It’s November and more than a year has passed since my debut album was released- I’ve been doing a lot of retrospecting these days on the ups and downs, the people I’ve met. I feel fortunate to have been able to pursue my passion and something that really nourishes my soul. Music and lyrics are very important to me; I want to stamp an impression, an idea, a thought, a poetry of sorts, or emotions that might just make somebody’s day. As much as I seldom admit, I am very emotional – vulnerable when I need to be and “walls-up” when something/someone comes to harm me. I am moved by the small things we overlook, and the bigger picture we lest forget…
I was moved today by something I saw- when music is fused into film, you have a much greater effect on your audience. This is certainly something I would love to be able to do in the future! Kudos to young passionate Malaysian filmmakers like Chen Yih Wen!…
In between recording demos for a 2nd album, just felt like introducing “Yellow”, my CE24 PRS which I lugged through the snowy Boston winter of 2005 till my fingers almost fell off (those who own a PRS will know how heavy the case is!) … I never imagined I could own one as a student until I sang myself to some cash at an open mic…
*I don’t play the electric guitar as often so hope you guys don’t mind the occasional slip-ups …high gauge strings are PAINFUL and I’m obviously NOWHERE near GG!! … back to songwriting and demos now! For SERIOUS guitaring, check out guitar god Guthrie!
Quick shout out, do drop by the White Tangerine Cafe (http://www.whitetangerine.com.sg/) tonight @ 7:30 PM if you can. Will be playing a couple of songs for a youth event and for aspiring songwriters- you might just get a free copy of my album! …so see you guys there ya =)
Quite a number of updates in the newsroom, gallery and video sections, from LoudFest organised in conjunction with the Youth Olympic Games, arranging and performing the theme song at National Engineering Day, songs playing on Singapore Air (SIA), Air China and Bangkok Air, to Touch Of the Heart’s Charity Drive, it’s been a busy but awesome few months!
You might have noticed too that the audio player has a new song “Misunderstood” streaming, which is the track currently playing on SIA’s New Asia Radio program…
Also FINALLY!, State of My Mind is now available via digital download at iTunes or CDBaby, so spread the news folks =)
On a personal note, I’ve been sitting down writing new music for a 2nd album and there are some exciting ideas brewing for next year which I’ll share in due time =) Once again a BIG thank you for all your support- it’s been about a year since the launch of my debut album and I’m just grateful for all the amazing people I’ve had the privilege to meet, and for rekindling the simple joy of being able to share my music with others! I might sound like a parrot but really, all of this would never have been
possible if not for you guys!
Take care and do join me on Facebook to get more up-to-date information. Till next time, keep your passions alive!
Jon
ps- will be IES’ annual Dinner and Dance this Friday 1 Oct to perform the National Engineering Day theme song again! Hope the song catches on more and more….
Will be performing this Sunday 19th Sept at the Atrium @ Plaza Singapura from 4:00 – 4:30 PM to help raise funds for Touch of the Hearts (TOTS) for their adopted charity, MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore). All proceeds from album sales will go to the charity, hope to see you guys there!
*Loads of updates to the website after the event this Sunday, stay tuned!*
1. What: A cool 45 min set of music and sharing, will be great to be back on campus!
Where: Munchie Monkey’s Cafe @ Yusof Ishak House, NUS
When: Fri, 3rd Sept, 6:30 PM
2. What: Performing an original theme song for the National Engineering Day in front of guest-of-honour Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Teo Chee Hean
Where: SCAPE, 2nd Floor Auditorium
When: Sat, 4th Sept, 10 AM
BUSYYYY but loving it! Hope to see you guys – especially the ones on the NUS campus! God bless ya folks and keep the music alive! Stay tuned for a summary of what I’ve been up these few months =)
I remember a time in 2002 when I was in my design class workshop in uni building a prototype for my project; there was a grinding machine with a wheel spinning next to a platform on which you placed objects you wanted to ‘sand down’. I remember the machine having been turned off and the wheel was starting to slow down. Holding a small cube of foam that had a lil bit of a rough edge, I used my left hand to just place the cube against the wheel.
It happening very quickly- the foam slipped and flew off and my palm went in between the platform and wheel for 1-2 secs before I pulled it out. Shall spare you guys the details but it was not a pretty sight (red splurtsss of blooo…ahem)! =) ….. thank God it was a flesh wound that recovered after a couple of weeks but it could have been much much worse – ever since that day I never take for granted what I can do with the guitar and I guess divinely, all things happen for a reason – in 2003 I wrote Tell me why (on a broken down classical guitar I had borrowed) which was the first song written for my debut album and here I am today….
Another lesson – be VERY careful with machines! =)
Meanwhile, check out the gig with Dave on bass at TAB last weekend. Thanks Keith & team for a great venue and sound!
August 11, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Will be playing a 1 hr set of mostly originals (including new material!) at the latest coolest venue in town for original music, TAB (http://www.tab.com.sg/) accompanied by Dave Tan on bass…
Busy busy but loving it! Am pretty excited to be able to collaborate with a young songwriter on the theme song for Singapore’s National Engineers’ Day in September. Was approached with the intention of challenging stereotypes about engineering/techy people, it’s actually a fine line to balance so wish me luck! =D
First few demos for the next album are sounding promising!!! ..woo…you’ll get to hear them pretty soon at one of the happening live places for original music in Singapore so stay tuned! …
Just moved to a new house up north in Singapore, love the place! There’s a nice quiet garden right in front, it’s a much needed refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Finally I have some peace of mind to start writing and formalising the many songs in my head hopefully for the 2nd album!
It’s such a beautiful thing to be able to create, all of us have that ability. To be able to invest your time and soul into something and then take a step back and look at it with satisfaction has got to be one of the greatest blessings/joys one could have!
Stay tuned guys, lots of pretty interesting things coming up in September! Meanwhile I’ll be playing for a good friend, Alex @ the ASC (ASHRAE SINGAPORE CHAPTER) – a non-profit organization promoting a Green and Sustainable World at their 28th Installation Dinner next week Tues, 3rd Aug- good to be able to take a break and just play the guitar sometimes
…high gauge strings are PAINFUL and I’m obviously NOWHERE near GG!! … back to songwriting and demos now! For SERIOUS guitaring, check out guitar god Guthrie!
