[Event] Timbre Rock and Roots 2011
This gotta be one of the most exciting music festival happening after the awesome Laneway Festival experience I’ve had at the start of the year. How can you resist having all this legend..wait for it..dary (No, wasn’t a pun for John Legend) performers up on stage for not just one but TWO nights! Fantastic lineup…and like many others, I’m really looking forward to catching Bob Dylan, Imogen Heap and John Legend!
It is good to know that Timbre is also supportive of our local talents! Check out The Sets Band and 53A on the 2nd night as well! It’s gonna be a rocking weekend! Happening this coming weekend at Marina Promenade, get your tickets at Sistic now! Just call 6348 5555 or log on to www.sistic.com.sg
If you can’t make it for both nights, do stay tuned for I’ll bring you personal updates and highlights from the event! Gosh..I can’t wait for the weekends to be here!
AOTW [53] : Hot Chelle Rae
I have been neglecting my blog recently as I’m in my remaining 3 weeks of undergrad life (mad rush to submit essays and projects) and juggling between 2 part time jobs. Really hectic schedule but I’m pretty much a workaholic and I love how being busy takes my mind off things. (Such irony – because I actually have even more things on my mind! But mostly work and ideas)
Of course I did not forget my love for music, I do regularly post up songs on my “myy #nowplaying” facebook group (do join us if you’re interested in following my music taste or contribute to the group like some other members!)
This week’s Artist Of The Week shall be Hot Chelle Rae ! I came across their song while listening to an online radio weeks ago. Decided to feature them as I was down at Timbre this week and someone among the audience requested for the local band,Goodfellas to play one of their songs (obviously they had no idea who Hot Chelle Rae is, such shame!) I really love this song from the band as it has such a happy catchy tune – always bring a smile on my face! Enjoy and have a good weekend!
‘Tonight Tonight’ – Hot Chelle Rae
It’s been a really really messed up week
Seven days of torture, seven days of bitter
And my girlfriend went and cheated on me
She’s a California dime but it’s time for me to quit her
La la la, whatever, la la la, it doesn’t matter, la la la, oh well, la la la
We’re going at it tonight tonight
There’s a party on the rooftop top of the world
Tonight tonight and were dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign
I don’t know if I’ll make it but watch how good I’ll fake it
Its all right, all right, tonight, tonight
I woke up with a strange tattoo
Not sure how I got it, not a dollar in my pocket
And it kinda looks just like you
Mixed with Zach Galifianakis
La la la, whatever, la la la, it doesn’t matter, la la la, oh well, la la la
We’re going at it tonight tonight
There’s a party on the rooftop top of the world
Tonight tonight and were dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign
I don’t know if I’ll make it but watch how good I’ll fake it
Its all right, all right, tonight, tonight
You got me singing like
Woah, come on, ohh, it doesn’t matter, woah, everybody now, ohh
Just don’t stop let’s keep the beat pumpin’
Keep the beat up, lets drop the beat down
It’s my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
Just don’t stop let’s keep the beat pumpin’
Keep the beat up, lets drop the beat down
It’s my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
Its you and me and were runnin this town
And its me and you and were shakin the ground
And ain’t nobody gonna tell us to go cause this is our show
Everybody
Woah, come on, ohh, all you animals
Woah, let me hear you now, ohh
Tonight tonight there’s a party on the rooftop top of the world
Tonight tonight and were dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign
I don’t know if I’ll make it but watch how good I’ll fake it
Its all right, all right, tonight, tonight
Its all right, all right, tonight, tonight
Yeah its all right, all right, tonight, tonight
Just singing like
Woah, come on, ohh, all you party people
Woah, all you singletons, ohh, even the white kids
Just don’t stop lets keep the beat pumpin’
Keep the beat up, lets drop the beat down
Its my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
Just don’t stop lets keep the beat pumpin’
Keep the beat up, lets drop the beat down
Its my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
TAB Singapore – All-in-One Live Entertainment Venue
I have been swamped with work recently (What’s new?) but if you have been following me closely on twitter, you’ll see TAB as my latest favorite hangout.
Located at Orchard hotel, which is at the head of Orchard Road (Opposite The Forum), TAB is the ‘not-so-new-anymore’ kid on the block of the local nightlife scene. Where else can you experience live music with good food and drinks without sitting uncomfortably under the horrible Singapore weather? The kitchen sure knows how to cook up a storm and you’ll be spoiled for choice. I personally love the TAB burger, Fries (which my friends and I all agreed that the fries have this nice slightly sweet taste to it!) and the Chicken Caesar Salad totally won my heart with its freshness.
TAB is probably a dream come true for music lovers like me as they truly support original music! Not only do they provide a platform but they also showcase the talents of local and foreign artists alike in an intimate, relaxing and cozy setting. Last week I had the opportunity to catch the Lenka private showcase that was held at TAB and it was wonderful – the reason being that Lenka was just an arm’s length away and the space allows you to swing along to the music. I have also watched Oak and Gorski‘s gig when they were down in Singapore, it was wonderful to have such great overseas acts being invited and introduced to the locals who may not have come across them on their own. In fact, SMUBE is now playing TAB artists’ songs on Campus Radio apart from our usual YouTube covers artists!
Singaporeans love promotions, don’t they? TAB is clever enough to have a free flow steak sandwiches & fries during Happy Hours from Mon to Fri 5pm – 8pm for all paying customers. Or if you’re a student like me, you can check out the TAB burger deal that comes with a TAB burger, fries and 1 alcoholic/2 soft drinks for just $12.75++ ! What a deal !
So if you are looking for a place to hang out which allows you to satisfy both your tummy and music crave, TAB is definitely worth checking out. Pssst…you know where to find me when I’m not at work/in school ! Hehs.
For more information, you can check out their official site (the gigs, promotions and location etc): www.tab.com.sg
Disclaimer: This is not a paid ad post ! I am simply just infatuated with the place recently..hur (plus SMU Campus Radio loves them!)
Survival Guide For Festival Virgins
Music festivals can be a memorable experience, for the wrong reasons. My virgin music festival extravaganza happened 3 years ago and oh boy..being a first timer, I was clueless to what I should wear or what to bring ! Thank God I was blessed with good weather and a well-prepared group of friends who made sure I was taken care of. After being to a couple more of such events and with many upcoming concerts and festivals coming to Singapore, here’s a (yet another) survival guide for others out there ! Disclaimer: The following guide is just based on my own experience and observations. Feel free to contribute more tips!
Have A Game Plan : It’s important to know the line-up for the day. You wouldn’t want to miss your favorite band’s act or not knowing who is playing on stage right now. If there are more than 1 main stage, know which performing area you want to be at next. If you have no idea who are the bands playing, just go for it ! I have discovered good music by randomly picking a band to watch too.
Ditch Your Friends : Don’t spend the entire day sms-ing and trying to locate your friends. You’ll bound to lose them halfway (somehow). Just enjoy the music and who knows, you’ll meet new people and usually you always do. See also ”Spot the spot“.
Sheer Freedom : Screw fashion, dress wisely – my ideal attire is shorts/berms+sneakers/flats+baggy T-shirt. Ladies, do not come in heels and maxi dresses. I saw a couple at Laneway earlier on and they inspired me to post this entry. As for wet weather, some others would recommend wellies but not many Singaporean probably owns a pair. I would say just wear a pair of shoes that you’re comfortable throwing away or ‘losing your sole’ at the end of the festival with. Do not wear flops because you’ll probably lose them in the mud and end up barefooted. Of course, ladies in white is always ‘sheer happiness’ for the guys – if you know what I mean.
Baked or Mudcaked : Being at the festival is not just a commitment but also an endurance-wise challenge. You will be there for hours so bring sunblock ! You’ll need it even if you think you want to get a tan. Hats and shades are recommended if you’re going for the earlier acts. Bring umbrella or ponchos (some events provide them too) in case of rain. Just remember that your umbrellas shouldn’t be blocking others’ views too !
Spot the Spot : Mark your territory! It is important to find a good spot where you can see the stage. Be a typical kiasu Singaporean – ‘chope’ a spot that your group of friends can hang out and easily locate each other in case one of you lose their way after visiting the loo or make a stop at the bar. Picnic mats are a good idea if it’s good weather and well, if it rains like how it did at Laneway – don’t bother.
Water Parade : Keep yourselves hydrated ! You don’t want to faint and be sent to the hospital before your band comes up stage. As much as you do not wish to visit the port-a-loo, just drink up and sweat it off by dancing the day/night away. There will be expensive mineral water being sold at the bar tents but it’s always wise to bring a bottle along. Of course, there will be alcohol and whatnots at the F&B tents too. See also “Cash It”
The Piss-Stop : There is no way you can avoid the port-a-loo throughout the festival. Yes, it will be stinky and dirty. I would suggest looking for the nearest cleaner options available for the girls (e.g Malls and nearby buildings) It will not be a 5-stars hotel toilet experience so always remember to bring tissue/toilet roll and hand sanitizer ! Not only to keep your hands clean but take a whiff of it before holding your breath in. (One trick I’ve learnt is to spray perfume on my tee/collar and pull it up to cover my nose before stepping in!)
Cash It : There will be merchandises and bar tents that provide snacks like hot dogs, nachos etc. Most of the time it’ll be double the price of the usual price outside so don’t get a shock. Drinks will also be available – most of the time it’s S$4 for a bottle of mineral water and S$8 or more for beer/housepour drinks. Remember to bring your cash since credit cards are most unlikely to be accepted. So if you want to save up, bring a bottle of water or if possible (most festivals do not allow outside food/drinks actually), bring your own lil picnic!
Moderation is Key : You are bound to end up drinking, dancing and singing out loud like nobody’s business. You will meet new people whom you would have never imagine knowing in your entire life. You will probably have a few butt gropes or arms around you for no reason. You will see crazy things happening around you. Just remember, it’s probably an once in a lifetime experience so unleash that crazy side of you! It is the way to live our lives as it is meant to be lived!
Buzzing Good Time : You will probably feel like your legs are breaking and you have gone deaf with that buzz ringing in your ears after the festival. BUT WHO CARES ANYWAYS ? Have a blast, be it rain or shine and enjoy the great music. Make it worth your ticket price and go home with a story to re-tell your children next time.
And for chrissakes - Don’t forget your tickets!
*Pictures taken off Google images*
[Event] St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Singapore
“Long Entry Ahead. You’ve been warned.”
*Ladyhawke on stage playing My Delirium*
If there’s one way to describe St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival at Fort Canning yesterday, it would be – WET! (We’ll get to that later.)
Outstanding line-up at this debut music festival in Singapore, it was an EPIC party that is unforgettable and one hella experience for me. Firstly take a look at the awesome artistes involved - !!! (Chk Chk Chk), Beach House , Deerhunter, Foals, Holy F*** (Heck, it’s Holy Fuck), Ladyhawke, The Temper Trap, Warpaint and Yeasayer. It was really a treat for music lovers like me, though I must admit I’ve only listened to 5 out of 9 bands before this. I can guarantee that the bands were all fantastic and totally worth standing in the rain for! The music was just so good that I’ll regret for the rest of my life if I didn’t see them live. My personal favorite were !!! (Chk Chk Chk), Holy Fuck, Ladyhawke, Yeasayer and of course The Temper Trap!
Speaking of rain, it was quite the ‘Rainway – a Mudfest’ instead of ‘Laneway – a Musicfest’ ! The location is, of course, open air and the raingod probably has bad taste in music – it was pouring almost the entire day! Every single time a band goes up, it starts raining. The rain before The Temper Trap came on was the worst ! Ponchos were nothing but just a piece of irritating plastic that keeps sticking onto your skin. But that did not dampen the mood of the crowd at all, people were stripping (yes, stripping), dancing in the rain and getting muddy all over. Mud swamp is an understatement, you gotta see the mess for yourself. There were even mudslides at the end of the event which looks really fun – I’d totally join in the fun to see how pigs rolling in mud feels like (lol) if I’m alone overseas or not going home for the night ! Yesterday night could have been one of the things to do on my bucket list, if I had one.
Of course I had wonderful people (mostly on my twitter list) to hang out with, bumped into probably half of my Facebook friend list at the festival as well ? We all agreed that dancing in the rain, getting mudcaked, singing at the top of your lungs (even if you knew nobody can actually hear you, including yourself), booze and whatnots, taking pictures with random people – this was probably one of the stories that we can proudly tell our grandchildren:” Hell yeah! We were once young and happening!” If you ask me how I feel about LanewaySG – IT WAS DOPE!!! Like what Utt said, it should have been a 2 day fest !
As I was representing SMU Campus Radio, I had the chance to interview the bands and take some pictures with them. (The rest of the pictures were taken in the heavy rain, it wasn’t exactly…viewable.haha) Will post those up when the nicer stuff are ready for release! Below are some of my personal shots in the media tent, didn’t take more pictures during the acts since it was pouring =(
Warpaint – lovely girls !
Deerhunter – Brandon Cox (guy in yellow) is really skinny but he’s the friendliest too! They were trying to be funny with the ponchos.
Holy Fuck off stage and on stage – I LOVE these guys ! Very friendly and chatty. It was nice interviewing them. No airs at all !
Yeasayer – Doing what bands love to do at interviews now, taking pictures of the media while being photographed!
Temper Trap – the band that everyone was waiting for that night (they were the last act). Everyone in the media tent were soaking wet while interviewing them, probably amusing to them since they had this trying-not-t0-laugh expression. Lorenzo Sillitto is so cute! Toby Dundas and Joseph Greer were really nice, got to shake hands with them!
Last but not least, an unglam poncho shot with @litford in the rain ! (Yea, I had my geeky specs on for vanity purposes. hehs)
Oh, after being to gigs and music festivals…I think it’s time to share MYY Survival Guide to concerts and music festivals ! Especially after seeing godknowshowmany ‘walking disasters’ there were yesterday….coming up next !
AOTW [52] : Schrödinger’s Cat
First <Artiste Of The Week ‘AOTW’> for 2011, I have been really lazy and I still have an interview from last year that’s lying in my draft. (oops!) But to begin the year on a good note, I shall feature a local band which I’m really proud of – Schrödinger’s Cat !
According to what I know, or rather what Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory has mentioned, Schrödinger’s Cat is actually a principle in quantum theory of superposition. Interesting choice of a band’s name eh ? Not sure the reason behind it but maybe the band will explain it someday?
The band is pretty new I suppose but their song ‘Anything Goes’ has been featured as the theme song of a Singapore sitcom “Anything Goes” ! (Ok, the main reason why I’m so proud of them is because 2 of my really good friends from poly,GQ and Sek Jhia belongs to this local band too!) Their style is more mellow and I really appreciate it since there are just way too many rock/punk local bands brewing in Singapore.
Enjoy my personal favorite from the band so far ! Looking forward to more originals from them.
Schrodinger’s Cat – Debut performance of original song ‘Hurricane’ on 987fm
And I walked into the rain, chasing hurricanes.
Swinging by your place, to see your lovely face.
Well I know that it’s wrong now….
But I’m still knocking on your door…until the final day.
Feels like I’m afraid, the night will slip away.
Turning in my bed, with you stuck in my head.
I know I should be strong now….
But I….I think I’m gonna fall….
Give me a hurricane, to take my breath away; to tear me into pieces, spread me far away.
Blow me into senses, make me understand; one day you won’t be there….how long can we pretend?
You say, you’re feeling flat today; you’re rolling into space.
A drink will wake you up; it helps to start the day.
Well I’ll just fall asleep now….
While you….you just drive away….
You are my hurricane; you take my breath away; you tear me into pieces, spread me far away. You blow me out of senses, a little by a day. One day you won’t be there How long can we pretend?
Outside the air is still now…
It’s calm before the storm…
Before you go away… Before the you board the plane
And you will fly away now, 13 hours away.
Memories are vague…they’ll just fade away; I’d rather watch you blow your hair for every single day….
You are my hurricane. You take my breath away. You tear me into pieces, and spread me far away. Keep me in your dreambox when everything is gonna end. And maybe we’ll escape…maybe we’ll escape….
In our hurricane……
[Credits to Ler of Schrodinger's Cat.][EVENT] Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter Programme
If you have been following my AOTW posts (which has been neglected for some time..so sorry!), you will realize that I am a huge supporter of YouTube and local talents. So many of them have made it big (just look at Sam Tsui, Christina Grimmie, Maddi Jane, our very own local singer Inch Chua etc !) It is not an impossible dream for you aspiring songwriters/singers out there.
In just another 11 days time, submission will close on 16th Jan for this year’s Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter Programme and 6 winners will emerge from the 10 finalists, whereby they will go through a 4-week fully-sponsored professional course to train them in performance and technical skills. As a ‘graduation’ from the course, they will then take on the stage for 20 minutes as an opening act at Timbre@ the Substation! The trainers include local music veterans like Mang Irama Dusique from Goodfellas/Zero Sequence and music veteran Kevin Mathews.
Sounds really exciting and I can’t wait to see the finalists videos! Hope to see some familiar names when the public voting begins!
*For more information, click on the picture that’ll bring you to the official site ok ?
AOTW [51] : OK Go
If you asked me, I am definitely a dogs person as compared to cats or any other animals. My parents used to tease me about loving the exbf’s dog more than I love him (lol, I’d probably agree most of the time anyways.) I have to say, I really do love dogs and you’ll be surprised that I used to be terrified of dogs before Primary 4 – but that’s another story altogether. When I first saw this video from OK Go, I KNEW I had to feature it.
The awesome thing about this ? They are actually supporting the animal rescue ! How can you resist good music with cute doggies in the video ? They are so well trained and so darn adorable ! Love the last scene best with the golden retriever’s barks !
Ok go – White Knuckles
You’ll never get that taste, out of your mouth
You’ll never get the paw prints, out of the hen house now
And you can’t go back, same way you came
Round all the pieces up, but they just dont fit the same
White knuckles
Maybe it’s not so bad
So let your hair down now
White knuckles
Yeah maybe it’s not so bad
Aww go ahead and let it down
So come and let it all out, let it bleed
Did you get what you want? Did you get what you need?
Behind the lines, behind the walls
Tell me what’s the bet you made, was it that bad after all?
White knuckles
Yeah maybe it’s not so bad
So let your hair down now
White knuckles
Aww maybe it’s not so bad
Just let it all come down now
So just have fun, it’s far enough
Everybody needs to sleep at night, everybody needs a crutch
But couldn’t good, be good enough?
Cause nothin’ ever doesn’t change but nothin’ changes much
Yeah, maybe it’s not so bad
So let your hair down now
White knuckles
Aww maybe it’s not so bad
Just let it all come down now
Yeah maybe it’s not so bad
Just let your hair come down now
Oh maybe it’s not so bad
Just let it all come down
AOTW [50] : Charlie McDonnell
Charlie McDonnell started off by video-blogging on youtube and now he’s one of the most subscribed channel in United Kingdom ! Recently, he produced his very own album which is available on iTunes, so I decided to feature one of his song that I liked (apart from ‘This is Me’ which is a medley of all the songs in his album. Cute way of presenting the song and endearing lyrics too.
I wonder how it’d be like to do my own video-blogging as well..perhaps something new to look into ? What do you think ? Me can has ‘myyissoawesomelike’ channel too ? haha (ok, that’s too long)
A Song About Love – Charlie McDonnell
This is a song about love, and not a very good one
I don’t know enough to tell you about heartbreak
But I know it’s there, and you can avoid it
By listening to your head
Which is just what I’ve done, and it isn’t perfect
But look what I’ve done instead, instead of falling for you
I’ve never really been in love and that is fine by me
I’ll sit at home and refine the person I want to be
‘Cause I’m still young and not yet prepared to waste my time
On chasing girls who are yet to fully form their minds
And I know that there’s a woman waiting, but she’s not a woman yet
So I’ll wait, and make sure I don’t do something I’ll regret
This isn’t just about love, ’cause that’s just one pixel
Of the image I’m speaking of, the one of the relationship
That we share, it’s much more important
That I learn to like you too
Though I guess before that, it’s probably vital
That I try to look for you, at least look for me
I’ve never really been in love and that is fine by me
I’ll sit at home and refine the person I want to be
‘Cause I’m still young and not yet prepared to waste my time
On chasing girls who are yet to fully form their minds
And I know that there’s a woman waiting, but she’s not a woman yet
So I’ll wait, and make sure I don’t do something I’ll regret
I could tell you that I love you all you want till I’m dry
But I can’t force myself to love you so why should I even try
I’ll have to wait, and hold my chin up, and plug away at other things
Until she comes
AOTW [49] : Yoonha Hwang
If I have not mentioned this enough – I really like the piano and I admire almost every other pianist out there. I think the piano is a beautiful instrument and guys who play the piano is just…let’s just say..brownie points ? (haha)
So I discovered this South Korean pianist Yoonha Hwang through his youtube channel. As much as I prefer classical pieces on the piano, I thought his pop song covers were awesome – especially when he plays the piano by ear. Of course, he covers Kpop songs as well for the Kpop fans out there ! Enjoy !
DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again – Usher ft. Pitbull
Usher (yeah man)
So we back in the club
Get that bodies rockin from side to side (side to side)
Thank God the week is done
I feel like a zombie gone back to life (back to life)
Hands up, and suddenly we all got our hands up
No control of my body
Ain’t I seen you before?
I think I remember those eyes, eyes, eyes, eyes
Cause baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again
Yeah, baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again
So dance, dance, like it’s the last, last night of your life, life
Gonna get you right
Cause baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again
Keep downing drinks like this
Not tomorrow that just right now, now, now, now, now, now
Gonna set the roof on fire
Gonna burn this mother fucker down, down, down, down, down, down
Hands up, when the music drops
We both put our hands up
Put your hands on my body
Swear I seen you before
I think I remember those eyes, eyes, eyes, eyes
Cause baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again
Yeah, baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again
So dance, dance, like it’s the last, last night of your life, life
Gonna get you right
Cause baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again
