April - June 2010, Issue 21.

MICA (P) 175/12/2009FREE COPY

Nanyang Technological University Cultural Activities Clubart jam2 Impresario 8 Chicago the Musical 9 Animal Farm10 Football! Football! 11 Red Ballerina12 Dinosaur JR 13 Babyface & McBride 16 Flipside

18 The Analog Girl 19 Jazz 101

This is a Publication of Nanyang Technological University Cultural Activities ClubTo advertise with us or list your events in ART JAM, email us at cac_publication@ntu.edu.sg

editor’s note

Editor-in-ChiefDanny Wan

EditorAudrey Lim

Sub-EditorNoor Ashikin

WritersAanshu MishraAbha ApteCherie ThioDevika ShindeJennifer DhanarajMaxie AwNur AsyiqinSamantha SoonTan SihanTulika SudVictoria Chang

Graphic DesignerNatalie TuangXpress Print Pte LtdTel: 6880 2881

publication team

Cover Credit: Julius Landau

Dear Readers,

Oh boy, here come the dread examinations again.Therefore in this issue, the team behind ArtJam gives you bite-sized articles that could be finished within minutes. We know how important time is for you (especially during this period). Crammed with previews of upcoming performances and places where you could unwind – from the musical Chicago to this quaint store on Ann Siang Hill known as the The Little Dröm Store, you can make ArtJam the starting point for your post-exams plans.

Don’t worry the examinations will be over before long.

Best Regards,Danny Editor-in-Chief

ArtJam will return in August. We need a break too!

contents

Download the softcopy of ArtJam at http://www.ntucac.com/ArtJam

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2Impresario

5NAF Grafitti Week

6NTU Press

8Chicago the Musical

9Animal Farm

10Football! Football!

11Red Ballerina

12Dinosaur JR

13Babyface & McBride

14Au Revoir Simone

16Flipside

18The Analog Girl

19Jazz 101

20Movie Mob

21The Little Dröm Store

22Echo Music’s Barnyard

23Post Secrets

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CAC press

by Victoria ChangPhotos: Impressario

Your Turn To Shine: Impresario Finals 2010

The Impresario Finals 2010 proved to be yet another great show of passion and newfound talent. Since its inauguration in 1992, this nationwide talent search

competition organised by the NTU Cultural Activities Club has faithfully provided the opportunity for the showcasing of local talent.

The theme for the 18th competition season was “The Time Spell”. Teh Han Ming, Chairperson of the Impresario 2010 Organising Committee, explained this: “As the contestants took the first step towards their dreams, they fell into a spell of numerous enchanted moments to where they are today. These timely opportunities fulfilled their aspirations and their desires to shine on stage.”

Accompanying this unique theme is the inspiring slogan, “Your Turn To Shine”.

The judges for the night included prominent music personalities like Mr Colin Goh, Managing Director of Ocean Butterflies Music, Singapore, and Hong Jun

Yang, previous contestant of Channel U’s Project Superstar 2005.

This year, some changes were introduced to attract a wider range of talent. In addition to the usual “Vocal Solo”, “Vocal Duet/Group”, “Original Composition” and “Street Dance” categories, the “Open Platform” category was introduced as platform for other non-musical and dance talents. Erika Chen was the first winner of this new category, impressing the judges with her ability to use sand painting as an expression of emotions while singing an original song.

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CAC press

The competition that night was at its toughest stage, with contestants belting out numbers like “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and “Superstitious” by Stevie Wonder. Yet, contestant Ainul Suhaidah stole the show despite having a sore throat, cinching first position in both the vocal Solo category and the vocal group category with group member Rozaimi Abdul Rahim.

One of the judges, Mr Michael Tong, Managing Director of Music Forest, commended Ainul for her charm, confidence and powerful vocals which was evident in her solo number “Listen” by Beyonce and her duet or “I Surrender” by Celine Dion with Rozaimi.

Vocal group Reis comprising Evan Goh and Isaiah Wang proved to be the dark horse of the night. Despite initial technical difficulties, Reis performed a medley of “This Love” by Maroon 5 and “Nobody” by Wondergirls which proved to be well worth the wait.

The original composition category was further proof that Singapore has no lack of musical extraordinaires. Both winner, Eric Tan and first runner-up, Aldrich Tijahjadi were commended on their delivery of their own songs. However, judge Jun Yang felt that there was still room for improvement. He advised on the importance of knowing who the song is written for as well as understanding the lyrics and melody.

The contestants of the street dance category entertained the audience with their groovy moves and creative choreography. Despite the strong

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CAC press

competition, FlickerHolic emerged champion with their unique fusion of contemporary and hip-hop dance moves as well as their attention-grabbing intricate costumes.

Derrick Ho, second runner-up of Channel U’s Project Superstar 2005, as well as singer and former NTU student Tay Kewei who performed alongside prominent keyboardist and songwriter Lee Ein Ein were also there to grace the event and perform. The guest performers were supportive and impressed by the contestants.

Derrick said, “I was listening to some of the contestants backstage and they were really great. Competitions are a really good platform for singing development and they have to continue to uphold what they have gained from the competition, even when it is all over.” Ke Wei echoed his sentiments.

“I was really shocked when I heard some of them sing! All of them were really whacking technique tonight!”

Indeed, Impresario 2010 was a success and one can only hope for the next competition season for another brilliant showcase of such talent.

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CAC press

The campus is abuzz and painted in a riot of colours!

Our sand sculpture near Canopy K @ LT 1A was submerged in a flood of colours and creativity for the last week as NAF 2010 held the much awaited Graffiti Week. For that one whole week, NTU students lent voice to their thoughts and imagination by spraying them onto the canvasses placed near Canteen A. It was NTU at its creative best! The highlight of the event was Graffiti artist Benson Lee coming down to NTU on the 12 of March and creating this amazing graffiti especially for NAF 2010. Benson Lee made ‘Colourworks’ stood out in his art piece and added that extra vigour to the entire event and the festival.

And those are not the only colours flowing on campus! NAF Sand Art has absolutely caught the fancy of students! And parents too! Not only are students enjoying it but on the occasion of Open House 2010, even parents joined in to create beautiful and innovative art pieces while recollecting their childhood. NTU looks all set to break the Singapore Record for the Largest Sand Art Montage!

by Devika ShindePhotos: NTU CAC Nanyang Arts Festival

PAINT THE TOWN!

Nanyang Arts Festival presents

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1. This painting titled “Lines and String” was done by Alfonsus Wong using Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite. Although the piece was originally intended to be used as a digital draft for an assignment for one of the foundation drawing modules, it was not submitted. According to Alfonsus, “I wanted to do a drawing with a girl in it, but didn’t want the tone to be overly soft, so I added an oversized robot to balance it out.” Besides the interesting style of painting seen in the image, this work is made all the more interesting by the mini role reversal in the girl’s mannequin and the robot’s drawing, which Alfonsus says was his attempt to add a little narrative of sorts to the image. The main difficulty he faced was with the painting process itself, as he tried to move away from the usual process he tends to follow.

In every issue, ArtJam showcases the artworks of students from NTU. For

this issue, Tulika Sud managed to unearth some treasures from NTU’s

School of Art, Design and Media (ADM). Works range from paintings to

photographs, done using all kinds of different media.

If you would like to have your work (be it paintings, photographs or even

poems) published in the next issue of Art Jam,

please send it in to tulika.sud@gmail.com

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NTU press

2. ADM Year 1 student Neil Brian Alapide did this acrylic painting on canvas, titled “Uprooted”. This was inspired by his personal experience of living and studying in Singapore since 2004. Says Brian; “Uprooted” showcases “one’s inner struggles, a dilemma of being on a different soil. It questions man’s instinctive nature to acclimatize to a new environment, and the sad eventual loss of personal identity.”

3. This piece by Farhana Jaaf titled “Bee Me” was made using electronic spare parts from junk goods. It was inspired by the idea of some kind of insect or animal. As Farhana says, “I don’t like insects, and find it rather hard to appreciate the existence of any living form of organism, even humans! That’s why I thought it was a pretty good challenge to create something which I could not find any inspiration in, and this made me aware of the structure and patterns of insects, as well as their similarities and differences to the things surrounding us. This process then inspired me.” The idea behind using the electronic waste was that just as living organisms differ from electronic products, we can obtain a kind of relation that exists between spaces and patterns as far as man made products and god gifted creations go.

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ChICAGo The MusICAl by Victoria Chang

A murder, an arrest and a surprise ending – who says murder’s not a craft? Finally, after nearly a decade, the hit musical ‘Chicago’ returns to Singapore for a strictly

limited season at the Esplanade theatre from Apr 16 to May 9 this year. ‘Chicago’ has been the longest-running musical revival on both Broadway and in the West End, never failing to excite its audiences with its glamour, treachery, irony and all that jazz.

The musical was adapted from a comedic play that was based on the real life court trials of murderesses Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner in Chicago. In 1924, Annan was accused of killing “intruder” Harry Kalstedt while Gaertner was charged with the murder of her husband. Both murders splashed the front pages of the Chicago Tribune when reporter Maurine Watkins gave tongue-in-cheek reports of their court trials. Watkins’ experience with the famed murder-row darlings inspired her to write a comedy entitled ‘Chicago’ which eventually evolved into the musical that continues to wow audiences with its blunt tale of criminal celebrity till this day.

The musical takes off dramatically, with stage entertainer Velma Kelly murdering her husband and sister when she found them in bed together. At the same time, the audience is introduced to chorus girl Roxie Hart who murdered her lover in cold blood.

In stark contrast to these dark events, Velma spontaneously invites the audience to the enticing glory of fame in the entertainment industry with hit song “All That Jazz”, an all-time favourite of the musical.

Despite attempts at framing her husband for her murder, Roxie ends up in the woman’s block in Cook County Jail, inhabited by Velma and other merry murderesses. Here, the audience is also introduced to corrupt Matron “Mama” Morton who helps Velma become the Chicago media’s top murderer-of-the-week. Even jail in ‘Chicago’ is seen to be glamorous, dazzling audiences with songs like “Cell Block Tango” and “When You’re Good To Momma”.

Subsequently, slick and suave lawyer Billy Flynn comes to the girls’ rescue and rivalry between Roxie and Velma ensues. Who would be the ultimate sensation of Chicago?

TICKETING INFORMATION Chicago The Musical, 16 Apr – 9 May 2010.Esplanade Theatre.Tickets available through SISTIC. Prices range from $40 to $170.

Would Roxie and Velma be able to turn their fates around and emerge from their imprisonment as newly beloved celebrities? Or would the longing and fighting for fame prove to be too much for them?

Taking the Singapore stage with this riveting plot will be a versatile and stellar 23-member cast of world-class talent. Performing as the talented, scheming and murderous Roxie Hart is Sharon Millerchip, one of Australia’s leading musical theatre actresses. Interestingly, Millerchip had previously played the part of Velma Kelly in ‘Chicago’ ten years ago and is the only actress to have ever won awards for both her

portrayals of Velma and Roxie. One of Australia’s most talented performers, Craig McLachlan, better known for his role in the long-running soap Neighbours, would be playing the role of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn.

‘Chicago’ is produced in Singapore by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and David Atkins Enterprises with John Frost, Barry and Fran Weissler. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions has brought a wide array of live entertainment to Singapore, including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘Miss Saigon’.

Says producer James Cundall, Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, “Chicago is one of the world’s most popular and thrilling smash-hit musicals. Unbelievably sexy, sassy and sensational, this musical thrills and chills, which is why it continues to tour the world after so many years and has been applauded by millions of people.

So whether you’ve seen the Academy Award-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage, or whether you have seen it before and want to recapture the magic, here’s your chance. It would be a crime to miss it.”

Let Roxie and Velma’s universal tale of trials, tribulations, fame and fortune accompanied by show-stopping songs entertain and dazzle you this April. ‘Chicago’ is not to be missed!

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Animal Farm

This April, George Orwell’s Animal Farm by W!ld Rice returns to Singapore for a three-week run after it makes history as the first Singapore

theatre production to be presented at the Hong Kong Arts Festival in March 2010.

This Singapore theatre production was the first to tour to the New Zealand Arts Festival in 2004 where it was a sell-out hit and a festival highlight. This time, a herd of Singapore’s finest theatre talents will get down on all fours to breathe life into Orwell’s characters. The cast, playing a whole menagerie of farmyard animals, includes Lim Yu-beng, Pam Oei, Gani A. Karim, Gene Sha Rudyn, Yeo Yann Yann, Denise Tan and Daniel Jenkins. And in the hands of W!LD RICE’s Artistic Director Ivan Heng, a pioneer in theatre for nearly two decades, this deceptively simple tale of barnyard betrayal and power abuse will definitely prove to be enthralling and entertaining.

The play tells the story of a group of farm animals that decides to live together with no human beings to oppress or control them. The group calls this principle ‘Animalism’ and under the leadership of three pigs, they manage to defeat their owner, Farmer Jones and run him off the farm. They agree to work harder from then on and one pig teaches the young animals to read

while another teaches them the principles of Animalism. Gradually, their leader Napoleon begins expanding his powers, starts sleeping on a bed, drinks whiskey and even engages in trade with neighboring farmers, none of which is allowed in Animalism. He ignores the hungry and overworked conditions of the other animals. And as years pass on, the pigs become more and more like human beings—they walk upright, carry whips, and wear clothes. Eventually, the seven principles of Animalism, known as the Seven Commandments and inscribed on the side of the barn, become reduced to a single principle reading: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” The name of the farm reverts back to Manor Farm and other animals can no longer tell the pigs and the human beings apart.

ANIMAL FARM first opened to rave reviews here in 2002 and garnered 3 DBS Life!Theatre awards for Best Director, Best Ensemble Acting and Best Music.

Title: Animal FarmDate: 21 Apr – 8 MayVenue: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library BuildingTicket Prices: From S$34 - $69 (discounts for OCBC Credit/Debit Card holders)

by Aanshu MishraPhotos: W!LD RICE

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This June, the Singapore Arts Festival brings you Football! Football!, a show that interweaves dance, theatre, music and videos through the exploration of football, a sport

favoured all over the world.

In line with the festival’s theme ‘Between You and Me’, the goal of this unique theatre-dance work is to draw connections between different art forms as well as culture. Football! Footbal!l will see artists from different cultural backgrounds with diverse viewpoints coming together.

Football has been chosen as the central theme of this show as it is a worldwide phenomenon that is widely shared by most people. It is a global language that transcends borders, regardless of race, religion or nation. Football in itself is a craft and a performance: requiring focus yet is exciting and entertaining. Football! Football! will see artists from different cultural backgrounds with diverse viewpoints coming together.

The show will be performed under two themes. The first part of the show named Football, Life takes the form of a docu-theatre, where the live actors interact with documentaries and art in the form of videos. This segment of the show will show how football links the stories of ordinary people, football fans and great football players such as Zola from Napoli and Singapore’s very own Lionel Lewis. Football, Life aims to project football as a very significant part of our life, no matter how distant it may seem.

The second part of the show titled Football, Art will be performed in English, Italian and Bosnian. In this segment, the art of football as ‘The Beautiful Game’ will be explored through the use of dance, theatre, video and music in attempts to

capture the artistry, philosophy and humour of football. In the words of the director, football is seen as a performance itself; it is a pure form of enthusiasm, emotion and play, and it involves a wide display of movements. Football, Art will portray the many facets of football through a variety of art forms and languages, introducing audience to the appreciation of football as art.

Directed by award-winning Bosnian director Haris Pašović, choreographed by Belgian’s Koen Augustijnen, and co-produced by Singapore Arts Festival, East West Theatre Company, Napoli Teatro Festival Italia and Les Ballets C de la B, this collaboration between creative teams and cast from Bosnia, Belgium, Herzegovina, Italy and Singapore will prove to be more than just a fast-paced game.

With its premier showcase in Singapore, this is one performance not to be missed. Audience will find themselves captivated by the movement of the game and the performance. In the midst of striking balances between individual actions and teamwork, as well as, strict rules and vital improvisation, audience will be able to relate it to something closer to their hearts – their very own lives.

Title: Football! Football!Date: 20 & 21 May 2010Venue: Victoria TheatreTime: 8.00pmTicket Prices: $50, $40, $30, $20.

Football! Football!

by Samantha SoonPhotos: East West Theatre Company

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TheatreWorks kickstarts its 25th anniversary celebrations this year with the Friends Season, which runs from April 8 to May 10. The Season opens with a New Media Exhibition that will run from April 9 to May 1 and presents two international productions. But the highlight of the

Season is the closer-to-home production by Singapore’s leading artistic director Ong Keng Sen, The Red Ballerina.

The Red Ballerina is a documentary performance which depicts the life of iconic Singaporean choreographer-dancer Goh Lay Kuan. Goh is a Cultural Medallion recipient and has been inarguably, the most influential person in paving the way for dance education in Singapore. She is known for her world view on arts and her socio-political presence in Singapore.

The Red Ballerina hopes to recount the struggles and successes of this pioneer artist and document the story as part of the historicisation of the arts of Singapore. The production includes video footages, interviews and writings through which the audience can relive the story of Goh.

Artistic director of The Red Ballerina Ong Keng Sen, is known for his distinctive performance style of theatre and has won reviews and accolades for Fields (2001), Geisha (2006), Diaspora (2006, 2009), The Red Ballerina is his first venture in staging the life of a personality from his own country and culture. Nevertheless, expectations are high as he teams up with two Singapore theatre stalwarts, Karen Tan and Lim Kay Tong.

This work is the first of a series of presentations of The Red Ballerina. Through this, Ong aims to introduce the audience to a “human-sized role model” and to portray the choreographer-dancer as “a living presence, who has continued her dialogue with art and society and is still actively involved.”

This soul-warming story of dance, strength and perseverance will touch your hearts and move you this April.

Title: The Red BallerinaDate: 29 April to 1 May 2010, 8pmVenue: 72-13 (TheatreWorks), 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road.Admission: FreePlease call 6737 7213 or email tworks@singnet.com.sg to register your attendance.

The Red Ballerinaby Devika Shinde

Photos: TheatreWorks

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review

Dinosaur JRby Abha Apte

Photo: The Esplanade Co Ltd

The alternative-rock demigods of the ‘80s show again - at The Mosaic Music Festival - what made them the pioneers of their genre back in the day.

Dinosaur Jr. - with guitarist J Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph - prove that they have not indeed lost the spark. Feet firmly planted in the indie-rock shoes that gave them cult-status among true-blue fans, The Mosaic Music Festival saw the band perform an impressive lineup of tracks ranging from those taken from their most recent album, ‘Farm’, to those from previous albums that their earliest fans remember best.

Dinosaur Jr. is known for having started the grunge revolution of the 80’s. The band released seven albums from the time it was formed, each known for the – soon to be a trademark – style of thundering, powerful, anthem-like rock with healthy strays into more versatile styles while still retaining their more melodic, indie-alternative side. The band soon disintegrated with the members’ forays into either other bands or solo careers. Just as fans had given up on the idea of a band reunion, the trio did a full 360 degrees turn and returned with ‘Broken’. Hailed as Dinosaur Jr.’s distinctly triumphant rise from the ashes, ‘Broken’ sealed the band’s future as a continuing record-churner. When ‘Farm’, their latest album, was released, its refreshingly new sound and crowd-pleasing, indie-rock noir glamour received rave reviews, proving that in the span of twenty years, the band had still retained its original, cult-phenomenon flair.

With its mix of heady rock, masterful, unrestrained solos, slick songwriting, tight guitar riffs and brilliant lead-support equilibrium by drummer Murph, Dinosaur Jr.’s music is as sense-imploding and as cleverly paced as it was several albums, twenty years, and one band-breakup ago.

During the seventy-five minute performance, the predominance of the drums, bass, and guitar combination over vocals is apparent – the band typically relies on powerfully slick instrumental efforts, padded over by the raspy, nasal vocals characteristic of most of their work. The genuine, unadulterated quality of their music shows through clearly, being as good live as they are on record. Dinosaur Jr. successfully avoids the overproduced, studio-altered feel that a lot of rock/alternative bands have become susceptible to, and this creates an explosion of raw, uncontrolled energy, especially when accompanied with the intensely frenzied crowd and the neat acoustics of Esplanade’s Theatre set.

A treat for head-banging rock fanatics and faithful fans alike, Dinosaur Jr. is the band to scope for on your music radar.

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personality

Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and Christian McBride may not have performed together as they would have liked but they certainly opened the Mosaic Music Festival this year on the

right note with their respective gigs.

Producer of the Mosaic Music Festival, Amy Ho welcomed McBride back ‘home’ as this is his third trip to Singapore.

“It feels great to be here again and it is really sweet that both Amy and the hotel staff refer to Singapore as my home,” said McBride.

McBride said that his musical influences are usually very creative with their art with the utmost integrity. American Jazz legend and composer, Chick Corea with whom McBride has recorded and performed with, is counted as one of his main influences musically. McBride also cited notable Jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Ray Brown as his influences.

He is currently touring Asia and will make his way to New York with his quintet called ‘Christian McBride & Inside Straight’.

On the other hand, it is Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds’ first visit here and he commended the great weather - and heat, which he said would definitely attract more musicians and artistes to perform here.

Babyface is a 10-time Grammy award-winning singer, composer and producer while Christian McBride is widely considered to be one of the best bassists of his generation.

He spoke to ArtJam about his love for songwriting, which he considers his primary interest: “I started out being a songwriter when I was twelve.

I played the guitar to help my songwriting and everything I did after that was to support my love for songwriting.”

Babyface has written and produced chart-topping hit years over the years that include Madonna ‘Take a Bow’ and Boyz II Men’s ‘I’ll Make Love to You’.

When asked about his songwriting process, Edmonds said that not all his songs were about his own experiences.

“I observe people and eavesdrop on their conversations and then hyper-exaggerate all of their experiences to create a great, meaningful song that people can relate to.”

The two artistes were obviously appreciative each other’s contributions toward music as they showered praises on each other. McBride called Babyface a ‘legend’. They expressed their wishes to watch each other perform but lamented that their conflicting schedules did not allow this.

Whether it is the suave, good-looking Babyface or the cool, laidback Mcbride and his bass called ‘Minnie’, these two artistes have definitely added star power to the Mosaic Music Festival.

by Jennifer DhanarajPhoto: The Esplanade Co Ltd

A closer look at Babyface, Christian McBride and his ‘Minnie’

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With vintage keyboards, a wooden drum machine and a common love for synthesizers, three pretty, charming girls (Erika Forster, Heather D’Angelo and Annie Hart) made infectious electro indie-pop songs under Au Revoir Simone.

Having released their debut album, Versus of Assurance, Comfort and Salvation in 2005, the critically acclaimed band went on to release two more albums. Their most recent album, Still Night, Still Light (2009) was filled with light, melodic and melancholic tunes that will be perfect for a lazy Sunday.

Erika Forster and Annie Hart talked to ArtJam about a variety of topics that ranged from their recording experiences to the Backstreet Boys.

All three members of Au Revoir Simone are from Brooklyn, New York - a place known for its music community that also boasts other critically acclaimed indie bands such as Grizzly Bear.

But they said that despite the overflow of creativity from a plethora of musicians, they do not feel the pressure to constantly reinvent themselves to stay relevant.

“Our recording process is such that we have an idea for a song and the three of us have to agree and work on it a certain way and we will record it all together. Perhaps what’s most important is that we have to love the end result,” said Hart.

Forster agreed and added: “We basically live in our own universe; our own heads. So we never really feel the pressure to create a new sound or reinvent ourselves accordingly.”

Au Revoir Simone also said recording Still Night, Still Light with producer Thom Monahan was enlightening and refreshing.

They recorded the album in a lot of places that included Forster’s kitchen, bedrooms and offices.

“It was all very Do-It-Yourself and Thom knew how to make the best of it. He knew which spaces worked best for certain instruments, what rooms to use to bring out the best atmospherics for certain tracks. He was brilliant,” said Hart

Au Revoir Simone songs like Anywhere You Looked and Sad Song are perfect for people going through heartbreak so Artjam asked Au Revoir Simone what they listen to get through a rough day.

An intimate chat with Au Revoir Simone

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by Jennifer DhanarajPhoto: The Esplanade Co Ltd

Forster said that listening to melancholic music can be cathartic: “It’s like knowing someone out there has felt your pain and understands it. Sad music can brighten my day sometimes.”

But Hart said that music influences her mood to a great extent. “I recently listened to all my albums in alphabetical order. It’s one thing when you pick your music to match how you feel. But it’s different when you’re listening to something whether you want to or not, so my mood changes with the album.”

The girls also shared their appreciation for boybands, excitedly claiming that the Backstreet Boys ‘are the best boyband ever.’

Forster recalls fondly that when she left for college, her sister would miss her so much and that the Backstreet Boys helped in dealing with her absence.

“She was so torn apart so she would listen to and sing with the Backstreet Boys and cry.”

When asked about current records and artistes that they cannot get enough of, both agreed that Joanna Newsom’s Have One on Me (2010) was one of the better records that they have listened to this year.

While talking about how fashion and music are so intricately connected, Forster said that ‘fashion subsidizes music.’ They certainly know that first-hand as the triplet performed at Robert Normand’s Fall/Winter 2007 fashion show in Paris.

Forster said that they are lucky that they do not have to dress a certain way while on stage like most other jobs because ‘fashion is a form of expression.’

While busy on the runway, their music has also been played on hit TV shows like Grey’s anatomy and Ugly Betty. But Forster said that she would love to be included on the Twilight soundtrack as well while Hart would love to do something on Flight of the Conchords although the series has gone on hiatus.

Forster’s favourite TV show is Mad Men but lamented that their music would not be appropriate for a show that is based on the ‘50s.

However, she did not rule out a guest appearance.

These girls with enviable hair and cute frocks would certainly blend well amongst the characters on Madison Avenue.

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Flipside

Hailing from Australia is The Axis of Awesome, a trio that describes themselves as “three guys writing funny songs”. They are known for writing

songs such as Birdplane and 4 Chords (a combination of 36 songs) that are witty and humourous. They will be presenting Infinity Rock Explosion! at Flipside. ArtJam speaks to the trio to find out more.

ArtJam: How do you describe/classify your music?The Axis of Awesome: We have a number of different terms for it: Rock Comedy (Romedy), Melodious Jokings, Harmonious Japery. We’re basically three guys singing funny songs.

AJ: Where do you draw inspiration from? The Axis: We draw our inspirations mainly from feel-good films like the Mighty Ducks, the Sandlot Kids and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.

AJ: How do you sing without laughing at your own lyrics – some were pretty hilarious! The Axis: When we first play a song sometimes it’s hard not to laugh, but after playing the songs for literally years on end and thousands of times, you get used to the jokes. We do try and make each other laugh on stage, as often when the audience can see us having fun they have a good time too.

AJ: How long do you take to write a song? The Axis: It depends on the song, sometimes it can

be done in one sitting of an hour or two, sometimes we’ll come back to a song three or four times over a couple of weeks before it’s ready to be performed. We then have to learn and rehearse the song to get it to performance level.

AJ: What can the audience expect for from Infinity Rock Explosion!? The Axis: A wide range of musical styles, from rock songs to love songs to parodies and originals, performed by three human men singing with their mouths.

AJ: What do you hope to bring across to your audience with your music? The Axis: Basically just a lot of laughs, we don’t really have a message to for our show. There are plenty of comedians who like to get a message across, the closest we come to a message is that with the right attitude and a bit of luck, any child can become an ice hockey champion

Expect unconventional and quirky performances at Flipside, Esplanade’s wacky and offbeat festival. The festival which takes place all through from 14 May 2010 till 14 June 2010 will be a perfect way to welcome the summer holidays.

by Maxie AwPhoto: The Esplanade Co Ltd

Infinity Rock Explosion!Date: 20 May 2010 (THU) – 22 May 2010 (SAT)Time: 7:30pm (60mins, no intermission)Venue: Recital StudioPrice: $35Concessions for students, NSF and senior citizens: $27

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ArtJam: What is your inspiration for Gadgets?Joel: Gadgets has evolved over the last 10 years. I have always wanted a theatre show that had live music, comedy and juggling. It takes so long to develop a form that is the perfect vehicle for my routines and Gadgets is pretty close.

AJ: Was it difficult to integrate music, juggling and drama? Joel Salom: Yes, it was difficult to integrate music juggling and drama, but for me the combination is a very exciting combination that rocks my world. To perform to live music makes my job so much easier and touring a lot more fun.

AJ: What do you hope to bring to the audience? Joel: I hope to bring a really fun show that people enjoy a lot, laugh a lot and remember that life is about having fun, following your dreams, doing what you like and doing what your you’re good at.

AJ: Which were your best and worst performances? Joel: Best show memories include a tour to Portugal where we performed at night under lights and we had some massive crowds and standing ovations - that was completely amazing! New York on 42nd street with Circus OZ was also a real highlight of my career. Then in Australia I had an audience-volunteer who was disabled, he spoke on stage and performed really well. His teachers told me after the show that he has never talked that much in the three years at school. Sometimes theatre can be an incredibly therapeutic exercise and liberating. I was very touched.

Some of my most challenging shows are for corporate entertainment events. The audiences are often very reserved and quiet and when there is little response from the audience, it can make it so much harder for a performer, especially a comedian such as myself.

AJ: Why Erik the dog? Joel: Erik is so much fun. Having Erik is such a gift. I still can’t believe that I made him. I’m not sure why I made him, like most of my routines and ideas, they just come to me and I make them. There was no big motivation to create him; I just thought it’d be cool really. What’s not cool about a talking dog!

AJ: What more can audience look forward to? Joel: Gadgets is a rollercoaster ride featuring a spectacular laser show, a smart alec, talking robot dog called Erik, hilarious physical routines, highly-skilled juggling, fantastic live music, laughs aplenty and awesome inventions! There is always improvised material and audience participation in the show - that is something that I always look forward to.Gadgets

Fellow Australian performer Joel Salom will be bringing the performance Gadgets down to Singapore for the very first time. Gadgets will see Salom combining circus antics and beats with his musical sidekicks, Marko Simec and Jim Dunlop to create a unique mix of jazz and pop music that is fused with gypsy swing, improvisations and audience participation. Joining them will be Erik the Dog, a talking tin terrier made by Joel himself. ArtJam talks to Joel Salom to find out more.

Date: 4 Jun 2010 (FRI) – 6 Jun 2010 (SUN)Time: 4 & 5 Jun 2010 (FRI & SAT), 7:30pm 6 Jun 2010 (SUN), 3pm (60 mins, no intermission)Venue: Recital StudioPrice: $35Concessions for students, NSF and senior citizens: $27

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The Analog GalIn line with the

Singapore Arts Festival’s 2010 theme

‘Between You and Me’ is another exciting and unusual club gig that seamlessly fuses music and technology, featuring Atsuhiro Ito, Zai Kuning and The

Analog Girl in an intense and electrifying musical conversation. These multi-talented artists have been constantly been challenging set musical boundaries by incorporating new technologies

Atsuhiro Ito makes music with his OPTRON, an original contemporary musical invention made from fluorescent tubes. Singapore-based artist Zai Kuning has devoted his recent years to exploring acoustics sounds of Malay traditional music and electronic sounds influenced by punk, chaos and deconstruction. Singapore’s very own laptop-rock pioneer The Analog Girl manipulates her electronic music with intriguing machines, and was named by TIME magazine as one of the 5 Music Acts To Watch in 2008. The Analog Girl shares with Art Jam what to look out for in this special meeting of musical minds.

ArtJam: What can we expect from your collaboration with Atsuhiro Ito and Zai Kuning in the upcoming Arts Festival?Analog Girl: Something spontaneous, raw and improvised. This will be my first big collaboration with other musicians live so even I will be pleasantly surprised by the results myself during the show! I will be using a mix of improvisational tools to join the ensemble with, including the LED musical grid Tenori-On, the open-source multi-faceted Monome, and the illuminated Percussa AudioCubes - all that controlling sounds and phrases from my Apple laptop. It will take you from more contemplative pieces to loud and gritty.

AJ: What are your musical and artistic influences?Analog Girl: Strangely, I am not much of a pure electronic music fan. I prefer a range of musical influences so anything with a mix of indie, rock, pop, hip hop and electronic always appeals to me, bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, These New Puritans, The Kills and Washed Out. Aside from these, I am inspired by sounds from my computer, software instruments and new technology, when writing my music.

AJ: How, and what, do you use to write your extraordinary music?Analog Girl: Thanks for the compliment. Writing music is a flow of ideas, largely started by sounds and instruments that I uncover or design using Ableton Live, a virtual music studio, on my laptop. From that one sound, I will be inspired to record a melody, then it all kind of flows from within. I usually like using the first takes, even of vocals and lyrics, because they are to me, the most honest and heartfelt.

by Samantha SoonPhotos: Julius Landau

AJ: What are some of the obstacles you foresee occuring in the course of this collaboration?Analog Girl: We will probably only have two to three days of actual rehearsal days, as Ito-san will be flying in from Japan two to three days before the show. That is probably a good thing as it will keep things fresh during the live show. We will of course be trading songs and ideas over the internet in the meantime to prepare elements for the show, but how it will eventually turn out, will be a composition in the live making - it will be like experiencing the blossoming of a plant in 1000x fast forward mode, right before your eyes.

AJ: What are the breakthroughs you wish to achieve in the near future as an artist?Analog Girl: I would like to keep evolving as an artist, bringing new sounds and ideas to my upcoming album. And I am particularly immersed in the art of live performance, so you can expect to see more new ways of presenting my music live in the coming shows. It is not easy performing electronic music live as there are so many layers that go into the composition of an electronic song, and especially so, for a solo artist like myself. So in order to create more visual feedback on stage, I will continue to discover and experiment with new gadgets, instruments and even toys to bring my audience closer to my sound.

Date: 5 June 2010Venue: SupperclubTime: 10.30pm Ticket Prices: $25 (includes 2 drinks) *Club rules apply

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review

Jazz music has been described by critic Joachim-Ernst Berendt as the art music result of the confrontation of blacks with European music; it is

perhaps a testament to the evolution and popularity of the formerly New Orleans tradition. It has, within 100 years of its inception, conceived various fusion derivatives from Latin Bossa Nova to Japanese swing Revivals throughout its reign.

Ambitious enough to cramp all that jazz into an iTunes-friendly compilation, Jazz 101’s attempt to introduce jazz to the working class and young is commendable. Comprising six separate CDs, each featuring a popular jazz theme, the compilation clocks an average of 80 minutes and 17 tracks per CD, which makes it well worth your money.

The compilation is as easy as Sunday morning: such is its seamless continuum of velvety voices and many winsome orchestral ensembles. But like so many other compilation albums, it comes off as a casual and convenient collection of the greatest international hits over the decades.

It is disjointed at times - you might be left scratching your head as seemingly reggaeton (Kool & the Gang) and 80’s pop songs (Gabrielle) are interjected amongst sultry warbles. The haphazard arrangement does injustice to the featured likes of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. The lack of consistency is most evident in the Bossa Nova set; with the curious infusion of downbeat samba-free Wes Montgomery

by Tan SihanPhoto: Universal Music Group International

An education in jazz does not come as handy or as rigorous as Jazz 101

numbers splicing worthier Sergio Mendes and Joao Gilberto pieces.

The compilation would have been more comprehensive if the likes of pioneering jazz legends such as Django Reinhart and Jethro Tull and other jazzy subgenres

such as free jazz, bebop, and jazz funk had been included.

Nonetheless, there are a few unexpected and charming finds as one meanders through the extensive sets. Special EFX and the likes of Thelonious Monk glisten and stand tall while delighting amidst the standard jazz repertoire.

Influencing international writers (Haruki Murakami) to Hollywood fixtures (the Rat Pack) and directors (Martin Scorsese, Richard Linklater), jazz has always had a hook on the artsy and on 20th century aestheticism. It is doubly comforting to find the lack of modern jazz-pop idols in the form of Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum.

Jazz 101 fails to evoke the Americana spirit of traditional speakeasies and falls short of establishing itself as the definitive Jazz compilation album. It is light, frothy and forgettable after a while. However, with established names and familiar anthems in tow, you cannot go too wrong with it. And like the 21st century concept of a Sunday Brunch, Jazz 101 remains a pleasant enough, lazy treat and retreat. And as Ragtime as the music gets, swinging to the churned-up marathon of blues and beats is best undertaken bit by bit, at a leisurely time.

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head’s up

by Tulika SudPhotos: Movie Mob Singapore

Movie Mob SingaporePlan on watching a movie, like the old days, under the stars?

Movie Mob Singapore brings back the fun of drive in movies to

Singapore every fortnight, for free. What makes it more exciting

is the flash mob inspired concept of not revealing the movie title to be

screened or the location until 72 hours and 48 hours respectively before

the weekend screening by SMS, email or on the official website.

The movies to be screened are chosen based on online voting, and

so far have included favourites such as “The Tale of Despereaux”,

“Definitely Maybe” and more.

Cars are not necessary, you also have the option of just bringing a mat

and sitting wherever you’d like. All you have to do is sign up online, wait

for the notification, and then show up at the given location with a radio to tune to the necessary frequency for the

movie’s soundtrack.

This initiative that started in July 2009 was part of The Singapore Tourism Board’s “2009 Reasons to Enjoy

Singapore” campaign last year. It has proven to be very popular, as people love the idea of returning to the

seemingly forgotten drive in concept, which is now available to them at no cost at all. Visit www.moviemob.sg to

be a part of it.

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Find your own dream at The Little Dröm Store

“It all started with a dream” is how Ms Antoinette Wong, one half of The Little Dröm Store’s drömkeepers, puts it when asked about how the shop took shape.

And the aptly named The Little Dröm Store’s (dröm means ‘dream’ in Swedish) is just that: walking into it feels like stumbling into a long-forgotten dream. The minimalist décor is soothing and the shop is peppered with quirky trinkets, stationery, art, clothes and odd bits and pieces that are sure to unearth childhood memories. There’s a colony of vintage Kewpie dolls lined up here, shelves filled with Polaroid cameras and films there – it’s filled to the brim with the nostalgic and the unexpected.

This quaint shop, which opened January 1 this year, has been charmingly orchestrated by Ms Antoinette Wong and Mr Stanley Tan. It’s a dream that’s been drifting in their minds for 2 years, before they finally breathed it to life.

Both Ms Wong and her fiancé, Mr Tan, are professional graphic designers. Before the store opened, Ms Wong was a senior designer in a design house and Mr Tan, an art director at an advertising agency.

“It was a somewhat natural progression for us to move from what we were doing then as designers into having The Little Dröm Store,” said Ms Wong, who described the store as a space for them to share inspiring and heartening items and experiences with everyone.

But The Little Dröm Store does not just peddle the odd knick-knack. It’s also a portal for sharing talent and propelling imagination and inspiration through exhibitions and an in-house independent publishing arm.

Its publishing arm, The Little Dröm Press, is a new start-up that is still flexing its muscles. Ms Wong and Mr Tan first started out publishing their own illustrations and photographs, but are hoping to extend their grasp.

This March, The Little Dröm Store is holding an exhibition of works from London-based Singaporean illustrator MessyMsxi.

Ms Wong said: “We’ve always loved reading and getting exposed to the works of various people from all creative walks of life. They inspire and widen our perspectives.”

The pair selects and shares the works of indie illustrators, hoping to inspire the public just as they themselves have found inspiration through the works of others.

Although The Little Dröm Store and The Little Dröm Press have just taken root and have yet to mature, they are the seeds of a noble dream.

“Through our products, exhibitions and the space that we have, we hope for the The Little Dröm Store to eventually be a place for people to get reminded of their dreams and also a platform that supports the exchange of creativity,” said Ms Wong.

by Nur AsyiqinPhoto: The Little Dröm Store

The Little Dröm Store 7 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069791+65 62255541Opening Hours:Daily - 11am to 9.30pm exceptThur - 11am to 7pmSat - 11am to 4pm

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head’s up

Echo Music’s Barnyard

This is not your average music school. Echo Music offers not only theory lessons but also real-life experience for their students to perform live on stage in school-run cafés. ArtJam visits Echo Music’s Barnyard at Chinatown to find out more.

Expect a jarring change in atmosphere when you climb up to the Barnyard, set on the second story of a shophouse in the heart of Chinatown. Outside, there might be small tourist shops selling Chinese trinkets and the Sri Mariamam temple. But once you step into the Barnyard, you will find yourself in a cosy café with pretty metallic star lamps hanging above on wooden beams to cast a warm light on the tables and the stage in front.

Climbing another flight of stairs to the third story of the shophouse is where you can find the school itself. This is one of Echo Music’s two branches, the other located in another shophouse at Bugis.

One of the directors of the school, local band Mi Lu Bing’s lead guitarist and vocalist Nic Lee explained that he wanted to give students a first chance at performing in public with a friendly audience.

He compares his first performance experience to first love, something that you will not forget and have a deep impression of for life. Likewise, he wanted students to have a smooth first performance on stage with a friendly audience, no matter how well they sang.

“Definitely, students get more confident and there will always be a slight improvement with each performance,” said Nic Lee.

He adds that the school is small and homely, more like a family than a school. The emcee of the day and one of the student performers, Yan, agreed wholeheartedly with him. The bubbly 27-year-old graphic designer has been taking vocal and keyboard lessons for three years at the school. She told us animatedly how it’s like a tight-knit family, and she “feels so happy in it that she cannot bear to stop her courses and leave the school”.

Yan is also under the S.T.A.R. (Shine, Talent! Actualization and Realization) programme in the school where she gets to learn more than just how to sing and play well such as improving on stage presence and how to prepare for different types of audiences. She does hosting and emceeing during performances as well and says that she is happy that her teachers have trust in her hosting skills and the opportunity to communicate with the audience while on stage.

Other out of the ordinary courses offered also include music production, church music and band clinic. Music production teaches students how to arrange, mix and edit song clips while church music serves Christian students who want to help out in their church worship ministry. Finally, band clinic guides students on the best way to run a professional band like writing sheet music for different members and instruments in the band.

Thus, whether you are looking into developing your talent professionally or just playing for fun, Echo Music offers you the unique mix of lessons, live performance experience and a host of friends. Even if you are not musically inclined, come on down to the café on Sunday, order some chow and be serenaded with every bite you take.

What: BarnyardWhere: 268A South Bridge Road (Second Floor)When: Mon - Sun: 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Performing every Sunday from 8 – 10pmClick: www.thebarnyard.com.s

by Cherie ThioPhotos: Echo Music

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post secrets

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post secretsEver had a secret that you’re dying to tell the world but afraid of the backlash or

embarrassment that it will cause? Tell us via Post Secret!

Get a postcard, free postcards are avaliable at most ZoCard stands around the island,

pen down your secret, scan it and upload it onto http://www.artjampostsecret.com/.

It’s just that simple!

The following are a few that we had picked for this month.

Remember to keep them posted!

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post secrets

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