Author: Wilfrid

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Music Reviews Pop Rock & Alternative

Prince’s 48th Album “Planet Earth” Sent A Middle Finger To “THE MAN”

The very first Prince fan I have come to know is my Dad. Amongst many things that my Dad and I have in common (oh gosh, my thinning hair), it is Prince’s “Purple Rain”. As I type this blog, my 72 years old dad is still hospitalized in Hong Kong hoping to return home tomorrow. Perhaps I shall pass him the last 3 studio albums of Prince to cheer him up since “Musicology”, “3121”, and “Planet Earth” have somewhat returned to Prince’s root.

As years pass by, I have met more and more Prince fans – very discreetly. After all, it is not like being a fan of Bon Jovi or Linkin Park that people proclaim in public. I often think that people who are fans of Prince are sort of weird in the unique genius way. For those who are fans of Prince, there seems to be a certain connection that transcends words. My Indonesia friend Andre – a Prince fan himself – got me the very-hard-to-get “Crystal Ball” album (3 CDs in one clear container) from US back in 1997. That added to … you may want to pay attention to this .. my twenty-two Prince album collection out of his 48 albums of studio, hits and compilations, and live recording. I don’t think there is another artist that comes close to Prince in terms of my shelf space occupancy.

Prince first made his number 1 US hit back in 1984 with “When Doves Cry” in his Purple Rain era. It was not until 1994 when his gained a UK number 1 with “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”. The early nineties was the time when Prince turned himself into a Symbol that the journalists “pronounced” as The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. In his album “Come”, he basically pronounced himself dead with a cover art of “Prince: 1958-1993” in front of a cemetery. So, Prince was dead and here came the Symbol. His 10th studio album released using this symbol (titled “Love Symbol”) is coincidentally both Cynthia and my favorite. That was before we met.

After a long struggle with the music industry, poor distribution and airplay, Prince in recent years has “resurrected” himself and started to distribute some of his albums using his name via different record companies. It is good news to me because you have no clue how hard it is for me to trace all his work.

No one can tell what the next Prince album is like. I think that is the essence of why some of us are so into his music. He is a genius as a composer, producer, and musician, expert in different types of instruments. He started his music career with pop funk, got heavier with more rock element, then he finally gave in to rap only to head towards jazz and instrumental in the early 2000. In his recent releases, he has mellowed down the experimental nature of his work and created something that perhaps appeal to the general public. “Planet Earth” has a good mix of funk and R&B and pop rock. I always enjoy Prince’s guitar solo and I am glad that lately, he plays it more prominently in his albums. I like the opening track “Planet Earth” – very powerful with a strong rock base. I can understand why people enjoy the smooth R&B “Mr. Goodnight”. My favorite has to be the funk track “Chelsea Rodgers”. That one bass line is used throughout the entire track of close to 6 minutes. If you notice, there is only one set of chords that are being played (Bb C and F). The song doesn’t have noticeable chorus but it is such fun to listen to. The ending track “Resolution” closes the album nicely – musically and lyrically.

Now, what does “Planet Earth” has to do with the ongoing discussion between one of my friends who believes that illegal music download is the way to revolutionize the music industry and I who believe that no one works for free and we have to pay for what we get (see previous blog)? Prince released “Planet Earth” in UK for free with the newspaper “The Mail” reaching 3 millions readers or rather listeners in one day. He practically earned himself a bigger sum (8 times over what he gets from his previous album) to a much wider audience. That was in time for his UK tour. And he screwed the music record company and retailers big time. Something that my friend is glad to hear. For those are interested, here is the link to the news from Time.com.

Categories
Whacky Thoughts

Be HIP – What Does That Mean To You?

My new colleague once asked me if I know where the best sites to download music are. My immediate response was Apple.com (iTunes Store that is). It is rhetoric. I knew that was not what she has in mind and neither can we buy music from iTunes Store in Singapore.

Allow me to indulge myself in the politically incorrectness of generalization. There are two groups of people I observe in general when it comes to listening to music. One group cares less about music. They seldom purchase any album nor possess any music in any form. Music from the radio or TV is good enough for them. Another group in contrary loves music. And within this group of music lovers, it subdivides into three categories. One that buy music. One that downloads music feeling indifferent to whether or not it is the right thing to do. And one that downloads music believing that it is the right thing to do, believing that they play a part in revolutionize the music industry.

Revolutionize the music industry?! I had much debate with one of my friends who download a couple of albums a day. No doubt he has difficulties in listening to all the albums in his vast collection. Till today, we have not come to a conclusion.

You see, I am a keen supporter of “honor IP (intellectual property)” – HIP. I pay for the music I appreciate, the PC games I enjoy, and the DVD I watch repeatedly. For those who are indifferent to the consequence of downloading music (arguably illegally), I think there is no right or wrong answer. Neither is there a question of moral stand. Hence, I am indifference to the indifference.

However, it is people like my friend who intrigue me. I hear what my friend says. Music industry is a rogue business. The musicians hardly get anything in the end. The record companies are the big winners. All the proceeds from the record sales have to cover the marketing expenses and to fund the new artists that come on board. What the musicians get in the end is peanut – unless you make it big. That much I can understand. But to portray the heroic act of playing a part to hurt the industry so that the wrong can be right and the big evil (aka record companies) can be punished? I have my doubt.

Are you willing to work for free? After all, it is your boss who take home bulk of the profit, it is your organization that has the double digit growth – not your pocket. If you expect the musicians to work for free, it is only fair that you too work for free. True or false? Think of the retail business. Isn’t it true that the landlords are the big winners, always?

There is no right or wrong answer. Governments deem illegal music download the same as stealing. Some home users deem downloading music is the right thing to do because it will revolutionize the music industry. That one day the musicians will benefit the most from the proceeds of the record sales. Or perhaps as my friend has pointed out, the way to earn a living by the musicians is not selling records but performing live concerts.

Self deception or not, you decide.

PS. This post is created as the prelude of an upcoming music review. You will see the connection I promise.

Categories
Drama Movie Reviews

Waitress – More Than Just Another Kitchen Related Movie

When a friend needs help, a friend gets help. And when a friend needs companionship just because he is having a tough time at work, friend gets companionship. Especially when he is one of our own – Movie Review Squad that is. This time, my turn to choose a movie. Think without thinking (blink!), I insisted on Keri Rusell’s “Waitress”. I LOVE the TV series “Felicity” where the character of Felicity Porter was acted (brilliantly) by Keri Rusell. Just how much I love “Felicity”? If you run out of ideas what to get for me as Christmas gift, I want this and this and this and this. Thank you. Beat the Christmas crowd. Do it today!

Now, back to business and no more beating around the bushes. When the movie first started, Cynthia screamed: oh no, not another movie in the kitchen. You really can’t compare “Waitress” with “Ratatouille” … because “Ratatouille” is an animated film meant to entertain. Between Catherine Zeta-Jones’s “No Reservations” and Keri Russell’s “Waitress”, the former one is a typical Hollywood production – entertaining with lots of feel good factors. Predictable romance drama with a happy ending like any typical Hollywood film. The latter one has lots of character development opportunities, sharp and memorable scripts, hint of depression with loads of humor that kept the audience entertained in a different way. A more personal feeling with a slice of life that may not be pretty to look at but is real enough to engage the audience at the emotional level. For those who may not enjoy dramas and witty conversation and rather have a Hollywood treatment, “Waitress” may not be your cup of tea.

From the plot perspective, we have Jenna (played by Keri Russell) – a waitress at a small restaurant off the highway who creates hundreds of different pies with somewhat bizarre themes – having an unwanted pregnancy with her obnoxious husband Earl, a man whom she dreams of getting away from day after day. At work, his boss Cal constantly barks at the waitresses and Jenna’s co-workers Becky and Dawn seems to share every secrets with one another – almost. Then comes Doctor Pomatter that suddenly reminds Jenna of what passion should be like. To me, it is as though “Waitress” is a condensed version of a TV series. Lots of drama and lots of emotions. It lifts up your spirit and yet make you want to cry at times.

For those who have watched the TV series “Felicity”, you must have heard of “Dear Sally” thousands of time. In “Waitress”, it is “Dear Baby” or “Dear Damn Baby” instead. Kind of cool if you were to ask me. Can’t think of another actress to better fit that role.

Categories
Movie Reviews Romance

No Reservations – Zeta-Jones Oh Zeta-Jones

Dear friends. Sorry for the infrequent updates lately and infrequent visit to your sites. Life has been busy lately. Arrgghh! Good news, I have finally found time to watch “No Reservation” – quite possibly Catherine Zeta-Jones’s finest acting (not saying it is an Oscar wining performance). I have always enjoyed watching Catherine Zeta-Jones on screen. Her porcelain skin and irresistible mischievousness and her contribution to Ocean Twelve, Intolerable Cruelty, Chicago, America’s Sweethearts, and Zorro … just to name a few of my favorites. Gosh, I love her … on screen I mean.

In “No Reservation”, she plays the character of Kate Armstrong. A chef of a posh restaurant who is a control freak with frequent visits to her shrink and has total dedication to her craft. For a moment, I thought of Ratatouille like some others do. But to compare the rat Remy to the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones is just not … nice. Com’on guys.

As the story unfolds, Kate Armstrong finds herself having to take care of her niece (Abigail Breslin) after her sister has passed away. And here comes the charming chef assistance (Aaron Eckhart) who posts a threat – in Kate’s own mind – to her chef position. Worse still, this new assistance is sort of … charming. I am sure by now you can guess where this movie is heading towards.

I enjoy Aaron Eckhart’s acting a lot in “Thank You For Smoking”. What I did not realise is that how charming he can be on screen. My only complain is that his airtime in “No Reservation” is somewhat limited. Would have been good if he was to play a bigger role.

The little girl Abigail Breslin, 11 years of age, nominated for the Academy Award for her role in “Little Miss Sunshine”, in my humble opinion, is the gem of the entire film. Her acting is awesome. She out-acted Zeta-Jones by a few miles in my book (sorry Catherine). Abigail Breslin is a natural actress. I am confidence that she will do great on screen in time to come.

I love cooking and naturally, I enjoy the behind-the-kitchen scenes. It is rare to see on screen, I know. However, the storyline is somewhat predictable in the Hollywood sense. I can almost foresee what the next stage of the script was going to be. Forgettable storyline but not so forgettable acting.

Oh well, I agreed to watch “No Reservation” because of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Catherine Zeta-Jones only. Call me shallow but hey … I am a guy. One more thing, don’t expect to see Zeta-Jones in all beauty in “No Reservation”. She plays to her part that may not require her to look gorgeous and she does a good job out of it.

Categories
Diary

FAQ – How’s Your New Job?

This blog entry is kind of overdue, I know. Quite a few friends of mine asked what is it like to leave the life of a consultant and work in the industry. Instead of spending time to type lots of words, I depict my view in the graphs above.

I guess the graphs exaggerate the situation a bit. Ha ha ha … love to poke fun at my friends who are still in this trade but I am sure they can somewhat relate to what I am trying to say. To those who are new to the consulting business, it is not usual to see a consultant who is expected to deliver a lot more in a much shorter time compares to his counterpart at the client side. After all, that is how consultants create value and charge an obscene amount of fees … of which only a tiny fraction actually goes into their pockets (hence the yellow bar). To be fair, consultants don’t just create value by putting in extra hours that they do, no doubt. Depending on the sophistication of the consulting company, some are able to draw best practices, global talents, and connection with external partners to get the job done with a snap of the fingers. For those who are inspired and have the potential of being one of the bosses who take home bulk of that absence fees, by all means, please do stay and excel and while you are at it, please don’t forget you have dear friends like me who love to be pampered with sumptuous meals and expensive gifts.

10 years kind of seems like a long time. And I wanted some new perspective in my working life. So I have decided to join the industry that I spent most time with in the past. A decision well advised by some old friends of mine long time ago (an equal number of friends if not more advised me against it). At a first glance, working in the industry may seems a bit slow and relax compares to the consulting lifestyle. That is true to a certain extend. What it means is that you can just do what you are expected of and have time to take care of other priorities of your life. Or you now have the space to do a lot more and hopefully be recognized.

I am still new to the job. Who knows what comes next. We shall see.

Categories
Snippet of My Life

Snippet Of My Life Episode 5 – All Walks Of Life

A life worth writing is a life worth living, true or false?

Planet Earth caters for all walks of life. One evening I returned home. At the lobby there was a kid and a maid. 6 feet away there was a cat by the driveway. The kid kept chanting: cat, run over by the car and die … Why all this evilness of wishing another living creature dead? Extra earning equals to lesser time at home equals to a twisted next generation with the illusory help of a maid. Think family values.

Why are we trying so hard to be who we are not? At least some of us do. Overwhelmed by self-deception. Wake up! Be one with yourself. Feel blessed of who you are. You don’t need to be that someone else.

At a convenience store at Orchard, I queued to pay for my Snapple. A teen girl in front inquired: how much does vodka cost? In a board daylight. Barely legal. And there was a group of teen girls pulling out ten dollar notes determined to get that bottle of vodka over the counter. In a broad daylight. What has the world turned into?

At a convenience store near town, I entered to look for pain killer. I couldn’t find the drug and approached the sale assistance. If I am to tell you which store I was at, she will get fired and I will feel really guilty. You will know why. In just a bit.

I approached the counter. Asked for pain killer. The sale assistance pointed me to the right direction. I looked at the pricing and gasped! It must have been at least 20%-40% more expensive than other convenience stores. The sale assistance looked at me and said: don’t buy it if you don’t want to, it is way too expensive. And she repeated – in a kind and concern way. I am certain that she would not buy that from that shop either.

I love people around me in general. One day during lunch at a food center, I sat at a table with three strangers. After I finished my meal, before I left, I said with a smile: enjoy your lunch. The three ladies stared at me in a hostile manner as though I shouldn’t have said anything. I bought my dessert, sat somewhere else. Again … blah blah blah … I said with a smile: enjoy your lunch to the man siting opposite me. This stranger looked at me, smiled, and he said: thank you.

There are many types of people living around us.

Think. A life worth living is definitely a live worth writing. True or false?

Categories
Diary

I’ve Got A BIG One … And Switch?! What Switch?

Size is relative, I know. But in my eyes, mine is a big one, a huge one. And I am happy with what I have got … until I had lunch with RC today and learned that his beats mine by 2 inches! Arrgghh! As I dug deeper, I also learned that mine has a much better response time than his. Now, take that! Ha ha ha … I know … men, the competitive type.

KF the muscleman (not to confuse with KF the consultant) is someone you should avoid when you want to buy something. Because he will certainly tempt you to buy that something and a lot more. However, KF is also that someone you should see when you want to buy that something. Because he does know everything under the sun. And so I did seek for his opinions. I have been toying with the idea of buying a new color display unit for my computer (a.k.a. LCD monitor), for years. It has become the mother of all delayed gratification (I will tell you what is the “grandmother” in a bit).

Three years ago, I spent S$1,000 for a Samsung 17″ LCD monitor with a response time of 8ms. Since then technology has advanced in three different dimensions. The response time has lowered, the monitor size has grown bigger, and some take onto the form of a wide-screen format. Price, on the other hand, has come down progressively. I visited COMEX (very nice IT show this year in terms of space and babes) and came back with a Samsung 22″ wide-screen glossy LCD monitor (2ms response time) at a price of S$550. That is like half the price of my old monitor. The analogy is … today you spend S$50,000 to buy a Honda Jazz and three years later, a brand new Honda Accord equivalent that did not exist today would only cost you S$25,000. Madness right? That is technology for you.

I love my brand new Samsung so much that I am going to give it a name … Alice it is then. She is beautiful, expensively beautiful … and is larger than my 12 years old 21″ TV. Now, that is the grandmother of all delayed gratification. Plasma or LCD TV? KF the muscleman will tell you how frustrated he is with my indecisiveness. Move on with technology, he often says to me.

On a similar yet different topic, tell me, since when we are what we study? Not trying to console myself but look around you. A literature degree graduate doesn’t write books for a living. A mathematician doesn’t solve the mathematical puzzles of the century after he steps out of the university. A sociologist ends up doing anything but working in the field of the development of society and social behavior. And a computer engineer and scientist like me … not necessarily that technology savvy like many of you may expect of me.

Sick of having to share 4 network cables with more than 4 people in the meeting room day after day (yes, short of office space), I asked for a budget to acquire a network hub. One that is capable to support our ever expanding team size. Ask and you shall receive. Ask and you will be “arrowed” to do it. Duh! And so I made a trip to an IT mall. I marched into one of my favorite stores and had a brief conversation with this less-than-helpful shop assistance.

He: What are you looking for?
Me: I want to buy a wired router for my office (knowing that wireless router will probably breach the security code of the organisation I work for).
He: We don’t carry wired router anymore.
Me: You don’t?!
He: We don’t. That was long time ago.
Me: (facing turning red) … so what do you suggest?
He: You may want to get a switch.
Me: A switch?
He: (leading me to a sea of switches) … yes, a switch.
Me: What is a switch?
He: (looked at me and lost in words) … a switch is an intelligent hub …
Me: An intelligent hub?! (what is a dumb hub then?!) I just need a … a … a thing (hands waving in the air) so that all of us can connect to the network!

Gasp! What does a man have to do in order to get his hub?!

Anyway, I asked the people around me and everyone has his own definition on what a router and a switch is. Not to bore you all with details. After some serious investigation, I bought a switch that fortunately works for our situation. Phew … like my friend GS often said: learn something new everyday!

Categories
Hard Rock & Metal Music Reviews

Untitled – Is This The End Of Korn?

Many see Korn as the “Father of Nu-Metal”, a band that has created and popularized the nu-metal genre since 1994. What is nu-metal you may ask? Linkin Park has enjoyed a commercial success with music of this genre and I am sure many of you have heard a track or two from them occasionally on the radio. There are many reasons to love Korn. For me, I enjoy the guitar riffs that form the foundation of this “Korn sound”. I enjoy the lyrics that are abstractly dark – something I can certainly relate and in some ways, it is similar to my own lyrics writing style. Korn’s front-man Jonathan Davis has an unique voice and the bassist Fieldy adds much power and energy to the music. Korn likes to at times involve fans in designing their album art as well as giving free and unscheduled concerts to please them. I appreciate the effort of Korn reaching out to the fans.

After the departure of Head – one of the two guitarists of the band – Korn is never the same. The combo of the guitarists Head and Munky is what defines this “Korn sound”. In their last studio album, the looped in the famous production team “The Matrix” (who produced albums for Avril Lavigne, Liz Phair, Shakira, Hilary Duff, and etc … the combination of Korn and “The Matrix” is nothing but weird) to make some of their tracks more radio friendly. They did the same for this “Untitled” album.

I like to listen to an album with a context – a path of discovery. By reading the fine prints in the album sleeve (yes, please buy original!) and reading what the Internet has to say about Korn’s “Untitled”, I learned that in making this new album, they have to do without their original drummer David Silveria as he was on hiatus from the band. Instead, there were three drummers involved in recording “Untitled”. It is kind of sad for the fans. First it was Head’s departure, then David’s hiatus. From first listen, “Untitled” is nothing like the classic Korn sound. It was frustrating to me. Then on second listen, I began to appreciate the new Korn sound – the nu-metal sound with the atmospheres. Not only that, I have started to to pay attention to the different drummer’s style and influence to the music. How often do you find an album that has three distinctive drummers on different tracks?

Initially, Terry Bozzio was announced to replace David Silveria for the recording of one studio album. Terry is a good drummer no doubt (check out the last track). But to me, he has somewhat changed what Korn sounds like. After recording of 7 songs, Terry left due to disagreement of terms leaving another drummer Brooks Wackerman and the front-man Jonathan Davis to finish the job (Jonathan Davis can drum?! Wow). Personally I prefer Brooks Wackerman’s style – a more faithful continuation of what Korn supposes to sound like. My favorite tracks of the album are “Hold On”, “Bitch We Got A Problem”, and “Evolution”. Hearing Jonathan Davis sings and drums “Bitch We Got A Problem” with the hook of “Which one, which one of you is into me? Which one, which one of me is into you?” is as though hearing Jonathan talking straight to me. Strange.

Is “Untitled” the end of Korn? I surely hope not. Fans will follow Korn to the end and I am one of them.

Below is the music video of the song “Evolution”. I think it is a pretty funny video on the decline of mankind. Enjoy.

Categories
Action & Thriller Animation Foreign Movie Reviews

Ratatouille and Blood Brothers

It is one of those weeks that watching one movie is just not enough. Having read so many ravishing reviews on “Ratatouille” and since Cynthia so wanted to watch it, Ratatouille it was. An animated feature film produced by Pixar and when you hear the word “Pixar”, it just can’t go wrong. This film is not short either. A close to 2 hours entertainment with a short (bonus) film called “Lifted” at the beginning of the movie. “Ratatouille” has a simple storyline of a rat wanting to become a chef in Paris. It does have quite a “believable” plot from beginning to end (think “Happy Feet” for a hard-to-believe ending). The animation is top notch. I have been to Paris before and some of the scenes I would say are faithful replica of the real thing. No doubt Remy – our chef – is cute. But when you see the horde of rats running everywhere, Cynthia and I found it a bit … gross. Rats are rats and I don’t think people will fall in love with rats after the movie. Nevertheless, the takeaway point from this movie is not about rats per se but rather the insignificant – however usual it can be – can make a difference.

“Ratatouille” was the day before. Today (or rather yesterday), since Cynthia has a business function to attend, I wanted to take this wonderful opportunity to watch an … Indonesian horror film … alone. Cynthia being Indonesian boldly told me that she wouldn’t want to watch an Indonesian film, set aside an Indonesian horror film. That put doubts into my mind. I did some research and decided against watching that horror movie.

Since Cynthia doesn’t fancy Chinese film either, time to watch one while she was not around! Fortunate to me, my buddy KF the consultant could join me for a 6.45pm movie watching “Blood Brothers” at Vivocity. I don’t fancy Vivocity but Cathay does not have the time slot I want. As usual … *ahem* … KF got stuck in the office. I drove like a mad man from Beach Road to Vivocity in 20 minutes during rush hour. Phew … barely made it.

KF asked why I chose “Blood Brothers”. Duh … I am a big fan of Shu Qi so it is really no brainer right? Again, I read the reviews and they are mostly lukewarm. I can certainly understand why. The storyline is a typical Chinese mafia type set in the old days. I have to say I do like the backdrop of the movie, the costume, and the acting of some of the actors … including Shu Qi of course!

What’s the storyline like? Very linear (and no spoiler as always). There is this pair of friends and one elder brother and they left the village wanting to make some money in Shanghai. This trio turns out working with a mafia boss who has a pretty girlfriend (Shu Qi … duh!) … and this pretty girlfriend likes this mafia boss’s brother. Lots of drama, lots of acting opportunities … and lots of gaps. By that I mean if you are not into Chinese movies, you will certainly ponder upon all the illogical moments that appear from time to time. KF and I talked about these gaps over our dinner and without fail, we arrived at the same conclusion that the plot doesn’t have to explicitly talk about it … if you are a seasoned Chinese film viewer, you should be able to figure that out.

I wouldn’t say “Blood Brothers” is a must-watch, nor a film that is worth checking out. Definitely I think Shu Qui is more cut out for action movies like My Wife Is A Gangster 3. For me, the decision of watching “Blood Brother” is Shu Qi and Shu Qi only.

Categories
Jamming Session

My Very First Experience Inside A Studio

Click to enlarge!

In my previous post, I mentioned how excited I was in anticipating my very first studio experience. After the session while we were heading out for food (that’s right EastCoastLife, I know you are going to ask: where’s the food?), I was still in trance and casually commented that it was the best day of my life. My new drummer Chip and my guitarist Jason turned and looked at me and they both asked “How about … (looking at Cynthia’s direction)”. Duh! I quickly rephrased to … the best day of my life in 2007 so far! Phew! Luckily Cynthia was way ahead chatting happily with Jason’s fiancee Selrol. Dumb things men say at times.

I know, I know … I really should have posted this out much earlier. My life has turned busy lately and I do apologize for the delay. I had one particular text conversation over the wireless phone with a special “fan” of the site. I had no idea that some of you are so enthusiastic to read this!

Fan: How was your jamming session?
Me: Great! Gonna post a blog tonight.
Fan: Too late! You are suppose to do it last night!
Me: I only had 5 hours of sleep last night 🙁
Fan: Excuses, ha ha ha … I forgive you 🙂
Me: Ha ha ha … You bloody slave driver!

My dad was used to work for a company that supported the entertainment business back in Hong Kong with equipment and manpower. Since young, I had the opportunity to often walk in and out of the backstage before and after the pop concert. I have seen what a studio looked like and I think because all these events happened when I was still a very young boy, the images of what is behind the music business left a strong impression in me – almost nostalgic in a romantic sense.

Perhaps it is this “special” upbringing that guided me to develop my music skill despite my almost definite lack of music talent. Joined a school band playing clarinet when I was 12 and soon, I picked up saxophone. Thanks to my seniors who taught me how to play these wonderful wind instruments and at around 15, I joined the Hong Kong Youth Orchestra playing 2nd clarinet with my friend from the same school band. Almost at the same time, I was fascinated by piano. I managed to convince my mum to buy me one and I “learned” how to play piano by reading books and experimenting what worked and what didn’t in a self-taught manner. I got as far as playing grade 3 music scores and could not go further. My parents tried to get me a piano teacher but I had to leave home when I was 17 to study overseas.

Since I could not bring my piano to UK, nor could I afford to buy my own clarinet or saxophone (on loan by the school band), I switched to an instrument that is economical, portable, and easy to learn – guitar. 17 was also the year when I first started to appreciate pop and rock music – a big step away from the classical music I was used to listen to. From then on, guitar and I are inseparable. Whenever I feel blue or lonely, I always have my guitar with me. That is why whenever I work overseas, I bring one of my guitars over as well. Writing my own song seems like a natural progression and I have been doing that incessantly for about 15 years. Time flies!

Back to present time, I do have a humble music studio at home that we often used for “unplugged jamming”. Since our band has now found a drummer to jam with, it is time to hit a proper studio with a proper drum kit!

When I first stepped into the studio and … good gracious me … the speakers are SO HUGE! No way I can fit any of these monster size speakers into my home. Each of us has a speaker for our guitars and bass guitar. To be honest, I have not stepped in front of such a huge speaker while I play my electric guitar. Every time I strum a chord, I can feel the vibration going through my body. The sound level is really high inside a studio. First, you can’t control the volume of the drum kit and trust me, that is loud. Second, my own guitar speaker has to be as loud in order to match with the drum. I could still hear what Jason and Cynthia were playing (because theirs were pretty loud as well and I was standing directly in front of Cynthia’s speaker). But hearing my own voice was hard. Though there were two HUGE speakers hanging from the ceiling pointing right at my left and right ears just to project the vocal track, I have to sing really loud and close to the mic in order to vaguely hear myself. Definitely still trying to learn my way through (as I was the only one in the band who has no outdoor performance experience), I think I have already fallen in love with jamming inside a studio.

So, one tiny step closer to live performance eh? Baby steps … baby steps …

PS. Captions time! From left to right and top to bottom: (1) the “rock” post! (2) Chip, our new drummer, (3) Cynthia, myself, the bass speaker, and Jason, (4) Jason and his fiancee Selrol, (5) the guitar speaker that was less than 2 feet away from my back, (6) group photo.