News » POWER OF POP: Music, Film, Comics & Book Reviews

SHIGGA SHAY

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May 122012

ShiGGa Shay’s highly anticipated debut EP, They Call Me ShiGGa is finally done! This 9- track EP showcases ShiGGa Shay’s storytelling skills. The 19 year-old hip–hop artist navigates topics such as gaining acceptance as a musician in Singapore to the loss of his father to cancer.

Since early 2011, the rapper has been diligently working on this EP, working with several producers such as Kartell Records producer extraordinaire Muzique (from Flight School), Noctune & Outcome (from Malaysia), Don Richmond, The Architek and J Doug (from the United Kingdom). The young performer is quietly forming his own personal style and brand of hip-hop.

The album has been mixed by both Muzique and Don Richmond and mastered by Tony Dawsey at Masterdisk in New York City.

They Call Me ShiGGa is released digitally on Saturday 12 May 2012 through his official site: www.shiggashay.com and as a physical album with bonus additional material in early June. Pre-orders for the physical copies can be made on the official site on 12 May 2012.

ELVIS COSTELLO

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May 092012

PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING!

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE SPECTACULAR SPINNING SONGBOOK CONCERT

TO PREMIERE ON CABLE’S PPV AND VOD

Special Pay-Per-View Concert Performance with Surprise Guest Stars & Surprise Songs

Will Air Exclusively On Cable Starting May 7

Elvis Costello and The Imposters’ unique concert style wows audiences when he allows his set-list to be chosen by The Spectacular Spinning Songbook, a monumental game-show type wheel spun by fans. Now, for the first time, cable audiences around the country can join the fun with his first-ever Pay-Per-View (PPV) and Video On Demand (VOD) special, Elvis Costello & The Spinning Songbook, an hour of surprise guests and surprise songs. It premieres on May 7 in High Definition PPV* and starts May 24 on VOD. The PPV concert will be available throughout May and June at various times in both SD and HD. (Highlights of the PPV and VOD schedule below).

JON AUER/DYNAMO ROYALE

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May 012012

Jon Auer (The Posies/Big Star) is back with a new project – Dynamo Royale (with band mate/partner Tiz Aramini) – who are in the midst of recording a new album. Auer and Aramini are looking for funding of recording, CD manufacturing and other ancillary costs (approx. $8,000/-) and thus have listed this project at Kickstarter. If this interests you, then please check out the Kickstarter page and support generously.

DEATH & A CURE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Apr 302012

Death and a Cure is the solo project of Australian singer/guitarist Ben Blondel. Since launching his debut EP in July 2010 Ben has won numerous awards including WAM (West Australian Music Industry Association) song of the year for his category, and more recently has featured his latest single ‘The Spin You’ve Got Me In’ on the West Australian Music Industry sampler.

JESUS AND MARY CHAIN – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Apr 302012

4imaginaryboys is proud to debut cult indie legends, THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN, for a one-night-only concert in Singapore. THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN will perform on 26 May 2012 (Saturday) at ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL. Singapore is the band’s choice of its first and only destination in Southeast Asia.

RHYTHM WITH NATURE

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Apr 182012

OCEANSHIP

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Apr 042012

Got this email from Brad Lyons/Oceanship -

Hey,

This is Brad of Oceanship. A while back you signed my mailing list. I’m this guy, if you recall (Youtube video):

I initially attempted to write each one of you in person, but my wrists broke down (no joke). I got to approx 600 people. It was a valiant effort. I was mailing you individually because this is something important to me. Forgive the group mail.

My new album effort is underway and it is going to be good. I have a video that you can view here:

Let me know what you think of the video by commenting, or feel free to drop me a line on the Oceanship FB page and I’ll respond.

With all the sincerity an email can muster, thank you for your support to date. Really.

Brad Lyons/ Oceanship

If you want to contribute to the fund to produce Oceanship’s 2nd album, you can do so here.

Official Site

CORRINNE MAY – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Apr 042012

Back after a 4-year hiatus, Corrinne May will be the first ever local artiste to perform at The Meadow, on the 2nd night of Rhythm with Nature, a series of events collectively held as part of the official opening of Gardens by the Bay.

Corrinne May’s highly-anticipated new album Crooked Lines has just been released in March 2012. It is her first new album in five years – since 2007’s Beautiful Seed. The first single “Beautiful Life” is garnering increasing airplay on radio airwaves. For more information, visit www.corrinnemay.com

Tickets go on sale 20th April 2012 via www.sistic.com.sg

Ticket price: S$38* (standard), S$45* (at the door)

*Ticket prices exclude SISTIC charges

JASON MRAZ – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Apr 042012

Tour is a Four Letter Word is the headline concert at Rhythm with Nature, a series of events collectively held as part of the official opening of Gardens by the Bay.

Jason Mraz’s latest album Love is a Four Letter Word is slated for release on 17 April 2012. For more information on Jason Mraz, visit www.jasonmraz.com

Tickets go on sale 20th April 2012 via www.sistic.com.sg

Ticket price: S$98* (standard), S$112* (at the door)

*Ticket prices exclude SISTIC charges

JAYESSLEE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Apr 032012

(Press release)

Launch Entertainment has just announced the addition of a second show for Jayesslee.

GREYSON CHANCE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Apr 022012

(Press release)

We are bringing Greyson closer to you with a new venue that will allow you to indulge in Greyson’s powerful vocals! The Festive Grand Theatre™ provides a setting that is more intimate and personal for you to enjoy the up and rising star up-close!

For more information on Greyson visit www.greyson-official.com.

For more information on Camryn visit www.camrynmusic.com.

TICKETING details:

Greyson Chance Live in Singapore, with special guest, Camryn

Date: 18th April 2012

Venue: Festive Grand Theatre™ at Resorts World™ Sentosa

Tickets: S$125, S$115, S$97 & S$70 (all prices exclude booking fees)

Tickets available from 9th February 2012.

Purchase at all authorized SISTIC Agents and Box Office, online at www.sistic.com.sg, via the iNETS mobile app (SMS to 76387) or call the SISTIC hotline at +65 6348 5555.

JAYESSLEE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Mar 272012

(Press release)

Back by popular demand, Youtube sensation Jayesslee is set to bring their Asia tour to Singapore this coming May.

Clocking over 300,000 channel subscribers on Youtubesince their cyber debut in 2009, Janice and Sonia have captivated audiences all over with performances in many countries, including sold out shows in Thailand and Singapore.

Armed with angelic faces coupled with sweet personalities, these social media sweethearts make it easy for one to fall in love with them with their infectious energy and carefree stage performances.

After much eager anticipation, the vivacious twins from down under are finally ready to take on Asia and enchant the audience in a night filled with melodious indulgence.

Singapore is the first stop in this 8-cities tour, which will kick off at the iconic and newly revamped Kallang Theatre come 4th May.

Ticket prices start at $38 and will go on sale 28th March at all Sistic outlets islandwide and also made available online via www.sistic.com.

Do not miss your chance to catch them live in this one night only performance.

EVENT INFORMATION

JAYESSLEE ASIA TOUR 2012

Date: 4th May 2012

Venue: Kallang Theatre

Time: 7.30PM

Tickets: $78, $58, $38

**Above prices do not include SISTIC handling fees

CHEATING SONS: TIME TRAILS

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Mar 272012

In the Singapore indie music scene, playing at the Late Night @ Esplanade series is a benchmark for any local indie band. For Cheating Sons, a band that only released its debut album in February last year it’s been a quick ascent to this particular summit. Of course, as its manager (and biggest fan), I’m probably expected to say that! That all said, Time Trails has certainly given the band the opportunity to flex its artistic and creative muscles to present a music show it can call its own. In this respect, we must thank The Esplanade for its faith, belief and support.

The first quarter of 2012 has been spent on two fronts – recording the new album and preparing for Time Trails - this process somewhat overlaps as the gig will only feature new material – the new album in fact – and so it has been a challenge for these two processes to be undertaken in parallel. Apart from the usual administrative and logistical headaches (all settled now, I hope!), the added pressure of working in several guest musicians (including yours truly) has also presented exciting possibilities. All things considered, the guest musicians have added a dimension to the new music that it’s safe to say that fans of Cheating Sons will be pleasantly surprised by how different the band sounds now.

For me personally, this will also be the first time I’ve ever performed at the Esplanade Recital Studio and I am going to savour every minute, believe me. It’s been a thrilling ride with The Sons so far and based on the new material that’s coming together it feels like the journey has only begun! All that’s left for me to say is that I hope you will get your tickets whilst they’re available cos it’ll be Cheating Sons as you’ve never heard them before and all the craft and artistry that everybody involved has put into Time Trails will make your $25 investment a worthy one…in the meantime, check out the wonderful video teaser by Nick Pan (if you haven’t already) and we want to thank SONY Electronics for its generous loan of the NEX-VG10E handycam that made it possible. Still there’s more…

Tickets on sale at SISTIC. Like Cheating Sons at Facebook.

Poster design by Andy Yang.

PoPTV – SONGBIRD

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Mar 252012

Songbird is a Singaporean singer whose music fuses heartfelt lyrics, bouncy rhythms and saccharine pop melodies into radio-friendly tunes. Her first single, “Maybe”, is a sun-soaked ditty that shows off Songbird’s gift for balancing complex emotions with lighthearted flair. Songbird will make her debut at The Singapore Arts Festival from 24 to 27 May 2012. Book your seats at www.hellosongbird.com.

PASSION PIT – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Mar 232012

Back in late 2008, our writer Adam Gregory raved about Passion Pit‘s Chunk of Change EP describing Passion Pit as “a blast of fresh air”. Since then, the band has released its debut album – Manners – in 2009 to critical acclaim with songs placed on TV (Big Love), video games (FIFA 10), a performance at the Glastonbury festival and an opening spot on the last Muse US tour cementing its burgeoning reputation. Now the American electropop band makes its way to Singapore as it supports the upcoming release of its sophomore full-length effort in June 2012.

Details:

Date: Tuesday, 21st August 2012

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall

Tickets are priced at $48, $69, $88 and $98 (excl SISTIC fees). Promoter Greenhorn Productions will make an announcement as to when tickets go on sale so stay tuned!

Facebook event page

STEEL PULSE

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Mar 182012

(Press release)

Steel Pulse Announces Spring Tour Dates

Look Out For New LP This Year

Steel Pulse may have explored various styles of music since they started out in 1975, but when it comes to the message, the UK’s Grammy – Winning reggae band has remained close to their roots. The Group have continued their commitment to fighting injustice, educating the masses, and promoting positive messages through spiritually uplifting music.

“We just can’t ignore the politics, because every life and soul that’s born on this earth is a political manoeuvre for someone, at some point”, Hinds explains. “From a spiritual aspect, it’s really an upliftment through facing reality – what’s out there. We deal with positive spirits. It means putting aside the guns, the drugs and all of the things that are ailments of society – especially in the black communities right now”.

BITCH MAGNET – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Mar 122012

(Press release)

KittyWu Records presents BITCH MAGNET for a one-night-only performance at HOME CLUB on Friday, 13 April 2012. Formed in the fall of 1986 by Jon Fine (guitar) and Park Sooyoung (bass and vocals) and Orestes Morfín (drums), BITCH MAGNET have been recognized as a significant influence on generations of aggressive and musically complex bands, including Mogwai, Don Caballero, Rodan, June of 44 and Battles.

BITCH MAGNET, inactive since 2004, had their entire remastered Bitch Magnet catalog, plus six previously unreleased tracks, released as a triple-CD and a limited edition triple-LP in late 2011 by Temporary Residence Limited. It was greeted by rapturous critical responses from outlets ranging from the New York Times to Total Guitar, including four-star reviews in Rolling Stone and Mojo and a five-star review in Uncut.

The post-hardcore pioneers reunited at All Tomorrow’s Parties “Nightmare Before Christmas” festival in December 2011, and the band also performed a handful of dates in the UK, Europe and Asia in late 2011. Those performances marked the first onstage appearance of the band’s original recorded lineup – Morfin, Park and Fine – since 1989.

BITCH MAGNET will be joined by Singapore band AMATEUR TAKES CONTROL.

Event Title: KittyWu presents BITCH MAGNET (US)

Event Date: Friday, 13 April 2012

Event Time: Doors open at 8pm

Venue: HOME CLUB, 20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-01/06, The Riverwalk

Tickets: SGD25 (Advance) / SGD30 (Door)

Purchase advance tickets from http://kittywurecords.wordpress.com/events/bitchmagnet/

MOSAIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012

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Mar 062012

The Mosaic Music Festival (MMF) is back bringing to our shores bands/artists that cover a wide range of ‘genres’ and musical styles. Some are world-famous and some are obscure but the unifying tread amongst them is the programmers’ belief that these bands/artists can provide that ‘one magical musical moment’ as Esplanade chief Benson Puah states in the official MMF programme.

Certainly, MMF appears to cater to every taste imaginable and scanning through that programme, I would like to highlight the events that would probably appeal to PoP visitors.

OMD Saturday 10 March Theatre

Elbow Saturday 18 March Concert Hall

Russian Red Sunday 11 March Recital Studio

Blind Pilot Sunday 18 March Recital Studio

Architecture in Helsinki Friday 9 March Theatre Studio

Craft Spells Saturday 10 March Theatre Studio

Los Campesinos! Saturday 17 March Theatre Studio

Also of interest will be ‘up close and personal’ sessions with OMD, Russian Red, Craft Spells, Blind Pilot and Los Campesinos! at the Esplanade Library on the day of the performances.

For more information, check out the official site.

FRIENDLY FIRES – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Feb 102012

The last time UK 80s-influenced dance pop band Friendly Fires played in Singapore, it was as opening act for Faithless. This time, the band returns to perform a full set on Friday, 16th March at Avalon. To these ears, the band really reminds me of the fag end of the 80s electronic movement when synth-pop totally dominated the UK charts. I’ll leave it to you whether I think that was a good thing or not. In any case, Friendly Fires is certainly a buzz band at the moment and at least the rhythmic patterns of its songs do extend beyond the ubiquitous disco beat that too many young indie dance bands rely on nowadays.

Event details: -

Doors open at 7.30pm

Venue: Avalon, Marina Bay Sands (Table reservations, contact alfred@avalon.sg)

Tickets: Advanced $58 / Standard $70 via www.ticketbooth.com.sg

Presented by Untitled Entertainment.

THE NEW MANIFESTO

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Feb 102012

I hate the word ‘blog’. Worse still, ‘music blog’. Power of Pop is a website not a ‘music blog’. And Power of Pop will always be a vehicle for my personal views and opinions. This website will NEVER become a corporate music blog. That is a promise. I started this website in 1998 and whilst there have been hiccups along the way I am glad to say that we move into our fourteenth year in the pink of health. Sure, the website does not generate any revenue but that was never the goal – it has always been about the music.

When I started Power of Pop, I defined ‘Power Pop’ as Pop music with Power and this term transcended genre as my idea of Pop was/is very inclusive. Thus, I want to go back to that ideal that only music that fits that criteria will be featured on Power of Pop – I want this website to be the kind that seriously talented and innovative artists/bands would give their eyeteeth to be featured on. No compromises.

There will still be news items, gig reviews, band interviews, local music coverage in the general context of pop culture significance but when it comes to reviews, I am going to exercise much more quality control. There might be less reviews but when an album is featured, you can rest assured that it is music that has passed the Power of Pop test of excellence.

Thank you for your kind attention and I look forward to more years of support. Please leave comments if you have any at our newly minted Facebook page.

LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2012

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Feb 062012

Has it really been a year since thousands braved the rain at the inaugural Laneway Festival in Singapore? Yes and on 12th February 2012, a host of popular alternative pop-rock luminaries will thrill audiences at the Fort Canning Park, where hopefully the weather will prove more hospitable than the last time out.

Here’s the Power of Pop guide of the day’s proceedings for your kind consideration.

The day will begin with Cults, who is scheduled to kick off the festivities at 1.50pm (Stage One). This buzz band is riding on the fuzz-Spector-derived-pop wave that is sweeping the indie-alternative scenes worldwide. 90s alt-rock revivalists Yuck then bring Stage Two to life at about 2.30om. Synth-pop duo Chairlift come on at 3.15pm (Stage One) before electronic trio Austra at 4pm (Stage One)

Then at 4.45pm (Stage One) Girls, one of the bands to watch, brings its retro-delic rock n’ roll to the mix and then post-punk outfit The Drums (who visited our shores in 2011) gets us dancing at 5.25pm (Stage Two). The seductive Anna Calvi (6.15pm, Stage One) and new wave-channeling Twin Shadow (7.05pm, Stage Two), two distinctive solo projects.

Laura Marling – another major highlight – will provide warm acoustic vibes at 7.50pm (Stage One) beforeThe Pains of Being Pure At Heart turn on the noise at 8.40pm (Stage Two). Still with me? Into the final lap,Toro Y Moi brings exotic, progressive beats to the affair at 9.30pm (Stage One) and then indie rockette Feist delivers heartfelt sophistication at 10.20pm (Stage Two).

And… if you’re feeling a little tired by then… trust The Horrors to spice things up with its brand of post-punk/new wave retrospectives (11.15pm, Stage One) and as Sunday becomes Monday, hot electronic band M83 will end the festival on an extremely high note at Stage Two!

But… after all’s said and done. Are you ready Singapore? And have you got your tickets yet?

Tickets available at SISTIC.

OMD – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

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Feb 062012

It’s no secret that I sometimes wish that I was born at a much later time. Being a young person during the 70s and 80s when rock music was considered ‘yellow culture’ by the Singapore Government (and heavily suppressed) meant that I missed watching my favourite bands coming down to Singapore to play. Of course, the Singapore of 2012 is totally different from the Singapore of 1982, where rock concerts of contemporary popular bands happen almost every week.

Thus far, I have been fortunate enough to have been able to catch a few musical heroes from this era viz. The Police, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Echo & the Bunnymen, Lloyd Cole and even Bob Dylan. Come 10 March 2012, I can add Orchestral Maneouvres in the Dark (OMD) to this rather short list as the band play the Esplanade Theatre.

OMD was instrumental in getting me to jump on the post-punk bandwagon back in 1980. I was struck by the band’s performance of Enola Gay in the post-punk/new wave film Urgh! A Music War and the rest, as they say, is history. OMD quickly became one of my favourite bands and I consider the first three albums – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Organisation & Architecture and Morality – to be essential listening for any scholar of the synth-pop epoch.

Back when OMD released its strong comeback album – History of Modern – I was fortunate to be able to interview Andy McCluskey (whom together with Paul Humphries form the core of OMD) via email but now am looking forward to actually speaking to the duo by phone very soon (for TODAY) ahead of their performance during Mosaic Music Festival (MMF) 2012. I can only hope now that I will get a chance to meet my heroes sometime in March. What say you, MMF organizers???

Tickets now available at SISTIC.

Originally posted on 1 Feb 2012

LATE NITE @ ESPLANADE – TIME TRAILS BY CHEATING SONS

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Feb 052012

Slightly more than a year after Cheating Sons released its well-received debut album – Masters, Wives, Daughter – the band will be playing its sophomore effort in its entirety at the Esplanade Recital Studio for Late Nite @ Esplanade – Time Trails. Unfortunately, that second album will not be completed in time for this event but think of it as a extended teaser of the delights to come.

In addition to my role as band manager, I will also doubling up as keyboards player for this gig and believe me when I say that if you liked the tracks on the first one, the new material will blow your minds away! If you have caught any of the Sons’ shows in the last year you would be familiar with the likes of Jefferson, Amber Lights, Pale Rider, To Dance with the Devil and The Shadow Opera. As great as the aforementioned tracks are, the new songs up the ante somewhat and mine 60s rock n’ roll wonderfully as traces of the Beatles, Stones, the Band and Dylan are clearly evident together with the Sons’ own inimitable style and sound.

Of course, Power of Pop (together with the newly minted Cheating Sons website – to be launched soon) be showcasing the Sons’ preparation – both for the new album and the upcoming gig. It’s going to be exciting 2012 for Cheating Sons fans. If that’s you then first thing you need to do is quickly purchase your tickets for Time Trails at SISTIC.

… still there’s more …

LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2012

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Jan 312012

MOSAIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012 – IMAGINE

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Jan 252012

Older Entries

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SHIGGA SHAY

ELVIS COSTELLO

JON AUER/DYNAMO ROYALE

DEATH & A CURE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

JESUS AND MARY CHAIN – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

RHYTHM WITH NATURE

OCEANSHIP

CORRINNE MAY – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

JASON MRAZ – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

JAYESSLEE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

GREYSON CHANCE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

JAYESSLEE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

CHEATING SONS: TIME TRAILS

PoPTV – SONGBIRD

PASSION PIT – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

STEEL PULSE

Steel Pulse Announces Spring Tour Dates

Look Out For New LP This Year

BITCH MAGNET – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

MOSAIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012

FRIENDLY FIRES – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

THE NEW MANIFESTO

LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2012

OMD – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

LATE NITE @ ESPLANADE – TIME TRAILS BY CHEATING SONS

LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2012

MOSAIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012 – IMAGINE

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