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THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

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Aug 252011

PROTEST SONGS IN G

I must admit that I was positively seething after my set at the 6th and final edition of the Noise-Timbre Singer-songwriter Program. If it wasn’t for the efforts of Jack and Rai, there would really have been no response from that audience to my set whatsoever! I have found the audience getting gradually worse as the series progressed and as much I tried to ignore this state of affairs it has been slowly eating me up inside. The problem with our young people is that they do not even know how to give polite applause. They are so wrapped up in their own little worlds that nothing else matters except their own interests. Selfishness personified.

I was sharing with Sarah (from Noise) later how things were so different in the 90s. Back then, the young people appreciated original Singapore music and cheered whenever they heard a new song. And this appreciation was demonstrated as well – we have certainly regressed from those heady days.

The objective of this Program was to showcase original Singapore music and on that note, it was successful. I think we were realistic enough not to expect young Singaporeans to suddenly go gaga over Singapore music but even I did not think that the audience would simply ignore what was happening on stage. An eye opener.

I was sorely tempted to throw in the towel, so to speak, and just give up completely on performing in our moribund music scene. But then I reconsidered that position and decided to go the other way. In fact, from now on, I will only play ‘protest songs’ that is, songs only about Singapore – no more love songs whatsoever – and be in everyone’s face!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Noise/NAC and Timbre for giving me the opportunity to work on this special project. Kudos especially to Danny Loong whose belief in and passion for Singapore music continues to inspire me. Danny, you’re my hero! Hopefully, there will be more opportunities to crack our heads on the wall of ambivalence that is the Singapore music audience.

So. The road ahead is simple. No more free gigs. No more love songs. What you see is what you get. Thank you and good night!

…still there’s more…

NOISE SINGAPORE 2012 MENTORSHIP

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Aug 162011

Call for Applications: Noise Singapore 2012 Mentorship

Keen to unlock your potential and take your creative talents to the next level? Apply for Noise Singapore’s mentorships and be personally guided by some of Singapore’s leading creative professionals! Participants in The Music Mentorship (TMM) will get to hone their performing skills and perform at the Esplanade as part of the Noise Singapore music showcase under the tutelage of mentors from the music industry. Some of these experienced mentors include, musicians Bani Haykal (of B-Quartet), Daniel Sassoon (of In Each Hand a Cutlass), Eddino Abdul Hadi, Kevin Mathews, Patrick Chng (Typewriter), Saiful Idris (of The Great Spy Experiment) and Sara Wee (53A).

So why wait? Register now on www.noisesingapore.com/mentorship before 18 September 2011!

The mentorships are open to young people aged 35 years and below.

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME (2ND EDITION)

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Mar 242011

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME (2ND EDITION)

Another packed crowd at Timbre at the Substation witnessed the 2nd edition of the Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter Programme. In truth, the majority of the Timbre patrons may have been present for the excellent pizzas rather than the Programme itself but the whole point of the Programme is to expose Singapore songwriting (and songwriters) to audiences unfamiliar with it and so on that count, the Programme has certainly achieved its aim, thus far.

DEON TOH

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Mar 182011

DEON TOH Letters (Self-released)

There have been a couple of drummers in rock history who have vacated the drum seat to step up in front to take the lead role – most notably Don Henley (Eagles) and Phil Collins (Genesis). Well, Deon is probably previously best known for drumming with S-ROCK outfit Flybar but has now well and truly put himself out there as a singer-songwriter in his right. And on this debut ‘demo’ EP, Deon demonstrates that he has made the right decision in doing so. Indeed, the S-ROCK scene has been made richer as a result.

It’s interesting that Deon has labelled Letters as a ‘demo’ release – perhaps to scale down expectations somewhat (?) – cos to these ears, Letters can be easily considered a ‘proper’ EP release (whatever that means). So please don’t let that self-effacing manner fool you, Letters is a well produced, well performed and well written debut.

Since discovering he actually could sing (according to Deon, whilst studying in Berklee College of Music), it’s obvious that Deon has taken his new vocation (as a singer-songwriter) seriously and has applied his skill and talents in the crafting of these four tracks (five, plus the ‘hidden’ track, Higher). Simply put, Deon’s songwriting is of the pleasing commercial variety with strong references to the British soft-rock of Travis, Coldplay and Keane – in other words, radio-friendly alternative rock. There is a good balance between faux-classical piano dynamics and acoustic guitar ambience that certainly is reminiscent of Chris Martin’s songwriting choices.

All told, Letters is an excellent debut – although probably more variation in styles might have expanded the palette a little. But taken as a first effort, Letters is ample evidence of Deon’s potential as a singer-songwriter of note.

You can listen/download the EP below.

Deon will be performing his original songs at the Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter Programme at Timbre @ Substation on Wed, 23rd March, together with Saiful (of the Great Spy Experiement) and yours truly. Don’t miss it!

NOISE SINGAPORE 2011

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Feb 282011

I presume you must be questioning my objectivity concerning this review especially when I have been a Noise mentor for the past three years and two of my apprentices viz Vanessa Faith and Age of Sinfonia have contributed to this CD. So in the interests of fairness, I recuse myself from commenting on both Vanessa Faith and Age of Sinfonia. I believe I have said enough about them on Power of Pop for any regular visitor to know how I feel about them.

MAKING NOISE IN 2011

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Feb 272011

“My third Noise Showcase!”, as I remarked to Tse Wei (Noise) and probably the best so far in my experience. Van was scheduled to perform at 7.15pm (at the Concourse) and so before that I met her at Tiffany’s Cafe located at the Library @ The Esplanade as she prepared her little extra gifts for her audience. I got to help her “crafting” her special gifts (rather badly though) and meet her good friends Queena and Frannie, with whom I had fun chats with!

TALKIN’ THE LINE – VANESSA FAITH

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Feb 252011

It’s been a while since the last Talkin’ the Line installment – so this one’s overdue. Pat and I went down to Van’s place and I think captured a very casual interview with this talented young songwriter. I guess the fact that I am her mentor as well made the interview a bit more looser than usual! Pat also recorded Van singing Good Things for an upcoming S-Indie TV, so look out for that.

In the meantime, don’t forget that Van performs (with her friends Jeremy, Jon & Elsa) at the Esplanade Concourse for the Noise music showcase on Sat, 7.15pm and Sun, 5.15pm. Check out the other bands/artists during the Noise music showcase over this weekend. Hope to see you there!

Talkin’ the Line is brought to you by Walk On Music and PoPTV.

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

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Feb 242011

You could say that this event was almost a year in the making. Having spoken to Timbre co-founder Danny Loong about a dedicated programme for Singapore singer-songwriters in March 2010, it was very satisfactory to finally stand on the Timbre stage and host this event. Happy to say that the venue was packed and particularly so to see my RP students (viz Bryan, Linqi, Emily and Peiqi) turn up as well! In addition, the support of Noise Singapore has been invaluable to the cause.

AGE OF SINFONIA

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Feb 192011

I first came across Age of Sinfonia at the auditions for Baybeats Festival 2010 and was intrigued by their brand of progressive-symphonic rock – a blend of classical and metal styles, which of course has been evident in rock music since the 70s (I am a big fan of Genesis, King Crimson, Kansas, and Rush…). So, when the band applied for the Noise Apprenticeship Programme, I had pretty much decided that I wanted to mentor them. It has been a rewarding experience for me personally as I have become good friends with Savvia, Rasen, Didi, Jack, Jun and Elfie. As a band, they have always been quick to listen to whatever I had to share with them and put into practice as well. They are a diverse group of musicians, coming from different backgrounds but they gel well as friends and as a band. They are ambitious too and hope that their music can travel beyond our shores.

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

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Feb 192011

I am counting on all you Power of Pop regulars to be at Timbre @ Substation in force to support this landmark event – let’s show everyone that Singapore songwriting is worth the time, effort and $$$! Not forgetting also the Noise music showcases. A good S-ROCK week, all told!

Come up and say hi – take a photo with me and I will post it here on Power of Pop!

… still there’s more …

NOISE 2011

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Feb 142011

I have been involved with Noise Singapore since 2008, when my dear friend Patrick Chng invited me to be a judge in the open category. Since then I have been fortunate enough also to be a mentor to six talented apprentices, whose friendships I will always treasure! Is there a lump in your throat yet? Seriously folks, working with Noise Singapore has been a great ride for the last three years and this latest edition is no different. The kind folks at Noise Singapore have never kept still and have always looked to improve on how best they can best assist the talented youth in Singapore.

NOISE SINGAPORE 2011 FESTIVAL

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Feb 122011

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

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Feb 112011

It seems like I’ve been waiting for a singer-songwriter centric event to come to pass for the longest time. Well, it’s finally here. Mark your calendars to turn up at Timbre @ Substation on Wednesday 23rd February 7.15pm to witness the first installment of the Noise-Timbre Singer Songwriter Programme.

I am also equally excited to be able to have talented singer-songwriter Ling Kai as our very first special guest star to share with us her songs and her methods/inspirations. Perhaps she will tell us about her internationally renowned song – Larkin Step – which garnered more than a million views on YouTube.com. Check out the sheer number of cover versions and you will understand the wide appeal of Ling’s song.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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Jan 012011

Well, that was the year that was 2010. Time to put it all behind and look forward to 2011.

What is there to look forward to? On the local music front, we can expect albums from The Cheating Sons (above), Caracal, King Kong Jane, Cove Red and Lunarin. In addition, TypeWriter will be playing Esplanade Recital Studio on 28th Jan.

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

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Dec 262010

A couple of days ago, I was interviewed by The New Paper regarding the Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter Programme and was asked if I had any tips for aspiring singer-songwriters to be noticed in this Programme. Well, one tip is of course to watch, listen and learn from people who write good songs and perform them well on youtube. Alright, I have made this process a little easier for you – check out the examples below.

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

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Dec 242010

THE ART OF SONGWRITING

Why do I believe so strongly that the development of songwriting in Singapore is crucial to the “saving” of the Singapore music scene? There are many reasons but chief amongst which is the idea that in order to establish a unique Singaporean culture and identity for Singapore music, we must have our OWN songs! Makes sense, doesn’t it? What about the homegrown Chinese, Malay and Indian songs that already exist? Well and good, of course, but we do business in English, we teach in English and by and large we converse in English (or Singlish, same difference) AND we are entertained in English, so it’s not enough. We need our OWN English songs!

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

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Dec 202010

This programme is an excellent collaboration between the Noise Singapore and Timbre Music Academy and a good opportunity for aspiring singer-songwriters to be heard. Not only because I have been fighting for something like this for a couple of years (and thus I am deeply involved) but also because this programme is a welcome shot in the arm for the S-ROCK scene! Kudos to National Arts Council and Timbre Music for sticking their collective necks out to invest time, money and effort in our music scene. So my message to all singer-songwriters out there, send a strong message to the movers and shakers out there (whether on the government or commercial side of the fence) that this is the sort of programme YOU want and submit those songs and videos now. We will be waiting for you…

…still there’s more…

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

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Dec 132010

Press release

SINGAPORE, 13 DEC 2010 – What do Zee Avi and David Choi have in common? They were both made famous thanks to YouTube. The phenomenon that is the video-sharing website has paved the road to fame for a rare, talented few and has inspired many others to upload their own homemade videos for a chance at making it big.

To help aspiring local musicians be heard amidst the clutter of the massively crowded YouTube, Noise Singapore and Timbre are launching a platform to provide young, talented singer-songwriters in Singapore with the first step to becoming the next big thing. The Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter Programme, which opens on 14 December 2011, aims to uncover unknown gems on YouTube and have them trained by top musicians in Singapore before giving them the chance to perform live at Timbre @ The Substation.

“The Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter programme provides young Singaporeans with the rare opportunity to perform at a popular music venue, and at the same time receive training by music professionals. That is essentially what Noise Singapore aims to do – provide youths with opportunities to learn and showcase their talent,” said Ms Chua Ai Liang, Director, Arts Engagement, National Arts Council.

PoPTV

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Aug 312010

The last day of August! Well, in honor of this celebration month, this edition of PoPTV will feature Noise artists…

NOISE SHOWCASE CONCERTS

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Mar 022010

This coming weekend showcases the Noise music artists as they take the stage at the Esplanade. Details can be found at the Noise Singapore site, but a summary of the performances at the Concourse can be found below.

5th March

7.15pm to 7.45pm – Rebecca Burch

8.15pm to 8.45pm – Siti Zahidah

6th March

5.15pm to 5.45pm – Jeremy Soh

6.15pm to 6.45pm – Julian Kwok

7.15pm to 7.45pm – Celina Foo

7th March

5.15pm to 5.45pm – Narisa Chan

6.15pm to 6.45pm – Deborah Lee

7.15pm to 7.45pm – Crystal Goh

See you there!

THE NOISE CD 2010

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Mar 022010

VARIOUS ARTISTS What Noise Do You Wanna Make? (NAC)

Back in the prehistoric age (early 90s!), the powers-that-be were not interested in Singapore music. But thanks to Michael & Philip Cheah and Stephen Tan (the guys behind BigO Magazine), S-ROCK was given a chance to blossom and develop with exposure through free CDs, which were bundled together with magazine, viz. the New School Rock and the Singles Club series.

Notable bands such as the Oddfellows, the Padres, Opposition Party, AWOL, Shades, Livonia, Etc and Watchmen were all featured on CD for the 1st time by these means. In the latter half of the 90s, there were also various S-ROCK compilations from Odyssey/Tim Records (Left of the Dial) and Pony Canyon/Springroll Records (Flush After Use) as well as S-ROCK film soundtracks such as Mee Pok Man and 12 Storeys. Music For Good also had a couple of S-ROCK compilations in recent years. These compilations served a vital function in showcasing and promoting S-ROCK music.

However, of late, such compilations have become rare (apart from the recent +65 Indie Underground collection). Stepping into the gap somewhat is the Noise CD – collection of recordings of original songs from the Noise apprentices under The Apprenticeship Program (TAP). Notwithstanding the fact that I am a Noise mentor, I must in all objectivity highlight that this year’s CD is probably the best of the lot thus far and perhaps one of the best collections of up and coming S-ROCK music in some time.

In my humble opinion, there is no filler on this 12-track CD, the highlights being Crystal Goh’s dreamy Fall to Fly, Deborah Lee’s sophisticated The James Bond Song, Zahidah’s playful The Make Up Song, Cindy Teoh’s sweet Hard To Let You Go and Pervy Boy’s punchy Love Wonderland.

Of course, I am extremely proud of my two apprentices – Narisa Chan and Celina Foo. Narisa’s Valentine Day’s is pure sunshine pop evoking ELO quite nicely whilst Celina’s Cinderella is a pop-rock gem that recalls the femme angst of Alanis Morrisette and Jewel. Well done, girls!!

Overall, the great music on this CD is proof that TAP is moving in the right direction and whilst it provides a great platform for aspiring bands/artists, more must be done to ensure that the momentum is sustained to move the S-ROCK scene to the next level.

The CD may be obtained (free of charge) at the Noise Festival Showcase now on at the 3rd level Raffles City Shopping Centre till 10th March and also at the Noise Showcase this Friday to Sunday at the Esplanade Concourse and Outdoor Theatre starting from 7.15pm (Friday) and 5.15pm (Sat/Sun).

… and there’s more …

NOISE SINGAPORE

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Sep 122009

Alright, here’s the skinny on Noise: The Apprenticeship Program.

Mentor. Recording. Performances.

Need I say more?

Okay, maybe I should. In my humble opinion, TAP offers young singer-songwriters and bands a rare opportunity to learn from mentors who have the experience and know-how to pass along a couple of useful tips. Not only that but you will have a multitude of opportunites to hone your craft – all under the guidance of the afore-mentioned mentors.

Believe me when I say that I wish we had something like TAP 30 years ago, when I was 18! So, please, if you’re an aspriring singer-songwriter or band, don’t pass up this chance. All you need to do is to submit a write-up and recordings of two original songs. Closing date is 27 September.

More info at the official site.

JOIN NOW!!!

NOISE SINGAPORE 2010

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Aug 182009

Regular PoP visitors will be aware that I’ve been involved with the National Arts Council’s Noise program for the last 2 years. First, as a judge and then making the transition to mentor in last year’s The Apprenticeship Programme (TAP). Of course, through TAP, I came to mentor Racheal Teo and Nick Tan and the rest as they say, is history!

Anyways, I’m glad to announce that NAC is taking submissions for Noise Singapore 2010 and everything about this sounds exciting.

CASH!!!

Winners of Noise S’pore 2010’s 3 main categories – Art & design, Music and Photography – will each receive the Noise S’pore Prize of S$5,000 cash.

Yes, boys and girls, I’ll say it again. CASH!!!

The press release goes on to say -

DJ Aldrin is just one of the 12 big names who are mentors in this year’s TAP. Others include local music luminary Kevin Mathews (*ahem*), Tan Ngiap Heng for photography and Eeshaun Soh for Art & Design. TAP is one-of-its-kind in Singapore and gives young artists an opportunity to be personally mentored by some of Spore’s best in the creative industry. Success stories are written every year of apprentices who go on to become accomplished artists. Singer/songwriter Rachael Teo – Kevin Mathews’ apprentice in Noise 08/09–has developed a following and is sought after on the pub circuit for originals like the breezy (and very infectious) Love and Water. She has an interesting story. She went to NAC to apply for a busking license, stumbled upon Noise instead and, in May, released an EP entitled Awaken The Dreamer – all in 9 months. TAP continues to be a critical and popular aspect of Noise. Last year, out of a record 128 applicants, 20 apprentices were selected.

Believe when I say that TAP is worth getting attached to. Previous apprentices include King Kong Jane and Allura and they’ve done well, haven’t they? I would recommend TAP to every singer-songwriter or band out there. Besides DJ Aldrin and yours truly, other music mentors include Don Richmond, Jason Tan, Jon Chan and Patrick Chng. We’ll be waiting…

Noise Musicians could be selected to record one of their songs in a professional studio, have it played on 98.7FM, and perform at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre or Concourse. And also be involved with events at next year’s Youth Olympics. International exposure! Are you excited yet?

Check out www.noisesingapore.com for more info.

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THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

PROTEST SONGS IN G

NOISE SINGAPORE 2012 MENTORSHIP

Call for Applications: Noise Singapore 2012 Mentorship

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME (2ND EDITION)

DEON TOH

NOISE SINGAPORE 2011

MAKING NOISE IN 2011

TALKIN’ THE LINE – VANESSA FAITH

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

AGE OF SINFONIA

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

NOISE 2011

NOISE SINGAPORE 2011 FESTIVAL

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

NOISE-TIMBRE SINGER-SONGWRITER PROGRAMME

PoPTV

NOISE SHOWCASE CONCERTS

THE NOISE CD 2010

NOISE SINGAPORE

NOISE SINGAPORE 2010

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