L’Alphalpha has just released their 2nd Single, “Comet’s Tail” and 2 video clips from their albums, “About a Friend” and “Fall Asleep”.
The pop-post-rock Indonesian band features Music Services Asia’s SEA Absolute Indie Compilation with “About a Friend”.
Listen to “Comet’s Tail”:
Watch “About a Friend”:
About a Friend [Official Video Clip] from L’Alphalpha on Vimeo.
Watch “Fall Asleep”:
Fall Asleep [Official Video Clip] from L’Alphalpha on Vimeo.
A video interview for SEA Absolute Indie compilation,
released on worldwide digital platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Ganxy.
Check out Noughts and Exes’ website and YouTube channel!
In the greying margins of pop-based indie and new-age rock, many bands find it hard to remain afloat among the masses of like-minded, similar-sounding music-makers from across the globe. Luckily, post-pop aficionados Fandy Ruzak, Khairyl Hashim, Magdelene Han and Saiful Idris of The Great Spy Experiment do not fall into this category. Harnessing elements of pop sensibility and an integrated knowledge of irresistible dance-floor-filling beats, the unprecedented success of The Great Spy Experiment’s addictive, modern melodies, created “with the dancefloor in mind, and the bedroom in heart,” has catapaulted the quintet from modest quiet achievers, to playing and creating among Singapore’s indie elite.
Describe your perfect dinner date with an inspirational musician or band – Dead or Alive.
Fandy: Ringo Starr. I’d first give him a hug, buy him a drink and then ask, “Did you feel like quitting The Beatles at any point in time? If so, what made you change your mind? If you did leave the band, would you forever live in regret?”
Saiful: Paul Banks. I’d ask “Who broke you?” and thank him for speaking directly to my inner being.
Magdelene: Billy Corgon. First, I would get a picture with him, which did not happen the last time I saw him back-stage. His bodyguard was with him and Billy just said, “Not now.” That disappointment has stayed with me until this very day – I must get proper closure to that incident!! (Laughs). I grew up listening to the Smashing Pumpkins…but I’d probably have too many questions for him.
Where have you guys been recently?
Saiful: We’ve been locked in the studio, working on our second album. Otherwise, riding the tsunami that is life.
How would you describe your sound as it is now, and how has it changed since you started the band?
Fandy: I feel it’s the nature of today’s musicians. We’re so exposed to the sounds of the world more than ever before, it’s become natural for our music to sound like a little bit of this and a little bit of that. As we’ve grown older, I feel our sound has grown with us. We give our music a lot more thought now, and we feel it when we hear the recorded tracks. There’s definitely more feel, character and honesty.
Magdelene: I agree with Fandy, our sound has “mellowed” as we have “aged”. The upcoming album really showcases another side of GSE.
Describe the best and worst attributes of each band member…
Fandy: Saiful is a genius; a talented boy, that one. He’s got everything so figured out, that sometimes being momentarily average annoys him. Having played with him since we were 14, I used to not ‘get’ him. But age slows us down and makes us see life from a different perspective. I now love him like a fat kid loves cake. Khai is stylish and daring. He’s my go-to guy for what look is ‘in’ now and what’s coming ahead. On stage I love the chemistry between us. But he’s such a worrier that sometimes it gets the better of him. It’s endearing. We tease him all the time. Mag is like the older sister I never had. She’s patient, organized and she’s got a spirit stronger than steel. However, she hides behind her husband too much. Song is passionate. He believes in his music. He’s just girlish at times.
Saiful: And Fandy is the heart and soul of the band. And everything else that he does.
Magdelene: Saiful has the brains, Fandy has the soul, Song has the charm and Khai has the muscles.
Best and worst performing experience? Why?
Saiful: Sport B Festival in Taipei in 2009. Everything about the show was great. As for the worst, it’s hard to pick one. There’ve been a few where the crowd just stood and watched, with arms crossed. Painful stuff. I’ve slowly resigned the worst ones to the deepest recesses of my mind.
Magdelene: The best performing experience is one where the band has tons of fun on stage, regardless of hiccups or mistakes – and there are tons of people dancing to our songs in the crowd. We had a lot of fun travelling to Texas and performing. It was tough to be on the road and having little sleep, but thinking back, I miss those times with the band. I want to do it all over again!!
A bit of advice to budding musicians who have seen you guys performing live?
Fandy: Love your band-mates and your music will flourish.
Saiful: Love. Full stop.
Magdelene: Faith. Love. Patience. Passion. Dance.
Catch The Great Spy Experiment performing in the UpToTheSky Festival, held 3rd December in Singapore, and on the SEA Absolute Indie Compilation, available on iTunes, Amazon, Ganxy, and more digital platforms!
By Stephanie Winkler
Deerhoof speaks about their projects and their upcoming tour in Singapore and South-East Asia.
The band features SEA Absolute Indie compilation, available on almost all the digital platforms!
Famed writer Alice Walker once said; “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, but they are still beautiful.” And, who can argue with that? Nature is all encompassing, and does not adhere to the rules of colour, mood and structure – much like the raw sounds of Taipei three-piece Orange Grass, whose sounds not only reflect the unpredictability of organic structures and weather patterns, but whose name also reflects the weirdness of nature in all its glory. Since 2004 the three-piece, comprised of Klark (Lead guitar, lead vocals), Blue (Bass and backup vocals) and Larsq (Drums) has challenged all pre-conceived notions of the Taiwanese indie scene, breaking away from the famed College rock circuit and pursuing the path less travelled – producing punchy, effects-driven rock that rest on organic, circular rhythms and lush, natural vocals. Klark shares his thoughts on the origin of their sound, the future of Orange Grass, and of the band’s involvement with the UpToTheSky by Figure8 Agency.
How did the band come together?
Before we formed Orange Grass, Larsq and I were in a band that has already dissolved, called Nomad. The stuff we played was totally different from Orange Grass’ music; Nomad involved mixing heavy metal and traditional Taiwanese music together. After that band, I started to write my own songs, and brought Larsq back because I thought he could create the atmosphere that I wanted for Orange Grass. Blue is the newest member – we found her last year.
How did your sound evolve from low-fi, shoegaze music to the sound you have now? What was the process there?
I’m not sure how it evolved from its original stages, but imagine a rainy city crowded with people and their complicated relationships. Our music kind of sounds like that naturally – that’s how it’s been, and that’s how it’s stayed.
You wrote some music for the soundtrack of Enno Cheng’s ‘A Summer’s Tail.’ How different is this from writing fan-based rock or pop music?
‘And Go’ is a track used in the film, and that was from our first album. These days, we are working with more experimental groove and noisy sound.
What has been your favourite live performance?
This one time at ‘Cumulonimbus,’ where we were playing a show it began to rain heavily. It must have been very interesting to watch; the three of us all got wet and people could see the water splashing back when the drummer hit the snare and cymbals. Although the rain almost screwed up our equipment, everything looked so right with the song! I’m not sure if it’s my favourite one, but absolutely the most unforgettable performance I’ve had.
What do you think that Orange Grass can bring to UpToTheSky Festival, that other bands cannot?
Although we are just a three-piece band, I think that Orange Grass can depict to people the scene and emotion from where we are living (Taipei City). Oh, and it rains all the time when we perform, even our last gig in Toronto! I’m not sure will this happen in UpToTheSky festival – let’s hope not!
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
I don’t know, but we will keep doing music that we like, and touring wherever we need to go!
Orange Grass: website + Facebook + MySpace
UpToTheSky Festival: website
SEA Absolute Indie compilation can be purchased through Amazon, iTunes, Ganxy, and more digital platforms.
By Stephanie Winkler
Family-bands that tour the countryside have always been associated with the worst kind of stereotype, conjuring painful images of cheesy lyrics about “sticking together,” a lot of frolicking, too many harmonies and the occasional concertina. This stereotype, while it accurately describes many musicians that shared DNA in the early 20th century, has gradually been replaced by a more “modern” approach – especially on the indie scene of South-East Asia. Cast off the images of strangely dressed relatives bopping around to a piano accordion, and get acquainted with the slick, dark musical stylings of B-Quartet. Appearing on the SEA Absolute Indie Compilation in October 2011, the band members (Bani Faizal, Bani Haykal, Bani Hidir, Luqman Hakim, Siraaj Anwa and Bani Raizan, who are all related in one way or another) project an indefinable sense of musical telepathy; the type that echoes through their back-catalogue in waves of flawless jazz, folk and rock melodies that will suck you in, and take you on a journey of dark fantasies not easily forgotten.
Where have you guys been playing recently?
Recently we’ve been doing a few less shows. There are a couple of shows in KL which we’ve done in the past with the help of friends, but mostly our performances have been based in Singapore. Earlier this year, we played at Mosaic Music Festival at The Esplanade where we opened for Chicago based band, Tortoise. We’re actually doing a couple more shows this year, after which we’ll go into an indefinite hiatus.
Where does the name B-Quartet come from?
We’re a set of brothers who are cousins, our surname is Bani. There’s 4 of us, therefore, B-quartet!
Does the fact that you are all brothers and cousins factor into the production of your music?
We have our creative differences…
Name a band that sounds the complete, polar opposite to you guys.
Guns N’ Roses!
Best and worst live performing experience?
We recently did one of our last few shows at The Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, and I think as a band we unanimously felt it was an awesome show. Also a terrible one as our bassist, Luqman, suffered a serious fall – injuring his right leg pretty bad.
What was the first album you bought – and the most recent?
For me personally, my first album was the Clapton Chronicles. The most recent would probably be Anthony Braxton: 4 Compositions (Quartet).
What can fans expect to see from B-Quartet next, apart from the SEA Indie Compilation, due for release on October 18th?
We’re performing with Saycet and White Shoes and The Couples Company on November 8th. However, I am doing a solo performance for the UpToTheSky festival on December 3rd.
Listen to B-Quartet on their MySpace.
Listen to Bani Haykal on his MySpace.
Check out B-Quartet + White Shoes and The Couples Company + Saycet concert here.
More information on UpToTheSky Festival here.
By Stephanie Meyer
Most things fade in time, and musical instruments are certainly no exception. It is for this reason that Violinists are often reminded of their place in the music industry – either as assets to the preservation of classical symphonies, or as a knee-slapping addition to the average barnyard folk band. Generally speaking, solo Violinists are somewhat limited. It takes a brave artist, then, to consciously take an instrument as hallowed and ancient as the Violin, and to twist the boundaries of it’s pigeonholed sound by playing with technology; rebirthing a multitude of genres in the process of creating one. Hong Kong born solo musician Choi Sai Ho, who is appearing in the SEA Absolute Indie Compilation, has become a mastery of modernizing the uniquely classical, enthralling fans and pushing musical margins as he expands his catalogue across the Asia Pacific region.
What was the reason for branching away from traditional forms of classical violin? Do you feel you are able to express yourself more fully by incorporating electronic instruments and modern musical influences?
To me, violin is just a tool to express music – like an artist and a paintbrush. The purpose of electronic music is to invent new, alternative sounds. It widens the choice for musicians and composers when making music or sound-art. Computers (and audio software) are a very good platform nowadays for electronic musicians to perform and construct their music. Playing and appreciating the sound of traditional instruments is no longer the only option for performers; nor is it the only option for audiences. I’m not only creating music, I’m also an audio-visual artist; I make videos for my music, and present my music with visuals during live performances. This is so I can express my ideas not only to ears, but to eyes as well.
What do you think when people compare you to fellow violin enthusiast/composer Steve Reich? Is this what you were going for?
(Laughs) I didn’t think much of that comparison, really! Most of my works, my performances, are more than just violin composition; my works closely reflect the key elements of my favorite music genres. Personally, I don’t make any comparisons with other famous composers or musicians. I do like Steve Reich, but I am also influenced heavily by Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, John Cage, Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Venetian snares, Amon Tobin, Danny Elfman, Brian Eno, Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, Kraftwerk, DJ Shadow, Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack, Radiohead, Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, and many more. They all influence me a lot in terms of making music. Each musician should be unique on some level. Of course, I don’t mind these comparisons – I cannot stop what the public (if I’m that famous!) think about my music, and I certainly like that I am so easily compared to these others!
When do you feel the most inspired; the most creative?
I like being conscious. I mean…when you just wake up, when your brain and your mind are in a fresh status, and you start thinking things. I like this condition. I don’t like is being too tired, too sleepy or too dizzy and you still have to work. That’s always a really a bad situation!
What have been your best and worst performing experiences?
Both are too many to tell. Simply, it’s hard to control for some factors during a live show; often, the success of a show comes down to the people you’re working with! People have said some disrespectful stuff to musicians involved in shows, and this affects the mood. On the other hand though, the best performing experience may be that you’re lucky to work with some genuinely nice people. The audience might like your performance very much, and it shows in the applause.
Do you feel at home in the Hong Kong music scene? Where would be your ultimate place to perform?
I like Hong Kong, and it is definitely my home. I definitely don’t feel unwelcome in the Hong Kong musical scene. The music that I play mostly is instrumental, and that alone gives me a good platform to perform overseas, because my music is not limited by language of the lyrics. I hope, one day in the future, I can perform in places like USA, or European countries, on some bigger public channels where people can truly listen to my music, or watch my performance. It takes time and it’s not an easy step to achieve. So, for the moment…I will continue my hard work! (Laughs)
What do you feel you can bring to the SEA Absolute Indie Compilation that other bands from the region cannot?
The obvious difference is that I’m the only one-man-band…right!?
For more information on Choi Sai Ho, visit his Youtube channel and his Facebook page.
His very new video has been released a few days ago!
By Stephanie Winkler
Advertisement
Follow us on Twitter 
Find us on Facebook| © 2012 Music Services Asia / A Division of Valleyarm | Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha |
