Archive for the 'Music' Category

Spotted: Kanye West’s Fans in Singapore

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x-wen
1 month ago
in Event, Music, Singapore and Spotted
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Alright, anybody went to Kanye West’s ‘Glow in the Dark’ gig last night? If you were there, you might be spotted by Fash-E. Let’s minus the Kanye shades and see what everyone else is wearing. As you know, I’m kinda shy in asking people to take street photos. I’m not Face Hunter or the Sartorialist. So, I secretly took these photos, hehe.

The trio were posing for a photo when I took this. I love that star dress. And the bright blue and red dress. Pretty!! They make me wanna grow my hair - again.

The boys in big colourful hoodies. Bubster said they’re from Topman.

I spotted my students (on the left), Chris and Jordan. Film and Animation students.

The girl on the left in yellow - kept striking cheesy hip-hop poses! Hilarious! She must not have the chance to dress up like this every day. And, there are more girls in hoodies and Kanye shades. Are the 80s back?

Say What? Kanye West in Singapore!

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x-wen
1 month ago
in Celebrity, Event, Look Book, Music and Singapore
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OH YEAH. Last night, Kanye West blazed through a set of his multi-Grammy winning hits such as ‘Gold Digger’, ‘Love Lockdown’ and ‘Stronger’ at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. I sold my tickets to Camera Obscura to party at the “No. 6 highest grossing tour in the world”. Was it worth the $$$? Yup, it was awesome - I could have enjoyed it more if I know his songs a little bit better! The lights were blinding. The drums were thumping hard. The fans were dancing with their glo-sticks and Kanye-inspired shades. I bet 4,000 of them had the same idea of wearing the shades - luckily, I left mine at home. I think Kanye put alot of soul and passion into last night’s performance. At times, he looked a little intense while rapping about signing autographs, designer clothes and things that I can’t personally relate to. This is my first-ever hip hop concert. I appreciate the production and the music, but I can’t really connect with the brand of music. I guess I’m still an indie chick at heart :)

I wasn’t really trying to look hip hop, just for the record.

Polka Dot Top from FCUK. Black Tights from Bugis Market. Sandals from Vincci.

Like my shiny flats? I got ‘em during my trip back home to Malaysia. I bought the same design in two colors - pink/orange and green/silver. They’re from Malaysian homegrown brand, Vincci - cheap and good!

The fans behind me at PEN B. There were some crazy kids out there.

PEN A was getting very packed by the minute.

I chose to stay in the backrow of PEN A to avoid being squashed. Well, I didn’t know what to expect at a hip hop concert. What did I say? BLINDING RIGHT?

Bubster and I, being anti-social and joining the cool kids behind. Hee.

I’m fascinated by the lighting design. Nice!

The man, Kanye West. I was disappointed that he didn’t have any wardrobe change.

I really admire his energy and passion - it really translates into his vocals and body language. I think I started to really appreciate it during the encore performance - not one, but a couple of his bigger hits. I can’t say I’m a Kanye convert but I can understand why he’s so successful in his music. Overall, it was an excellent concert - the energy level was unusually high, and the fans were lovin’ every minute of it.

I’m Spinning… Camera Obscura

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x-wen
1 month ago
in I'm Spinning, Music and Vintage
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Camera Obscura’s “Let’s Get Out Of This Country”

Honest Confession: I sold my Camera Obscura concert tickets yesterday to a stranger. WHY? Because I’ve sold my soul to Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark tour instead (why must they perform on the same night?) I know, very unlike me. The funny thing is I don’t even listen to Kanye West - I mean, I’ve heard of his songs on MTV and yeah, they’re quite catchy. We all know Kanye has impeccable style for a man - I think he dresses better than P. Diddy. On the other hand, I’ve been listening to Camera Obscura since their Underachievers Please Try Harder album. Don’t get my wrong, I love their music very much. I just feel that Kanye will put on a better show (in other words, bigger budget). I think concerts are suppose to be experiential you know - so Kanye wins this time. All my friends will be at Camera Obscura, and I’ll be hip-hoping with Bubster at the Singapore Indoor Stadium tomorrow.

Just a mini introduction to those you’ve never listened to Camera Obscura: If you listen to Belle & Sebastian, you’re prolly going to dig this six-member Scottish band. They’ll be playing at Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore tomorrow after a failed mission to open Baybeats 2007.

You may be familiar with their 2006’s album, Let’s Get Out Of This Country with catchy pop-tunes like Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be HeartBroken (which is actually a response to Lloyd Cole and the Commotions‘ song “Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?”) and If Looks Could Kill.

Tracyanne Campbell is the one of the voice behind the band and she also plays the guitar. Her 60s pixie hair sets her apart from her fiery female band member, Carey Lander. They have a very individual, and eclectic style which I absolutely adore. Tracyanne has a fascination with swans, scarves and vintage dresses.

Carey Lander also sings and plays the piano and organ. She wears glasses, and dresses in vintage as well. Floral prints, stripes and blazing red hair seem to be her signature style.

Another scarf, another swan. I’m thinking of making a DIY felt swan.

Carey leaves her geeky glasses at home. Love the colours - hair and dress.

If you’re in Singapore, you still have a chance to catch them live at the Esplanade! I believe it’ll be a good intimate showcase. Also, you’ll prolly see a lot of pretentious indie kids around - haha. I’m sorry, but some can be really pretentious. Anyway, you’ll have a great time nonetheless. I wish I could be in two places at the same time. Ahh well.

This is the music video for Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be HeartBroken - one of my faves. It’s a cute video and a dancy song. Enjoy the music!!

source: MySpace, Pitchfork, dcist.com

Look Book: Mötley Crüe ‘Live’ in Singapore!

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x-wen
1 month, 2 weeks ago
in Celebrity, Event, Look Book, Music and Singapore
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The biggest, loudest, most badass glam metal band, Mötley Crüe totally rocked the house down at Fort Canning Park on Thursday night. I’ve to admit that I’m not the biggest fan ever. Given their existing reputation and history, I simply cannot miss this legendary band tearing the stage down. Of all the countries, they picked Singapore as their South-East Asian stop! These guys embodied everything about ’sex, drugs and rock’n'roll’ you know. All have been to jail. Dated Pamela Anderson. Made a sex tape. Drug overdose. Name it - they’ve been there, done that. Fans have waited more than 20 years for them - for me, this is just the beginning.

Haha, don’t laugh! This is my attempt at lookin’ 80s and “yellow trash” - the Asian equivalent of a ‘white trash’. I left my neon pink studded bracelet at home but I wore my white straight jacket one. I know I don’t look glam rock at all. Nothing on me is glittery, feathery, and overly studded. I can’t beat those guys and girls in the crowd - they were wearing 80s oversized denim vest, old-school Motley’s T-shirt and even sporting huge mullets!

Dress from Depression. DIY leggings originally from Future State. High-top Chucks from Converse. Grey denim vest from MNG. Straight jacket bracelet from Bugis Market. Scarf (turned into headband) from Bleudame.com

This is my very horrible attempt at cutting my old black tights. I can’t do this properly, but I didn’t really care and wore it anyway. HAHA. You can’t really reverse the process. You fashion designers out there! How do you slash this properly? Teach me! I look super skanky, don’t I?

Don’t mess with my MEDIA tag - HAH!

Botak Jones hotdogs for dinner! See that ‘finger-licking good’ sign from Bubster?

An electrifying, mut*af*kin’ experience! Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil jammin’ like old times. I’ve never seen such a wild, loud crowd from Singapore! This is the real deal man. People are going nuts! Girls are flashing their tits. Bras are thrown on stage. 12-year old kids are screaming in their Adult-size metal T-shirts. 40-yr olds are reliving their teenage years.

The spotlight is on Mick Mars to show off his solo guitar magic! It was thrilling, seriously.

Nikki Sixx was awesome. He’s still got his crazy chops! I had a great view of him (not really Tommy Lee) and he’s still oozing with sex appeal, if you know what I mean! I want that crazy lookin’ microphone stand!

At some point, I saw BOOBS. Right in front of me. I got ultra excited but I didn’t get a picture of her naked glory! Haha, that silly girl threw her bra and top on stage, and security had to get them back for her. Poor girl had to cover her boobs with her hands. LOL. Who would have thought, you see this in nice city, Singapore?

That’s me and Bubster after the gig - totally sweaty and slimed up by half-naked men! We were right in front near the speakers. Our ears were ringing like mad. At some point, I stuck my finger into my ears. My trusty pink notebook was no use as I was shoved around within the moshing crowd - which was part of the great, crazy experience. I haven’t had so much fun in like ages. Motley asked, “Do you want us to come back next year?”

HELL YEAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Check out my videos. Coming Soon.

I’m Spinning… She & Him “Volume One”

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x-wen
1 month, 2 weeks ago
in Celebrity, I'm Spinning and Music
. 2 Comments

Music is quite a big part of my life. The juice of my soul. The rainbow of my imagination. Music is a major influence on fashion, and personal style. Think of a music genre - immediately, you can picture a look in your head. Most of the time, you can tell a person’s musical taste from their personal style. Otherwise, looks can be deceiving. “I’m Spinning” represents the music that I love, and new tunes that I discovered. Enjoy the first part of this on-going series.

She & Him

I’m currently digging She & Him’s “Volume One” - their debut album which is “a love letter to the musicians who inspired it”. Merge Records “introduces a boy and girl choir hell-bent on making music the old-fashioned way: by hand - and with as few machines as humanly possible.” She & Him is an accidental band formed by one-man band M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel in 2006. As you know, I blogged about “IT” girl, Zooey Deschanel about four months ago. Let me say that I’m falling in love with her singing, harmonious voice and musical direction for this band. It’s refreshingly old-school, if you know what I mean. This album chases away your Monday blues and leaves a mischevious smile on your face. I give it two thumbs up!

She & Him - “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?”

I first saw this music video on MTV Asia one night. It’s a really cute and catchy song. Even the video has old-school, and love the little birds! Zooey does a cute lil’ dance in a high-school prom fashion. I find it very endearing. M. Ward’s melodic guitar playing and wonderful arrangements make this collaboration work like peanut butter and jam. Enjoy the video.

I recently bought NYLON magazine which she graced the cover on the October 2008 “IT” girl issue. So, everyone’s panicking about the global recession. I’m still buying magazines! Why? This issue only costs me $12.95 as compared to September’s issue at $20.95. Can someone explain to me why the huge price difference? I usually buy my magazines at HMV Heeren - a few bucks cheaper than anywhere else, if you ask me. Maybe I should renew my digital subscription. Save up a few bucks.

source

Rockin’ With Ash @Fort Canning

Published
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x-wen
2 months ago
in Event, Look Book, Music and Singapore
. 0 Comments

Firstly, EXAMS ARE FINALLY O-V-E-R! So, guess what I was up to last night? I went to Ash concert at Fort Canning Green. Yes, I went to a rock concert on the night before my exam. And, there’s the Singapore Beer Festival - haha. Talk about getting smash before the big paper! Well, who cares? I spent the entire day studying - and I deserved a break. Plus, it’s a job.

That’s me and my trusty pink notebook (Journalism 101). I’m ready to rock!!

Dress with star scarf from Depression. Tights from Takashimaya. Black Mary-Janes from Bianca. Pearl necklace (as bracelet) from Diva.

This is my boozer “photographer”. We initially found ourselves at the wrong entrance (Singapore Beer Festival) and got press passes for an event we were not invited to! Someone’s happy about that, as you can tell.

The opening act, Fishtank. They’re a really awesome local punk-ska band - do check them out! Very catchy tunes, and alot of charisma. They’ve been around for a decade! I highly recommend their music. Makes you go Electrico who?

I don’t get it. Why are Singaporeans sooo ‘tame’ at gigs? It’s a rock gig for pete’s sake! Get off your lazy butts, people! Start moshing and tear the place down! The security guards had a cruisy night, trust me.

I’m in love with Tim Wheeler, he’s stillllll so hot! I mean, I was 13 when I first heard Ash’s “1977″ album. And, this is the closest I’ll ever get to him. I was ‘right’ in front of him - thanks to my “photographer” pass. My small Panasonic Lumix looked super lame next to the professionals. Dammit. But, I still love my camera.

I had such a fun night - Ash played a good mix of their old, popular singles and some new stuff (obviously, I’m quite unfamiliar with them). I thoroughly like ‘Kungfu’, Girl from Mars’, ‘Shining Light’, ‘Oh Yeah’ and ‘Burn Baby Burn’. I noticed that the crowd are mor familiar with the old stuff as well.

Yeah, the people finally got on their feet and hands waving in the air.

They’re such genuine guys, I’m positively sure. All three of ‘em took a bow before they leave the stage. Then, the cry for encore (I mean, they haven’t played ‘Burn Baby Burn’) which only took two minutes before the band took the stage again. Nice! ASHHHHHHHH!!!!

My Bianca shoes are ruined by the end of the day with multiple scratches. Do not wear new shoes to a gig. I left with one ear deaf, and a little high from the alcohol and good music. I woke up this morning hung over, and I had a bloody good exam - life couldn’t be better. Enjoy your weekend, people!

Shout Out! Radio KUL with SL & A

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x-wen
2 months, 1 week ago
in Malaysia, Music and News
. 0 Comments

My friend, Simon Lee started a podcast (a big hit, actually) with a fellow chipmunk (pun intended!), Alvin. The KL-based guys is no stranger to the local music scene as they were the voice behind  Cyberjaya.FM, DJ@WORK, musiccanteen Top 10. Now, I present to you: Radio KUL. The Malaysian podcast that “brings you a signature mix with it’s diverse playlist covering different styles of EDM with new releases and classic tracks. Sit back and enjoy this weekly selection of vocal melodic, uplifiting, and sometimes experimental tunes”. Here’s a quick interview with the chipmunks:

Why did the chipmunks start a podcast?

SL & A: We tried but as you can see we are missing a third member. Unless you’d like to join us ?

Unfortunately, my name is not Theodore. What’s your favourite music?

SL & A: As you can tell from the radio show we’re big fans of electronic dance music (EDM), mostly trance and progressive, but anything electronic is wonderful!

Name top three reasons why we should tune in to Radio KUL.

SL & A: It tends to be different and more diverse than other mixshows out there. (At least we try to keep it as diverse and accessible as possible lol). This is a party of sorts on each episode, a meeting of musical minds of some of EDM’s finest genuises and artistes, and an uplifting emotional journey for the listeners. So you’re in the car, at work, on the way to school, this is great a podcast to listen to and put you on a float trip. Only problem is you could break into a dance or start weeping in public lol. Raised hair, shivering, some of the side effects if you’re really tuned in. But, it’s a great introduction to dance music, it’s very accessible, so everyone is welcomed, you’ll see EDM is not as predictable and shallow as some claim. How many reasons was that ? We should keep going.. Haha.

New episodes are broadcasted every Friday at 1900 GMT +0800. Check it out.

Review: Monkey: Journey to the West OST

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x-wen
2 months, 3 weeks ago
in Asian, Event and Music
. 0 Comments

I wish I’m in London right now. I bought ‘Monkey: Journey to the West’ album yesterday and it’s the coolest sh*t ever! Damon Albarn has successfully progressed from Blur to  The Good, The Bad & the Queen to Gorillaz to an opera composer for ‘Monkey: Journey to the West’. The Chinese readers will be more familiar with the background of the ‘Monkey’ story. This opera staged at the Royal Opera House is a killer collaboration “between old and new, sight and sound, East and West”. Guys, this is a ‘hot potato’ - and a must-listen! I don’t know about you but the sounds, electronic mix with alternative rock really blow me away. I want to watch the opera and hopefully, they do a world tour or something. Check it out.

Click on the “OHM” box above to listen to music from the OST!

The album artwork is another rendition of the Gorillaz. The illustrations add to the backdrop of the musical - which I think is really cool. This is definitely going to interest the indie/alternative crowd and an almost perfect way to introduce the Chinese folk story into the Western world.

source