JON CHAN – PLAINSUNSET

Not many Singapore bands manage to release 4 albums, how do you feel about that? 

Never really thought about that before, but now that I have, I’m quite chuffed!

What was the motivation to record this album? 

I’d say it was natural progression. We knew we were in a different place musically, and to me, it was just a logical thing. We just wanted, and hoped people appreciated what we were, and still are about.

Why did Plainsunset break up in 2004? 

I guess we plead burnout, plus busy-ness, working life and all that. I think a little cabin fever was creeping in but it was more a case of working styles than anything personal. I suppose we never considered taking time off instead.

Why did you decide to reunite? 

I guess the summary was that we just missed it. Funny story; by the end of ’05, the idea was tossed around and we agreed to do a one-off for Baybeats in ’06. But then Nizam asked why we never thought of a full-on comeback for good. Sham asked me what I thought, and I said,” Well, if Ronny wants to…,”  Later, I heard Ronny said “I thought it WAS for good!?” So we decided to keep it a classified operation, top secret. 8 Jan ’06 was the first meet in TNT studios, the first time we’re in the same room at the same time in two years. We spontaneously managed to bang out what later became ‘Interference’. We decided to have a band meeting over teh and prata at Bencoolen straight after the jam, to discuss the why’s, how’s and all that about a reunion, and before we even sat down, someone across the coffeeshop yelled ‘Plainsunset!’. True story.

Plainsunset is one of very few Singapore bands from the 90s to survive intact, what do you attribute that fact to? 

We never really thought about that. It’s not been part of a mission for us to stay. It’s odd but we’re not as close as some bands are, like our lives do not revolve around the band, but at the same time we try to retain a sense of humor when we get together. Maybe that’s it, I dunno. Boundaries, probably? That does help, I’m told.

Can you tell me about the high points of your 12 year existence?

I’d say one thing was the very first tour in NZ. It felt like we were one of the guys we listen to in Lookout records or something- touring a tiny van, sleeping in people’s living rooms, eating instant noodles at gas stations, etc. For an unknown tiny Asian band touring a Caucasian-dominated nation, it felt great, like we did one for our side. Ronny would probably say the gigs. I reckon when they go well (and we’ve have bad days), it feels great.

Any low ones?

A low is when a set goes bad. We had one a long time ago, when one of us was in a bad mood, it was like quicksand- everything went wrong. We’ve had people believe stuff about us that isn’t true- a particular station thought we were arrogant, acting like bigshots. I looked back, and reviewed it, know it’s not true- the host and crew came out with us for a smoke right after. Ah well…what to do?

Was it easier or harder to record the new album compared to say, Runaway?

This was an easy album to write, but hard to record. We had to work to a metronome for the first time in our lives so it was a struggle at first. At the same time, we had to record it twice because something went wrong the first time. But it was a blessing in disguise because it sounded better and got easier the second time around. But we’re proud of this album, we really are. It truly is a milestone for us as a band I think.

What was the songwriting / recording process behind the new songs?

In the writing process, some songs came easily for us. One or two were straight jams starting from noodling and doodling. Others were me having a chorus, lyrics and a chord progression, bringing everything in and the boys adding their own magic.

Theme wise it was a clear-cut difference this time. I talked a lot about people I can’t stand, things like post-modernity which is inevitable, but still terrible for morality. Also themes like personality differences came in, had tons of material to write about.

Recording is fast for us- we usually already know what parts and arrangements we’ll play before we go in. It saves a lot of money for us that way.  

What do you hope to achieve with the new album?

My hope of hopes is that we’ll record something that is beyond fashion and trends in music- timeless. Whether we’ve succeeded, only time will tell. We also want to go for ‘evocative’ rather than ‘clever’. I’m also hoping that somehow people will hear this as a tribute to our eclectic taste and turn to music’s history, not just what they hear on the radio. There’s a lot that I’ve personally gotten into the last few years- Mission Of Burma, Bowie, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, besides like Fugazi and all…I have finally begun to understand what makes them great, and hope that the kids nowadays can share that experience and not limit themselves.

Why should anyone buy the album?

They should buy the album so that I can afford a BMW, HEH!!

I think they should buy the album because we’re hoping to represent the Lion City in a different way; patriotic without being propaganda-ish. I’m also hoping that they’ll expand their music tastes after this album. Of course, this is HOPE…

What are your plans to promote the new album?

We’ll do the launch at Zouk. It’s apt because it was where we launched the common favorite (LovesongsForTheEmotionallyWounded), and at the same time they really know how to put up a show there. Then we’ll do a couple of videos. All this on top of the usual appearances. It’s not quite as busy as before, but now we’re working stiffs, and one of the conditions of the return was to not work quite as hard as before.

Will the album be released overseas and do you intend to tour outside Singapore?

We haven’t really spoken of it yet, but we’re idly exploring possibilities. Right now we just want to scratch an itch that’s almost two years late. Touring and all is a hope, but reality may come at us like pie in the face.

Plainsunset play a great live show which is always received with enthusiasm by your audiences – what is your secret?

I think we’re all natural attention seekers! Heh! Somebody said that we sound exactly like our albums. That’s coz’ we record exactly like we’re live!

Do you have a message for your fans?

Take yourself seriously enough to practice lots and work hard, but recognize that at the end of the day, don’t take yourself too seriously and lose your whole identity in it. It’s not Jon Chan, frontman for Plainsunset first, son second, etc. If that’s it, there’s something seriously wrong.

Thanks to Jon for cool answers and to Esmond for setting it all up. Plainsunset’s eponymous 4th album is in stores now. Go for it!