Pop culture musings by Kevin Mathews
Every kind of music under the sun
Live music punters rejoice!
GigOut! is a mobile app that provides its users with the latest concert information in-app ticketing purchasing and even the ability to check out who’s also going to the show! GigOut! currently aggregates music concerts/events in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines and Hong Kong.
GigOut! is now available for free download via the Apple App Store with Android and other platforms to follow soon.
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MORRISSEY 25Live
Halfway through this concert film before singing The Smiths’ classic, “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want”, Morrissey announces to his rapt audience that he loves them and definitely the sentiment comes across as genuine and heart-warming. Which summarizes the appeal of the English singer, 25 years since he first launched his solo career after the demise of his legendary former band.
This memorable gig – filmed at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles (where Morrissey currently resides) – finds the 56 year old in fine fettle performing solo faves like “Alma Matters”, “November Spawned A Monster” and “Everyday is Like Sunday” and of course, Smiths classics like “Still Ill”, “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore”, “Meat is Murder”, “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” and “The Boy With The Thorn In His Side”.
Morrissey showcases four new tracks on the bonus feature, live recordings of “The Kid’s A Looker”, “Scandinavia”, “Action Is My Middle Name” and “People Are the Same Everywhere” produced by Tony Visconti. By the sounds of things, the next Morrissey album is going to be one to look out for…
The Japanese outfit is the leading pan-Asian independent music company and has recently launched operations in Singapore, whilst simultaneously beginning a partnership locally with Sony Music in Singapore and Malaysia. Hostess Label Manager Asia Nikki Mahmood-Chee had this to say about the announcement – “I’m thrilled to be part of the Hostess team after being a fan for such a long time, and can’t wait to get stuck in the process of introducing as well as connecting music fans to our artists and their music!”
Continue reading “HOSTESS ENTERTAINMENT UNLIMITED OPENS IN SINGAPORE [NEWS]”
BURBERRY CELEBRATES BRIT RHYTHM – WHITE LIES (Friday, 18 Oct 2013)
Two years ago, British trio White Lies had to cancel its gig at the Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore due to concerns over the devastating tsunami in Japan, which was, of course, greatly disappointing to their many Singaporean fans. So many were surprised when Burberry announced that White Lies would play in Singapore for a private event at a converted warehouse in Lorong Ampas!
Two months after the release of Emo FASCISM, I am working on my new 4-track EP, #alpacablues. Why so soon? Well, in actual fact, Emo FASCISM was recorded a year ago and most of the songs are already old news to me. I am a naturally restless soul and thus…
In any case, I don’t want to say too much about the new music but instead will let you listen to a sampler of the raw mixes so far below.
… still there’s more …
Well, basically, my favourite songs and why I love them to death…
HEAVEN KNOWS I’M MISERABLE NOW – THE SMITHS (1984)
When Paul Weller broke up The Jam in 1982, there was a huge vacuum in my life that his follow-up project The Style Council could not quite fill. I needed a band that could mean the same thing to me as The Jam did. In early 1984, the ever-dependable John Peel was championing a new band called The Smiths (viz. Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke & Mike Joyce) who had just released their third single (“What Difference Does It Make”) and eponymous debut album in January and February of that year respectively.
In 2011, I interviewed White Lies‘ Jack Lawrence-Brown ahead of the trio’s debut performance in Singapore. However, the concert never happened. Two years later, I will be watching White Lies playing at a private event and thought it would be a good time to dig out the interview that never ran at TODAY for the sake of completeness.
KM: Congrats on the new album (2011’s Rituals), people usually say that 2nd albums are difficult ones, was it true in this case?
JLB: I think it wasn’t really the case. Maybe we were lucky or maybe it’s different for other bands but for us it was a much easier album to make than the first record and also a lot more enjoyable. It was a process we all really enjoyed getting into. And we were really worried about making a 2nd album but it actually happened quite naturally for us.
WHEN DID INDIE POP BECOME A BAD WORD?
I love music of all kinds and generally dislike attempts at pigeon-holing. But of course, when you are trying to write about music it often becomes impossible to talk about ‘genres’. Since 80s “indie pop” has been treated as the artistic superior of pop-rock (which originated in the 70s and included the likes of Styx, ELO and REO Speedwagon – all of which were detested by the snobbish indie pop pundits) with its pioneers including bands like Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, Lloyd Cole & the Commotions, Felt, early Primal Scream and of course, The Smiths. By the late 80s, it was fairly agreed that the defining conventions of “indie pop” was jangling guitars, a love of ’60s pop, and melodic power pop song structures” and pop historian Jon Savage traced the origins back to the 60s (of course!) and to the eponymous third album of The Velvet Underground.
GRAVITY (Directed by Alfonso Cuaron)
Space. The Final Frontier.
Okay, wrong film but watching Gravity is probably the closest experience that most of us will have of being in space. And that unique experience is crucial to a complete appreciation of Gravity as director Cuaron draws on the concepts of the more familiar earthbound tales of survival (e.g. a person caught in a shipwreck or lost in the wilderness), the only difference being the setting.
… and we’re back! Power pop is the original basis for this webzine’s existence so I thought it’d be appropriate to highlight all you needed to know about the foundations of true-blue original POWER POP. Enjoy…
Thanks to the Breaking Bad finale, Badfinger is back in vogue. This British band originally consisted of Pete Ham, Ron Griffiths, Mike Gibbins and Tom Evans and were signed by The Beatles to Apple Records in 1968. Badfinger had four consecutive worldwide hits from 1970 to 1971: “Come and Get It” (written and produced by Paul McCartney), “No Matter What”, “Day After Day”, and “Baby Blue” (the song featured in that Breaking Bad finale).
New music we dig that you can listen to right now…
FOLDING LEGS – “Drown in Light”
YOU & I – “You & I Lost Control”
THE ROYAL CONCEPT – “Radio”
… still there’s more …
It’s been two months since the release of Emo FASCISM and people have asked whether I was happy with the response to the album. Well, no, to be honest I am definitely NOT happy. It’s not that I expected massive CD/merch sales or crowds at my launch gigs – but perhaps I had thought that the music scene had grown somewhat since the last time I had released an album in Singapore viz Popland’s Groovy (1998). Back then, I had pressed a thousand CDs and sold more than half (yes I still have about 200 copies at home) but this time I cautiously pressed only 300 copies and at this stage, 250 copies remain unsold.
Continue reading “THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD: ART FOR ART’S SAKE”
If nothing else, Laneway Singapore provides an opportunity to catch upcoming indie bands you fancy and very possibly discover new obsessions. The 2014 edition is no different – judging from the lineup above. For me, personally, it’s got to be the following: –
SAVAGES
Hottest indie band on the planet now? Could very well be. I was fortunate enough to catch them when I was in London in May. Believe the hype!
To be honest, I was rather clueless about this movie beforehand – partly because, based on the poster, it appeared to be revolving around F1 – a subject that leaves me rather disinterested. However, the moment I realized that the movie was actually based on the true life story of 70s F1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt – I knew that I was going to enjoy Rush.
(Press release)
Now/Live are proud to present Grammy Award winning and critically acclaimed indie rock act, PHOENIX, performing their debut headline show in Singapore. Performing hits from their extensive back catalogue including ‘Lisztomania’, ‘1901’ and ‘If I ever feel better’ along with tracks from their latest release ‘Bankrupt!’, this show will be one of the most enthralling of 2014!
METROPOLIS AMERICA – A Stolen Heart in a Stolen Car
A LGBT Malaysian adventure!
Here we go – your weekly dose of capsule reviews.
COLORWAY – S/t
Rock n’ roll will never die! This just might be power trio Colorway‘s manifesto on this eponymous debut. Rollicking numbers like “I’m Still Running” and “Live With Me” get the point across very succinctly. But singer-songwriter F Alex Johnson is also able to shake things up somewhat with the the sweet lullaby “Go Back to Sleep”, the acoustic instrumental “For the Birds” and the luscious ballad “A Temporary Occupation”. Highly recommended.
I still never get used to the fact that you can listen to entire albums streaming online nowadays. Back when I was a teenager, the only way to do so was going to record store and checking out the album in a listening booth. Enough, nostalgia, here is music you should check out…
THE STARFOLK
ANIMAL PARTS
BRIANNA LEA PRUETT
THE LONE BELLOW
SWF
(Press release)
SGMUSO is very excited and proud to announce HOUSE PARTY: An SGMUSO Open House.
As a follow up to the inaugural Music Matters Academy which ran as a 3-day project for Singaporean artists at Music Matters 2013, HOUSE PARTY is set to take place on 5th October 2013, at the Aliwal Arts Centre (home of SGMUSO).
Featuring a stellar line-up of over 20 homegrown acts who have benefitted from the SGMUSO – Music Matters Academy initiative, dynamic panel discussions as well as the exclusive screening of two local documentaries, HOUSE PARTY is jammed packed with activities in the span of a day!
Visit www.facebook.com/sgmuso for more details to be announced soon!
Some interesting music videos to share with you this week…
Fine Times – Bright Lights
I have been using Spotify quite a bit since it was officially launched in Singapore. Of course, the streaming music app isn’t perfect (it doesn’t have any Beatles music for instance) but it has certainly helped me to get in touch with obscure music once again and I wanted to take this opportunity to share the same with you in this column.
First off, we have the eponymous debut album of The Waterboys. I remember first hearing this in the early 80s and feeling that it was highly spiritual folk-pop-rock music that was epic and earthy at the same time. Apart from this wonderful debut, one should also check out A Pagan Place and Fisherman’s Blues.
Lloyd Cole & the Commotions was a breath of fresh air when its debut album – Rattlesnakes – was released to critical acclaim in 1984. The band never quite took off despite the success of the debut and Cole eventually went on to a fairly viable solo career.
Finally, Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn has had a 40 year illustrious career but has remained fairly obscure outside of his homeland. His eclectic style has seen Cockburn embrace such genres as folk, jazz, reggae, new wave and rock n’ roll with great aplomb. This playlist is a collection of some of my favourite Cockburn tracks and serves as an excellent introduction.
… still there’s more…
Okay, so it’s been a month since the last Blurb-O-Rama but hopefully, I can get this up and running on a more regular basis. Fingers crossed!
Spectrals – Sob Story
This sophomore effort from Yorkshire-based Spectrals is a classic pop enthusiast’s wet dream. Country-folk-blues jam with 70s pub-rock in the best possible way. Main man Louis Jones has obviously been listening to all the right music and Sob Story is an essential addition to the Pop Underground canon. Highlights – “Milky Way”, “Limousine” and the title track. http://spectrals.co.uk/
New Gods – New Gods
Post-punk revival in all its glory. And then some. As befitting its name, this Aussie band strives for epic . The opening two tracks (“Razorblades” and “On Your Side”) take their cues from 80s Big Music (Bunnymen, Comsat Angels) and 90s Shoegaze (Swervedriver, Ride). However, “Klipse” and “70 Hours” turn the tables somewhat with mutant R&B inflections. Eclecticism is a fine habit! Promising. www.newgodsmusic.com
Lloyd James Fay – The Black River Chronicles
Sometimes all you need is a guitar, a voice and songs that connect. And that’s exactly what you get with singer-songwriter Lloyd James Fay. This album sounds amazing even though all we have are shiny acoustic guitars and Fay’s emotional tenor. Probably one of the most beautiful stripped-down albums I have had the pleasure to listen to in 2013. Highly recommended. www.lloydjamesfay.com
Well, that’s it for this week (!) – till the next time.
… still there’s more …
SINGAPORE: SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY | THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY
(Press release)
Mark this date – Saturday 25th January – the idyllic tranquility of Gardens by the Bay will be rocked by one of the biggest and most anticipated music event on this day – Laneway Festival returns to Singapore! Bound to keep the New Year celebrations going, the 2014 edition of the Australasia’s most forward-thinking festival will roll into Singapore in its fourth year running.
With more than 9,000 music-lovers thronging the 2013’s festival, an even bigger number is expected to make a beeline for the 2014 gathering of indie’s rising stars. Nestled somewhere in between the lakes and the greenery of Singapore’s premier garden, with the stunning skyline of the city as the backdrop, The Meadow proves to be the perfect outdoor spot for this occasion so keep your calendars marked.
News on the mega-lineup will be announced on 1st October 2013. Stay tuned!
Some news and happenings from the little red dot.
DRU CHEN – FALL ASIA TOUR
In anticipation of his upcoming second single “Turnaround” from Intentions
EP, Dru Chen and his soulful 6-piece band will return to Singapore to perform two shows, followed by two more in Malaysia and the Philippines.
Earlier this year, at Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore, Dru released the EP’s lead single “You Bring Out The Best In Me”. The funky anthem has since been picked up by radio and bloggers internationally, and it’s accompanying über -energetic and dance-friendly music video has garnered 17,500 views.
During a two-month tour across Australia (including headline shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane), Intentions EP completely sold out! After printing a second batch of CD’s, Dru will continue touring Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines in the Fall of 2013.
The tour will kick off on August 30 at Night Festival. On September 6, Dru will perform at MAAD Sounds. His backing band includes Adam Shah (Muon), Gareth Fernandez (Kings SG), Tok Xue Yi (Huckleberry Friends), Weiye Tan and Tony Shen. The tour also brings Dru and band over to Malaysia and the Philippines, with singer-songwriters Carlos Castaño and Brisom.
Complete with blazing guitar solos, shimmering keyboards, soulful harmonies, beat boxing, and a tight rhythm section, don’t miss Dru Chen as he brings his trademark pop-savvy funk & soul to Singapore.
Dru Chen Fall Tour Dates:
Aug 30 – Night Festival, The Substation, Singapore
Sept 6 – MAAD Sounds, Red Dot Museum, Singapore
Sept 13 – The Bee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sept 14 – Secret Show, Penang, Malaysia
Sept 27 – 19East, Makati, Philippines
Sept 28 – SaGuijo, Makati, Philippines
E:
W: http://druchen.net
F: http://facebook.com/druchenmusic
T: http://twitter.com/druchenmusic
Y: http://youtube.com/druchenmusic
DEON TOH INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN
After a year of working out new material, DEON is on the cusp of completing his debut album Antiphobic. A culmination of his past two years as a solo artist in the Singapore scene, Antiphobic is the cathartic release of stories that have surrounded the people closest to him. Be it an ode to love, an exposition on the stubborn permanence of blood ties, or a rousing call for self-worth – the album is a pill. It is an antidote of positivity against the fears that have at one point or another unaffirmed the belief in love, its power to heal, uplift, and conquer all.
The indiegogo campaign is essential in helping DEON complete the album and fulfill a lifetime worth of dreams. Since releasing demo Letters, DEON has gone on to grace such major stages as Canadian Music Week 2013, Baybeats 2012, the NOISE Singapore Showcase and many more. The erstwhile drummer of the now defunct Flybar is looking make imprints on the regional scene with his own brand of brilliant song-craft.
However, Antiphobic requires the support and help from as many as possible. Pledging will help us push through the final hurdle to finish the album. Funds will go directly to production, mastering, and packaging costs that will help make Antiphobic a reality.
Please visit http://igg.me/at/deondebutalbum for more details.
…still there’s more…