Showing posts with label home-made talents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home-made talents. Show all posts

Saturday, July 5, 2008

V’s Love for Music

Have you been in a situation where you love what you do but due to circumstances, are halted along the way? And when you were stuck, did you wish you had someone to help you out?

Well, this is the situation a dear friend of mine is in. V’s love of music is much bigger than his body can contain. He was studying engineering at one point of time but felt his calling for music much greater and left to pursue his dreams. Along the way, he met with constant challenges but never once did he give up.

After loads of hard work and toil, he finally had his dream job of managing a band which is now a household name in Malaysia. Alas, his dream was cut short. A week after that, his tenant called to say he has to move out at the end of the month as she is selling the apartment. Things became from difficult to tough very quickly.

So here I am asking if anyone of you readers out there who knows or would like to hire a person who is committed, dedicated and passionate about music, managing bands and artists, who isn’t afraid of hard work and would go the extra mile to make sure he doesn’t do a good job but a Great Job.

V’s an infant in the tough and choppy music industry. He has dabbled with the trade for two years on his own and 7 months professionally. And V is currently looking for a job in this field of work. While he may lack experience, he makes it up with his enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. I have faith in what he does because he is not afraid to beat the odds.

While everyone plays it safe with professional careers which brings along the supposed stability and financial security, it is the fact that he’s doing something so different from most people I know that makes him more outstanding. V does not know I’m writing this about him but a part of me felt like I had to do something to help. I can’t just sit here doing nothing when I see so much of potential in a good friend and think what a waste to see it just go right away before my very own eyes. And I don’t really know how to help because I’m as clueless.

I recently met V up. He still maintains his optimism and passion about his dream. But that twinkle in his eyes are missing and I can tell he is concerned over what the future lays. How nice it would be if I could tell him that everything will be ok. But I can’t because I don’t know myself. Seeing him across the table with the fading glimmer of hope made me a little sad because in front of me is a person who has so much to offer and yet no path is visible at this point of time.

I’m writing this as a friend who is trying to help out another friend. I do lend my support and I cheer in all hisgood days and am around to listen on not-so-good-days. But if you dear readers do know if there are any job openings, vacancies or people who could possibly help V get a job in his much loved music industry, I will be very grateful. Do drop a comment, give me a buzz or an email. I truly appreciate it and I’m positive V would too. Because I’m sure you too have a friend who you would help out in his / her time of need. And I need your help to help my friend in his hour of need.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Malaysian Artistes for Unity for Here in My Home

free download


I first heard about Malaysian Artistes for Unity when I attended the recent Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM 15) where the video and song was showcased for the first time. I loved the simplicity of the video, a bunch of people (famous Malaysians mind you, i recognised almost everyone there) who were just having fun, prancing in front of the camera in what appeared to be a basement.


The Here in My Home *click* project was started out by Pete Teo*click* who decided to do an anti-racism national unity song and music video. The idea spread like wild fire and from an initial 52 people the numbers rose to an astounding 120 in the party. Sharing a common love for Malaysia, these filmmakers, dancers, singers, producers, musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, designers, footballers, activists, celebrities, students and a florist *click* volunteered enthusiastically to contribute to this project. Thus the birth of Malaysian Artistes for Unity.

The song Here in My Home is very catchy. You could download the mp3, video and banners here. The full lyrics are available on the video. However, I'll do you one better as the lyrics below includes the romanised translation for the tamil and mandarin part of the song. All these are courtesies of Wei Zhu, Mahen (who translated the tamil part) and Natasya (for the mandarin translation). For those studying in Cowboy Town Uni, you can download the mp3 and video from our beloved DC++. Do share and spread the love.


Hold on brother hold on
The road is long,
we're on stony ground
But I'm strong, and you ain't heavy
Oh there's a misspoken truth that lies
Colors don't bind, oh no
What do they know?
They speak falsely

Here in my home
I'll tell you what it's all about
There's just one hope here in my heart
One love undivided
That's what it's all about
Please won't you fall in one by one by one with me?
(Fall in~ Fall in~)
Fall in with me
(hmm ... fall in~)
Fall in fall in fall in with me


Push back sister won't you push back?
Love won't wait, just keep pushing on
Yes I'm strong, you ain't heavy
Oh don't you worry about that ...
What we have shadows can't deny
Don't you know it's now or never?
Here in my home
I'll tell you what it's all about
There's just one hope here in my heart
One love undivided
That's what it's all about
Please won't you fall in one by one?


(Malay)
Bertubi asakan berkurun lamanya
Hati ke depan mencari yang sayang
[Years of fears and years of tribulation
The heart keeps searching for that endless devotion]

(Mandarin)
手牵手大家一起走,我们代表国人开口未来就没有丢走
shou qian shou da jia yi qi zou,
wo men dai biao guo ren kai kou wei lai jiu mei you diu zou
[Hand in hand we'll march like blood brothers
I speak for my people, hope we'll find peace forever]


(Tamil)
inthe payanam payanamm yen vettri thaagam
anthee kaana kaalam naam vetri raagam...nanba nanba
[May the road ahead quench my thirst for success
the road behind echo a song of the blessed]

Yes I feel it in my bones, so I will let it be known
No matter where I roam this is home sweet home

Sing!

Here in my home
I'll tell you what it's all about
There's just one hope here in my heart
One love undivided
That's what it's all about
Please won't you fall in one by one by one with me?
(yeah~ Yeah)


Here in my home
(Here in my home)
I'll tell you what it's all about
(I'll tell you ...)
There's just one hope here in my heart
(one hope! one hope yo!)
One love undivided(aa~ one~)
That's what it's all about
(That's what it's all about~)
Please won't you fall in one by one by one with me?


Here in my home
(Here in my home~)
I'll tell you what it's all about
There's just one hope here in my heart
(one love one love one love ^^)
One love undivided
That's what it's all about
Please won't you fall in one by one by one with me?
(clap clap clap woo~ i love you man)

Monday, May 5, 2008

Anugerah Industri Musik (AIM 15) - Full Coverage

The weekend was a blast! Remember how I mentioned i'm going for the AIM? Well, the Anugerah Industri Muzik was awesome from the very beginning starting with the pre-party to the post party.

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Le invitation

There were 4 of in all, two from Fly Fm, Adibah and myself and two more from Hot FM, Liza and Firdaus. As part of our win, we got to pick out our attires which were sponsored by Little Black Book and Jefferson (for Firdaus), a makeover, walk the red carpet with the DJs, sit through the event at VIP seats and attend the post party! The words nice does not even come close to describing the coolness of all this.

I’ve broken down to post to 3 parts. Here is goes:

Pre-Party

Friday 2nd May 2008: It was every girls dream come true to walk into a boutique and try on dress after dress before picking on one. Little Black Book had a pretty wide selection of dresses, all very pretty, I was spoilt for choice. I tried on at least 15 dresses before I settled down on my final choice. Being small and skinny was a huge disadvantage as I had trouble finding clothes that fits. Size M is wayyy too big for me; I look like I’m swimming in it. I was initially a little hesitant with my final choice simply because it screams ME all over it. A very typical dress I would have picked out except that I was hoping to go for a different look that night. But I figured it is best I feel comfortable with what I’m going to wear since ill be in it for a few hours.


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Among the many dresses I tried


Saturday 3rd May 2008 (3-6pm): Make-overs at Sri Pacific Hotel :).


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All of us after the makeover


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Right before leaving for the party

Party

This is when all the excitement truly starts. We were brought to the VIP lounge where everyone was chilling out before they walk in. Met an old friend Fabian from Radio Icon who now works for Fly Fm. We did not waste any time here, took shots with who we could get a hold of.


My date for the night was Phat Fabes who looked smashing with his coat and vest.


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Fabes and I

Adibah’s date is Ben (who is so cute btw, his pictures do not do him justice).


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Ben and I


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AA from Singapore. He’s so adorable and tall. Was sweet enough to sing for us his oh-so-famous Sayang Sayang song.


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Farahwaheeda, Liza and I


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Andy of Estranged. He is So Cute and tall. *heart melting like chocolate*

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Vinder (who has yet to master the art of smiling)



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Pop Shuvit and Estranged


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Elaine Daly (she’s so pretty)



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Jules who hosts the Night Flight with Prem on Fly FM

Walking down the blue carpet (to reflect Celcom which is a sponsor of the event) with Fabes is pretty cun. I had my one minute of fame smiling at the cameras who went flashing like crazy.

My seat was 4th row from the font, Woo Hoo!! Fabes is funny and really nice to talk to. He kept us laughing whenever he teases Adibah Amin whom I think did a great job hosting the event with Adlin Shauki. They were witty and entertaining throughout. The things that went on during the commercial breaks with her saying “I love Faizal Tahir” and “He’s so cute” left the crowd in stitches.

* * *
Ben: Do any of you blog? Coz I came across your post on the event
Ohkulala: I do blog. You did? *I think my eyes were gonna pop out*
*reality striked, I ain’t famous, only those who knows me reads my blog so he probably got the wrong person*
So I asked a few more questions and confirmed it was my blog indeed! *cloud nine*
* * *

Faizal Tahir had great showmanship with his flying act and Superman shirts. Pop Shuvit ended the night with a bang. Their performance was very fancy with the whole stage appearance, clowns, fire eaters etc. Kudos to them for winning the Anugerah Kembara which acknowledges Malaysian artists who bring their music abroad. Pop Shuvit were number 1 in Japan beating Linking Park (info courtesy of Fabes), now don’t you feel proud?

Post Party

Food was provided but I barely ate with all the excitement. Took more photos. Such a camwhore. Hehe


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Din of Estranged. Love the hair dude


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Anuar Zain


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BoomerangX


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I heart Estranged. Felt so privileged coz not many got pictures with them (thanks Vinder)


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The Biggest winner of the night – Faizal Tahir

I think I slept with a smile and this image plastered on my face. There is no way I can forget all the glamour and glitz of the star studded weekend :). I must say I felt a certain sense of pride for the artists, singers and bands. It is not easy to break through and make it in this competitive industry in Malaysia. Some of them are yet to be on par with the international artists but give them time and I’m positive they will grow, develop and bloom in due time. Congratulations to all the winners of AIM. And a very big Thank You to Fly Fm and Reen who was in-charged of us winners. Today, I have one more event I can talk about, beautiful memories and another story to tell my kids one day. Hehe…

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Augerah Industri Muzik and I

PS: Being the camwhore I am, these are not all the photos of the nite. You can view more pics here.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Sunburst Music Festival

Sunburst Music Festival was awesome! I was there around 2.40 pm with Keropok and we bumped into a number of friends including some unexpected ones from uni. Security was tight, we had to go through 4 check points and I had to leave behind my mineral water bottle. I knew it wasn’t allowed but I can’t just not try my luck.

The first show I watched was Gerhana Ska Cinta and the sun was blazing, literally laughing in our faces telling us “Melt people, melt till you are no more. Hahahaha”. However, I came totally geared up for the weather. Clad in a cotton holter top, Capri pants, flat sandals, a cap borrowed from Keropok, sunnies and a thick coat of sunblock :). Keropok also brought a long a bright sunny yellow umbrella so we took shelter from the sweltering heat while watching Gerhana Ska Cinta.

Next was the episode of water “taking”. We spotted a tent, unsupervised filled to the brim with boxes of mineral water. So I cheered on as Keropok managed to get 2 bottles for us and 2 of our acquaintances.

Gigi had good showmanship, I liked it how the lead singer pronounced Incubus as In-ku-bus (pronounced in Malay), it was hilarious and became our running joke of the day. The weather decide to take a 360 degree turn and it started pouring cats and dogs right before Pop Shuvit took the stage. I ran to the nearest tent and stayed there till the rain was a mere drizzle. Die hard fans of Pop Shuvit bared the rain, umbrella or none. People were soaking wet and jumping like crazy. There was also a side performance, slightly more enterntainng that Pop Shuvit. The crew members of Joe Flizzow were also in the same tent as me and they were restless. So they had races under the rain and also sliding competitions into big puddles of water. They looked like they had the time of their lives! Keropok and I also placed bets on who would win which rounds. Talk about entertainment man.

I couldn’t miss Hujan, and the rain was sympathetic, it was drizzling by then so I got under the umbrella to the stage singing away to their songs. I couldn’t care less that most of the others around me were staring. And then it started to rain again, I was a little disappointed they didn’t play Pagi yang Gelap and just as I was leaving, they sang the song!!! So I stayed back, overjoyed they played all my 3 favourite songs – Ah Moi Cantek, Kuala Lumpur and Pagi yang Gelap. So yeah, I watched Hujan in the rain, literally.

Keropok’s brother and gang were also performing, they are Twilight Action Girl who plays at the Loft@Zouk every Friday night. And Keropok had no idea about it until we met the gang during Hujan’s performance. Or else we could have gotten free tickets. Oh well…

George Clinton and P-Funk was energy busting, people dancing and grooving to the catchy beat. I loved Raul Midon, his voice soulful, his lyrics spoke to me. His guitar skills are amazing. I especially love the song he wrote when he was dating his now wife. Pity my uni network don’t carry his songs.

By the time The Roots and Icognito performed, the crowd has swelled tremendously. John Legend was Sweat Man. He was not glistening but literally dripping in sweat, honestly I found it gross. A girl had a chance to dance with him on stage and even she couldn’t help but wipe off his sweat for him. By the time she left, her left thigh (which was against his) was wet, a sweat patch was clearly visible.

The highlight of the night was Incubus. They, however, did not perform according to schedule. Being the superstars they are, they decided to perform earlier, citing reasons that their fans wouldn’t wait till too late for them. WTF. And because of that, Estranged and Search were pushed back to make way for the whites. Seriously, I think loads of people were there mainly for Incubus, they would have stayed back no matter how late just to catch their show. The organizers gave in without a fight, not even a negotiation to get them to perform as scheduled. Got this scoop form V.

Now, why is this so important? Well, the idea of the festival was partly to support the local music scene. And if Estranged and Search were to perform after Incubus, the crowd would pretty small by then. Even the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) chairperson did not support nor stand up for the local acts! To give the local bands center stage and exposure is so important and they took away that golden opportunity by letting Incubus perform first. Gosh….

The festival brought upon loads of catching up with friends I have not meet in years. I met Davina from our Introduction Weekend of Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur, after camp, we have not met up, and that was 5 years ago. I was so happy she could recognize me, I tapped her shoulder and was saying, “By any chance, are you ….” “OMG, OHKULALA IT IS YOU!!!” she squealed. Then there was Neha, whom I’ve not meet since 6 years ago. Also finally met V’s sister-in-law, have heard so much about her and we finally met face-to-face. Catching up with Superman was great, pity him, he took awhile to spot me coz of the massive crowd.

My back was totally aching from all the standing I was doing, after the fourth or fifth song of Incubus’ performance, I had to get a sit. So we chilled at the Tuborg station watching Incubus from the big screen. They had an encore of 3 songs! We left around 1.30am. I was hungry from all the excitement. The pizza we got from Pizza Hut was not wow, it was cold and expensive but that was expected. The satay was so much better, should have gotten that earlier. To pacify my aching tummy, we ate at Devi’s Corner in Bangsar before I headed back to my lovely bed.

I think the idea behind Sunburst was a great one. They could tweak it better by selling water at a cheaper price, it was RM3 per bottle and I found out these were actually sponsored. So technically, they are making 100% profits cutting our throats. The incident of big guns pushing their way around should not be repeated, what is the worse that can happen? Incubus doesn’t perform and the organizers can sue them, win-win-win for the organizers, local bands and the patrons.

The weekend was awesome. To counter the amazing weekend, I have loads going on this week. My FYP experiments were completed yesterday afternoon. The PDP pre-EDX and final presentations are due this afternoon and my interview is on Saturday. Jord Mela on Thursday and OM test on Friday. So yeah, I have my entire week packed out. Good luck to me.