’s so sincere to you, people can feel it and it doesn’t fade away.”
While he appreciates commercial success, he believes art should also nourish something deeper.
“There are two types of art. One that put food on the plate and one that feeds the soul. Don’t starve your soul.”
Stevell sums up that philosophy with a simple question.
“Ko mau buat lagu yang hit ka ko mau buat masterpiece?”
Chris’ journey has never been straightforward. At one point, the music he loved nearly drove him away from it completely.
“It broke me. When I was fighting for the music of my clients more than they were, I lost my passion and love with music.”
Photography helped him rediscover balance, while smaller projects kept the creative spark alive.
“As much as I wanted to give up on music, it was small projects that kept the fire burning. Stevell was a big reason I unpacked my bags and stayed in KK. He made me believe in the talents in Sabah again.”
There were opportunities to move to Kuala Lumpur, but Chris chose to remain in Sabah.
“KL has enough of people like me. KK doesn’t. I feel I can do more and create more value here.”
The decision has not always been easy.
“It tests me all the time, the question of, am I making a mistake, why am I forcing myself to struggle here, why am I not where I am celebrated?”
Yet the answer remains unchanged.
“It’s because of the people. I’m still here because of the people.”
Stevell agrees.
“Banyak offer dia kerja di KL. Tapi dia pilih untuk stay di Sabah. Dia sayang sama talent-talent Sabahan. Dia mau push music scene Sabah.”
After more than two decades in music, Chris continues to carry one principle into every recording session.
“Treat every song you make, as if it’s the last song you’ll ever do. Tomorrow is never promised today.”
His advice to the next generation of Sabah musicians is equally clear.
“Don’t pigeon hole yourself. Let your music be an extension of you. Don’t craft because of a genre, let the music you make define what is the genre for that particular song. Do not be scared to let your songwriting grow and always always believe in your dreams.”
When asked whether he would do it all again if given another chance, Chris did not hesitate.
“Would I do it again? TATAP!”
Architect of Sound & Syntax is now available. More than a debut album, it is the sound of a man who finally found his own voice after spending years helping others discover theirs and whose journey is still far from over.
