The Tribal Gathering Of Tongue Tasters

The Tribal Gathering of Tongue Tasters is The Substation's new music and sonic arts programme. The Substation has invited a selection of the finest emerging and established sound artists, bands and collectives to challenge the definition of home-grown music and performance. This is the first performance for 2011.

Saturday 2nd April, 8pm
Venue: The Substation Theatre
Admission: $15 and $10 (students)
To purchase tickets please call Mish'aal 6337 7535 / 6337 7800 or email boxoffice@substation.org
Band merchandise will be on sale.
Presented by The Substation.

Waiting For The National

On the 15th of March 2011, The National were supposed to play at the Esplanade as part of the Mosaic Music Festival. However, as many of us already know, they cancelled the show because of the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Instead, the band released this track that day, perhaps to tide us over till future meetings. (At least, I'd like to think there is some reference in the title to our current sense of loss.)

And yes, Matt and co., if you continue to make music like this, I think I can wait.

Jeff Parker Gave Me His Guitar Pick

It's a dream come true meeting Jeff Parker and squeezing in a chat with him during Tortoise's meet and greet session after their show. He is, in my personal opinion, one of the best jazz guitarists today.

His solo work is what drew me to listen and to appreciate Tortoise. The fluency of his lines are second to none. You can see each and every note translate into an emotion from his facial expressions. It is truly amazing stuff.

Jeff Parker soloing on 'Oladipo' from lenny gonzalez on Vimeo.

I am so blessed to have met the man, and of course the rest of Tortoise. They are a great bunch of musicians, and I will always be a fanboy.

The Trees & The Wild

The Trees and The Wild - Kata by akuokay

I went to watch the guys from The Trees & The Wild perform last Monday night. It was a wonderful mix of indie-folk/pop befitting a cool Monday night. They combined great melodies with insanely beautiful vocal harmonies.

I knew they were good but I had no clue they were that breathtaking. It compelled me to buy their debut album, Rasuk. I was fortunate to even get a copy, as band manager, Teguh, revealed they had sold 80 copies of the album over their weekend show in Kuala Lumpur. It is not surprising really, I am blown away by the album. It's simply stunning.

After their set, I was introduced to the band by two of my friends, Amir and Rebecca. We had a brief chat about muddy suede shoes, Laneway Festival and utilising the Internet to create new songs with singer, Remedy.

It was good music and definitely, good company. I can't wait to meet the guys again in the future. At least, I have Rasuk to tide me over.

I Set My Face To The Hillside

Only one more day to Tortoise show!

It's been made incredibly sweeter by this revelation...

I'M GOING TO MEET JEFF PARKER, FYEAHHH!