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.

WE'RE ALL COTTON HEARTED

Note: Online promo piece of a music compilation CD of the same title for the now defunct online magazine “IF”, the Italicised Words are some of the track titles from the CD.

It’s always the same. The faces are blank, bleak. The suits, the ties, the dresses, the briefcases, the hand phones clung together so closely everyday at any given time, never connecting. This Botanical Sunset Paradise, you’re loneliest when you’re not.

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.