Unpopular.radio

Think HOME on 98.7fm is the best radio programme that plays local music? Think again.

In 2005, a group of music enthusiasts started Unpopular.radio, an online radio station that gives you a daily dose of local music. There are live shows on certain weekdays and the rest of the time, a loop of 69 tracks is selected to play on rotation at anytime of the day.

Tan[g]kap Suxx, who hosts the Monday live shows, usually invites guests from local bands like Lunarin and Muon, just to name a few. His shows are filled with pervy intentions and he gets very excited when females guests sit on his bed. Contrary to his name, his live shows are really humorous, something that I would look forward to on a Monday. The selection of music is really diverse, from Punjabi dance music to Padres, not what a local radio station would do.

Unpopular.radio has definitely shown its support to the local music scene, giving bands another outlet to showcase their talent. Do check out Unpopular.radio @ http://unpopular-music.blogspot.com/

Jon Chan's big shoutout @ Rock Your World series wrap party

the death of a movement

  

Last Wednesday saw the end of another era of local music. Over a hundred people turned up for the Rock Your World Series Wrap Party @ Timbre. It promotes the Speak Good English movement through local music and drama. Bands like West Grand Boulevard, Plainsunset, Lunarin and many others have given their two-cents worth of advice on how they improve English as well as performing their own numbers.

The evening started of with a show reel of all the previous bands who performed at the series, followed by acoustic performances from Jack & Rai, West Grand Boulevard and Plainsunset.

Familiar tunes like West Grand Boulevard's Flights of Fancy

and Plainsunset's Johari Window filled the evening, while diners slurped free beer and enjoyed signature Timbre fare like buffalo wings and pizza: a special treat for all who contributed to the series.

It was a great cause while it lasted. Even though local bands have lost a great venue to showcase their talent, more people have been exposed to local music and younger, newer bands. And while the Rock Your World series has come to a close, I am hopeful that bands will continue to encourage the use of good English through the power of music. Perhaps this end marks the beginning of another series.

Something REALLY good

I never liked the idea of having a hawker centre next to the Youth Park. First of all, by walking past it to get to the stage and see my favorite bands perform, one will smell like a fried chicken (though I would not be very tasty if I were one. Hardly any meat). Second, how can anyone sit and watch the gig and eat at the same time?

Ignoring the smell (and my stomach), I went down to catch the local bands playing for Somethingood. Acts like Allura, Midnight Marvel, Fishtank, Trella, Vermillion and Plainsunset were there to rock the stage. I suspected some of the Zouk crowd at the Plainsunset Album Launch yesterday, were also here today. Who can get tired of local acts?

The show went pretty well with newer bands like Allura and Midnight Marvel showcasing their originals to the audience. However, due to lack of manpower, each band took half an hour for equipment setup. It made me really impatient and I decided to give in to the demands of my stomach. As the show ended with Plainsunset, the crowd got into a frenzy and started moshing while many of the people at the bus stop were contemplating calling the cops.

I enjoyed myself (and the food) and it is a great line for a good cause. Do check out http://www.somethingood.org/ and show your support for the Make-a-Wish Foundation!

Plainsunset Album Launch @ Zouk

"..endless night, keep me waiting for you .... " I hold Plainsunset responsible for having Johari window stuck in my head. It was the performance that I attended yesterday night at Zouk
Some of the 500 people were there moshing to the familiar sounds of " Girl on Queen Street" and " Plainsunset" . I was tempted to join the mosh pit, however I have several issues with touching. Nevertheless, newer tunes like "Children" and "Johari Window" have gotten fans cheering and singing along. There was a special treat for the audience when everyone got to see Plainsunset's first MTV, 'Johari Window'. To prove that Plainsunset is still the best, the crowd danced according to the conducting of Jon(Lead Singer). Even though, the band had some slight difficulties with the sound system, the crowd's spirit was not dampen at all. What can I say, Plainsunset still holds the crown of being the best band that is able to pull of good 'live' show(yes I have seen plenty of heads banging to most of the tunes, even 'aunties') . As it is true, the longer you wait, the crazier it gets. The band is back, the new album is out and the fans are definitely excited to see them again and again.

Mosh Online!!

Hey everyone,

I am starting up a online music magazine for local bands in Singapore and other foreign acts. Do come back and check out the reviews of gigs and albums as well as postings for future gigs.
Mosh online with me!!

Andrew