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!)
[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 [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
AOTW [42] : Tyler Ward ft Megan Nicole & Eppic
It’s been awhile since I last heard such a good collaboration. Tyler Ward puts together a really nice cover of ‘Love the way you lie’ featuring Megan Nicole and Eppic. Love the song and love how they all look genuinely enjoying recording this together. The cool thing about Tyler is the fact that he takes the time to re-arrange the songs and produces them with his own style.
If you like what you hear, check Tyler out on YouTube for more covers and his original music! I think he’s gonna make it big someday.
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem ft Rihanna
Just gonna stand there
And watch me burn
But that’s alright
Because I like
The way it hurts
Just gonna stand there
And hear me cry
But that’s alright
Because I love
The way you lie
I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
I can’t tell you what it really is
I can only tell you what it feels like
And right now there’s a steel knife
In my windpipe
I can’t breathe
But I still fight
While I can fight
As long as the wrong feels right
It’s like I’m in flight
High of a love
Drunk from the hate
It’s like I’m huffing paint
And I love it the more that I suffer
I sufficate
And right before im about to drown
She resuscitates me
She fucking hates me
And I love it
Wait
Where you going
I’m leaving you
No you ain’t
Come back
We’re running right back
Here we go again
It’s so insane
Cause when it’s going good
It’s going great
I’m Superman
With the wind in his bag
She’s Lois Lane
But when it’s bad
It’s awful
I feel so ashamed
I snap
Who’s that dude
I don’t even know his name
I laid hands on her
I’ll never stoop so low again
I guess I don’t know my own strength
Just gonna stand there
And watch me burn
But that’s alright
Because I like
The way it hurts
Just gonna stand there
And hear me cry
But that’s alright
Because I love
The way you lie
I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
You ever love somebody so much
You can barely breathe
When you’re with them
You meet
And neither one of you
Even know what hit ‘em
Got that warm fuzzy feeling
Yeah them chills
Used to get ‘em
Now you’re getting fucking sick
Of looking at ‘em
You swore you’ve never hit ‘em
Never do nothing to hurt ‘em
Now you’re in each other’s face
Spewing venom
And these words
When you spit ‘em
You push
Pull each other’s hair
Scratch, claw, bit ‘em
Throw ‘em down
Pin ‘em
So lost in the moments
When you’re in ‘em
It’s the rage that took over
It controls you both
So they say it’s best
To go your separate ways
Guess that they don’t know ya
Cause today
That was yesterday
Yesterday is over
It’s a different day
Sound like broken records
Playin’ over
But you promised her
Next time you’ll show restraint
You don’t get another chance
Life is no Nintendo game
But you lied again
Now you get to watch her leave
Out the window
Guess that’s why they call it window pane
Just gonna stand there
And watch me burn
But that’s alright
Because I like
The way it hurts
Just gonna stand there
And hear me cry
But that’s alright
Because I love
The way you lie
I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
Now I know we said things
Did things
That we didn’t mean
And we fall back
Into the same patterns
Same routine
But your temper’s just as bad
As mine is
You’re the same as me
But when it comes to love
You’re just as blinded
Baby please come back
It wasn’t you
Baby it was me
Maybe our relationship
Isn’t as crazy as it seems
Maybe that’s what happens
When a tornado meets a volcano
All I know is
I love you too much
To walk away though
Come inside
Pick up your bags off the sidewalk
Don’t you hear sincerity
In my voice when I talk
Told you this is my fault
Look me in the eyeball
Next time I’m pissed
I’ll aim my fist
At the dry wall
Next time
There will be no next time
I apologize
Even though I know it’s lies
I’m tired of the games
I just want her back
I know I’m a liar
If she ever tries to fucking leave again
I’mma tie her to the bed
And set the house on fire
Just gonna stand there
And watch me burn
But that’s alright
Because I like
The way it hurts
Just gonna stand there
And hear me cry
But that’s alright
Because I love
The way you lie
I love the way you lie
I love the way you lie
AOTW [40] : Tyler James and The Exchange
Tyler James and The Exchange - brownie points for these University of the Arts students from New Jersey. I like how down to earth these guys are, from a basement band who puts up all their videos on youtube and recording their debut album last April.
I think they have a pretty unique vocal, reminds me alil of Maroon 5 , in my opinion. What do you think ? Featuring one of their live gig and my favourite song from Kelly Clarkson’s new album.
Oh, check out their cover of Katy Perry’s California Girls on youtube too ! Cuteness !
Cry – Kelly Clarkson
If anyone asks
I’ll tell them we both just moved on
When people all stare
I’ll pretend that I don’t hear them talk
Whenever I see you I’ll swallow my pride and bite my tongue
Pretend I’m okay with it all
Act like there’s nothing wrong
Is it over yet?
Can I open my eyes?
Is this as hard as it gets?
Is this what it feels like to really cry cry
If anyone asks
I’ll tell them we just grew apart
Yet what do I care
If they believe me or not
Whenever I feel your memory is breaking my heart
I’ll pretend I’m okay with it all
Act like there’s nothing wrong
Is it over yet?
Can I open my eyes?
Is this as hard as it gets?
Is this what it feels like to really cry cry
I’m talking in circles
I’m lying they know it
Why won’t this just all go away?
Is it over yet?
Can I open my eyes?
Is this as hard as it gets?
Is this what it feels like to really cry cry cry
AOTW [35] : Angels And Airwaves
Usually I’ll try to feature youtube/myspace artists but couldn’t find anyone who covered this song by Angels and Airwaves, so here’s the original artist with one of my favourite song from their 2007 I-Empire album. Catchy beat and of course the ever-catchy line of saying “everything’s magic”. Honestly, I prefer the acoustic version featured below.
What I like about Angels and Airwaves (apart from the fact that it’s lead by Blink 182′s Tom DeLonge) is that their music is inspiring and you can always feel the message behind each song. Their songs somehow grow on you after a few playbacks. Looking forward to see their film ‘Love‘, pretty sure the soundtrack will be awesome !
So down with depressing songs that remind you of the past or dwelling in relationships problems, here’s one to remind you that you still have a purpose in life, give life your best shot, live to the fullest and don’t be afraid to fall in love again.
Angels and Airwaves – Everything’s Magic
And do you ever feel like you’re alone?
And do you ever wish you’d be unknown?
I could say that i have i could say that i have
And do you ever feel things here aren’t right?
And do you ever feel the time slip by?
I can say that i have and i can say that i have
So hear this please
And watch as your heart speeds up endlessly
And look for the stars as the sun goes down
Each breath that you take has a thunderous sound
Everything everything’s magic
Just sit back and hold on but hold on tight
Prepare for the best and the fastest ride
And reach out your hand and i’ll make you mine
Everything everything’s magic
And do you ever lay awake at night?
And do you ever told yourself don’t try
Don’t try to let yourself down don’t try to let yourself down
And do you ever see yourself in love?
And do you ever take a chance my love?
Because you know that i will because you know that i will
So hear this please
And watch as your heart speeds up endlessly
And look for the stars as the sun goes down
Each breath that you take has a thunderous sound
Everything everything’s magic
Just sit back and hold on but hold on tight
Prepare for the best and the fastest ride
And reach out your hand and i’ll make you mine
Everything everything’s magic everything everything’s magic
So hear this please
And watch as your heart speeds up endlessly
And look for the stars as the sun goes down
Each breath that you take has a thunderous sound
Everything everything’s magic
Just sit back and hold on but hold on tight
Prepare for the best and the fastest ride
And reach out your hand and i’ll make you mine
Everything everything’s magic
AOTW [34] : Byron Koppens
Another nice surprise while doing some random surfing online. Came across Byron Koppen’s myspace profile and really liked this cover of “It’s my life”. This 20 years old is located at New Zealand and his originals aint too bad too. Check out his cover of Adam Lambert’s “Whataya want from me” – a current favourite on my playlist.
Adam Lambert – Whataya Want From Me
Hey, slow it down
What do you want from me
What do you want from me
Yeah, I’m afraid
What do you want from me
What do you from me
There might have been a time
I would give myself away
(Ooh) Once upon a time
I didn’t give a damn
But now here we are
So what do you want from me
What do you want from me
Just don’t give up
I’m workin’ it out
Please don’t give in
I won’t let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep coming around
Hey, what do you want from me
What do you want from me
Yeah, it’s plain to see
that baby you’re beautiful
And it’s nothing wrong with you
It’s me – I’m a freak
but thanks for lovin’ me
Cause you’re doing it perfectly
There might have been a time
When I would let you step away
I wouldn’t even try but I think
you could save my life
Just don’t give up
I’m workin’ it out
Please don’t give in
I won’t let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep coming around
Hey, what do you want from me
What do you want from me
Just don’t give up on me
I won’t let you down
No, I won’t let you down
So
Just don’t give up
I’m workin’ it out
Please don’t give in
I won’t let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep coming around
Hey, what do you want from me
Just don’t give up
I’m workin’ it out
Please don’t give in
I won’t let you down
It messed me up, need a second to breathe
Just keep coming around
Hey, whataya want from me
(whataya want from me)
Whataya want from me
whataya want from me
AOTW [25] : Frances Lorenzo
Another young talent, at the age of 17, Frances from Canada is another featured ‘Artist of the Week ‘ who is strumming my new favourite instrument – Ukulele.
Pretty cool cover of Keri Hilson’s ‘Knock You Down’. It happened that it was on my grooveshark playlist while looking for more Ukulele players on youtube.
In fact, I saw a couple of Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ covers on youtube but I think Frances’s cover stood out among the rest. Being a cute girl with a sweet voice probably won the others hands down. 
For some strange reason, I really like both songs. Now I just want to learn how to play the ukulele and do my own covers too (We shall wait and see.HAH!) Ukulele makes every song sounds so cheerful and happy =) I like !
I tweet.I blog.I tell my story.
Social network being a very potent force in communication, I think the only way to continue being anoymous is not to get involved in the first place. With all the various platforms, it was certainly overwhelming when I first started. However, being on these social media platforms really allowed me to engage in (almost) real-time learning opportunities and a chance for networking. Not a single bit of regret !
There are times when my parents would ask who on earth will read my blog or follow my tweets. I asked myself the same questions and came to a conclusion. In this sea of information, people (including myself when it comes to choosing who to follow) are looking for 3 main things within the content :
Entertainment
People likes to be entertained – be it youtube videos, music, comics, funny sites that can help to keep their days easier to get by. I certainly hope and prefers to fall under this category, to be a provider of entertainment value. That probably explains why I really enjoy looking for my AOTW features and sharing them with the rest of the world. Getting positive feedback and exchanging words with the various (wonderful) artists really kept me going.
Information and Opinions
I love to follow people who can provide me with great articles that feed me with facts and trivia. I think I’m quite an information junkie, I like having data and interesting insight to keep my mind active. Twitter/Plurk, in specific, is like a social community which allows users to interact and seek for assistance when you need to do some problem-solving. It is much quicker to sift through responses and source for what you exactly need. For example, I tweet and ask my followers to recommend a dining place instead of searching all over google for various reviews. Not forgetting, that’s how I usually get my latest soccer match updates via twitter too ! (Go #MUFC!)
Personal Touch
I have read in a couple of articles that recommended online presence should be professional aka ‘no-nonsense’. I beg to differ, I think my online presence should also give people a sense that they actually know me. It is all the ‘insignificant things’ that defines me to how others view me as. Maybe it is not important to anyone whether ‘I really love Glee’ and thinks ‘Johnny Depp is the most gorgeous man on earth’ or ‘prefers my steak to be medium rare’ – But I think being myself is what draws people to listen or draws them to my ‘social circle’ because they either can identify with you or like you for being you !
At the end of the day, with each virtual update, I am sharing my life story with someone else – almost like an 140 character autobiography each time. Therfore, I take it like a step in developing a relationship or a connection with my readers/followers. Hopefully to widen my social circle with like-minded people who shares my interest or opens up the door to other exciting opportunities in the future.
