Archive for September, 2002

SONGWRITERS’ ROUND 4

Wednesday, September 11th, 2002

FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 9.00PM @ NO BLACK TIE RM20 per cover

The Songwriters’ Round performance format was made famous at the legendary Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville. It subsequently spread outside of Nashville, and has now become a popular means of showcasing works of songwriters all over the world.

The idea behind the Songwriters’ Round is simple: four performers sit on stage at the same time and take turns to play. The performer is encouraged to chat a little about his or her work before s/he performs each song. After the song ends, the next performer would follow, and so on. Thus, round and round it goes, as original songs are performed in an environment that is more reminiscent of a chatty living room than a concert stage.

Planned as a series of concerts, the Songwriters’ Round hopes to be a platform for local or visiting songwriters to showcase their work. The selection criteria of the producer will not be based on reputation or genre, but only that the music performed should be good original compositions, and that people would have a good time listening to them.

In the fourth concert of the series, we are proud to present to you:

Jason Lo

Here’s a little about Jason. First Malaysian to reach the top 3 on Pepsi Top 20 International charts. Regional airplay on both MTV Asia and Channel V. Nominated for 6 AIM Awards. Nominated for MTV Viewers Choice Awards. Winner of Asian Peoples Choice Award for Much Music Asia. Winner of Malaysian MTV Music Video Awards. Not enough? Well, he also opened for Big Country, Deep Purple and shared stage time with some of the biggest names around. Still not enough? He’s got a new album out entitled ‘Firefighter’. Check it out here: [website inactive]. You hopefuls out there had better watch out because Jason is also a producer. We are proud to present to you another star of Malaysian music. Take a bow Jason.

Sasha

Perhaps due to a childhood spent in tranquil Tonga, Sasha is one of those rare songwriters who sounds special without even trying. I first heard her on a tape of a recorded No Black Tie late night jam. Her voice was smooth but edged with an intimate darkness reminiscent of Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey, her guitar playing was raw but effective, her words were vulnerable, intense, and beautifully crafted. Anyway, she blew me away. After months of persuasion, I am excited that she has finally agreed to play at the Round. Not counting one open mic performance at the August Round, this will be Sasha’s first proper gig ever. She’ll be backed on the guitar by Sherry. Be nice. Buy her a tequila because she likes them. Just like you’ll like her. Guaranteed.

Singletrackmind

I’ve known Singletrackmind since our student days in London. We were in this really strange band that by some fluke landed a gig at the Hippodrome. Apart from having a drummer who couldn’t keep time, we also boasted two award winning singers – Singapore’s Mark Chan, and one Grace Au, who later made a couple of records with me in Hong Kong as the other half of Mid Century. Even back then, Singletrackmind was a wonderful tunesmith with a penchant for radio friendly ditties. I caught up with him earlier this year when he was recording his debut album (Jason Lo producing) and he hasn’t lost his bag of catchy hooks. Look out for the record in 2003. This will be his first gig in KL and he’ll be backed by Shah on the guitar. And no, that’s not his real name. Duh.

Pete Teo

Yeah, that right, it’s me. I’ve never won a single award in my life (pathetic), I’ve got a lousy stage name, my dream of joining a boy band will never come true, and no one ever buys me drinks apart from Iskandar, my dear friend who talks to chicken in his spare time. However, I am playing at this Round anyway because: (i) no one else would; (ii) I feel the need for Tequila; and (iii) there is nothing you can do about it. And since Sherry and I have been working really hard preparing for the recording of my first solo album in October, I’ll be playing Sherry-enhanced versions of some of the songs that will be featured on the record. I will not play new songs on the night, and I will not play ‘Jesselton Tonight’ either; so don’t ask me to. Hmph. See you. *Storms Off*

Open Mike: How would you like to perform your original songs at the Round? We welcome new, old, or otherwise non-professional songwriters, and will open the floor to those who wish to play after the featured acts are done. Please bring your own instruments if you can, and talk to me ahead of time on the night. You can also contact me in advance at [erased]. Unfortunately, due to logistic limitations, the open mike is for acoustic solo performers only and we are not able to accept bands.

Contact Info & Road Directions:

27 Jln.Mesui Off Jln.Nagasari (behind the Istana Hotel), Bukit Bintang, KL. TEL: 03-21488110 Email: noblacktie@hotmail.com

[Make a left at the slip road right after the Istana Hotel on Jalan Raja Chulan if you are heading away from Shazhan Towers. Then the second right turn takes you to Jalan Mesui. Its the building with loads of plants growing all over it on the left.]