Wandering Nessie

Review: Watching Scene UnSeen was like looking through a time capsule. I cried.

- 3 December 2021 (Photo credit: SGIFF)

via AsiaLive365

There was something truly magical about the moment Scene UnSeen came on the big screen at the Esplanade Theatre last Sunday for the 32nd Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF).

Lovingly stitched by Abdul Nizam and friends, Panuksmi Hardjowirogo and all the creatives and musicians in those interviews, Scene UnSeen was an emblem of the heart and the fortitude of a community that pushes on; an honest documentary that brought tears to my eyes from start to end.

There were parts of it that I connected with, even understood. As a former Baybeats Budding Writer, I knew exactly what it felt like to be part of something exciting, a movement, and to be at the forefront of it. To write stuff that mattered and to give a voice to the music and its community.

As an artist liaison officer, I have met bands like the ones in the film. I have taken care of them. Seen their tenacity and drive. The music industry is tough, the underground one, even more so. Most, if not all, of them have a full time job. They sometimes struggle to make it work, to find time for rehearsals, to rent a venue, to settle the logistical and administrative and legal aspects of it. But they try and try anyway. Again and again. It’s all about the passion.

Also read: INTERVIEW – Uncovering the underground music community behind SGIFF’s ‘Scene UnSeen’ and what it took to make it.

For the moments that I did not necessarily connect with instantly, it nevertheless gave me an insight into a scene that has pretty much been unseen. And parts of it broke my heart. The fights and struggles, the laws that put a stopper to everything, and the unfortunate misconception and sometimes misogynist remarks that female musicians or all-female bands have to go through. These among many other things really showed the discrimination, disenfranchisement and the disillusionment posed by making art, in this case underground music, in a hypercapitalist and highly surveilled city such as Singapore.

Still, watching Scene UnSeen on Sunday night felt like finding a film canister somewhere, getting that Ilford roll developed and then seeing all these moments captured in time, as though they had all along been preserved in a time capsule.

I loved how the documentary also featured nostalgic cartoons, reels and images, which gave me some respite from the undulating current of emotions that I felt from watching it.  

From the “gotong royong” atmosphere of the community that connected with each other through music, the friendship and bonds that formed, to the venues that made it possible such as Substation to Blackhole 212, and the zines like Big O that gave the community a voice, every aspect of this carefully crafted documentary spoke of freedom. It spoke of coming together just to make music. Of coming together just to express yourself, without judgement… Even if you identified yourself as, well…a potato…

Watching bands The Oddfellows and Obstacle Upsurge then play on stage, after this truly magical moment on screen, merely accentuated the night even more.

From the film creatives who put the documentary together, to the team at the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) who planned it all, to the team at Esplanade who stitched the final pieces to screen and stage, everything was an amalgamation of what the documentary was trying to represent and what its community embodied.

The gotong-royong spirit! A truly poignant, inspiring and heartfelt documentary!

As we cheered through our masks, our spirit bonded through our love for the music and its community, it was safe to say that that night will be remembered for a long time to come.

Interview: Uncovering the underground music community behind SGIFF’s ‘Scene UnSeen’ and what it took to make it.

- 23 November 2021 (Photo credit: SGIFF)

via AsiaLive365

As the opening of the 32nd Singapore International Film Festival approaches, we at AsiaLive365 took a closer look behind ‘Scene UnSeen’ – a heartfelt documentary about the underground music scene that has caught our eye.

Taking place at the Esplanade Theatre on 28 November, ‘Scene UnSeen’ presents itself as a heartfelt and honest documentary that takes the audience on a journey through a series of interviews, archival footage and animation as it captures the pleasures and pains of Singapore’s underground music scene. Lovingly stitched to show the ethos of the community, special live performances by pioneering rock band The Oddfellows, and Singapore’s first all-female hardcore band, Obstacle Upsurge will also follow the screening.

We interviewed the producer Panuksmi Hardjowirogo as well as the bands to find out more about their insights on this piece of film.

AL365: Hi Panuksmi, Vanessa here from AsiaLive365. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. What can you share with us about the journey in producing this documentary?

Panuksmi: In 2015, I approached Abdul Nizam to direct a documentary on the underground music scene in Singapore. Nizam was a filmmaker/musician that belonged to this community. He passed away too soon in 2016, before the completion of the film. We sat on the footage for some time and from 2017 – 2019 with the tenacity of Michel Cayla (editor) and Mark Ravidner Frost (writer), devised the narrative of the documentary with existing and additional interviews with the help of Nina Chabra and Shaiful Risan.

AL365: Were there any difficulties that you faced in producing it?

Panuksmi: Funding, or the lack of it, was always an issue but we were not deterred and with the help of many, we completed the film which took several years to complete.

AL365: We love how the documentary is such an insight into a scene that is pretty much “unseen”, hence the name. How do you feel about the world premiere of it and what can we expect from the screening?

Panuksmi: We are really pleased to premiere the documentary at SGIFF and that it is programmed as an event at the Esplanade to include conversations with several involved in the film and with two live performances by the Oddfellows and Obstacle Upsurge. The audience will see certain band members speak their minds about how they have continued to create despite the challenges they had to face. We hope that their perseverance and resilience comes through in the film.

AL365: What are your thoughts on the underground music industry in Singapore and what are your hopes this screening will evoke in the minds of film goers?

Panuksmi: I learned by being involved in this film that the underground scene is not part of an industry but a community of artists who take their art seriously and get it out into the world with their respective DIY methods. Their need to create will never die.

AL365: Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about this documentary and why one should watch it?

Panuksmi: The film is told by several creatives from the Singapore scene. Music is what they make but it is not necessarily what fully defines them.

AL365: Hi The Oddfellows and Obstacle Upsurge. We heard that you all will be playing at the Esplanade on 28 November after the screening of ‘Scene UnSeen’. How stoked are you about this and your forthcoming live performance in the theatre?

The Oddfellows: Abdul Nizam, who started making the documentary until he passed away five years ago, is a dear friend of ours. He used to play drums for The Oddfellows in ’91 and ’92 so this means a lot to us. We’re very excited to be performing as it’s a way to honour Nizam’s memory and it’ll also be our first time performing in the Esplanade Theatre and sharing the stage with Obstacle Upsurge.

Obstacle Upsurge: Words cannot illustrate how delighted we are to be performing live as part of the event in the theatre.

AL365: The documentary looks like such a heartfelt insight into a scene that is pretty much “unseen”, hence the name. How did you feel when you found out about its release? Have you seen it? What emotions did it project in you?

The Oddfellows: I’ve not seen it yet but from the trailer, it’ll be a pretty good insight into the music scene. We are looking forward to watching it.

Obstacle Upsurge: Oh yes, we did watch the screening, and it was amazing. We felt touched that MGO Films produced documentaries to convey our voice to members of the public. It will enable viewers to interpret better about our art.

AL365: As musicians in the industry, what are your hopes this screening will bring to light or evoke in film goers?

The Oddfellows: We hope that people watching it, especially those unaware of the scene, will see the passion and challenges that musicians face in Singapore and hopefully it will also inspire the viewers to find out more about Singapore music or get out there to create something for themselves.

Obstacle Upsurge: As musicians, we yearn to have more filmgoers appreciate the sweat and struggle we had to bring this art for everyone.

AL365: What are your thoughts on the underground/indie music industry back then and how do you think it has changed over the years?

The Oddfellows: It was a very DIY movement from the grassroots level back then. It is still very much like that today. The only difference is that young people have a lot more resources now than before, and there’s also social media to connect with people directly. We relied mostly on word-of-mouth and fanzines a lot back then.

Obstacle Upsurge: Back then, our scene was more expressive, and unity among us was more heartfelt. Over the years, the venues lessened. Our underground performances hence are forced to be exclusive.

AL365: Besides SGIFF, are there any projects that you are involved in at the moment? What’s in the pipeline ahead?

The Oddfellows: The Oddfellows have just released a new album, What’s Yours and Mine, on streaming platforms and the physical formats should be out in the next couple of months.

Obstacle Upsurge: Currently, we are not involved in any additional projects. What we hope is to have more venues presented to us for our performance.

AL365: Is there anything that you want to add or share with our readers about the screening, industry or your music?

Obstacle Upsurge: Through the screening, we aim to develop more recognition towards the Underground Music Industry to everyone.

AL365: Thank you everyone.

Catch the trailer of the documentary below.

Tickets are priced from $15 – $25 and can be purchased via Sistic.

For more information about the 32nd Singapore International Film Festival, visit SGIFF.

Interview: We ‘hope you see this’ too – our interview with rising R&B artist thuy.

- 10 November 2021 (Photo credit: Thuy)

via AsiaLive365

Rising R&B singer and songwriter thuy has recently released her highly-anticipated debut EP i hope u see this. The nine-track EP includes seductive and heartfelt singles ‘chances’ ft. DCMBR, ‘in my bag’, and ‘in my head’.

We interviewed the vibrant artist to ask her more about her new record and how the journey has been.

With over 60 million streams in just a few short years, thuy, who is of Vietnamese descent, has proven that she’s a promising artist to watch for. Her soothing vocals, authentic lyricism and honesty stand out in the new record, showcasing’ a beautiful and introspective collection of tracks touching on heartbreak, love, empowerment and self-confidence.

Says thuy, 

“Every track has a message that I felt needed to be heard. Songs like ‘chances’ and ‘figured u out’ are songs about my past heartbreaks and how much it taught me to be a better lover, especially to myself. ‘in my bag’ is a message to all the non-believers but more importantly, stands as an empowering anthem to myself. ‘universe’ and ‘u got me’, are love notes. The title track is my audio signature and it really encapsulates all these themes into one song to close everything out.”

Accompanying the release of the EP, are also the visuals for the title track.

She elaborates,

“The music video for this last track is so important because it’s a look into my younger self, growing up, my culture, and how music, dancing, and singing was my sanctuary. I’m just in my little world, while my family, who also appears in the video, live out their daily life as immigrants. It’s just a cool backstory to who Thuy is, because that is also a really important theme to i hope u see this. As much as I hope the toxic ex sees this, or that the haters see this, I also hope that the little Asian girl or boy at home sees this and feels inspired by what I’m doing and think, ‘hey maybe I can do this too’.  So there are a lot of themes that I touch on but it was important for me to highlight my culture and where I come from.”

AsiaLive365: Hi thuy, Vanessa here. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us over at AsiaLive365. Congrats on the release of your debut EP i hope you see this. How does it feel to finally release this EP into the world?

thuy: It feels incredible to finally have my baby out for everybody else to hear it. We worked on the EP for about two years and it was so hard for me to hold back all of the singles because I love them so much but now it feels so amazing to hear that people are really resonating with the songs.

AL365: Do you have any favourite song from this EP or one which is more personal to you?

thuy: It’s funny because “figured you out” was not going to make the project because it wasn’t quite there yet but while we were mixing and mastering the project, my engineer DTB ended up adding some post production and it made me fall in love with the song all over again. However, one that is super personal to me is definitely the outro track, “i hope you see this”. This was the last track to make it onto the project and it really summarizes all these themes into one song to close everything out.

AL365: If you could describe your audio signature, what would you say?

thuy: Raw and authentic. Sweet and spicy and definitely a lot of sass.

AL365: ‘in my bag’ is such an empowering piece. What was it inspired by?

thuy: Honestly that song was kind of a way for me to tap into my alter ego. I never really talk about my accomplishments or boast too much about what I have going on so the song was a fun way for me to do that. I really wanted the song to be empowering especially for all my babes out there who are really hustling and building their empire from the ground up. I wanted them to have an anthem that made them feel super confident and supported.

AL365: What do you hope people will feel when they listen to your new EP?

thuy: I hope people can feel my actual scars as I am singing about the journey of going through a bad relationship to then finding yourself again and then falling in love all over again. I hope that they feel like they can go through whatever it is they’re dealing with because they see that I came out on the other side okay.

AL365: You mentioned that you previously traded your musical hopes and tried for a career in medicine. When did you decide to take the journey as a musician full time and what was it like when you finally did?

thuy: I was working in an optometry office at the time and I just remember feeling really unhappy where I was. I loved helping patients and I loved being able to touch people’s lives but I knew that this wasn’t my end goal. I remember hearing that a couple rooms were opening up at my engineers house in Los Angeles and I just remember having an inner conversation with myself about where I was headed. I knew that I needed to take a risk and I’m so glad that I did because had I not, I probably would still be doing something that didn’t truly make me happy. When I took that leap of faith I felt like everything was finally lining up for me.

AL365: What were the challenges you faced not having any exemplars to look up to that looked like you?

thuy: The biggest challenge was that it led me to put my dreams to the side. I didn’t know who I could look to that could guide me to where I wanted to go in music. I remember loving Britney Spears so much but not feeling all the way represented. That’s why I’m so thankful that today, there is more representation in music and I’m just grateful that maybe even I can be that exemplar for a young Asian kid who may want to pursue this passion and make it a career.

AL365: So, what sort of music or artists influenced and inspired you growing up

thuy: Definitely Britney Spears. When I first heard her I knew that I wanted to be a popstar. In junior high I remember hearing R&B for the first time and I just remember it pulling at my heartstrings. R&B made me feel like I was in love even when I wasn’t and it made me just fall in love with music. Growing up I listened to a lot of Tamia, Brandy, Avant, and so much more!

AL365: What was the very first song that you taught yourself to play or sing to

thuy: Honestly it’s so hard for me to know for sure because I’ve been singing since I could talk. If I had to take a guess, it might’ve been “I swear” by all 4 one because my sister and I used to sing that on karaoke all the time.

AL365: What message would you give to an aspiring musician about the journey ahead?

thuy: That the journey is the best part. You don’t want instant success because all the “no’s” and all the “failures” will make you a better artist in the long run. Don’t be afraid to do the things that scare you and don’t be afraid to do things that are out of the norm.

AL365: Is there anything that you like to say to your fans and listeners out there

thuy: Thank you. I wish I could hug each and every one of you because you all changed my life. Thank you for allowing me to share the same space with you even if it’s just for three minutes. Thank you for giving me the strength and the support to keep going.

AL365: Thanks again thuy!

Listen to her new EP here.

Special thanks to Secret Signals.

Interview: Behind the Cheat Codes of ‘Hellraisers, Part 2’.

- 27 October 2021 (Photo credit: Cheat Codes / David Higgs)

via AsiaLive365

Multi-platinum hit-making trio Cheat Codes have released HELLRAISERS, Part 2 – the second of their 3-parter album. We asked the band to tell us more about this latest masterpiece and what else they have in store for their listeners.

From the banging alt-pop vibes of ‘Hurricane’ to the pop-infused colours of ‘Ghost Story’ and even to the hip-hop dynamics of ‘Horror Movie’, each track in this album looks to overlap each other slightly in terms of genre, making it an exciting experience for the listener.

Says the band,

“Ever since we started Cheat Codes we’ve hated the idea of being kept in a box of one genre. We’ve always wanted to be able to experiment, push the envelope, and blur the lines between different types of music. With part two of the album, we want to try something new that has never been done before. Something that brings us all the way back to where it all started for us as kids. POP PUNK. For us, there is nothing more nostalgic. We had such a blast making this music and it’s been absolutely insane being able to work with some of the artists/bands we grew up listening to.”

The album itself has three parts – each part has a distinct sound influenced by each member. This first part is focused on Trevor’s pop-leaning sound, while the second part is focused on KEVI’s hip-hop flavor, and the third part will be focused on Matthew’s dance- influenced sound.

Simultaneously trafficking in electronic, pop, hip-hop, and alternative at the same high speed, the Los Angeles trio Cheat Codes remains an inescapable force throughout popular culture.

We spoke to the band to find out more about their newest release.

AL365: Hi Cheat Codes, Vanessa here from AsiaLive365. Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with us. Firstly congrats on the release of your single ‘Hurricane’ and of course, Hellraisers, Part 2! What was it like collaborating with Tyson and Grey on the former?

Cheat Codes: This is the last single we are releasing before Hellraisers Part 2 comes – we knew it would be tough to follow up our collabs Travis and All Time Low, but we feel like we raised the bar here. We grew up listening to Tyson and All-American Rejects so having him on our record is a huge honor. Grey has always set the standard for the highest level of production so it’s been great to work with the guys.

AL365: What about the new album Hellraisers Part 2. What can you share with us about this record, in terms of collaborators, its compilation, the recording process and how it all came together sonically?

Cheat Codes: We decided to channel our inner punk pop for this body of work and go back to our roots as musicians. We grew up listening and learning how to play this music so it’s a nostalgic moment to review the sound and collaborate with our childhood favorites.

AL365: After years of singles and EPs, what made you guys decide to release a debut album this year, and why in three parts?

Cheat Codes: When we started the process of creating the album we ended up with so many amazing ideas that touched on all genres and sounds – we couldn’t think of just choosing 12 songs to put on one album so we decided to create a body of work that symbolizes all three identities in Cheat Codes and highlights our history.

AL365: We’re hearing a lot of banging stuff on the forthcoming album and we’re absolutely loving the collaborations with All Time Low, Bring Me The Horizon, Travis Barker of Blink-182 and even Swedish singer Tove Styrke. Is there one particular song on Hellraisers Part 2 that you were particularly excited for everyone to hear?

Cheat Codes: We love ‘Ghost Story’ with All Time Low – that song is one of our favorites!  All Time Low has been a dream collaboration for a long time.

AL365: Tell us more about yourself – what sort of music did you guys grow up listening to and do you feel their style, influencing the way you craft your sounds as a trio?

Cheat Codes: Taking Back Sunday, All Time Low, Blink-182 were some of our first concerts and even some of the music we used to cover when growing up and forming our first garage bands – it is surreal to collaborate with these artists.

AL365: What is the recording process like for a song, and as creators, what aspect of the ever-changing music technology and accessibility of it do you love and/or hate?

Cheat Codes: The recording process is constantly changing but its very easy to connect with collaborators as social media has flattened the world and technology has gotten to the point where artists can just create in their rooms – with Oli of Bring Me The Horizon we were able to connect with him directly and just send the idea over Instagram DM.

AL365: You’ve collaborated with so many fellow music artists such as the likes of Demi Lovato, Bring Me The Horizon, Travis Barker, Liam Payne, Little Mix, Wiz Khalifa and more. Is there someone that you’ve not collaborated with before, but that you would love to one day?

Cheat Codes: We would love to do a song with Justice and Charlie Puth.

AL365: How do you feel Cheat Codes have evolved over the years and what can listeners look forward to in the years to come?

Cheat Codes: Get ready for some DANCE music! 🙂

AL365: Is there anything that you would like to share or say to your fans out there?

Cheat Codes: We appreciate every single one of you showing all the love and support for us everyday – without you these dreams would not be possible and with that we could not be more grateful.

AL365: Thanks again guys!

Listen to their exciting new album here. The pop-rock hip-hop album includes songs with Travis Barker, Tyson Ritter, Bring me the Horizon, All Time Low, All-American Rejects, Blackbear and Trippie Redd.