+65 Indie Underground on Channel Newsasia

A history of Singapore's band scene

Well-balanced Weekend.

We arranged for band practice on Saturday so in order not to feel so bad about leaving the kids, I took them out earlier in the day for some fun.

In hopes to tire them out so when they spend the next couple of hours sleeping at home minded by Matriarch and helper, we ran for practice.

When Sunday came, Mister had to sleep in after a graveyard shift but I've gotten used to doing things with the kid/s on my own so I planned to take Munchkin to a Cat Show since the little one is skittish of cats. Taking the almost 4yr old out now is convenient cos I don't have to carry around diapers and milk bottles plus she makes great conversations (at any time there's always someone to say I'm pretty even though I look like a train-wreck). But most of the time, I feel wretched about leaving the 17mth-old at home with the helper. So we waited. As soon as the younger one shut her eyes for her 11am nap, Munch and I got dressed and left. It's less of a heartache when the other one sleeps so she doesn't miss much. By the time we got home, it was the elder's turn to nap so I didn't waste any time, got Pumpkin dressed and off we went to a another heartland mall.

Sense of achievement there when both get equal treatment. Now let me think about ways to manage this with a third kid.

What's up, Serenaide?

Its been a while since we did something like this.


Our keyboardist is back in Singapore. Looks like we're going to be a bit busy.

We Miss Gigs

Finally got round to sending the cybergamer brother to the airport last night. He was off to Seoul to challenge but we killed two birds with a stone; gathered a bit to meet The Guragas before he heads back ozzie for start of term.



And why I still yearn for a DSLR; Depth-of-field photos. Did I mention I lost my Nikon FM2 while I studying?

Cheaters

A recent lunch topic was about models and celebs on how some of them only look stunning on the pages of magazines. I'm quite surprised at how often we tend to forget Photoshop being the main culprit in these publishing houses.

Being the artist for my own band's CD sleeve, of course I have to admit my fair share in the guilt.



This was the original version of the picture of me on the sleeve.


This was the edited version.


Oklah.. tak macam supermodel pon, at least tak nampak berpeluh ape
(Not like supermodel lah but at least not looking sweaty).

On the Waterfront - Rockin' The Region: Indonesia

15 May 09, Fri
7.30 - 8.15pm The Fake
8.45 - 9.30pm Cascade
10 - 10.45pm Homogenic

16 May 09, Sat
7.30 - 8.15pm The Fake
8.45 - 9.30pm Bangkutaman
10 - 10.45pm Homogenic

17 May 09, Sun
7.30 - 8.15pm Cascade
8.45 - 9.30pm Bangkutaman

youtube link of Bangkutaman's live set
youtube link of Homogenic's music video

In 2003, we had not found myspace. I was socialising on an Indonesian forum called Malesbanget. A couple of guys were organising a gig and offered me and my friends to play. It was December when we went.

We stayed in a serviced apartment called Hotel Kristal where, before we left for the gig, someone who fronts a band called Bangkutaman came by to ask us a few questions for an article of a zine called Outmagz.


This weekend, that band Bangkutaman, will be in Singapore to play at Esplanade along with other Indonesian bands. One of them is Homogenic from FFwd Records which is the same label as Mocca. FFwd Records has also done a lot for my band.

We've made many Indonesian friends since then and they showed great hospitality. I feel a need to do the same when they come here.


This was my favourite photo of the trip. An all-vocalists photo.

from left: Santa Monica, Serenaide, Bangkutaman, Blossom Diary.

selit page scans of the article Acum did:

Carousel Dinner

Should be made mandatory every year. Mister is always prepared for an excuse to dine at Carousel so the cybergamerbrother's birthday was a good one. Except we had to do an advanced one since his actual birthday would expect most restaurants to be filled with lovebirds.

Serenaide 3.0

Mister took out his guitar (tong) and played something unfamiliar. Then he said "I want to get something recorded".

Suddenly it hit me. I don't remember where my bass guitar is.

060708

The latest Serenaide photo with guitarist in the background.

The Hair Salon

As I get heavier and Mister hardly being around on weekends, it is a big deal that we managed to accomplish two things last Saturday and Sunday.

1. A fruitful trip to Arab Street for Mister to find his fabric for Eid outfit.
2. Munchkin's 1st professional haircut.

Mister insisted we go to his regular, The Hair Salon at Far East Plaza for Munchkin's 1st professional haircut cos that's the only salon he trusts (he's been going there for like more than 10 years). In fact, the other Serenaide guitarboy, Remy, also got hooked to Alan's (owner cum stylist) service after Mister's recommendation some years back (so now you know where that typical 'Serenaide hairstyle' came from).

We got Munchkin's hair layered and not exactly shortened so it's not heavy at the bottom anymore. The top part of her hair was almost straightening out because of the weight, so now that it's lighter, there is still a chance for new hair to curl. I'm just glad that her hair is now tangle-free and the sides no longer cover her face.

Another One Bites the Dust

One wedding and (almost) two babies later, another Serenaide weds.


Nice date, pardner.

The Boy from Katong

The Lard Brothers featuring Dewi of MarchTwelve on vocals did their version of Serenaide's The Girl From Katong. Listen!

http://www.myspace.com/thelardbrothers

Bass Guitar or Stroller?

The initial plan last year upon getting this Epiphone Viola Bass was to use it for the recording of Serenaide's new material.

But the vocalist knocked the bassist up again and practice sessions were majorly disrupted. Plans had to be shelved so the band goes on another maximised maternity break.

Since the guitar was bought, it had only been caressed once for 2hours and was untouched since (plastics not even removed yet).


Being the 'struggling musicians' that they are and with coming of baby no.2, they figured that it's more practical to sacrifice the guitar and get a stroller AND a car-seat instead.

So anyone wants an Epiphone Viola Bass (with hard case) for $450?

Switching Gears

Let me first introduce to you these two bands from Indonesia if you haven't already know them.


The Upstairs
I absolutely love their music and image ever since I knew about them. Very original and creative with much credit given to frontman, Jimmy Multhazam.


White Shoes & The Couples Company
Good music too! Plus how honored were we for having the privilege to share the stage with them when Serenaide played Bandung in 2005. Unfortunately we didn't get to mingle as they played right before us. Besides, us being the last band, when the show ended, all I wanted to do was to leave the smokey place as I was 4 months pregnant with Munchkin.

Anyway these two bands had a 'switching gears' session which I found hilarious (check out Jimmy in White Shoes gear. The hair and moustache!)


The Upstairs as White Shoes


White Shoes as The Upstairs

Spokesperson

Spokesperson for Serenaide and Marilyns respectively.