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How a Jam goes to hell (31 July).

1 August, 2013 1 Comment

[Disclaimer] I don’t claim to be a very awesome drummer, or someone who is veryyyy nice. Here are just some thoughts about what people should not do when organising a jam.

So a few weeks ago, I actually went on Soft and contacted someone who’s looking for a drummer.

(Sidetrack) As I’m doing a course online on Social Psychology, the first thing that was taught is hindsight bias. Before I look back in hindsight at all these, I shall post my thoughts here.

I had to contact the person twice before I got a reply if they were still looking for a drummer. “But okay, that’s alright”, I thought. Perhaps they were busy.

I got the set list just last week, and they were:
1) Try – Pink
2) Diamonds – Rihanna
3) Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
4) Yellow – Coldplay
5) Rolling in the deep – Adele
6) Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
7) Separate Ways – Journey
8) I will Survive – Gloria

They added another song yesterday: Torn – Natalie Imbruglia

Problem #1: Too long a set list
I raised this issue to them, that usually when I jam, we play about 5 songs, for 1 hour+, unless we get bored, we might think of more songs to do on the spot. They asked me how many songs I can do. So I told them, I can play all the songs, just won’t work on all of them.

Problem #2: Safety
Okay, let me continue my rant.
I know Singapore is a relatively safe country, but if someone tells you that they don’t have facebook. And we can’t have an audience at the first meeting, it gets creepy, and weird. And I am a girl. I may be paranoid here, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Problem #3: Timing
So I messaged them that I will meet them directly at the jam studio. The reply I got was “8pm. Don’t be late.”
Out of respect, I went early to meet Eugene for dinner, and then we went in at 7.50pm.

Guess what time they arrived?
8.20pm.
Eight. Twenty. PM.

Wow.
They took 10 minutes + to set up.
C’mon la. If you can tell others not to be late you at least should be on time too right? I had to message twice to ask where they were (after 8pm) and was only told that they’re coming.

They didn’t even apologise for being late. Thanks ah.

Problem #4: Was it even a jam?
There was a guitarist, a bassist, and a lady.
The lady was the supposed singer.
Suddenly, one shorter guy came in, and asked me about my drum score, and was told to sit down. Whut?

Who was he? I wasn’t intro-ed. I thought no audiences were allowed?

Then halfway through, this girl dashed in to ask for money from the organiser coz of her cab or something. And then she sat down. Again, no introduction.

I found out from my bf that the shorter guy was to be the next drummer after me. Oh so this is now an audition? So who is that girl?

Then suddenly the first lady left, and the second took over to sing. ?!?! No explanation again.

Problem #5: I paid 1/3 of the jamming fees
They booked for 2 hours -> $18/hr so $36.
I was told to pay $10.

Summary: This has been a very confusing jam. LOL. I would conclude that there are some rude people out there. Shouldn’t you be nice and at least explain that it wasn’t a jam? I don’t really care about the money tbh. But just to highlight that there are such people out there.

I’m not sure if they will read this, but I really don’t think I will jam with them.
Shall quit the group chat next week if no sound no picture. Haha.

Interesting, Life, Music

Baybeats 2013 (Review + Photographs)

13 July, 2013 No Comments

So, for the past many years, I would happen to stumble by Baybeats while walking by Esplanade.

This year was the first time that I had made arrangements just to go down and watch.

Eugene’s band wyd:syd went for the auditions too but unfortunately didn’t get in (they went on to win the SIM-UOL MusicFest, and got into Noise TMM). I still remember how when we first knew each other, he didn’t expect me to know what Baybeats was.

Sadly, the few months before Baybeats, I noticed that at the line-up, GSE wasn’t included. I really wanted to watch them live.

Nevertheless, went down on Day 1 to check out Force Vomit, where Eugene’s mentor for Noise is in it.
I didn’t know what sort of genre they play, but they reminds me of Indonesia Pop music.

Do note that all my music perspective are from a very generic symphonic band perspective.

But before that, we checked out this post-rock band withyouathome. Very awesome band with very very good band spirit.

We went down on the 3rd day with my camera so that I could try and learn taking some music related/performance shots. And also check out the bands of course.

Esther Lowless (and her acoustic band)

Read so much about her recently online as well as on the papers. Didn’t really hear how she sounds like until at Baybeats itself. Pretty interesting mix of genres for her different songs. Her drummer for the acoustic line-up is the same as the Tall Mountains drummer if not wrong. Pretty excited to see a cello in the arrangement.

I didn’t really expect her music to be how it was to be. As all the articles and interviews of her seemed pretty, erm, emo. But her music doesn’t feel emo at all. In fact, I think it’s something most people would enjoy listening to, whether on the drive home, or some good music you hear when sitting at cafes.

Electrico
We caught Electrico as well. Didn’t take any pictures because I was sitting from a pretty awkward view. Too many people! I think there were at least 500 people who turned up to watch them. Most of their songs were new songs, and it was quite obvious that they’re heading in a new direction with regards to their music. Can’t wait to hear more of their new stuff!

Sloppy Joe (JP)

We caught the last band at the Arena. Sloppy Joe. They’re a 5 person band from Japan, playing 1980s British kind of music. Happy sort of music. They were pretty good, but just that after a while, everything sounds kind of similar. But well, most of the bands I listen to gives me such a feeling. Sloppy Joe makes you feel happy though. And their drummer, wow. He looks happy most of the time, enjoying himself at his throne. haha. I wish I could play happy too 🙂

That wraps up my short post on Baybeats 2013. Hopefully more good bands next year! And maybe wyd:syd too 🙂

Omy

[Omy.sg Preview] Arthur Newman

10 July, 2013 No Comments

Got invited to an Omy Blogclub movie preview on Tuesday for Arthur Newman!

The synopsis is as follows:
Wallace Avery is tired of his life. Divorced, disconnected from his son, dissatisfied with his love life, he decides the time has come for a radical solution. He literally walks away from his life, buys himself a new identity as Arthur Newman, and sets out toward his own private Oz – Terre Haute, Indiana – where he believes he has a chance to work as a golf pro. Wallace’s idea of a second chance is to become a second person. His road trip is derailed by the entrance of Michaela Fitzgerald, whom Arthur discovers passed out poolside at a motel. It takes her all of a couple hours to bust Arthur’s identity scam. It takes Arthur a lot longer to bust hers. Colin Firth and Emily Blunt co-star in this gently comic love story set in a perfect storm of identity crisis. ARTHUR NEWMAN, from a screenplay written by Becky Johnston, looks at how two people, desperate to remake themselves, fall in love and find a way to accept responsibility for who they really are.

To be honest, I haven’t heard of this movie before Omy introduced to it. The storyline was quite interesting (who doesn’t want to live the life they way they want to?) and the 2 main leads are well established actors (I think Emily Blunt looks a lot like Katy Perry in this movie).

However, there was something odd in the movie that I honestly can’t place. Not sure if it’s because of the age gap between the 2 characters, or because the movie was kind of slow paced (it felt like it’s suitable for the 1950s).

What I liked about the movie was the cinematography. Most of the scenes were shot really nicely and if they were photographs, I would wish that I had taken it.

ARTHUR NEWMAN
IN THEATRES 11 JULY

Directed by Dante Ariola
Starring:
Academy Award® Winner Colin Firth
Golden Globe® Winner Emily Blunt
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Rating: M18 (Contains language and sexual situations)
Runtime: 101 minutes

Music

Jamming session 27 May 2013.

29 May, 2013 1 Comment

Thought I should blog my thoughts since I seldom get to jam.
If I had my way, I would be jamming at least once a month.
But unfortunately things aren’t that easy.

Cover List:
1) The Remedy – Jason Mraz
2) When You Were Young – The Killers
3) What You Know – Two Door Cinema Club
4) Jenny – Walk The Moon
5) It’s Time – Imagine Dragons

People:
1) Eugene – Guitar
2) Jing – Guitar
3) Phonse – Bass
4) PW – Keys/Vocals
5) Me – Drums

First time jamming with Phonse. Played with Jing at a competition back then. That was my first time in such an arrangement. Seems like a while ago but not really.

As you can see, the songs were generally rather indie rock, something that I’m not very familiar, with regards to playing. It was quite a challenge, and I learnt a lot too.

Not sure if it was coz of the run I had the previous week, but I realised that I couldn’t play the open-close hi-hat bits the whole of “Jenny” my usual way. I had to switch method of playing halfway throughout or risk not continuing the song.

Another thing after getting feedback from Eugene is that I seldom use toms. This I admit it’s true. If I first play a new song, I will usually get the basic stuff first before adding in the toms and fill-ins. This is my way of working I guess.

We did about almost an hour of random jamming (I was staring at the clock and playing on instinct/feel/gut – whatever you call it) which I thought was pretty good for most bits. Think I could do nicer for the hi-hats. And as always, not much of the toms.

Overall it was pretty okay for me, save the fact that it was awkward as I felt that I was trying to enter/join a new clique. Things can be improved definitely, and some things are more difficult than others, but I guess perhaps everything is a good experience.

Life

2012 Review – Major events

1 January, 2013 No Comments

2012 was a pretty good year for me! Focused on working on myself, and ended up spending a lot more money and having a lot of fun. Haha. Many things weren’t expected and planned, and I only had a general idea that this year must be an awesome year for me. I ended up with a lot more new experiences than I ever had in 2011.

Hope that 2013 will have more of such stuff!!

1) Travelled to Taiwan for the first time!
Elves Lab company trip! Read about it here.

2) Went on a cruise with my family!
First time on a cruise too! Royal Caribbean.

3) Rhapsody in Spring concert
With Mr Wu Ee Lung and his string ensemble! Made lots of friends.
Read about it here.

4) Played with a pop band at a competition!
Got the opportunity after Pinwen asked me. First time I’m actually the only drummer girl somewhere. Haha. Though we didn’t win, I got a great experience and also got to really see what the industry is like!

5) Got Midnight
😀

6) Travelled to Hong Kong
With Desmond, Kai Lun, and her colleague KT.
Read about it here.

7) Travelled to Bangkok for Danny’s wedding
Got to shoot photos as well and experience a different photographer’s culture.
Read about my trip here!

8) Saw Evelyn Glennie LIVE!
Finally after so many years I got to see her live! Read about it here.

9) Helped take pictures for Danny’s wedding in Singapore
But I think I didn’t do well 🙁

10) Guest played with Xinmin Secondary Alumni at SIBF
First time guest played anywhere! And at a competition too!!

Read about it here.

11) Formed Crayon Parade
With Pinwen, Audrey, Eugene! Though I initially thought it was a one off thing (and was really sad about it), I think CP will come together when there’s opportunity to play. 🙂
Read about our first performance here!

12) Travelled to Bintan
Smaller company trip!

13) Travelled to Tokyo!
In the midst of blogging about it!

14) Eugene <3 🙂
Enough said!

I’m not sure what I really want this year except to be healthier. Maybe more swimming perhaps. Got sick too often too soon! >.< Aiming to also chant more!!!

Food

Re!Fill Buffet (Hotel Re!)

1 January, 2013 No Comments

Disclaimer: I was not paid or obliged to do any review on this buffet but as I wasn’t able to find much info about the buffet prior to going there, I thought it would be good for those who are curious to find out what it is about to have something to read.

Won a contest for a buffet for 2 at Hotel Re!’s Re!Plenish buffet! Went with Eugene of course!

I’ve never been to Hotel Re! All I know is that it’s situated at the top of a hill. We took the train to Outram Park, and followed the signs along Exit B to the location. Quite an ulu place, but rather easy to find!

Upon stepping in to the hotel lobby, the scent in the air reminded me of the boutique hotel at Hong Kong that Desmond and his gf stayed at. Eugene was sensitive to the scent I think. His nose became very blocked afterwards. We were able to find the buffet area immediately.

Unfortunately though, the dishes were pretty less and I was a little disappointed.

There were only about 8 dishes that day, and pretty few dishes as well. I’m not sure why, but I had a feeling they don’t usually cook so less or it won’t be really worth the amount that other guests usually pay.
We kept spamming on the cereal prawns. Nevertheless, we had a fulfilling dinner where the staff gave good service.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

New Year, Thoughts

End of 2012

31 December, 2012 No Comments

So last year I set myself some goals. So here they are, and whether I’ve done anything to achieve them:

Improve in percussion skills (work consistently)
Play cello well (and seriously) – >.<
Be a better person to my family and friends
Do more kosen-rufu
~~More exposure to live music~~ – Done
live life fuller
~~Travel to 2 countries~~ – Travelled to TW, Malaysia, HK, Bangkok, Japan
Stay healthier
Work on 1 major photography project
Have at least 20k in my bank accounts – Fail TTM
Be able to communicate better – Better!!
Hit my commission consistently at work – Failed this too

Not sure if I should make another list. Not today at least. But ta dah!

Life, Thoughts

Eugene.

6 December, 2012 1 Comment

I know I haven’t blogged about him yet, and I haven’t written anything here. But today, I am actually feeling pretty emotional (time of the month) so I want to write something.

There was a time when I thought that I had the best. That I was being well-loved by another person. But that time was over. And that thought was false.

And what they say is true. You never know what the best is until you have it.

I met Eugene on Aug 2 this year, through jamming with Pinwen and Sihan.
My life hasn’t been the same since. Within a stranger, I felt lots of connections with him. He made me feel comfortable. Rides home after jamming were never the same. In fact, I looked forward more than anything to spending some time with this person.

I was scared at that time though. Scared of falling into another hole and covering myself with sand and insanity. I didn’t like the me when I was in the past relationship and I didn’t want to hate myself again.

But then I thought, “hey, I had the past year to work on myself. I am a different person now.” And, if I was very sure of what I felt, should I give it up?

And I was tested.

My feelings were tested when I found out that I may not be number 1 in his life. That there may be someone else. I was angry at myself again, for thinking that perhaps I may have the chance. Oh, how I remember that night.

I was cautious after that. Scared of being hurt. Scared that I was wrong.

But then everything fell into place.

That Train song? “This Will Be My Year” ? Yup this is my year 🙂

I learnt how a boyfriend should treat his girl properly (I actually discussed this with people, and how I was treated previously was NOT the right way), what being myself meant, what not being worried daily while in a relationship was about, what being a better person meant and how to trust another person again.

It has been almost 3 months, and some may think that it may be too soon for me to be sure. But hey, why not?

Love you Eugene Huang. 🙂

Thoughts

Absolute vs Relative Happiness

12 November, 2012 No Comments

Wanted to remind myself about this in one way or another.

Attended study meeting yesterday, and the gosho was “Hero of the World”.

I loveeee how one topic can have different Buddhist principles incorporated inside, that makes me look at things and reminds myself about applying these principles in my life.

Anyway, one topic was “Absolute vs Relative happiness”.
It’s just something sooo simple, but yet we often forget about. We often forget that we should be happy or sad because of the things we do, but not others. Yes, they may upset us, they may affect us, but we shouldn’t base our happiness on what others do.

I’m not good at explaining, so I got these paragraphs from: http://www.sgi.org/sgi-president/writings-by-sgi-president-ikeda/on-practice.html

“When you get right down to it, does material wealth assure happiness? Does fame? Does living in a big house? The answer is an emphatic “no.” All the time we see people embroiled in bitter battles over money; people plunged into misery when onetime fame and popularity disappears; people ruining their own lives when they let fame and power go to their heads; and people living in large luxurious homes where family members cannot stand one another and a cold and hostile atmosphere pervades.

Such things as money, fame and material possessions offer a fleeting, transitory kind of satisfaction, something which can be called “relative happiness.” However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established “absolute happiness.” If we develop a state of mind as vast and resplendent as a magnificent palace, then nothing–no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life–can undermine or destroy our happiness.”

Food, Friends, Travel

3rd trip in 2012: Random HK Trip with Desmond, Kailun and KT (13 – 18 June 2012) – Not a typical HK trip!

18 October, 2012 No Comments

Long overdued post I know! But I shall post this up still! 😀

I did random stuff. A lot. This year.

So one of the most random and expensive thing I did was to agree and book tickets to Hong Kong one Sunday.
It was after Desmond told me about the SIA offer that they’re giving to Hong Kong. He wanted to go with his gf, but the catch is that in order to enjoy the offer, a minimum of 3 people are required.

Within 15 mins I made my decision, and by the afternoon, a flight booking was made. Hahahaha.

I was determined that this trip will allow me to visit places that I have never been to at HK. I was a little worried at the beginning that because of my youth (haha), Desmond and his gf Kailun will not allow me to venture to places alone. But in the end, everything was pretty spontaneous, we changed plans a bit, and I was able to fulfil my HK to do list! haha so awesome!!

Anyway, this trip was pretty good, as I made new friends with Kailun and her colleague (who joined us and was real great help. Achieved lots of things that I wanted to, which mainly would be to explore more of HK. ^^

This trip was the week before my BKK trip, and naturally, my boss was rather angry. haha. But oh wells.

Anyways, here goes!!

Night 1 (14 June)
Watched a few movies on the plane. SQ is awesome.

I had a near panic on the plane when I realised that by the time we reached HK, it would nearly be past midnight. AND that realisation that you may not get a room coz it’s “the next day” sucks. Haha. Immediately called up the hotel upon landing to make sure that I would still have my room.

Anyway, Kian Tong (KT), who is Kailun’s colleague at work could speak cantonese!! So he was the one who got a cab for us to where our hotels are located.

I checked in to my pleasantly nice hotel room at Guang Dong Hotel with 2 single beds however (no wonder they’re expensive!), and afterwards went downstairs to meet them to walk around. The place was located near lots of pubs and bars, and I got disturbed by a foreigner within 5 mins of going downstairs -.-

All for myself~

So anyway, KT was really familiar with the area and we walked around, bought a SIM card, snacks, and then went back to the hotel for the night. I really settled down pretty fast. It was rather scary to be alone in a quiet hotel room, but I enjoyed the freedom quite a bit to be honest!

Day 1 (15 June)
Woke up rather early!

Kinda miss these kind of views!

Desmond and Kailun

I remembered that KT told us about this nice dim sum place which had “life changing 流沙包” so we headed there. It was a bit weird at first, as I don’t know KT at all, but after this meal, it was all pretty okay! He’s a bio teacher I think?

The place is 添好运 (Tim Ho Wan in Cantonese) [Link at Open Rice]

Awesome chee cheong fun

One of my favourite dessert. Flower with jelly… 桂花糕！ lol but they don’t do it like they do in HK!

the 流沙包! But didn’t take the insides. VERY YUMMY THOUGH.

Then they headed to the big Buddha at Lantau Island. As I’ve been there twice, I decided not to go up again. Hung out around Citygate Outlet shopping centre, mainly to buy Body Shop stuffs, use the free Wifi, and just slack.

Saw quite a few Singaporeans.

Afterwards, I headed off myself to a Nunnery!! Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. They’re just side by side. Wanted to go somewhere quieter instead of seeing the noisy HK all the time!

Pretty exciting btw, travelling to the unknown. But anyway, HK is very accessible and there are loads of directions all over so I didn’t get lost.

The Garden.

Some rock exhibition

It got dark pretty soon! So I headed back to look for the rest to have dinner! Can’t remember what was the place we ate at haha.

Brought them to Tuttimelon Lolol.

Day 2 (16 June)
We met up again to have breakfast! KT brought all of us to this really hidden place to eat Tomato noodles!! I was a bit apprehensive at first, coz tomatoes are usually sour, but I tell you, once you eat one mouth of it, you want more!!!

It’s called 星座冰室 Star Cafe

Shop No. 36, Champagne Court, 16-20 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
尖沙咀金巴利道16-20號香檳大廈地庫36號舖

Very ulu and rather old

YUMMY

We shopped around if I remembered correctly, then headed to another place for more food.
This time, at this place where they shot a famous movie! Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of the movie. LOL

Goldfinch Restaurant

Ok, not I realised that we were basically eating the whole day LOL. KT brought us to eat “life changing wantan noodles” which turned out to be Mak’s Noodles!!

They were life changing indeed. I can’t really eat the Wantan noodles in Singapore anymore since the first time I had them last year.

They went to the Peak after that, and as I’d been to the Peak three times (YES -.-), I decided to hang around their Causeway Bay area and just nua.

Found their City Hall which is like our Esplanade

War memorial

Finally stepped into the church grounds after so many times

After that I think I hung out at this cafe near the Peak to wait for them, and then we went back. haha.

Day 3 – 17 June
Didn’t do much on day 3. Had dim sum for breakfast again!
This place apparently is famous with superstars and it’s quite interesting how it’s underground.

One of the baos is famous, but can’t remember which one 4 months on (now) >.<

Kailun, KT and I did a bit of shopping, and I got a nice leopard print umbrella. Lol. Desmond went to meet someone in the music industry in HK which links to his work here in SG.

We had some bo luo bun too. Haha. Eat eat eat non stop!

After that I set off myself to a monastry – Ching Chung Koon 青松觀. Hahaha everyone must feel that I’m trying to be funny. But anyways, just wanted to see something different in Hong Kong that not everyone in SG will go!

Unfortunately it was raining, but was still having loads of fun with the travelling all the way to New Territories! It’s a really really different place from the Hong Kong that everyone goes to.

their LRT station.
You have the liberty to whether you want to tap your card in and out at the station. But of course, most people actually do tap it. took me a while to figure out what I’m supposed to do.

Rainy Rainy Day.

Pretty nice actually.

Met a black cat after I felt eyes staring at me from a chair. Hahaha. Quite cute but i didn’t dare to touch it.

Slacked in my hotel room for a few hours, got bored watching Tv so ended up drawing eye liner, etc HAHAHA. Then met the rest for dinner after that.

Kai Lun‘s

Mine.

Oh we went to watch a HKCO ensemble performance that night. Free tickets because of Desmond’s connection! They were damnnn good! And I got to see the chinese version of a cello. Didn’t take pics, but just wow!

Then I brought them to eat BBQ food at 天后 (tin hau) and also at some famous dessert shop. hurhur. Very glad that I could still remember how to go lol.

Then we went to Stars Avenue. My 3rd time there >.< Don't go during summer. It's kinda warm but windy.

I didn’t take a pic of this before.

Quite late afterwards!

Day 4 (18 June)
Final day!! There’s a highlight for this HK trip, which was Lamma Island! I’d originally planned to go on the 2nd day, but as Desmond and Kailun wanted to go as well, so we changed it to another day. The me had a very huge struggle to whether I should stick to my plan or change it. In the end, I decided to change the day accordingly as it would be more fun with friends anyway!

I did not know that to go from one part of the island to another, you’ll have to HIKE. -.-! All the books and websites that I’d read about Lamma Island, did NOT mention it. oh gosh.

2 hours hike omg. We discovered that only after we walked along the path and it just got higher and higher.

Oh by the way, there’s a life changing tao huay along the way, that’s SUPER WORTH THE HIKE. The view at the top is also just amazing!

Lamma Island is a really quaint little place, and to be honest, it’ll be cool to live there and just chill after retirement. Hahaha.

To get there, you’ll have to take a ferry. Just ask around and you’ll be able to find the pier for Lamma Island. There are 2 ferry terminals at Lamma Island, just choose one and hike to the other one there.

Just chio

Some oily fried rice there

Oh ya, one quaint little thing there is that they don’t have full-sized vehicles there. Only small stuff like these, and little non-petrol cars I think? Even these vehicles aren’t allowed to be driven around during the day or something.

Oh and they have loads of dogs around:

Pit for dogs to poo

Life changing tou fu

Electricity Generators for the island i think

Beach

Now comes the difficult part after the beach -.-!

So high up. Do note that I was carrying my fieldpack -.-

Desmond and Kailun. KT is camera shy

They have farm plots

The scary kamikaze caves. Apparently the Japanese used these caves to hide speedboats for the Kamikaze missions. >.<
At the other side

Some drink. Can’t remember but it was damn good

Basically after that, I had a bad headache and felt like puking so I stayed the rest of my last day in the hotel room -.-!
Kailun and Desmond delivered dinner to me. 🙂

Final meal of the trip with them!!

Basically I pretty much enjoyed this trip! Went to new places, discovered interesting stuff and got to know Desmond and his gf better!! Sometimes in life, it’s awesome to just do something random!! 🙂 Grab any opportunity that you have!

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