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BLAST FROM THE PAST

Not quite the norm as it is nowadays, it was pretty unique to come across an North American singer-songwriter of Asian descent back in 2002 and so Wendy Ip and her superb Fan Favourites LP was a pleasant and rewarding exercise.

WENDY IP Fan Favorites So Far (Self-released) www.wendyip.com

“She wants to be Peter Pan/But she will always be just Wendy/She can only fly in the back of her mind/In her heart she will find the time”

Ip is an aspiring young singer-songwriter of Asian descent. Born in Manitoba, Canada and currently residing in New York. All interesting factoids, no doubt, but most crucially, in this age of Britney Spears wannabes – here’s a lady who models her musical ambitions on emulating Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Todd Rundgren & Ray Davies. Meaning: Ip specializes in pop music that is intelligent, mature, melodic and yes, fun. Add to the list the intricate stylings of Laura Nyro, Carole King, Rickie Lee Jones, Sam Philips & Joni Mitchell and the result is indeed pleasing.

This is most evident on material like the erudite “At the Seams,” the autobiographical “Just Wendy,” the wistful “Our Little Room” and the affecting “Can’t Get Mad” where Ip utilizes the piano to outstanding effect. Ip’s debt to the British Invasion becomes apparent in the powerpop inflections of the jumping “So This Is My Life” and the jaunty “Elaine” where tried-and-tested popcraft collides with Ip’s feisty exuberance.

Based on the evidence presented on Fan Favorites So Far, Wendy Ip has every chance of living up to the high standards she has set for herself in the years to come. (A)

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THE RESIDENT TOURIST

I featured local cartoonist Troy Chin and his autobio comic, The Resident Tourist, in January 2010 promising at the end to find out more about Troy and his work. Naturally, nothing has happened in that regard until recently when I finally met Troy at Mulan Gallery and truth be told we hit it off immediately!

When we saw each other again at the Loti Gone Case in Wonderland panel discussion, Troy passed me everything that he has published so far – 5 volumes of The Resident Tourist and 3 volumes of Loti. Later on Troy sent me an email saying “In case you somehow feel obligated, you really don’t have to review any of my stuff. I just want you to read them so you know all the shit that I stand for.”

So here I am NOT reviewing The Resident Tourist (Parts 1 to 5)! Seriously. After all, The Resident Tourist is such an important Singaporean work that a mere review would seem disrespectful. In many ways, The Resident Tourist is an academic dissection into Singaporean attitudes, mores and culture hidden within the Trojan (sorry, could not resist) Horse of Troy’s ostensible autobio.

Hot issues such as the meaning of art, money, love and identity within the Singaporean experience are explored in such a creative manner that Singapore readers will probably not even be aware that their very existence is being questioned and challenged. Troy brilliantly utilizes his major relationships with Mint, Kampong Boy and the encounters with friends, acquaintances and enemies in Singapore and in New York to subtlety hammer home Troy’s worldview.

I don’t really want to act as a spoiler or to offer my own critique of Troy’s unique life perspective but suffice to say that if you’re visiting Power of Pop on a regular basis, it behooves you to check out The Resident Tourist (especially if you’re Singaporean). I guarantee that it will at least offer you food for thought as you struggle to make sense of your own Singapore experience.

For me personally, I am thankful to have met Troy and perhaps gotten to know him a little via The Resident Tourist but ultimately wanting to know much more… I am sure you will feel the same way.

Official Site

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BLAST FROM THE PAST

One of my all-time favourite 90s bands must be the Welsh outfit Super Furry Animals. Every album was an aural delight with every song a surprising pleasure. I say surprising cos you never knew what the Furries would do on any given track! Here’s a review from 2001 yet again. Bloody essential.


SUPER FURRY ANIMALS Rings Around the World (Sony) www.superfurry.com

What is there to say anymore about the genius of these Welsh art-poppers? Ever since their fascinating debut Fuzzy Logic blazed its path through the fag ends of the Britpop movement (circa 1996), this prolific genre-bending collective has been releasing consistent and challenging pop music with almost military discipline and wild flair, as previous albums (viz. Radiator, Guerilla and Mwng) bear out.

This time round, the band seems to have cottoned to the heady joys of the Electric Light Orchestra! Doubt me? Listen carefully to the jubilant title track and convince me otherwise. With trademark ‘ringing’ samples suggesting modern sounds, the boogie guitar rhythm, helium-addled backing vocals and that orchestral pop sound evoke the glory days of Jeff Lynne and co when perms and mullets ruled the airwaves! The following “It’s Not the End of the World” brings the equation further by adding ELO founder Roy Wood’s Wizzard to the mix in a lovely celebration of Spectorian teen symphonies.

You want more? How about a direct melodic quote off Lennon’s “Oh My Love” on the opening “Alternate Route to Vulcan Street” or more Jeff Lynne formula on the Travelling Wilburys-evoking “Receptacle for the Respectable” with a dollop of Bacharach’s horns thrown in for good measure?

As you can gather from those song titles, the SFA’s sense for the ridiculous has not abated – how else do you explain the fact that the lead single is called “Juxtaposed With U”? A jaunty bossa nova nugget with tongue firmly embedded in cheek as vocoder vocals and string arrangements suggesting the Charlie’s Angels theme rather than alt. rock – with a message to boot!

Always surprising, always exciting – the SFA have never failed to amaze for the last five years and one gets the distinct feeling that the best is still to come! (A)

Buy Rings Around the World at Amazon

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GONE CASE BOOK 2

The first thing you notice about Book 2 of Gone Case is that the HDB flat has been upgraded with a fresh coat of paint! Talk about progress. Also you will also note that the roof top access is open – a key plot point in the book. And that’s really what Gone Case is about – an attention to detail. This comes across vividly both in Chua’s story and Koh’s art.

Chua never misses a beat. Whether it is with the cleaner squeezing a dirty cloth in front of Yong, or Yong’s mother’s observation that “All the shops look the same” at the new mall or her questioning Yong about growing up to become a popiah seller, Chua sprinkles numerous little barbs about Singapore living, hidden in the plain sight of the narrative.

Koh’s artwork is clean and uncluttered yet ornate in that European-by-way-of-Darrow style that he so revels in. He captures locations and facial expressions equally well and there’s no mistaking Koh’s vision of Singapore (and its inhabitants) for some other Asian city.

Gone Case Book 2 is the concluding portion of this adaptation of Chua’s novel of the same name and by the time we arrive at the perplexing denouement, we are hungry for more stories about Yong and his delights and dilemmas. Enough connection has been made between characters and audience to suggest that a continuation of Yong’s story in the future could surely be a welcome development.

But till then, enjoy both books of Gone Case as a slice of life narrative on par with Eric Khoo’s 12 Storeys. Essential reading.

Official Site

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LISTENING BOOTH – THE ZOLAS

 

Cultured Man

Vancouver pop-rockers The Zolas make the right noises about the influence of Ray Davies/The Kinks on its music but it’s probably more a conceptual thing rather than a musical inspiration. Cultured Man recalls Davies’ compositions like Well Respected Man but that’s where the comparison ends. To these ears, Cultured Man evokes the closer memory of The Shins, Pavement and The Chills. It’s not an immediate attraction but a couple of plays ought to do the trick quite nicely. Cultured Man is available now on the split 7” split single with The Liptonians on Light Organ Records. The 7” will be available digitally.

The Zolas – Cultured Man by wearesolidgold

Official Site

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PoPTV – SKYLAR GREY

INVISIBLE (DIRTY SOUTH REMIX)

You know I should probably hate ‘hipster’ shit like this, what with the goth chick in hoodie and skinny jeans and all that. Damn song doesn’t even have a chorus and its tonality is predicated upon dance and bass beats. Still… there’s something oddly compelling about this which I cannot shake. Hypnotic even. Oh no… can this mean that I have gone over to the… dark side?

Official Site

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BLAST FROM THE PAST

Another review from 2001, relating to an American band with a Singaporean front person. I believe the cousin in question is Colin Goh (of Singapore Dreaming, Talking Cock fame). Does anyone out there know what happened to Jumprope and Cindy Goh?

JUMPROPE Suitcase and Umbrella (Planting Seeds)

Jumprope is a unique quartet parlaying jazz and pure powerpop influences into pleasing confections. More than that, on a personal note, browsing through the band’s website, I realized that lead singer Cindy Goh hails from Singapore and what’s more, has a cousin who studied at the same school and is an acquaintance of mine! Small world, eh?

That said, I hope that little piece of trivia doesn’t taint the positive impression I have of this interesting band. Suitcase and Umbrella is Jumprope’s second album and fans of The Cardigans, the Go-Betweens, Beat Happening, Heavenly and Marine Research will thoroughly enjoy this satisfying disc. Goh shares songwriting chores with Ad Boc and there is much to savour here, amongst them, the charming Smiths-like “The Glamour Snare,” the Broadway-themed “Disappear,” the jaunty “Grandpa’s Lament” and the bossa nova-inflected “Holiday in Brazil.”

Probably the most refreshing ‘twee’ pop you likely to hear in 2001. Check it out. (B)

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LOTI GONE CASE IN WONDERLAND

Singapore comic books (or graphic novels, whatever) has long been trying to earn artistic recognition in its homeland. Perhaps it is a measure of how far comic books (and its creators) have come since the darkest days of former times, that the Singapore Writers Festival 2011, has dedicated events for our local comic books & creators.

This panel discussion (at 3.30pm this afternoon) brought together Sonny Liew (Malinky Robot), Troy Chin (Resident Tourist, LOTI), Dave Chua and Koh Hong Teng (writer-artist team behind Gone Case). A fairly good crowd awaited them at the Transaction Pavilion as moderator Terence Chua led the four creators through a discussion of personal histories and motivations.

To be truthful, it was all rather genteel and polite. Only when the panel discussion was opened to questions from the floor that matters livened up a little. As usual, there were queries that were astute, unfathomable and painfully irrelevant. For the last one, the person probably had the best intentions in asking a totally academic question but the endeavour fell flat as the panel struggled to make sense of his question. Hurm.

In the final analysis, it was encouraging to see a sizable group of local comic book fans engaged with the creators during the discussion as well as the subsequent signing sessions. If nothing else, it points the way to an increasing awareness and appreciation of local comic books as a genuine artform. And that can only be a good thing…

 

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POWER OF POP INTERVIEW – MONSTER CAT (PART I)

I’m MIDWAY through my first ever Monster Cat gig, and things are not going too well.

The already incongruous sight of a rock band in full flight  on the dance floor of local superclub Zouk  is being compounded by a decidedly unwelcome screech of feedback.

The explanation is almost comically sci-fi, according to frontman Hentai Cat, 26: apparently, the electromagnetic waves from the strong neon lights on stage are creating a magnetic interference playing havoc with the electric guitars.

I am here with fellow PoP writer CJ, and there is something inexorably fascinating about watching a band struggle to fit into a system that is trying to spit them out, trying to expel the foreign bodies transplanted into its midst.

It’s the alchemy of a rock band trying to turn lead into gold, and slowly but surely the song is beginning to gel. Halfway through I turn to shout to CJ, who is standing by my side.  As we are, though standing in front of the speaker stacks, he doesn’t hear anything, and besides he is already transfixed.

I turn my attention back to the stage, where Hentai Cat is busy bellowing into the mic, his voice struggling to find its key in the midst of the metal machine music.

Midway through however, he catches my glance and lets slip a grin and a wink.

Suddenly the mood shifts; suddenly the weight lifts.  For a moment we are fearless.

Continue reading “POWER OF POP INTERVIEW – MONSTER CAT (PART I)”

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LEPA(R)K!

(Press release)

“LEPA(R)K!: A GIG AT TIONG BAHRU PARK” SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2011 FROM 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm (FREE ADMISSION) PRESENTED BY SNAKEWEED STUDIOS AND INCURSIVE PRODUCTIONS ORGANIZED BY TANGLIN-CAIRNHILL CITIZENS’ CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

“Lepa(r)k!” welcomes all to Tiong Bahru Park on 19 November 2011 to join in the lively atmosphere and pulsating beats of Singapore indie rock music drummed up by new and familiar bands. A tongue-in-cheek play on the word “lepak”, a local colloquialism meaning to relax and hang out, this event hopes to do just that – attract youths, young adults and the young at heart to the park to enjoy a Saturday evening filled with a variety of original sounds and cutting edge tunes from some of our finest homegrown bands in the independent music scene. The handpicked line-up for the event includes buzzed-about Singapore bands Cheating Sons, In Each Hand A Cutlass, Obedient Wives Club, Ingride and Run Neon Tiger, and is topped off by headlining act and local sensations, Plainsunset. If good music and an exciting rock show is a prizefight, then this lineup of 6 stellar bands will surely pull no punches. Thrilled to be part of the event, Mr Norsham Husaini from Plainsunset says, “We are so honoured to be playing and headlining this event. We are hoping to introduce some new songs in our performance that are going to be in our next record due to be released next year.”

Continue reading “LEPA(R)K!”

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BLAST FROM THE PAST

I have been dissing the Noughties (ie 2001 to 2010) as being devoid of great music. But of course, that’s not entirely true. As some of you might know, Power of Pop has been around since 1998 and so I am going to be posting reviews of great albums from the Noughties just to remind everyone (and myself) that there was still great music to be had, if you knew where to look.

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STARFLYER 59 Leave Here a Stranger (Tooth & Nail)

Jason Martin, who essentially IS Starflyer 59, is one of indie-pop’s best-kept secrets. This singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist has, with this latest album, released 10 albums under the Starflyer 59 moniker and it may just about his best work yet.

If one word comes closest to describing Starflyer 59’s sound, it would probably be “pop-gazing.” Meaning that Martin has managed a successful hybrid of the British “shoe-gazer” movement of the late-80s and early-90s viz. My Bloody Valentine, The House of Love, Ride, Chapterhouse and the nascent Blur AND the classic (fragile) powerpop of the Byrds, Big Star, Teenage Fanclub & the Posies.

Leave Here a Stranger, recorded in MONO, jumps straight out of the blocks with the music-themed trilogy of “All My Friends Who Play Guitar,” “Can You Play Drums” and “When I Learn to Sing.” Using the band scenario as an analogy for life, Martin narrates in hushed Colin Blunstone tones the experience of fame-seeking (‘so this is what we did for a name, we took a taste of life in our country’) and wishful thinking (‘when I learn to read, I’ll change my ways on everything.’)

Charged with acoustic reveries, Americana inflections and infinitely chiming guitars, Martin and band a times recalls the chamber pop of the Pernice Brothers, especially on the melancholy textures of “Give Up the War,” “Things Like This Help Me” and “This I Don’t Need.”

A fascinating effort that gets better with each play from a master craftsman who deserves more recognition that he currently receives. (A)

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Buy Leave Here a Stranger from Amazon

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LITTLE SPACE DONKEY

Dreamer’s Manifesto EP

Ever wonder what rocking in space sounds like?

Little Space Donkey answers this question (indirectly) with their latest 4-track EP release, second only to their debut offering quirkily titled “Collection Of Songs That We Will Never Play Live, Ever”. You know that can’t be true.

A band from Jakarta, LSD is made up of Dhendy Mawardi and Amy Amanda on guitars, Made Indar on bass (and one of the contributing artists for this EP’s artwork), Dave Leonard on drums, and Anthono Oktoriandi on synthesizer and sampler. Young as they may look in pictures and in age, but don’t let that fool you. Their music and sound offerings as tight, united and focused  as can be.

The space sounding ambience is attributed to the inclusion of the synthesizer, which provides the musical journey into the other dimension. Not quite certain of the underlying story concept about a leader who united the world in his grasp, though. A glance through their listed influences (like Sigur Ros, M83, Explosions In The Sky, Daft Punk, The Flaming Lips and The Radio Dept. to name a handful) clearly ascertains their musical direction and genre, and then there is a surprise in mention of one of everyone’s classic favourite bands of all-time, The Carpenters (much celebrated!).

Two questions raised:
1) Are LSD really as young as appear to be?
2) Are you in space yet with LSD’s music?

Dreamer’s Manifesto is distributed as a free download at littlespacedonkey.bandcamp.com (FREE!), and you can find out more about Little Space Donkey on MySpace and on Tumblr.

Support Asian and local music too! Do your part!

(CJ)

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TROY CHIN

Singapore comic book artist Troy Chin is launching LOTI (Vol.3) during the Singapore Writers Festival 2011. We caught up with Troy to get some of thoughts about the latest edition of LOTI.

What can fans expect from LOTI Vol. 3?

Expect more shenanigans from our pooch patrol as they navigate the third term of the school year. Loti Vol. 3 expands on the existing story with the chapters Sofie’s Diary and J Takes Flight, two specials not found in the daily strips that will change the way you view the original strips.

Can you describe briefly what LOTI is about for folks who’ve never read it?

Loti is a four-panel comic strip depicting childhood and schooling life in Singapore through the eyes of an eight-year-old. During his adventures, he finds a puppy in the neighbourhood and begins to discover what it means to be happy, and prompts the same question in the people around him.


What inspires you to continue to create comic books like LOTI?

Loti is really special to me. It allows me to write about all the stuff that little kids get to enjoy at that age, something that we as busy adults tend to forget or brush off. Loti is about the joy of waking up in the morning wanting to experience something new. It is a series that I feel if readers give it the time (whether they’re seven or seventy), they will eventually understand why personal happiness is not really that difficult or complicated to achieve.

What are your plans for promoting LOTI Vol. 3?
For the launch, there’s going to be a limited edition paper model kit of the eponymous puppy that will be given away with every book purchased. This is the beginning of a new project that I would like current fans to get involved in and hopefully bring in new readers to the world of Loti.

Can you give us more information about the upcoming book launch at SWF 2011?
Loti Vol. 3 will be launched at SWF 2011 on Sunday, October 30, 11:30am to 12:30pm at the Festival Pavilion, SMU Campus Green. Admission is free!

Official Site

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LISTENING BOOTH – OUTASIGHT

Tonight is The Night (Warner Bros Urban)

This is one of those times where I don’t give a fuck about the genre, the background or whatever cos this is a song to just groooove to. Know what I mean? Nothing else matters. Turn it up and enjoy…

Outasight – Tonight Is The Night by iamoutasight

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SURFER BLOOD

Tarot Classics EP (Kanine)

There is little doubting Surfer Blood’s hipster cred which is based on an uncanny ability to reproduce the indie rock vibe of the 80s/90s. In this case, there are sufficient traces of the influence of the Jesus and Mary Chain, Husker Du, Pixies, Echo & the Bunnymen and the Shins. Of course, these aforementioned bands inevitably bring references to an earlier Golden Age of pioneering outfits like Velvet Underground, Beach Boys, The Ramones, Talking Heads and many others. Sure there is definitely nothing original about Surfer Blood – those of you who are astute music scholar will already be aware that two similar-styled bands will appear at Laneway Festival Singapore. (Answers below)

However, in 2011, it would be foolhardy to base a band’s worthiness on originality – that’s an impossible task for any band out there in the wasteland of modern indie pop. The acid test must still be the songwriting – are the tunes memorable, the arrangements satisfying and the lyrics meaningful? On these counts, Surfer Blood has credible efforts at aiming for more than merely the hip and cool but instead take a leap of faith to craft music that is at least substantial and stand the test. In that context, Miranda’s strident backbeat and the hooky riff of I’m Not Ready will no doubt keep more than just hipsters pogoing.

No mean feat in 2011 indeed but whilst I am not totally convinced yet that Surfer Blood will be remembered in three years’ time, this EP is a statement of intent that the band will not go down without a good fight.

Answer: Girls and The Drums.

 

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PoPTV – SIMON SPIRE

LIBERATE YOUR LOVE Music Video

To be candid, I was unimpressed for the entire verse of this track from this NZ songwriter until the very last note/chord where the game changes. A melodic power pop chorus kicks in and suddenly the second verse takes on a different complexion. Quite a neat trick I must admit. I’ve even forgive Spire the Coldplay string riffs faux pas near the end. Off upcoming 2012 album, Four-Lettered Words.

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S-ROCK

Singaporeans hate S-ROCK!

That’s the simple truth. Funny how any suggestion of having S-ROCK bands play in a music festival held in Singapore will have the haters up in arms. Examples from Laneway Festival’s Facebook page –

“There’s simply not enough time for local bands in a 12-hr music festival that’s NOT ABOUT local bands” goes one comment. Meaning that S-ROCK only belongs in the ghetto (like at Baybeats?) and should not be allowed near a ‘proper’ music festival.

“Why inflict the local acts on people who do not want to see them? Sorry but the local scene is hardly enticing and original here in Singapore. It makes no sense” goes another insightful comment. He is entitled to his opinion but if being ‘enticing and original’ is the criterion for playing Laneway Festival, I am sure I can make a case against many of those hipster 80s/90s wannabes who WILL be playing at the Festival – is Yuck original? This type of small-minded mud-slinging gets us nowhere.

And that makes me feel sad. I am not too bothered what Chugg Entertainment does – it is their prerogative whether S-ROCK bands play at its festival or not. It’s all down to total lack of support from Singaporeans themselves. I mean, can you imagine the Festival being run in Australia or New Zealand without local bands? Of course not. But the reverse is true here as most of the punters going to the Festival cannot imagine it with local bands. The fact that this is still a major issue is seriously depressing.

No wonder Inch Chua is in L.A. and B-Quartet – one of our finest S-ROCK bands – have quit the scene. I guess at this point in time, all we are good for is playing covers…

Sad.

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LANEWAY SINGAPORE 2012

By now of course, the online buzz regarding the confirmed line-up for next year’s Singapore edition of the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival has been near deafening. No wonder considering that the names announced are popular choices amongst the hipster community on our lil cultural desert island. So not sure what I can add to this and bring upon new levels of excitement.

However, in case you have been living under a rock these last few days, here’s the lineup.

ANNA CALVI  | AUSTRA | CULTS | FEIST | GIRLS | LAURA MARLING | M83 | THE DRUMS | THE HORRORS | THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART | TORO Y MOI | TWIN SHADOW | WU LYF | YUCK

Suffice to say that organizers Chugg Entertainment has done its homework and these 14 bands/artists will be well-received by our hipster community. Personally, I am looking forward to Anna Calvi, Laura Marling and especially M83. Many of the above names have been featured here at Power of Pop and no doubt, we will be spotlighting them (and the others) as the date gets closer.

In the midst of all this excitement, it was disappointing to learn that Chugg had shelved their original plan to feature S-ROCK bands in next years’ festival. This is a pity and once again, demonstrates how marginalized our local music scene is. My thoughts on this issue will be given full vent in a separate post.

Facebook page

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SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE

Creedence Clearwater Revival, mostly known to fans as ‘CCR’ was a rock quartet whose singles were big radio hits during the transition period from the 60s to the 70s. As a kid, I remembering hearing their songs constantly on the radio and the secret of their success was very simple – basic rock ‘n’ roll infused with country, folk and soul inflections and not to mention the dynamic larynx of lead singer John Fogerty.

I remember getting hold of a cassette of Chronicle – which was subtitled “The 20 Greatest Hits” for good reason. Chronicle was that rare compilation where every selection was an unforgettable classic. No exaggeration to state that I wore out that cassette from the non-stop play and I would repeat the process over the entirety of the album. Now of course, the whole album is a firm fixture in my iTunes and still receives a regular play-through to remind what top notch rock ‘n’ roll is all about.

If I had to choose my top five from “The 20 Greatest Hits” it would have to be – Who’ll Can Stop The Rain, Someday Never Comes, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Lodi and Fortunate Son – these tunes have been permanently burned into my consciousness. Add to the list, CCR’s fiery interpretations of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ I Put A Spell On You and Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through the Grapevine and what you have is rock ‘n’ roll bliss.

Buy Chronicle from Amazon

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SONNY LIEW / KOH HONG TENG

Does comic book art belong in a contemporary fine art gallery? Thankfully, in 2011, the answer is in the affirmative! If like me, you believe that comic book art is fine art in its own right, would do well to head down to the exhibition at Mulan Gallery featuring Sonny Liew and Koh Hong Tong.

Regular PoP visitors would probably be familiar with the work of Sonny Liew (above) but possibly not with Koh Hong Tong (below). Hong Tong is the artist of graphic novel Gone Case (written by Dave Chua) and his style is reminiscent of Geoff Darrow and like Sonny bears strong traces of the European influence.

I visited Mulan Gallery last night for the launch of this exhibition (which will run till 12 November) and I was pleased to see that it was very well attended and patronized. Even within the arts circles, comic book art still has some way to be accepted and the community is rather small and so it was heartening to see a gallery owner – in this case, Patricia Liang – put faith in these works as contemporary fine art. Kudos!

So check out the exhibition while you still can over at 36 Armenian Street #01-07 and tell them Power of Pop sent you along…

Mulan Gallery Official Site

 

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SINGAPORE WRITERS FESTIVAL 2011

Was an interesting evening at the Singapore Writers Festival launch held on the SMU grounds. The event kicked off with a preview of art installations viz Witness by Donna Ong and Underwriter’s Table by Vertical Submarine. The former’s concept relates to the human response to natural disasters (with special emphasis on the recent Japanese tsunami tragedy) and truly engages the viewer’s senses in a powerful manner. The latter was lighter in tone, being a large than life cartoony replica of a table, with a blank cheque (but no pen!).

The launch itself was nothing remarkable, it must be said, the usual formalities, speeches and a intriguing poem by Dr Lee Tzu Pheng but that was expected. This was followed by dinner and a rendition of a collaboration between poetry and music by Mang, a modern R&B/Hip hop take in fact. Slight but enjoyable.

I will be covering a couple of SWF sessions that relate to my pet pop culture topics viz comic books and scifi. In this respect, I recommend the following: –

MEET THE AUTHOR: Sonny Liew | Sat 22 Oct (today!) 11.30am to 12.30pm | Seminar Room 2-3, School of Information Systems (SMU)

PANEL: Loti Gone Case in Wonderland featuring: Troy Chin, Sonny Liew, Dave Chua | Wed 26 Oct 3.30pm – 4.30pm Transaction Pavilion, Campus Green (SMU)

MEET THE AUTHOR: Joe Haldeman | Sat 29 Oct 11.30am – 12.30pm | Learning Gallery, Singapore Art Museum @ 8Q

BRAND NEW BOOkS: Loti Volume 3 | Sun 30 Oct 11.30am – 12.30pm | Festival Pavilion, Campus Green (SMU)

More information at the Official Website.

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RANDOLF ARRIOLA

Randolf Arriola launches his debut album – C.C.C.D. – at the Esplanade Recital Studio next Friday (28th Oct). Listen to a full album preview below and get your tickets at SISTIC. CCCD (Full Album Preview) by Randolf Arriola