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Insomniacks
Malaysian pop band From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Insomniacks is a Malaysian pop band from Kuala Lumpur.[1] They rose to prominence with the release of their second single, "Pulang", in 2018,[1] which charted on the Malaysian RIM streaming charts for 146 consecutive weeks, and a total of 185 weeks as of July 2022.[2][3][4]
The group have cited 5 Seconds of Summer, Fall Out Boy, Day6, Mayday Parade and Paramore as influences.[5][6]
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Career
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History and formation
The band began as Dan's Band with Danial and Iqbal who were classmates at SMK St. John. Gavin joined as the drummer after being recommended to the duo by Iskandar (a schoolmate of Gavin's at Sekolah Sri KDU, and childhood friend of Iqbal's). Iskandar would later go on to join the band as their bassist.[7]
Insomniacks formed in 2015. In November of that year, the quartet would begin posting videos of themselves performing covers of popular songs on their YouTube channel.[8]
2017–2024: Debut and mainstream success with "Pulang"
In 2017, they released their debut single, "Selalu", which was featured as part of the soundtrack of the Astro Ria drama, My Coffee Prince.[5]
In 2018, the group released their second single, "Pulang". The group released the four-episode Pulang WEBisode webseries on their YouTube channel as part of their single promotions. "Pulang" achieved the record for most consecutive weeks on the RIM streaming charts.[2][3] "Pulang" has been on the RIM Malay singles chart for 185 weeks, as of July 2022.[4]
In 2019, Iqbal co-founded the Klang Valley-based music collective, Distorted (alias Distorted Material), alongside Jessel Phuah (Sino), Ariff Jazmi, Helloluqman of Block J (Jonah), and Nik Qayrel Aiman (Eneyeqay) of the duo Niqie. Iqbal goes by the alias Balo as part of Distorted.[9]
Insomniacks were the fifth most streamed Malaysian artist on Spotify, in 2019.[10]
In 2020, Insomniacks released their third single, "Kepala Batu" ahead of the release of their debut EP of the same name. "Kepala Batu" was composed in collaboration with prolific Malaysian singer-songwriter, Faizal Tahir.[11] The lead single from the EP, "Reminisensi", was the first song Insomniacks wrote as a band.[11]
After four years signed with Sony Music Malaysia, their contract expired in 2020. They consequently signed with Universal Music Malaysia in March 2021.[12] On 14 February 2022, Insomniacks released, "Sempurna". The single peaked at number 1 on the RIM Malay singles streaming chart[13] and number 5 on Billboard's Malaysia Songs chart.[14]
Since March 2022, Gavin has not been participating in "Sempurna" promotions with the band. On 12 June 2022, it was announced in a statement on his and the band's social media that he would be taking an extended hiatus from the band and will not be part of any upcoming projects.[15]
The band released their first single as a trio, "Igauan Malam", on 4 November 2022.
In 2024, Insomniacks released their latest EP titled Teman, featuring eight tracks: Sayang/Cinta, Teman, Cerita Kita (a collaboration with Nabila Razali), Igauan Malam, Belum Mulai (featuring Nabila Taqiyyah), Temani Hati, Dimana, and Sempurna.[16]
2025–Present: English EP and First Major Achievements
In 2025, Insomniacks released their first English-language EP titled Awake & Dreaming, which included five songs: Anti-Hero (Welcome To My Nightmare), Awake and Dreaming, Overdrive (featuring Killa Driz), Some Days Are Just Better, and Why Don’t U Cry?. The track Awake and Dreaming holds special significance as it was the very first song the band wrote together ten years earlier, during the formation of the group. The EP focuses on themes of mental health, an issue the band considers highly important in today’s society. [17]
In the same year, after a decade in the music industry, Insomniacks won their first major award at the Gempak Most Wanted Awards. Their collaboration with Nabila Taqiyyah, Belum Mulai, earned them the award for Best Music Video (Anugerah Muzik Video Tergempak). To celebrate their 10th anniversary, the band also announced their first-ever solo concert, scheduled to take place on 12 July 2025. [18] [19]
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Members
Adapted from Hitz:[11]
Active
- Iqie (Syed Mir Iqbal; born 3 June 1997 in Kuala Lumpur) – lead vocals, guitar
- Iskandar (Wan Arif Iskandar; born 9 September 1997 in Westminster, London[20]) – bass, vocals
- Danial (Danial Lee Hashim; born 25 February 1997 in Kuala Lumpur) – rhythm guitar, vocals
Former
- Gavin (Gavin Wong; born 27 December 1997 in Kuala Lumpur) – drums, cajon, guitar
Discography
Extended plays
Singles
As lead artist
- The Billboard's Hits of the World charts launched and were first issued on the date February 19, 2022.[23]
As featured artist
Music videos
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Awards and nominations
References
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