HOW CONVENIENT

There’s nothing more slapstick than a mainstream media’s half-witted demonizing of a music genre with the usual associations of free-sex, serious drug abuse, suicidal and self-destructive tendencies. What makes the idiotic comedy worse is the fact that the boogeyman this time is a genre that isn’t even rebellious to begin with.

DREAMING DEEP

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It began in the dark. Static on the wall. Film scratches like random coursing electrons, the weaving guitar lines urging them on while rumbles of drum thunder rolled across the columns. Then, a hint of colour, a column lit, and the surging melodies start to rise.

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TONIGHT, WE OPEN FOR OUR HEROES

In a haze of extreme fatigue, smiles and smoke, I slumped into the couch in the corner of the room and watched as Mak and Taka’s conversation trailed into music and life and experiences. Men who, if I were to be so bold, would undoubtedly leave their mark in music history in the days to come.

In fact, I believe they already have.

TO THE LEFT

(as published in Rage, The Star Malaysia - Feature 29/06/2007)

WHEN the movie adaptation of comic legend Alan Moore's V for Vendetta hit the screens last year, almost every local movie critic gave it a gigantic "thumbs-up".

CAN MUSIC CHANGE THE WORLD?

(as published in Rage, The Star Malaysia - Feature 17/09/2007)

I DON'T really know if music has the ability to change society but at least I'm certain that it has changed me as an individual," says Yap Lian Tat, lead guitar and vocals for local independent band Nao in the documentary short film from the band's self-titled debut album.

TOTALLY STONE-D

(as published in StarTwo, The Star Malaysia - Feature 01/08/2007)

IF THERE'S one thing that distinguishes Joss Stone from the rest of the artistes on the pop music periphery, it has to be her honesty.

PRINCIPLE MATTERS

(as published in Youth, The Star Malaysia - Cover story 29/08/2007)

WE ALL recited the Rukunegara during our schooldays, and we have heard it mentioned many times by politicians in the media. Yet, young people remain apathetic towards the Rukunegara, and find it hard to relate to its principles.