Yamaha Asia Beat Competition 2015 Singapore National Champions "Sangriento" - Ghost of the Past EP launch - 2 July 2016

Dear readers,

Yamaha Asia Beat Competition 2015 Singapore Representative Champions band 
Sangriento is launching their debut EP launch on coming Saturday 2 July 2016.

Check out their Wanderer Official Music Video below!


More details on the EP launch below:

Date: 2 July 2016
Time: 7pm onwards
Venue: BluJaz Café (12 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848) - Nearest MRT: Bugis
Supporting band acts: Boxchild and Victoria Street
Tickets: http://sangrientoghosts.peatix.com




I first met Rayne (their keyboardist) who was also at Singapore Baybeats Festival 2016 
observation deck in the discussion talk "How bands can leverage on indie labels and 
government programs?" on 25 June 2016. She was pretty friendly and invited me to 
her band EP launch. Such an invitation formed a good impression on me.

Lol yes sometimes I get invites to other band album launches to promote their music. 
But I don't do it just so to get invitations to cool music parties or performances. 

I do it because I like music and see/feel the struggles budding musicians have to go through 
in their music lives. Simply I just want to make the world a better place to live. 

I also got buy a lot of tickets to watch concerts in the past de hor...just that I cut down a lot 
nowadays due to other commitments.

Tip to new budding musicians/singer-songwriters/bands: If you are new to the scene, 
please network and build relationships with the "connectors" (music bloggers/photographers, 
indie music label managers, music promoters/publicists, music collective activists, 
government related art agencies like National Arts Council). 

Be friendly to them and respect them even if you don't think you will collaborate with them on your level. 
You never know how it may affect you. The scene is pretty small...words spread really fast lol.

For goodness sake, you need to either get their contact no, social media or some form of contact point to promote your music.

If you cannot be bothered to know these connectors better, they probably won't show interest to you 
as a person and your music though exceptions do happen who are real music lovers/activists.

Having said that, I need to talk to more people...sometimes too engrossed in listening and 
grooving to live music performances liao.

If you are not hungry enough to build connection networks with such "connectors", 
your music will be heard less likely by others even if your music is "good". 

The standard of musicianship and performance quality in bands/musicians is 
getting better each year in Singapore as compared to bands/musicians in the past. 

Ask yourself: "If everyone is so damn good at the same level, then how is your music 
going to differentiate from the rest of them?"

Ok enough rambling liao. Want to know them better?
Check out the press release media kit given by Rayne:

Appreciate the band for making such a professional looking press release media kit. 

It shows how serious they are in making sure that it looks presentable to promoters. 
If you don't take your promotion seriously, don't expect people to take you seriously.

If you like what you are reading, you can always subscribe to my blog via email, 
follow me on twitter or contact me for a coffee/tea session! :)

If you don't like what you have read, I also appreciate you for taking time to read my blog post. 
May you find more interesting blogs out there! :)

That's all from me! Until then, see u guys again!

MusicArtLifeSG
AJ

Siong Leng Musical Association Performing in Japan on 30 June 2016, 1 July 2016!

Dear readers,

Siong Leng Musical Association will be performing concerts in Japan on 30 June and 1 July 2016. 
If you happen to be in Japan or know friends/music lovers in Japan, 
pls help to spread the words about the concert. 

Japan makes me remind of my fond memories with my Japanese friend Kyohei Ichikawa 
who I met in Yamaha Plaza Singapura Branch. Of course I also informed him firsthand 
since he is also living in Yokohama. Learning to be more curious about others with an open heart 
brings so much more possibilities and opportunities with people. :)

Information provided by MingYi (Program Liaison Manager) - Siong Leng Musical Association

湘霊音楽社日本公演・東京公演伝統南音コンサート《新加坡的南音》
Performance Title: 《御前清曲》 
This performance consists of mostly traditional Nanyin pieces. The audience will get to enjoy pieces from over a 1000 years ago, performed by today's younger generation. The smooth and gentle tunes of Nanyin will sure work it's way into your soul.
Japanese Title: シンガポールの南音「御前清曲」
Date: 30 June 2016
Time: 7pm to 9pm 
Venue: Kawai Omotesando
   5-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to 150-0001, Japan

Link to buy tickets: http://siongleng-tokyo.peatix.com/view

湘霊音楽社Siong Leng Musical Associationは
シンガポールで19世紀から続く音楽グループで、
南音という伝統的な音楽の演奏をするグループ。
第二次世界大戦後、南音の歴史的展開に大きな役割を果たし、
東南アジアで独自に展開する南音の牽引役も果たした。
古典曲の伝統を受け継ぐ一方で、前社長の丁馬成が作詩した多くの創作作品を伝える。
また現在では多くの若手を育成し、精力的に新しい舞台作品を作り出している。

今回の日本公演は

    古典曲とシンガポールで創作された楽曲群によるコンサート
    世界を旅しながら作り上げてきた「五感で楽しむ」独自の舞台作品《Soul Journey》

の豪華2本立て。

本公演は「コンサート」です。

*開場時間は18:30〜。当日券は3,500円となります。

参考：南音とは
中国・南東海岸に位置する福建省にルーツをもつとされる音楽。
2009年、UNESCOの無形文化遺産にも登録されている。
静かで雅やかな響きに唐の時代の栄華を感じさせるが、
成立したのはもう少し後の時代である。
正倉院に納められた曲頸琵琶と同系統の古い形状の琵琶を用いることで知られる。
人々の移住にともない、東南アジア地域にも広く広がり、
現在でも国を超えて盛んに演奏交流が行われる。

湘霊音楽社日本公演・横浜公演・創作舞台作品《Soul Journey 横浜〜時空を超えた邂逅》
Performance Title: Soul Journey
In today's hectic and stressful World, where people are wearied by the clamorous demands of life, Soul Journey seeks to provide a rejuvenating experience for the senses, and nourishment for the soul and mind.
Japanese Title: 横浜公演・創作舞台作品《Soul Journey 横浜〜時空を超えた邂逅》
Date: 1 July 2016 
Time: 7pm to 9pm 
Venue: Yokohama Nigiwaiza
   3-110-1 Noge-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken 231-0064, Japan

Link to buy tickets: http://siongleng-yokohama.peatix.com/view

湘霊音楽社 Siong Leng Musical Association　初の日本公演！

湘霊音楽社Siong Leng Musical Associationは
シンガポールで19世紀から続く音楽グループで、
南音という伝統的な音楽の演奏をするグループ。
第二次世界大戦後、南音の歴史的展開に大きな役割を果たし、
東南アジアで独自に展開する南音の牽引役も果たした。
古典曲の伝統を受け継ぐ一方で、前社長の丁馬成が作詩した多くの創作作品を伝える。
また現在では多くの若手を育成し、精力的に新しい舞台作品を作り出している。

今回の日本公演は

    古典曲とシンガポールで創作された楽曲群によるコンサート
    世界を旅しながら作り上げてきた「五感で楽しむ」独自の舞台作品《Soul Journey》

の豪華2本立て。

本公演は「創作舞台作品《Soul Journey 横浜〜時空を超えた邂逅》」です。

*開場時間は18:30〜。当日券は3,500円となります。

参考：南音とは
中国・南東海岸に位置する福建省にルーツをもつとされる音楽。
2009年、UNESCOの無形文化遺産にも登録されている。
静かで雅やかな響きに唐の時代の栄華を感じさせるが、
成立したのはもう少し後の時代である。
正倉院に納められた曲頸琵琶と同系統の古い形状の琵琶を用いることで知られる。
人々の移住にともない、東南アジア地域にも広く広がり、
現在でも国を超えて盛んに演奏交流が行われる。


I am glad to meet MingYi at Siong Leng Musical Association during 
Singapore Heritage Festival Bukit Pasoh Street Party on 1st May 2016. 

A patient passionate lady who is so keen to share her knowledge on Nanying Music 
with me in such a short time. It's pretty rare to see a young lady like her to be so interested in 
playing/preserving Chinese tradition (Hokkien) music in a modern society like Singapore. 

Props to her and her fellow Siong Leng Musical Association members 
in preserving and carrying the line! Haha maybe I should start searching 
and understanding more about Teochew music since I am a Teochew. 

Yet Xinyao music remains much more relevant to my parents and me as 
part of us growing up in the period of Singapore music history. 
Lyrics in Xinyao music carries a certain poetical imagery feel to it. 
Haha hard choice to make. ;) 

Until then, I am signing off. See u guys around! 

MusicArtLifeSG
AJ

Korg Pa600SG Music Project Interview

Hi readers,

I mentioned that I will be bringing more interview/news for 
Singapore's First Musical Keyboard Korg Pa600SG Product Launch. 
Check out the interview below:

Korg Pa600SG music project Interview
Interviewer: AJ Chen (MusicArtLifeSG)
Interviewees: RP student graduates (Diploma in Sonic Arts Programme) 


1. How were u guys selected for this project?
-We weren't selected. It was a topic that was given for us to choose. So happen our team selected this Korg project.

2. How was your experience working with various project mates, musicians and partners (City Music, Korg, Republic Polytechnic) involved in the project?
-It was a very enriching experience to work with a great team and helpful facilitator in this project. Not forgetting market players such as City Music and first-hand interaction with local traditional musicians.Indeed, very eye opening.

3. What are the challenges faced in completing this project?
-Few challenges include language barrier, accommodating school timing among the members and also the timing with the musicians.

4. If there was one particular item you could change in this project, what would it be?
-One item eyy..hmmmm, I guess better school timetable that doesn't clash with this FYP project would help us manage the project better.

5. What funny/quirky observation would you share about yourself or your project mates?
-When we are stressed out we eat and just sing and dance to random songs to let it off. Our form of entertainment.

6. What plans (music/non-music related) do you guys have in near future? 
Feel free to share your music stuff if you like it to be featured in my music blog.
- For now all of us are walking different paths. At the moment,I'm the only one pursuing music related course at Lasalle.
my visual blog: http://ajmakenoise.tumblr.com

7. Who are the people you like to thank for this music project?
-Firstly to thank Republic Polytechnic for giving such an opportunity, awesome facilitator, Ting Hsiang, my team without them things would not have put into action and last but not least family and friends who have never doubted me :)

---------------------------------------- End of interview ---------------------------------------------------

In the meanwhile, I have been attending music events and meeting with a no. of related music professionals/lovers (DJs, musicians, music promoters, music companies, music startup etc...) 
to connect, understand and learn about valuable tips/insights about music industry/tradition/culture as a whole. 

In understanding and learning such music information, I hope MusicArtLifeSG can help to contribute to 
support/build/inspire musicians, music company start-ups, music industry/culture in its own small capacity. 

Yes I have been learning valuable lessons about life in this journey of discovery.

I look music as individual choices that people choose for themselves or society will choose for them. 

I believe that if you as a musician/music builder who is working really hard to hone your craft, 
learning to build your own brand identity and building good relationship with the music/art connectors 
(music bloggers, music promoters, photographers etc...), fans will come flocking to you.

When you reach that level, it doesn't matter if your music is from Singapore or a musician based in Singapore. 
Music transcends boundaries.



Spread love within yourself and others! :)

As much as I would like to contribute more, I can only do so much with limited time and resources.
If you like to help MusicArtLifeSG in your own way, I will be more than glad to talk to you. 

And if you like what you have read, subscribe to my blog via email, 
follow me on twitter or contact me for a coffee/tea session.

A sidenote: A Singapore traditional music association will be performing in Japan (Tokyo) on 30 June and Yokohama on 1 July 2016 nights. 

I will be posting the information this coming friday. 
Be sure to look out for it!

If you are in Japan or know music lovers who is in Japan, please help to share the information with them when I posted the information.

Btw if any of you are fellow Singaporean musicians based in overseas, I will also love to connect with you. :) 

Singapore's First Musical Keyboard Korg Pa600SG Product Launch

Hi folks it's me AJ!

I have not been blogging much. So here's my first blog post for 2016.

WARNING: Do not attempt to finish looking at the article at one go if you have short attention span!

In collaboration with Republic Polytechnic and Korg Inc, City Music Co. Pte Ltd held the product launch
for the latest Korg Pa600SG keyboard in Republic Polytechnic (RP) on 2 June 2016.

I had rsvped online to attend the event.

On the event day, the sky was pouring massive raindrops down onto our Northern side of Lion City.

While walking my way to RP with my umbrella, a mini-van slowed down and stopped besides me. 

"Where are you heading to?" the driver questioned after opening his van door.  

At first I was a bit surprised. 

I answered "Err I am heading to Republic Polytechnic for a music product launch." 

His reply was "Come let me give you a ride since I am on the way!" 

Wow I really didn't expect such a kind gesture to happen to me. 

I hopped into his mini-van and introduced myself as AJ.

He introduced himself as Mas a fellow Singaporean.

Apparently he was from C & P Rent A Car Pte Ltd driving to his next service job.

We had a good conversation during the ride.

Then he dropped me at the bus stop besides RP.

Too bad he doesn't have a name card. 

I thanked him for his kind gesture after alighting from his van.

This incident reminded me to be kind towards others though you take measures 

from being taken advantage of your kindness.

You never know when you will receive your next kind gesture from people. ;)

In RP, I went straight to Block W1, Level 1 and registered at the counter. 

First thing I noticed before I stepped into the entrance is: 

Korg PA600SG Product Launch Banner Standee

When I stepped into the room, it looks like a big hall.
Several Korg Pa600SG keyboards were placed at one corner for public to 
have their fingers playing the keyboards.
Check venue tour below!

I saw Rusdi (City Music staff) and began chit-chatting with him about the product launch.

After a while, my eyes caught a bunch of young adults standing at a table nearby.

I came up to them and introduced myself to them. 

Through my conversation with these young adults, I realised that they were RP student graduates 
(Diploma in Sonic Arts Programme) who completed the music project in sampling different sounds 
of traditional ethnic music instruments inspired by Singapore's own multi-racial society (Chinese, Malay, Indian) for Korg Pa600SG keyboard.

Me in centre with the RP music project student graduates
(On my left: Joey Lim, Norris Sufiqah Bte Suhaimi. On my right: Azurah Jan Che Onn Azahar, Mohamed Ifraq Bin Mohamed Basir) 

After the conversation, I also managed to speak with several RP staff.
Haha I even helped to take some photos of RP CCA Gamelan Ensemble 
"Gamelan Naga Kencana" for the staff.

RP Gamelan Ensemble "Gamelan Naga Kencana" 

Soon the product launch was about to start. I sat down and chit-chatted with two Chinese ladies besides me.
These ladies were teachers from a primary school who were involved with music in their own ways.
(Sorry ladies I cannot recall your names but we might meet again in future?)
They were pretty friendly :)

Shortly after the start of the launch, the emcee introduced "Mike Mayuni" keyboardist 
(Korg Pa600SG Product Consultant - Malay instruments) on stage. 
Check out the opening music performance by Mike Mayuni!



For Korg Pa600SG keyboard, Mike demonstrated different unique functions/styles/sounds
specifically for Singapore and Malaysia market.

Mike Mayuni's demonstration of Korg Pa600SG on stage

It's pretty impressive to see him playing the keyboard and switching to various 
Kung-Fu, Getai, Chinese Festival, Bollywood, Bhangra, Zapin, Joget, Inang, Zapin styles etc... .

The keyboard also features different ethnic instruments which you can look forward to use in 
Malay weddings, Chinese New Year/Chinese Shop Opening Ceremony/Getai, Bollywood movies/dance.
Listen to sound samples demos below:

Guitar Heroes! Stop your try-hard attempt to emulate these bad-ass sounds on your guitars 
and leave it to the Keyman!

And as always, don't try this at home folks ;)

What came next after the product demonstration was the appreciation ceremony to various partners,
musicians and organisations involved in one way or the other. Soon the ceremony ended.

 Ms Junny Pang (Korg International Sales Dept) presenting token of appreciation to
Mr Mike Chiang (Project Consultant - Chinese Instruments)

After the ceremony, the emcee introduced RP Gamelan Ensemble "Gamelan Naga Kencana"
to give a special music performance together with Mike Mayuni and Pa600SG keyboard on stage.



Then the music performance ended. 
It was time for light refreshments where I got the chance to speak with more people.

I managed to take some pictures together with RP students, 
the teacher in charge of the music project and some other people.
Towards the end of the event, I managed to talk to the teacher 
in charge of handling the music project with the students.

Me and teacher in charge of music project: Mr Ng Ting Hsiang (Lecturer "Sampling" - School of Technology for the Arts)

Overall the event was pretty good with a couple of contact cards, contact numbers given to me.

My thanks and appreciation for the hospitality given by

1) RP staff and students (Ms Tan Fong Ling, Lavanath Shanmugan - handling PA console for that event,
Mr Ng Ting Hsing, Mr Patrick Seng - Media, Mr Errol George and his social media team, RP music project student graduates and their fellow classmate who refused to let me know the link of POSB/DBS song lol...)

2) City Music Staff (Rusdi, Lim Si Wei, Mike Mayuni and the rest of the staff helping on that day)

3) Musicians/people (Mr Niranjan, Mr Gopala Krishna S/O Murugaya (George), the two lovely teachers etc)
who have shared their feelings/thoughts in one way or the other.

Btw City Music is still having promotion on Pa600SG keyboard with vouchers given out during the launch.
If you want to purchase the keyboard, present the voucher to them. It ends on 18 June 2016 extended to 9 July 2016.

Promotion Launch for Korg Pa600SG keyboard

For those who don't have the voucher and want the voucher, I have 1 in my hands.
Probably I can ask for you guys for more vouchers from City Music but I cannot guarantee you can get it.

And if you like what you have read, subscribe to my blog via email, 
follow me on twitter or contact me for a coffee/tea session.
More to come for interview/news in regards to Korg Pa600SG keyboard and music technology :)

SideNote: For an introvert like me, it's still rather nerve-wrecking for me to 
be speaking to strangers in music events.

To be honest, I am more of a listener than a talker.

But I figured out that I need to get out of my comfort zone to speak with people 
and build emotional connection with them.
That makes me grow as a man...
Haha I become statue man at times. I am just only human. :)

Of course if anyone comes up and chat with me, I would be more than happy to speak with you.

You might spot me enjoying and moving my body with music I feel in my heart.
So raise your hand and do a BIG KALLANG WAVE in front of me.
That will stand a HIGH CHANCE to catch my attention lol... :)

That's all folks!!! Till next time, I will speak to you again. :)

AJ - MusicArtLifeSG