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FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE #221
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jagwar ma DEEPER & HIGHER
the strange love issue
CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR
THE BEGINNING
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CONTENTS JAGWAR MA
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The Sydney trio of frontman-guitarist Gabriel Winterfield, beatmaker and producer Jono Ma, and bassist Jack Freeman, announced itself to the world on its 2013 debut, Howlin’. Like its peers in Tame Impala, their calling card is an indie-minded approach to psychedelia. But unlike Kevin Parker and co., Jagwar Ma rides the wave on beat-driven dance music that fully complies with pop’s urge to surge. Image courtesy of Laneway Festival Singapore
fringe activities
12
Musos with strange hobbies you never knew about.
20
6 REASONS TO VOTE CÉ LA VI
#VoteCLV into the 2017 DJ Mag ‘Top 100 Clubs’ list.
down under
Pop culture’s Iconic underwear moments.
42
FRONTIER ROYALS Old world romance meets new world decorum.
red hot kissers
T h e l a t e s t s c a r l e t l i p p i e s t o h e a t u p V - D a y.
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72
36
GROSSEST HITS
Unconventional quirks that will raise eyebrows.
ANDROID LOVE Because humans are overrated.
CANDY CRUSH
Sweets for your sweet and you.
STRANGE BY ASSOCIATION When opposites attract.
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70
84
FEBRUARY 2017
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rapid fire
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Text Indran P Images Various Sources
What did it take for a singer with barely a handful of songs to her name to entrance Coldplay so much that the band picked her to open one of its biggest shows last year? Obviously, her spellbinding voice. As Bishop Briggs, Californian native Sarah Grace McLaughlin is in perfect command of a sweet spot of earnest, soul-soothingly pleading melody and torch-song assertiveness to stop you in your tracks. “River�, the breakout single off her recent debut self-titled EP, is a beautiful and bombastic unveiling of how her voice can surge and swell, as well as recede into the spaces of her pop, dance, and r&b-fusing agenda.
bishopbriggs.com
music
JAGWAR MA
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HIGH
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N O I T I N I DEF music
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WE’RE MIDWAY THROUGH OUR CALL WITH GABRIEL WINTERFIELD, JAGWAR MA’S FRONTMAN-GUITARIST, WHEN HE ADMITS THAT HE’S IN LOVE WITH ARIANA GRANDE’S EDM-POP CHART-BLASTER, “INTO YOU”. WHAT FOLLOWS IS AN EXTENDED BURST OF LAUGHTER BEFORE ANOTHER CONCESSION: “BIEBER HAS AN AMAZING VOICE”. HE MAY NOT HAVE INTENDED IT, BUT HIS CONFESSIONS ILLUMINATE WHY HIS BAND IS NOW A GLOBAL CONCERN. THE SYDNEY OUTFIT, INCLUDING BEATMAKER AND PRODUCER JONO MA AND BASSIST JACK FREEMAN, ANNOUNCED ITSELF TO THE WORLD ON ITS 2013 DEBUT, HOWLIN’. LIKE ITS PEERS IN TAME IMPALA, THE TRIO’S CALLING CARD IS ITS INDIE-MINDED APPROACH TO PSYCHEDELIA. BUT UNLIKE KEVIN PARKER AND CO., JAGWAR MA RIDES THE WAVE ON BEAT-DRIVEN DANCE MUSIC THAT FULLY COMPLIES WITH POP’S URGE TO SURGE. LAST YEAR, THE BAND WENT EVEN BIGGER ON ITS EXPANSIVE SOPHOMORE, EVERY NOW & THEN, HITS FROM WHICH RESOUNDED THROUGHOUT ITS RECENT LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE APPEARANCE. BELOW, WINTERFIELD UNPACKS HIS BAND’S HI-DEF, PLUS-SIZED SOUNDS.
Text Indran P Image Maclay Heriot Interview Courtesy of Laneway Festival Singapore
DEEPER, HIGHER In this accelerated, anecdotal culture we live in, ‘dance’, like any other genre, describes a broad commercial phenomenon rather than a specific musical one. When Howlin’ came into the world in 2013, EDM was at its zenith. Three years on, EDM-fatigue is constantly bemoaned throughout club culture. But the curious thing about Jagwar Ma’s music is that despite its overt homage to acid house and garage, it’s not made for clubs or even warehouses. Instead, it’s precision-engineered for huge outdoor spaces capable of containing teeming crowds revelling before their interstellar odyssey. This is something that Every Now & Then makes abundantly clear. When asked if the band consciously wanted to take things to the next level, Winterfield replies in the affirmative, adding that the band’s mantra is, “deeper, higher”.
figures in his journey as a songwriter. And when he ventures, as he says, “deeper”, on the more emotionally bracing songs such as “High Rotations” and “Loose Ends”, his earnestness beautifully complements his band’s pro-hyphy ways. KEEP THE SHINE “How can ya’, how can ya’ look so gloomy / When you’re gloomy, howlin’, looks so good to me”, the hook off Howlin’s standout cut, “Uncertainty”, is a valid appraisal of Jagwar Ma’s spiritual outlook. This is a band that wants to make you dance and keep your spirits elevated. And when we ask Winterfield about why his band circumvented critical expectations by not going darker on its second album, his response further confirms why the Jagwar Ma modus is so special.
“It seems like a contradiction but it’s not. We wanted to go deeper and higher at the same time”, he explains, adding that, “the songs on this record push the psyche of the band and put the persona of the singer in a lot more extreme situations.” Two of the album’s centerpieces, lead single “O B 1” and the seven-minute electro-funk epic “Give Me A Reason”, illustrate this perfectly. Both further the band’s dance-pop agenda in their own ways but the same marvelously proggy outlook underscores them and their companion tracks. These songs are living superstructures with an all-pervading and inviting force.
“It’s always tempting to write darker songs, especially if you’ve always written happy songs to begin with. You want to prove to others that there’s more to your character, that you’re capable of complex emotions – that’s why a lot of bands tend to go darker on their second record”, he acknowledges, outlining the norm. “But for us, it wasn’t really a factor”, he counters, actually sounding incredulous. “Neither of us decided, ‘Oh we’re going to make this sort of record’. Everything happens bit-by-bit, granularly, like Tetris blocks falling into place. Every decision is made then and there. When we make something we like, our normal reaction is, ‘Oh, that’s a cool thing. Let’s try and top that’”.
The album’s noticeably vocal-heavy thrust is another highlight that Winterfield is eager to expound on. “I’ve been writing songs on the guitar since I was 11. That’s my whole background”, he contextualises, before offering that the songwriting on this album is deeply influenced by his love for soul music, particularly from the ’50s and ’60s. He cites Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield as pivotal
So, there you have it. This is a band for which joy is the fount of bacchanal-flirting creativity. The idea of musical Tetris blocks falling into place is also the perfect metaphor for the serendipitous delight of making music with your friends and arriving at something great together. For the most part, the album exudes a sense of joy that it transcends by how stylishly and insistently it indulges it –
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happiness in the Jagwar Ma universe is not just a constant presence but a credible one. EVERY NOW & THEN Every now and then, a band comes along and shakes things up, injecting into the established order an adrenaline blast of difference, while at the same time, building a world of its own. In 2017, we can say that Jagwar Ma is that band. It doesn’t make club-crushing music for salon-tanned bodies but its sounds are superlatively kinetic and uplifting. Noel Gallagher has said that Jagwar Ma is his new favourite band; more recently, Coldplay’s Chris Martin tweeted that he was digging Every Now & Then’s Britpop throwback, “Ordinary”. What all this means is that people are taking notice. Listening to Winterfield process his band’s incremental fame aloud is delightful. “When we made Howlin’, we weren’t even a band. We were two friends who hung out and made music on weekends. It was a stream of consciousness record; there wasn’t much of a grand vision behind it”, he reminisces, before wondering what the future might hold: “Can you imagine that? A stadium tour with Coldplay?” Given how things are today, with artistic license trumping the rules of genre in significance, Jagwar Ma opening for Coldplay is a very real possibility. In his 2012 book, Both Flesh And Not, famed American author David Foster Wallace writes, “We have an innate predilection for visual stimulation, coloured movement, a frenetic variety, a beat we can dance to”. To this day, his statement rings true, and Jagwar Ma’s upward trajectory is proof of that. We eagerly await album number three.
jagwarma.com
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fringe activities
JOSH HOMME
SECRET HOTEL ARTIST Touring is inextricable from being an in-demand musical act, and the on-the-road antics of bands and figures go a long way towards defining their mythology. But while debauchery and destruction have been the standard tropes handed down by rock forefathers, Queens of the Stone Age mouthpiece Josh Homme has a mind of his own when it comes to leaving his mark on hotel rooms. Along with a few accomplices, Homme leaves drawings on the walls of the suites he’s put up in that are sometimes legitimately beautiful. His handiwork is immortalised on secretwalltatoos.com.
BILL WYMAN
METAL DETECTIVE It’s a truism that money begets idiosyncrasy, but in the realm of rock & roll, it’s amplified in legitimately silly ways. Case in point: former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman’s profound obsession with metal detecting. His interest in archaeology led him all over the map of England and in the course of his travels, he grew a love for picking up, as he calls it, “treasure” from the English countryside, dating back to the Roman Empire. Besides having a book to his name on the subject, Bill Wyman’s Treasure Islands, he has also devised his own, patented metal detector.
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STEVE VAI
BEE KEEPER If you’ve listened to “Bad Horsie” or “Melissa’s Garden”, to name just two from a fullto-bursting bag of hits, you’ll know that Steve Vai is one of the best things to happen to the electric guitar. His feats of zany, technique-blasting invention are unequalled even today and his legacy is up there with Zappa’s. That’s what makes his love for beekeeping all the more quaint and slightly ridiculous. The story goes, that Vai’s former neighbours were beekeepers whose bees used to keep his plants fertilised. Over the years, his love for them has evolved into peak beekeeping expertise.
JIM MARTIN
CHAMPION PUMPKIN FARMER There are two things that jump out of this bit of hot goss: one, that pumpkin-farming is apparently a competitive sport in America; and two, that the one-time guitarist of Faith No More, who has also lent his chops to Metallica, is one such champion. He’s so pumpkin-proud that he’s taken time out of music just to tend to his pumpkins. In fact, he told his local newspaper that if he’s away from his pumpkins, he gets “mad”. The thing is, he’s actually good at what he does; he once produced a gargantuan 1000-plus-pound prizewinner to show for it.
BILLY CORGAN
PRO WRESTLING ENTHUSIAST “Despite all my rage, I’m still just a rat in a cage”, The Smashing Pumpkins honcho once screeched. It’s obviously wrong to take this line out of its context but in this case, it’s very apt. We don’t know how it escaped everyone – ourselves included – that a 1.88m-tall behemoth responsible for some of the most brilliantly angsty music might just be a wrestling fan. And into this, erm, arena, he’s brought his own brand of drama. Since becoming a senior producer of the TNA Wrestling franchise in April last year, he’s sued the company, and lost.
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MONTH AFTER MONTH, WE’RE EXPOSED TO THE POLARISING MANIFESTATIONS OF PHARRELL’S LOVE FOR STREETWEAR. HE’S ONE OF MANY MUSICIANS WHO ARE PASSIONATELY ENGAGED IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF THEIR DAY JOBS – BUT COMPARED TO WHAT SOME OF HIS PEERS DO ON THE SIDE, HIS INTEREST IN COUTURE IS TAME. HERE ARE SOME SUCH STARS WITH STRANGE HOBBIES.
JACK WHITE
TAXIDERMIST Jack White’s rep as the one of the more eccentric rockists of our time effectively solidified when he left his birthplace of Detroit and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he supplanted the fuzzed-out garage-punk of The White Stripes with the antebellum blues-folk of his solo guise. His longstanding love for taxidermy is also in keeping with this. He has always maintained his fundamental need to work with his hands and outside of music. In 2003, he revealed that he had a zebra head, two gazelles, an eland, a kudu, and a giant white elk in his taxidermy collection. Now, there’s undoubtedly more.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
UFO ENTHUSIAST If you’re a globally adored, multi-bajillionaire who’s also charismatically douchey, there’s a high chance that you’ll be forgiven for your weird flights of fancy. Former Take That poster-boy turned hot solo commodity, Robbie Williams, has long been a UFO fanatic. According to him, his fascination with the extra-terrestrial plane dates back to his first sighting of a UFO as a child. He’s also since claimed to have witnessed alien spacecraft at the Beverly Hills Hotel and a host of other locations. In 2009, he shelled out $20 million for the 71-acre mansion, the Compton Bassett House in Wiltshire, because it was situated amongst a series of crop circles.
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CHERIE CURIE
CHAINSAW CARVER This post-fame interest of the erstwhile frontwoman of The Runaways is either totally in sync with the ethos of the music she once made, or just plain ridiculous, depending on your perception of femme-first punk rock. In her heyday, Curie was a siren – dressed predominantly in a corset and lingerie, and making hits like “Cherry Bomb”, she posited an uncompromising agenda with verve and menace. Though still active in music, she spends most of her time perfecting the uniquely American art of chainsaw carving. First struck by inspiration in 2002, she’s since opened her own gallery in California, and produced a mind-boggling array of wares. Hit up chainsawchick.com for the lowdown.
Text Indran P Images Various Sources
ALEX JAMES
CHEESEMAKER Blur’s bassist is also a prolific cheesemaker. In the 12 years that separates the band’s 2003 experimental coup Think Tank and its follow-up Magic Whip, James killed a lot of time by getting incredibly good at making, well, cheese. Upon moving to the picturesque and meadow-filled region known as the Cotswolds, in south-central England, James purchased a farmhouse and turned its 200-hectare land area into famed cheesemaking grounds. His variants, known as Farleigh Wallop, Little Wallop, Goddess, and Blue Monday, have a reputation for being delicious.
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NICK ZINNER
DOOR-KNOB PHOTOGRPAHER The Yeah Yeah Yeahs erupted onto the scene at a time when being indie-weird was actually a thing. And while we’re quick to see through the callow facade many disingenuous wannabes have erected for themselves, we tolerate it in the rock stars that make the music we love. In that respect, we regard the YYY’s famed guitarist’s fixation on taking photos of, as he says, the “metal handle on doors” as quite an interesting quirk. He’s stated that he finds them quite scary and is drawn to them because of that. Totally ‘normal’.
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A FEW GOOD MEN
LUCA BRASI
Taking their time. I think one of the most important things about the process we undertook to make this record is that this is the longest period of time we’ve spent on a project. This is definitely the biggest group effort of ours, as far as being together in our rehearsal space and working on these songs is concerned. We made sure everyone had a chance to voice their ideas so we could see what worked and what didn’t. Out of that, we got the best result we possibly could. Running their own festival. We’ve been running Til The Wheels Fall Off back home in Tasmania for the last three years. In the first year, we just got our mates together to put on a show. We didn’t put too much thought into anything besides giving the crowd a good party and for the bands to get some love. It took off from there, and all of a sudden, it’s set an Australian standard and expanded by over 10 times. It’s been pretty crazy watching it grow and evolve from just a dusty stage with a bunch of mic stands to a space where some of the best bands in Australia come together for their fans. The importance of conviction. Our single “Anything Near Conviction” is a reminder that we can always see the better part in ourselves and in people in general. It’s so simple to slip into that state where everything is just okay; you get comfortable and find it all so easy. But you can always push harder for something greater; to be and do better in all areas of your life.
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Rock & roll in Oz. The Aussie rock scene is great. It’s so good to see people who are so honest and genuine doing well at making a career out of music. Watching our own record come in at crazy places in the charts and seeing our shows grow has also been amazingly encouraging. That we’re all friends, making music and hanging out the way we do, is just so mind-blowing. The good fight. I think it’s great that even in this day and age, people are still getting behind guitar bands. Australia has always been a place where that scene is embraced but it’s obvious that EDM is so hugely popular worldwide right now. And as much as I like certain elements of dance music, I’d hate to see guitar rock die out. I feel happy every time I see kids excited to be in a band. Guitar rock is my favourite thing in the world. Always inspired. One of my biggest heroes ever is Chuck Ragan from the American punk band Hot Water Music. I discovered them when I was 13 or 14 and they’ve been my favourite band since – they’re my absolute idols to this day. I’ve got a couple of Hot Water Music tattoos and whenever I look at them, I feel inspired. They remind me to stay honest as a songwriter and to have an ethos that is sincere.
lucabrasi.com.au
Text Indran P Image and interview courtesy Of Laneway Festival Singapore
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THE PUNK-INFORMED ROCK SOUND OF LUCA BRASI IS AN ESTABLISHED LANGUAGE THAT MANY HOLD DEAR TO THEIR LIVES FOR ITS EXPRESSIVE POWER. SINCE THE TASMANIA QUARTET’S FIRST ALBUM, 2011’S EXTENDED FAMILY, IT’S COMMITTED ITSELF TO THE CAUSE OF SERVING UP SPIRIT-CLEANSING, FIST-UP ROCK WITH ZERO IRONIC REMOVE. LAST YEAR, THE BAND ENRICHED ITS CATALOGUE WITH A THIRD FULL-LENGTH OFFERING, IF THIS IS ALL WE’RE GOING TO BE, AN EXHILARATING SET OF SONGS BOTH BRACING AND TENDER. BEFORE THEIR RECENT LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE STINT, FRONTMANBASSIST TYLER RICHARDSON BREAKS IT DOWN FOR US.
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YOU ME AT SIX
GLOW IN THE DARK
Text Indran P Image Dan Kendall Interview Courtesy Of Hostess Asia
RARE IS THE RECORD THAT ANSWERS A QUESTION YOU NEVER ASKED YOURSELF UNTIL YOU HEARD IT. IN THIS REGARD, NIGHT PEOPLE, THE RECENT FIFTH ALBUM BY SURREY QUINTET, YOU ME AT SIX, IS A FITTING AND PERFECT RESPONSE TO, “WHAT WOULD AN ALTERNATIVE ROCK BAND WITH STRONG POP SENSIBILITIES MAKING BLUES SOUND LIKE?” NIGHT PEOPLE IS AN ANTHEMICALLY DASHING PROPOSITION. PRODUCED BY KINGS OF LEON PRODUCER JACQUIRE KING, IT REPRISES THE BAND’S RIFF-LADEN BALLADRY WITH A NEWFOUND SWAGGER AND BOUNCE. HERE’S FRONTMAN JOSH FRANCESCHI WITH THE LOWDOWN. How’s 2017 been for you so far? 2017’s been cool. We put out our fifth record Night People recently and we’re very excited about that. I can’t complain too much at this point. We worked hard all of last year and it’s nice to come into the new year with a sense of completion and purpose. On all accounts, 2016 was a pretty bad year for everyone, so I’ll gladly take the chance to start afresh.
debut, Take Off Your Colours? We’ve essentially gone from boys to men. We’ve been at this since we were 16 and now we’re in our mid- to late-20s, so that’s the obvious answer. Musically, though, we’ve progressed far beyond our previous work. Obviously, we look back on it with fondness, but we’re more focused on looking forward and continuing this awesome journey we’re on.
With four records under your belt, how did it feel like going into the studio to record Night People? Was the process any easier? After having done four records, we were very keen to keep it interesting for ourselves, in terms of tracking and recording. We actually recorded this album live and besides a few studio punches, all of the takes were live. Recording in Nashville, Tennessee was also an interesting experience. This was the first time we’d ever worked with a Grammy-winning producer before, too. I wouldn’t necessarily say it made the process easier but it definitely was different from how we did things before.
Yes, critics have described Night People as a coming-of-age record. Do you agree? Oh, definitely. I feel like people will look back at Night People as an important record in our trajectory. This is the first record we’ve made that feels totally us. None of us were concerned with emulating anyone – we just found our place here. We knew what we wanted our band to sound like. Unlike many other bands, our growing-up phase happened in the public eye. This is the first time we switched off from the world and listened to ourselves.
From the vantage point of Night People, how far would you say you’ve come since your 2008
Night People is also your grooviest record to date. Did you consciously set out to make it that way?
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The groove really comes from us recording live. When you constantly record to a click track, the rhythm section is very robotic. With five of us in the same room, it was totally different. We got our groove from the spontaneity of the moment, from being able to work on each other’s ideas right there and then. The band is at a point where we want to make music that people our age like. That’s why tracks like “Night People” and “Plus One” sound sexier. You’ve got one of the more distinctive voices in your scene. When did you realise you could sing? Thanks, that’s a very kind thing to say. I’d say I learnt from my sister. She was always playing on the piano and writing songs. I’d be on my PlayStation in the same room with her and listening to her sing. I’d always wanted to do what my older sister was doing but when I first joined the band, I was playing guitar. It was only when Chris, who’s a remarkable guitarist, joined the band that it made sense for me to move to vocals. That’s how it came about.
youmeatsix.co.uk
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SIMMER AND SHIMMER LINUS HABLOT “ALL MY SONGS ARE ABOUT GIRLS, MAN”, LINUS HABLOT TELLS US, ECHOING THE IMPERATIVE THAT HAS LED MANY OF THE GREATEST SINGERS AND MUSICIANS IN HISTORY TO COMMIT THEIR SENTIMENTS TO RECORD. BUT WHILE THE JAZZ-LOVING 19-YEAR-OLD TROUBADOUR TIPS HIS BEANIE TO THE GREATS, HE’S RESOLUTE ABOUT CARVING HIS OWN PATH. HIS DEBUT EP, COMING DOWN, RELEASED ON BUDDING HOMEGROWN LABEL MIDDLE CLASS CIGARS, IS A SUBTLY MAGNIFICENT SHOWCASE OF HIS EMOTIVE SONGWRITING, EAR FOR SOULFULLY POIGNANT SOUNDS AND ARRESTING VOCALS. TAKE IN HIS STORY BELOW. How did Coming Down take shape? I met twin brothers Austen and John at a five-week programme at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Austen produced the record and John played drums on the tracks. I contacted them about making an EP and I spent a week at Austen’s house and recorded every day. That summer was crazy for me. I went on a Euro trip, hit up a bunch of festivals – I did everything an 18-year-old wants to do. Coming Down is an acknowledgement that summer is over and that I have to step back into reality. In the short time you’ve been making music, do you feel that you’re writing to come to terms with things? I don’t know. What’s certain is that I write because I enjoy the process of making music. There are a lot of outlets I can express myself with but lyricism is the one that I enjoy the most, right now. It’s taken me a while to embrace the spontaneity of the inspiration I need to write, but I feel the journey is going to make me a better songwriter. I also get a crazy high from
playing music in the same room as likeminded musicians. Unlike contemporary pop and r&b songs, most of which feature icy, stylised production, your instrumentals are warm and earthy. Did you consciously want to set yourself apart from the trend? I feel that the new r&b sound is getting so repetitive, it’s become overbearing. It’s difficult to listen to if you’re not turnt. I can’t fake being soulful in my own way. I can’t fake being like Miguel, you know? It was definitely a conscious choice on our part to make the music feel and sound organic. That’s why there’s no Auto-Tune on the songs. What do you look out for when you’re putting a song together? I look out for musicality – changes and progressions that make a song interesting and memorable. This EP is the first step towards what I’m going to make in the future. My goal, moving forward, is to make music for musicians.
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Are there any young musicians you know of whom you feel are kindred spirits? Oh, for sure. I really like Emily King and the whole underground scene in New York that I’ve been listening to for the past two years; singers like Nick Hakim, Jaime Woods and anyone making jazz-hip-hop. On the strictly musical side of things, jazz is everything to me. My grandfather was a musician and he played piano and trumpet. I inherited all his records and I’ve been studying them, too. Chet Baker’s my man. What’s your next move? I want to meet as many people as possible, especially those who might be interested in working with me. I’ve spent a year contacting people; half the time it works and half the time they flake – it’s annoying. But I’m excited to meet anyone who’s likeminded. We can help each other take our sound to the next level.
soundcloud.com/linushablot
Text Indran P Images and Interview courtesy of Middle Class Cigars
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THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Text Indran P Images Loop Academy and Various Sources
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LOCAL TURNTABLIST MAESTRO KOFLOW IS ACUTELY AWARE THAT A LIFE WITHOUT MUSIC ISN’T MUCH OF A LIFE AT ALL. LOCKING ARMS WITH AN INTERNATIONAL CREW OF DJS AND PRODUCERS, INCLUDING MAX WILD AND JOSH BESS, HE STARTED LOOP ACADEMY, A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION ON MUSIC PRODUCTION. LAST YEAR, PARTICIPANT SYAFIQ HALID BECAME THE YOUNGEST ABLETON CERTIFIED TRAINER AND FIRST CERTIFIED TRAINER IN SINGAPORE. AHEAD OF THE NEXT LOOP ACADEMY SERIES NEXT MONTH, KOFLOW GIVES US THE PULSE BEHIND ITS MISSION. How did the collaboration between Loop Academy and Dubspot come about? In 2015, I went to Dubspot New York for a couple of classes for three months. I met Dubspot instructor, Max Wild, there. We decided to partner up and create Loop Academy, which is an international collective of music producers, DJs, and educators that offer music production and DJ workshops worldwide. The main reason for the collab was because I realised that while there was an increased interest in music production in our region, not everyone could afford that New York trip. By bringing my friends from Dubspot over, we could help reach out to these talented peeps in our community who need that little push. How do you think aspiring DJs, producers and beatmakers can benefit from this collaboration? The options to study music production and DJing at a high level in Singapore are still quite limited. New York-based Dubspot is considered the industry leader in this field, which is why this is a unique opportunity for aspiring Singaporean producers and DJs. Aside from that, the classroom setting with peers usually motivates better learning. Share with us how Syafiq Halid became the youngest Ableton Certified Trainer and first Certified Trainer in Singapore. Ableton Live is considered one of the premier music production software programs out there. Certified Trainers are considered experts in the software, and can use their status to gain recognition as established instructors when teaching production. Syafiq was a student at Loop Academy in February 2016, and has worked very hard at mastering the software. At the moment, there are very few Certified Trainers in South-East Asia, and he passed a rigorous
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test hosted by Ableton in December 2016, that qualified him to become a Certified Trainer. He is the first Trainer in Singapore, and the youngest ever. From your point of view, how important is Dubspot to the world of DJing and electronic music? Dubspot covers everything that you’ll need to learn about the DJ game – from learning your desired software, sound design, mastering, constructing your first song, to performing your song live. To me, it’s a one-stop shop, with some of the industry’s best music-makers and DJs giving lessons and sharing their experiences. When listening to/watching a DJ set, what are some things you look out for? I love to listen out for interesting sounds and textures that construct the songs. As for watching, I prefer watching DJs who are actually performing their sets like musicians. Lastly, what are some of Loop Academy’s plans for the future? Loop Academy plans to continue hosting workshops in Singapore and is seeking more opportunities to host workshops worldwide. This year, we are expanding to Hong Kong and Japan, and we hope to continue expanding in the future.
Loop Academy returns from March 5 to 12 at Aliwal Arts Centre. For info and registration, visit loopacademy.com.
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C O M PA N Y OF ONE THAT ISOLATION IS A CRUCIAL INGREDIENT TO VITAL, EMOTIONALLY RESOUNDING ART IS A TRUISM THAT SO MUCH GREAT OUTPUT HAS VALIDATED. RECLUSE, THE DEBUT ALBUM BY LOCAL SCENE-STEALER LOUIS QUEK AKA INTRIGUANT IS THE LATEST ENTRY CLOSEST TO HOME TO ENTER INTO THIS CATEGORY. INTRICATELY FORGED FROM VAST CANONS OF SOUNDS – AND CHIMED IN UPON BY SOME LOCAL MUSIC HEAD-TURNERS INCLUDING GINNY BLOOP, TIM DE COTTA, CHARLIE LIM, AND OMARKENOBI – THE FOLLOW-UP TO HIS 2014 EP, ELLIPSE, IS A RESPLENDENT DOCUMENT OF QUEK’S LIFE, AS WELL AS A NATIONAL TREASURE WE CAN BE PROUD OF. HE OPENS UP TO US HERE.
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What would you say is the emotional centre of Recluse? I was going through the postbreakup blues when I first had the idea for Recluse. The album follows my trajectory of being in that state and eventually embracing the idea of being alone – hence, the title. I wanted to convey that being alone wasn’t a bad thing. I feel that the process of making the record was self-therapy, for me. Besides that, I had to deal with the passing of a good friend. All these things factor in. That’s why Recluse is a very personal project.
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The production styles on both records are very different too. Yes. On Recluse, my approach was definitely more progressive – I wanted there to be a start and an end. Ellipse can be played as an ambient piece in its entirety and after that, I wanted to explore working with singers. Making music with singers is a whole different ballgame from making instrumental tracks. Each singer brings
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brings something different to the table; they all have different styles and I have to take that into account. I also wanted to bring out something different from each of the singers from what they normally do. Take us through how some of your collaborations happened. I’ve known Ginny Bloop for a long time; we used to go to school together. And she’s such a great singer. She understood where I was coming from, so the song she’s on, “Thinking Aloud”, feels like I’m thinking through another person. I knew OmarKENOBI from Mediocre Haircut Crew and I’ve always known he’s a nice guy and a great rapper. We also used to play gigs together. He came over to my place to record “Don’t Get Me Wrong”, and the song was born. Self-therapy is an interesting way to put it. Did the process accomplish what you wanted it to? I’d say so. I’m an outgoing person by nature and before I started working on Recluse, the idea of staying at home alone the whole day was difficult to accept. During that period, all my friends were busy with their own lives and I found comfort in just doing things by myself, like going out and having dinner. With Recluse, I wanted to capture the feeling of talking to myself in my head; that feeling of enjoying my own company. That’s one of the things I hope anyone who listens to it will take away: If you embrace loneliness as a creative experience, it’ll blossom into something bigger and better for you.
soundcloud.com/intriguant
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Has how you feel about Ellipse changed in the years since it was released? Ellipse was a very calm, meditative and almost passive-listening record. I was experimenting a lot on that record. I was actually surprised that it did well overseas. I didn’t think that it would be picked up in places such as Israel and Slovakia, so I was very encouraged when I found out that it was. Plus, I found out about it through Twitter, which was all the more unusual.
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WHEN A PUNK LOVES
THE OTHER SIDE FOUR ACTS WHO SAY, “I LOVE YOU”, WITH STYLE SOLANGE
At this point in her career, Solange Knowles has more than transcended the fact that she is Beyoncé’s little sister. With her recent album, A Seat At The Table, she took the throne on many ‘Best Of’ lists last year. But go back to its 2012 predecessor, True, to reap her sublime feels.
SKY FERREIRA
Sky Ferreira is no doe-eyed ingenue. She’s the young, tragic heroine of the burgeoning alt-pop movement whose songs are odes to the death of innocence in all matters of the heart. Listen to “You’re Not The One” for a testimony of her loving-but-no-BS stance.
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TOBIAS JESSO JR.
Whether as an impulse or long-reigning sentiment, love lends itself so easily to music. Both are manmade but are experienced by man in so many vividly different ways. This Valentine’s, whether online or IRL, you’re going to hear the most common manifestation of love-conveying music courtesy of John Legend, Sam Smith, et al. But if you’re not interested in diabetic levels of sweetness and still want to wear your heart on your sleeve, you have an alternative in Los Angeleno disrupter Lexie Papillion AKA Bloodboy.
Text Indran P Images Various Sources
What makes her an enchanting proposition is her invigorating originality and already fully realised aesthetic. For a love song to resonate, it has to hew to the tradition of valourising the love object – but Papillion flips the script in a loud way. A former surfer now in her mid-20s, the Los Angeles native has always been a punk at heart. By her own admission, everything about her artistic universe is rough-edged. She learnt the guitar late in her life and counts Ariel Pink, the godhead of weirdo geniuses, as an inspiring figure. So, instead of cooing yearningly or belting with gusto about the heart’s flutters, she goes for the jugular on her recent debut EP, Best Of Bloodboy. “Kid, you know I love you but you’re so effed / I know that love isn’t good enough / To shake you awake, spin you ‘round, and then bring you back down”, goes the hook on “Hey Kid”, a stern, no-nonsense sit-down of a song on an EP of unvarnished tales, with titles such as “Eff Yourself” and “Keep Your Disease”. Coming as they do on a hybridised thrall of electropop and punk, these are huge songs that don’t go down easy; the rebel yell of a woman demanding that her nearest and dearest listen to what she has to say. And even if you’ve been a good beau, you’d do well to listen up too.
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“I can hardly breathe without you / There is no future I want to see without you”, bleeds the Canadian troubadour on the aching “Without You”. What sets him apart from the Ed Sheerans of the world? The fact that in his brilliantly spare instrumentation and in every quiver of his voice, he means it.
CHRISTOPHER OWENS
Never forget that with his former band, Girls, Christopher Owens made some of contemporary indie rock’s most beautiful and bruising albums devoted to unpacking the complexities of the most complex four-letter word. In his solo incarnation, he carries that torch but with a gospel lilt.
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CÉ LA V I 6 REASONS TO VOTE 020
PERCHED 200M ABOVE GROUND, AND GLITTERING LIKE THE BEACON OF GOOD TIME-PROFFERING ENTERTAINMENT THAT IT IS, CÉ LA VI IS TRULY A NATIONAL TREASURE. IT’S EVERYTHING; WHETHER AS A CLUB, LOUNGE, RESTAURANT, OR ROOFTOP BAR, IT’S GOT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. LAST YEAR, THE TASTE-ESTABLISHING DJ MAG ‘TOP 100 CLUBS’ ANNUAL LIST RECOGNISED THIS AND EMBRACED THE VENUE INTO ITS ESTEEM AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST CLUBS. THIS YEAR, THE VENUE AIMS TO LAND A SPOT ON THAT VERY LIST – WHICH, ON THE BROADER SCALE OF THINGS, WOULD CEMENT SINGAPORE’S PLACE AS A LEADING NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT BASTION ON A GLOBAL SCALE. THAT’S WHY, AS PART OF ITS #VOTECLV CAMPAIGN, THE VENUE IS URGING PUNTERS AND REVELLERS TO ‘RAISE THE LION CITY’ AND SEE OUR COUNTRY TO THE TOP BY CASTING YOUR VOTE FOR CÉ LA VI. THE WIN WILL BE OURS – WHETHER YOU’RE A NIGHTLIFE VETERAN OR A NEWBORN CLUB KID, CÉ LA VI’S PLACE IN THE POLLS WILL BE YOURS TO RAVE ABOUT. SO, LET’S BE PROACTIVE ABOUT IT.
BEST VIEWS OF THE CITY If you’ve been around the block, you’ll know that as far as panoramic vantage points are concerned, CÉ LA VI’s is the best you’ll get. A veritable pearl resting atop the monumental pedestal that is Marina Bay Sands, CÉ LA VI boasts a 360-degree view of the country, amidst confines that are luxe yet quintessentially chill. The sunset view, in particular, is a feast for the eyes. The casual elegance of the club and its companion lounge area and restaurant make taking in the view a beyondsumptuous experience. The fact that you can catch a breather from a hard-hitting DJ set by getting your fill of fresh air and starlight – with a refreshing cocktail in hand – is also a supreme complement to the CÉ LA VI club experience.
ROUND-THE-CLOCK ENTERTAINMENT There’s also the fact that CÉ LA VI is committed to serving up quality entertainment round the clock. The only club in Singapore that is open daily from noon till dawn, CÉ LA VI delivers seven days of non-stop entertainment. That sort of commitment is impossible to beat. Your pursuit of pleasure takes on a literally elevated significance that translates into stratospheric parties with thrills for both trenddevouring glitterati, and house and techno purists alike.
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QUALITY PROGRAMMING On the spectrum of body-moving sounds, CÉ LA VI’s programming is truly visionary. Since it opened in 2010, the club has hosted the likes of Lil’ Jon, Jazzy Jeff, Cash Money, Jose Marquez, Dr Packer, Vanilla Ace, Satin Jackets, and Nora En Pure. Last year, to the utter delight of hip-hop heads, CÉ LA VI ushered the legend, N.W.A’s DJ Yella, to its decks. The unrelentingly turnt energy of the crowd at that sold-out show was a testimony of how great the night was and a glimpse into what CÉ LA VI can do to tick items off your bucket list.
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IN THE THICK OF THE ACTION
Text Indran P Images Colossal Photos and Various Sources
Singapore is now the site of many high-profile events, some of which resound as the most pivotal dates in the calendar of the global entertainment industry. And CÉ LA VI has been weighing in on these with its characteristically dashing flair. In 2016, as the Formula 1 race weekend unravelled, CÉ LA VI hosted 88 hours of high-octane entertainment, including the highly anticipated Sky High Brunch. For all intents and purposes, it was the biggest brunch party in town that was sold out weeks before the event, and saw guests partying to Ibiza-inspired hits amidst a free-flowing melange of champagne and Modern Asian delicacies, just before the world’s most supercharged cars raced around the city. Sights, sounds, and palete-defying goodness, all at the top. Then, there was the unforgettable ULTRA Singapore 2016 Closing Party, where DJs Marshmello and Juaz turned the night inside out.
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STAR-STUDDED GUEST LIST Besides the discerning legacy of its decks, CÉ LA VI is also vouched for by the revolving door of movers and shakers who count it as a must-visit destination whenever they’re in town. We’re talking the likes of David Beckham, Mark Ronson, Oliver Heldens, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, and John Legend. We don’t condone rubbernecking but considering the vast array of options available in Singapore, the fact that these personalities have chosen CÉ LA VI as their party spot is indicative of the sway and appeal of the venue.
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BIGGEST LOCAL DJ ROSTER While the finery that CÉ LA VI brings internationally is incontestable, we cannot neglect to celebrate what it means closer to home. CÉ LA VI boasts the most extensive roster of local DJs in our homegrown clubscape. This means that night after night, some of the scene’s finest and most uncompromising talents are on hand to treat you to the good stuff. Together with entertainment manager, Joshua Pillai, CÉ LA VI’s lineup of resident DJs includes the legend, Brendon P, Darker Than Wax co-pilot, Kaye, and beloved and respected vets such as YA5TH, Marvin, Anand, Deepak, Ramesh K, Suren, Stephen Day, and Sivanesh. This is a made-in-Singapore crop that reliably delights local and international crowds alike, week after week.
To #VoteCLV, visit top100clubsvote.djmag.com. music
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A/K/A SOUNDS
SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND THE BEATLES This album is particularly memorable because my father used to play “Strawberry Fields Forever” ever so often. When I die, “With a Little Help From My Friends” will be my funeral song.
“TEARDROP” MASSIVE ATTACK My first introduction to trip-hop. It’s been covered by so many musicians all over the world, simply because it’s an amazing song, especially with one part of the Cocteau Twins, Elizabeth Fraser, lending vocals to it.
NEVERMIND NIRVANA This album marks the epitome of my youth – angry, sexual, intense, and sometimes making no sense at all.
ROSELAND NYC LIVE PORTISHEAD In the height of my trip-hop obsession, I leaned to this album a lot in art school, and I was so impressed by the symphony coming together with the sounds of samples being scratched.
“BADMAN CITY FEAT. FLOWDAN” KAHN This always reminds me of a time of transition when I began DJing and started feeling confident enough to play what I really wanted.
“SHADOW BOXING” NASTY HABITS This probably sealed the deal for my love of jungle and drum & bass. There’s also a super dope Om Unit remix of this that I love.
“GET UR FREAK ON” MISSY ELLIOT Missy Elliot is the hip-hop queen of my heart. And this production by Timbaland will never die. Up till now, I have not heard another beat quite as infectious and lasting as this.
BY NOW, THE ATTAGIRL! WAR CRY OF FEMME-FIRST EMPOWERMENT VIA BEATS AND BASS SHOULD BURN IN THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF ANYONE CLUED INTO THE MUSICAL BREAKTHROUGHS OF THE LOCAL UNDERGROUND. MORE MANIFESTO THAN AGENDA, MORE ENDURING REVOLUTION THAN SHAMELESS HYPE-GRAB, ATTAGIRL!’S EXISTENCE IS A GUARANTEE THAT UNCOMPROMISINGLY BRAIN-TEASING AND BODY-BLASTING NEXT-LEVELISM CAN BE EXPECTED TO EMANATE FROM THE CONSOLES OF OUR SHORES. FOR THAT, WE OWE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO ITS CO-FOUNDER, AMANDA KEISHA ANG. A KNOWN AND RESPECTED NAME LOCALLY AND BEYOND, SHE’S AFFIRMED THROUGH HER SETS THAT A GLORIOUSLY DIVERSE MUSICAL PALATE IS A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING. HERE, SHE OFFERS A GLIMPSE INTO HER MANY-HUED WORLD. soundcloud.com/aka-sounds
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“I IDOLIZE YOU” THE FABULOUS WAILERS I’ve always had a love for garage punk and this song kind of encapsulates the grittiness of the genre for me. The singer was also 15 at the time – what a voice!
TRAGIC KINGDOM NO DOUBT I can probably sing to every single track on this album – it has so many memorable ones. Ska punk is not dead!
Text Indran P Images OSG Photography and Various Sources
“ORGAN DONOR (EXTENDED OVERHAUL)” DJ SHADOW When I heard this as a teen, it changed my perspective of hip-hop and beats, and also introduced me to turntablism, through which I discovered others such as DJ QBert and Shortkut.
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ETERNAL HEARTBREAKER
“Love me tender / Love me sweet”, is not something you can ever expect from Marilyn Manson. Yet, for the past 30 years, there hasn’t been an artiste more committed to exploring love in a more distinctly shocking and original fashion than him. This Valentine’s Day – decades removed from when he helmed Marilyn Manson and The Spooky Kids, a band where every member’s stage name derived in part from a beloved pop cultural icon and in part from some of the most nefarious serial killers of our time – he’ll release his 10th album, SAY10. In various interviews throughout 2016, he assured fans that this will be the most overcomplicated project he’s ever attempted. He also revealed that he was inspired to record it after his trip to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was filming his role as a barber surgeon sociopath in the supernatural horror series, Salem. Being steeped in both real and fictitious realms where witchcraft is a common fact of life, he linked up with the show’s composer, Tyler Bates, and conceived SAY10 very quickly.
MARILYN MANSON
How does a Marilyn Manson album fit into the pop cultural matrix of 2017? The same way it’s fit into all the years before it – by addressing issues of the day with its pulverising, explosive thrall. In a teaser video for the album, featuring sonics from the title track – a hulking, distorted jam where the screaming guitars rival Manson’s raspy own – a black-suited Manson shrieks out lines such as, “Cash is a poor man’s money”, while a beheaded Trump-looking figure lies in a pool of its own blood. That image, and the punishing soundscape of eerie beats and rapturously violent guitars, is all we’ve got to go on till the album drops on a day traditionally reserved for heart-shaped chocolate boxes and teddy bears. Make no mistake: SAY10 will be this year’s blackest rose.
marilynmanson.com
THE BLACKEST BLACK
Text Indran P Images Various Sources
MARILYN MANSON’S REIGN OF TERROR IN FOUR OF HIS BEST
ANTICHRIST SUPERSTAR (1996) With its reputation-defining title, Manson’s second album cemented his destiny and singular place in history. An almost-80minute rock opera with concerns dating back to Nietzsche and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this was the one that came with “The Beautiful People”.
MECHANICAL ANIMALS (1998) Two years later, Manson re-emerged in an even more transgressively androgynous form to reconfigure what it means to be ‘glam’, irrevocably. Via manifestos like “The Dope Show” and “Rock Is Dead”, our celebrity-obsessed culture was laid bare and dismantled.
HOLY WOOD (2000) Later, he traded in Animals’ goth-funk for the trebly, industrial imprint he had made his own in his earlier releases on Holy Wood, his first record after being wrongfully accused of inspiring the perpetrators of the Columbine High School shootings. It was, in his words, “a declaration of war”.
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THE HIGH END OF LOW (2009) This is where Manson turned his scalpel on himself. Coming as it does on the heels of his failed relationship with Dita Von Teese, Low is a fascinating, unsparing document of self-exorcism – with doses of blues, country and dance-pop.
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SPLENDOUR AT THE MEADOW No, it wasn’t ‘Rainway’. It was Laneway. And, for a festival relentlessly committed to outdoing itself year after year, it fared pretty damn well on its latest addition. With every passing incarnation, it’s become customary to describe a particular year’s as the ‘biggest edition yet’. But when a festival is this intent on putting on an even bigger show than anything in its history, ‘bigger’ is more a norm than a tired cliche. So, with a mythic 29 international, regional and local acts populating its roster, Laneway Festival Singapore 2017 was the biggest instalment of the festival yet. And nothing, not even the rain is going to change that.
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One of the things that stuck out the most about this year’s ’do is its heightened focus on proprietors of leftfield sounds. And, in that spirit, it was fitting that far-out Indonesian duos Stars & Rabbit and Bottlesmoker beamed the first transmissions of the festival. The respective folk-rock and DIY electronica of each spurred a tantalising narrative of experimentalism that was chimed in upon by each succeeding act throughout the festival. Coming on next, alt-soul sisters Tash Sultana and Froya furnished a lush measure of
calm before local bass heroine A/K/A Sounds shook things up at the White Room, while Luca Brasi’s earnest and energetic rock struck the crowd across. Up next, a fish-netted Sam Rui brought out MHC’s OmarKENOBI, who fired off the first of the day’s rap salvos to the delight of all. Concurrently, at the Bay Stage, Japanese freak-pop shamaness Wednesday Campanella dropped jaws, especially when she dove into the crowd in a hamster ball a la The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne. After her, Sampa The Great did her full-house fans proud at the White Room, while local legends Astreal brought the shoegazing majesty of its justreleased album Light to life at the Garden Stage. This strong local showing was furthered by T-Rex, whose outre instrumental odyssey seemed to complement Aurora’s epic pop rather well. And while KOHH shut down the White Room, the Aussie one-two of Gang of Youths and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, with a dazzling transition via NAO in between, was an utter delight. At this point, with the rain all but unavoidable, we
sought shelter in the White Room and took in some good ol’ Poptart-spun tunes. Having decided that getting drenched isn’t a bad thing when we’re already sopping wet, we headed out to the Garden Stage for Whitney, whose lilting, reverbed coos led us to the brain-battering noise of White Lung. Jagwar Ma’s electro-led chill took the edge off after, as did our romp through the Bob Moses and Tourist sets. The subsequent clash between Mick Jenkins and Tycho was regrettable but in electing to catch the former, we were treated to the best performance of the festival – so, no complaints. An expectedly cloudy-but-brutal set from Clams Casino followed, and suffused with sweat and adrenaline, we got swept up in the contagious energy of the parties thrown by Glass Animals and Mr. Carmack. At the festival’s close, the new-improved Nick Murphy and funk-fusionist Floating Points took us home. Louder, prouder and more eclectic than its predecessors, this year’s Laneway was a challenge and a delight. We can’t wait for more.
singapore.lanewayfestival.com
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HIGHLIGHT REEL
RAIN, SHINE, NIGHT, AND DAY – WE WEATHERED ALL AND LIVE TO TELL IT. HERE ARE THE BEST OF LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2017’S MANY COLOURFUL MOMENTS.
WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA Give it up to KOM_I for the zaniest, most WTF showing at the festival. When she wasn’t surrounded by awkward, costumed designers, she marshalled the stage by herself and overcame the language barrier by going full-on crazy – from her moves to her singing, her entire performance was a non sequitur.
T-REX The common consensus is that we’re experiencing a new golden age of local music and T-Rex’s existence is part of the underlined-in-red proof. The band’s jazz-minded approach to prog rock transformed the Cloud Stage into a site of next-level instrumentation. After that display, count on “Tiger Uppercut” entering the national songbook.
LUCA BRASI Being one of the few guitar-rock bands on this year’s heavily electronic lineup, Luca Brasi’s riff-bringing powers were in high demand. And the Tassie quartet rose to the occasion with mammoth hooks and driving melodies. The sing-along that erupted during “Aeroplane” was one of the festival’s most spontaneous moments.
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NAO Oh, NAO. Besides putting one of the best and most uplifting shows of the festival, the Nottingham wonky funk chanteuse also stole our hearts. From her inviting opener “Happy”, right to the bracing closer “Bad Blood”, she and her expert backing band walked the line between simmering soul and bombastic electro-rock. And those moves, though.
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A late but welcome entry into the lineup, the Melbourne outfit signed off on the trippiest set of the festival. With two drummers and three squealing guitars, they sangscreeched about stuff like gamma knives, rattlesnakes and nuclear fission amidst positively bouncing rhythms.
A/K/A SOUNDS Going on early at a festival is not an ideal proposition for any act. But at her 1.30pm slot, ATTAGIRL!’s co-mastermind A/K/A Sounds delivered a resplendent showing. Rib-rattling blasts of grime and juke emanated throughout the White Room during her set – and the jumping bodies loved it.
WHITE LUNG “Make the guitar really loud”, was frontwoman Mish Way’s command to the sound booth just before her band rampaged through the Cloud Stage. Looking like a more beautifully diabolical version of Courtney Love, Way alternately sang and screamed over the fleet of churning psychhardcore textures her band unspooled, to the masochistic delight of the crowd.
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CLAMS CASINO We let out a prolonged whoop when Clams Casino was included in the first-reveal of the festival’s lineup. As one of the go-to producers making Internet-resounding music, the beatmaker’s appearance at Laneway affirmed the festival’s pulse on the cutting-edge. And on his part, he showed up with bangers aplenty.
NICK MURPHY The artiste formerly known as Chet Faker proved how much he had changed when he shed his erstwhile moniker. Where once bolstered by effects, his voice was now allowed to express its natural heft, like the uber-lush, expansive instrumentation by his band, that made older hits like “Talk Is Cheap” play like funk&b epics.
ASTREAL One of the reasons way Festival Singapore 2017 was especially poignant is because it was the staging ground for the comeback of Astreal. A heroic force in the local rock underground, the band released its long-in-theworks album, Light, that very day and treated us to new gems such as “Colossal”.
Text Indran P Images Laneway Festival Singapore
GLASS ANIMALS When you’re a band that can fuse hip-hop and the more out-there strains of pop, rock and electronica, you’re an assured boon to any festival. With their musical largesse and stage presence, the lads from Glass Animals put on a spellbinding showcase – “Gooey” included.
MICK JENKINS As testified by the satisfied exclamations we heard from the crowd during the Chicago rapper’s set, this was the best performance of the festival. To a packed-out White Room, Jenkins unleashed exhortative, rousing verses and awe-inspiring triplet flows. His technical brilliance and raw energy will forever serve as a postcard for this year’s Laneway.
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THE GREATER GOOD This is one series of events that unravelled confusingly but worked out well in the end. It started when popular AmericanChinese food chain Panda Express used the phrase “Smile Like You Mean It” in their fortune cookies. That cheery line is also the title of a well-liked song by The Killers, who, smelling copyright infringement, despite that phrase being used for generations, tweeted to the chain asking for, “orange chicken for life”, as reparations. After a mild-mannered back-and-forth, Panda Express very sensibly donated an undisclosed amount to the charity, Serving Our Kids.
picture and sound
Music and film intersect in often incredible and intriguing ways. And there are times when the end product of that is just plain weird. Get your fill of the spectrum below.
ST. VINCENT Annie Clark is a consummate wildcard. Her style is powerfully incendiary and decisively brilliant. But that being widespread knowledge didn’t stifle
STRAND OF OAKS
anyone’s shock when it was revealed that she wrote and directed Birthday Party, part of a horror anthology titled XX. Framed as “Four Deadly Tales by Four Killer Women”, XX aims to expound on female anxiety. The only released trailer of the film, which hits theatres on February 17, shows it to be a chilling nexus of vampires, werewolves and spooky children. Needless to say, the soundtrack is flawless.
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ALBERT HAMMOND JR.
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Teenage concerns are a huge part of The Strokes’ lyrical universe, so the nature of one of its guitarists’ acting debuts is par for the course. Albert Hammond Jr. recently scored a small role in Newness, a romance-heavy
In 2014, Timothy Showalter released one of the year’s best records with HEAL. Till today, it stands out as a bona fide rarity; tremendously vast and anthemic yet down-on-knees confessional. Later this month, he’ll release its highly anticipated follow-up, Hard Love. According to him, he was inspired by his love of U.K. indie label, Creation Records, Trojan dub compilations, and Jane’s Addiction on his fifth album. Those are some starkly different influences he’s threading together but all’s good: The lead single “Radio Kids” absolutely rocks. It’s a good enough sign that Love sounds even huger than HEAL.
film that examines the impact social media has on relationships. The action revolves around two millennials in present-day Los Angeles who begin a somewhat-relationship that pushes them to their physical and emotional breaking points. This could go either way; Newness could give some truly valuable perpective on how love and lust manifest today, or it could collapse into a pile of cliches.
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JOSPEH FIENNES
THE GODFATHER RETIRES
This is one where an actor plays a musician – and it’s
It’s official: DJ-producer and grime legend Wiley has announced that his upcoming album, Godfather, will be his last. An obvious nod to his uncontested rep as the Godfather of Grime, the album is the 11th full-length project in a beyond-prolific career. A host of big names – many of whom he’s mentored, including Skepta, Jme and Devlin – grace the record, as do the juddering singles “Can’t Go Wrong” and “Bring Them All / Holy Grime”. As to why he’s putting a stop to his solo run, he cites age and a desire to assist other musicians in their journey, as reasons. bigdada.com music
downright disrespectful. Now, Joseph Fiennes is an incredibly gifted actor; the man’s won multiple awards and starred as no less than William
Shakespeare. So why U.K. channel Sky Arts decided to cast him in a ridiculous portrayal of MJ in the comedy series Urban Myths is beyond us. The late pop superstar was an OTT figure to begin with but Fiennes does him a disservice by gross misrepresentation. Thankfully, a tweet by Jackson’s daughter Paris has since compelled the network to pull the episode from the air.
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THE GOLDEN TOUCH This is one of those out-of-nowhere pairings: Iggy Pop and Danger Mouse have linked up and brought a song into this world. “Gold”, the fulcrum song of an eponymous film, is a treasure for multiple reasons, chief of which is how amazingly it resembles a Gnarls Barkley song. Like he did in the latter project, Danger Mouse exhibits his gift for quirky-but-dystopian moods, where drama is catalysed by the tension between the sounds. And Iggy, choosing to reign it in, blesses the darkly alluring noir-Western proceedings with his gravelly baritone. Just think of how awesome it’d be if a Gnarls Barkley album with Iggy Pop is actually in the works.
METALLICA
GRIMES WANTS YOUR ART
Congrats on Hardwired... to Self-Destruct. After more than three decades of making music, what does this record mean to you? It’s another album that brings joy to us, because we are able to channel our creativity and make something that people like to listen to. We’re also pleasantly surprised on how well the album is doing, but you know, we are really just waiting to get out on tour.
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Text Indran P Image Herring Herring Interview courtesy of 19SixtyFive
“Hardwired” is one of your most unsparingly honest songs and the perfect soundtrack to 2016’s more unpleasant developments. What do think people can do in dark times to stay happy? Well, it is not easy, but start with yourself. Do small things that are meaningful and purposeful. Try to enjoy what you do and appreciate and embrace whatever comes next. On “Month Into Flame”, you tackle hollow celebrity culture. What advice do you have for younger artistes who have to navigate fame and relevance? Try to be as honest and sincere as possible. It’s very important to listen to your heart because that’s what will guide and lead you through the music and point you towards where you need to go. Never lose touch of that inner voice; it’s your main guidance.
REUNITED AND IT FEELs SO GOOD No one ever thought it was going to happen. But it did! Brostep godhead Skrillex has reunited with his former band From First to Last and there’s a new song, “Make War”, to show for it. This is stunning news, considering the fact that as one of the biggest and most successful figures in DJdom, Skrillex assumed his pre-fame form as Sonny Moore, got together with his old band and made a different kind of banger. Is this a sign of things to come? Will the band become Skrillex’s own opening act? We shall see. skrillex.com
How do you feel about being one of the biggest bands in the world? It’s a good thing to remember. We are happy to be able to look back, reminisce our past together and celebrate it with each other. Metallica is one most successful bands in music history. After this long, is there anything about the band you still look forward to? We like surprises, especially pleasant ones. That’s why, wherever we go, we try not to have too many expectations, whether it’s a new place or somewhere that we’re familiar with. With anything in life, it’s wise to just be open and see how things go.
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Text Indran P Images Various Sources
Kirk Hammet on Metallica’s new album, Hardwired... to Self-Destruct, and what it’s like to be in one of the biggest bands of all time.
Yes, that’s exactly what we mean. Indie-pop sorceress Grimes has created a new Instagram account dedicated solely to showcasing her own artwork as well as that of her fans. She explains in a post on her main account that she gets so much fantastic art all the time but doesn’t want to spam the feeds of those who follow her. Now, with @GrimesArtOfficial, you’ll get to view her work and the creations of other fanboys/ girls, too. To see your own work up there, all you have to do is tag the account. grimesmusic.com
sounds
THE MESSAGE
BY JOSHUA PILLAI
THE CIRCLE OF MUSIC
Whenever someone asks me the question, “Do you know any new sounds or artistes to check out?”, my usual reply would be in the affirmative, followed by comprehensive reasons as to why I love the tune or artiste. However, as a DJ, when I delve into searching for new sights and sounds in the music world – through countless hours of online research and reflection, strumming up keyboard beats for re-edits and speaking to my fellow DJ peers – I’ve come to realise that there isn’t a completely new format of sound or music. Hence, I came to a startling conclusion: music moves in a circle, in which genres are revived, rehashed and refreshed. To test this theory, I decided to pick up some records or “waxes” (a term preferably used for vinyl records rather than on my body) both new and old, and listened to them incessantly. Through each tune, I picked up on the familiar beats, which more often than not, sound similar to songs by other artistes. Truth to be told, the majority of it sounds like disco tunes or bear the influence of jazz basslines.
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I remember a particular incident when a friend told me to check out the new Bruno Mars album, 24K Magic. I was strangely attracted to it (yes, to the album, not Bruno Mars himself!). It featured a cool cover that was designed as a tribute to the ’90s. Instinctively, I realised that my immediate liking for it stemmed from Mars’ slow and pulsating beats and heavy synths that are nostalgically reminiscent of Grandmaster Flash’s The Message, one of the most revered records in all of hip-hop. Funnily enough, The Message in turn draws on and samples from funk band, Jimmy Castor’s Bunch.
I SEE YOU The xx
(Young Turks Recordings) It would be so painfully obvious – lazy even – to just put The xx back on the pedestal (‘cos they are so millennial-cool). But their third album deserves the bouquets; it’s the trio at its most confident and with an expansive set of songs. Their new (from broody to, perhaps, just moody) sound is surely owed to Jamie xx, whose synth work informs much of what happens here. So as Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft continue their duetting (both sounding more assured in their singing here), Jamie sets trumpet flares and a house-y kick to “Dangerous”, and pitter-pattering electronic beats to “On Hold”. Feeling euphoric and mopey just became a thing again.
Take a look at trending albums and recent tracks and you’ll find that nothing is new (or original, rather). Instead, current music falls under the category that I term, “I remember who used to do this!”. The genre, EDM, coined by ‘famous’ DJs, sounds like a carbon copy of music by Eurodance artists. In Singapore, we called it techno and sadly, till this very day, it’s confused for actual techno music. At the end of the day, many of these artistes have influences from the past and incorporate them in their tracks. That’s the truth. Mulling over my thoughts, I asked myself if anyone started a marqueeworthy movement recently that changed the course of music history. I regard Miles Davis as a pioneer who evolved jazz music. I am not a trumpet player, nor good at blowing hard (in more ways than one) but I have listened and done my fair share of research to know the movers and shakers in the music world. In recent times, I have not come across a game-changer who has ‘Darwinised’ music. I do know of many, however, that have bastardised music genres with amusing newfangled names. Throughout my career, I’ve been a firm advocate and supporter of artistes who make good music and move people. Though timeless pieces are still being produced, I have yet to stumble upon an artiste who has revolutionised music or created a new sound. That isn’t a bad thing. Artistes will continue to be inspired and go through music vaults to find gold nuggets to sample. Eventually, it will come to a point where someone will move the world through the discovery of music from the past. Regardless, I am happy that music moves in a circle. In a funny way, moving in a circle actually allows you to move forward.
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THROAT ADR
(PAN) Is there still a need for actual lyrics, proper voices, real singers even? Aaron David Ross’ latest seemingly questions the need to centre the ‘human’ in composition, even while subjecting his own voice to manifold manipulations to create whole songs. And yes, while the concept seems a little daunting (we are reminded of Holly Herndon and Katie Gately), the songs are anything but. Glossy, detailed and processed, they are so slight-sounding, so easy to absorb, they almost pass for pop-music instrumentals – with the most interesting EDM/IDM candies being “No Sweat”, “Severance”, and “King David”.
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PICKS OF THE MONTH NOT THE ACTUAL EVENTS EP Nine Inch Nails
(The Null Corporation) Trent Reznor called this “impenetrable” – not really. These five tracks are dotted somewhere along the loud industrial rock-outs and the quieter, made-for-soundtrack moments in the band’s near threedecade lifespan. Along with Atticus Ross (who’s now essentially the other half of NIN), it’s both a retread and a soft-intro to more complete work that’s supposed to come later this year.
Childish Gambino
HEART SONG
4 YOUR EYEZ ONLY
(Brutal Honest) On her sophomore, Jess Williamson sounds like a Texan girl coming into the city, finding the interstitial corners and cracks in which only she can occupy, depressed and broken. She’s a spirit kin of Cat Power and Angel Olsen – her own voice shifting across seven tracks of folk-rock – a pained presence speaking of intimate affairs that’s hard to ignore. May the title track, “Heart Song” haunt your dreams.
(Dreamville) Death hangs heavy all over the record; there’s mention of his late friend James McMillan Jr., and a girl speaks about her father’s death (“Ville Mentality”). That the North Carolina-based rapper goes deep, talking about mortality, violence and relations, speaks of his growth as a lyricist. His willingness to relate and appear vulnerable lends emotion and gravitas to digestible bites of jazzy mid-tempo hip-hop.
Jess Williamson
(Glassnote Entertainment Group) Such a multi-hyphenate is Donald Glover. Actor (Community), screenwriter (Atlanta), rapper, and now, reborn funk and soul “Boogieman”. That he jumps genres with such performative ease makes us doubt his authenticity as an artiste – all over the 11 tracks, we hear Prince, Sly and the Family Stone, and George Clinton. It sounds so much like ’70s funk, we can hardly hear the real Glover.
J. Cole
BLESSED INITIATIVE
RELATIONSHIP
SLOW BURN
(Multiverse) First thoughts: horror movie soundscape. Experimental producer Yair Elazar Glotman used a KYMA software system, manipulated tape and foley recordings to create tracks that sound like they’re composed of sputtering machines, muffled cathedral organs, chimes and god-knows-what-else, just to unsettle the listener’s mind... and they majorly work.
(Fool’s Gold Records) Hudson Mohawke; Deftones’ Chino Moreno; Prefuse 73. There are so many guests on Nick Hook’s debut that it could have run aground, but luckily, the Brooklyn producer has notched up a decade’s worth of experience to pull it together. So, it’s a honey pot of glitch, trap, hiphop, and synth music to draw and sustain fans of both underground electronic and pop music.
(Flower Girl Records) If the current matured sound of emo-rock is boring, why not pip for the screamo of Old Gray? Cameron Boucher’s (of Sorority Noise) three-man side-project is filled with his staccato screaming; the guitars and drums racing away like rabid greyhounds, but everything’s tight enough so there’s no crashing and burning to be had. Oh, and there are quiet moments too, like performance artist-poet William Jones’ prose reading.
(Republic Records) If you’ve never been into the melodramatic world of Kid Cudi, best you avoid his latest. At 87 minutes, and 19 tracks, it’s the rapper returning to form, and also to his faults (meandering). It’s a slow crawl, yes, so you can either indulge in it all (best way to drink in Cudi’s music) or just pick “Frequency”, “Swim In The Light” and “Dance 4 Eternity” as the lights to lead your way through this.
HARLEQUIN
WELCOME TO SIDEWAYS
RUN THE JEWELS 3
THE WASP FACTORY
(Domino Recording Co Ltd) Harry Nilsson + Van Dyke Parks + Tobias Jesso Jr + Devandra Banhart = Alex Izenberg. The L.A. artiste’s debut is awash in ’70s styled singersongwriter feels, what with his fey singing and baroque chamber pop orchestrations. When it’s swell, it’s pleasant (“To Move On” and “Hot Is The Fire”), but when it’s not, it’s just beige.
(Delicacies) While we know Simian Mobile Disco more for their club bangers, past albums (especially 2014’s Whorl) show that James Ford and Jas Shaw are capable of producing a larger palette. Their latest is a mix of their past sense of making big beats, and their current way of tweaking techy synths to create atmosphere. “Bubble Has No Answers” and “Space Is Filled With Ringing” show off the duo’s progressive chops.
(Run The Jewels, Inc) It’s a home run for Killer Mike and El-P – their third is another triumph. They are already miles ahead in the rap game – while the past two albums are the duo breaking through and cementing a sonic old-school hip-hop blueprint, its latest is them flash-forwarding with a fresher sound while still pushing a political slant. “Talk To Me”, “Call Ticketron” and “2100” are the shiniest of the lot.
(Bedroom Community) Imagine an opera based on a same-named 1984 Iain Banks novel about a psychopathic teenager. Can’t? Well, Iceland-based experimental electro-acoustic composer Ben Frost and librettist David Pountney did, and it sounds. Three years after the staging comes this recording of the three female lead singers (Lieselot De Wilde, Jördis Richter, and Mariam Wallentin) and Frost’s music played by Reykjavik Sinfonia.
Blessed Initiative
Text Sanvean Wang Images Various Sources
AWAKEN, MY LOVE!
Alex Izenberg
Old Gray
Nick Hook
Simian Mobile Disco
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Run The Jewels
PASSION, PAIN AND DEMON SLAYIN’ Kid Cudi
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BRING ME THE HORIZON: LIVE IN SINGAPORE
EP!C PRESENTS DJ MAG TOP 100 CLUBS VOTING PARTY WITH NICKY ROMERO
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 2 AT D’MARQUEE @ DOWNTOWN EAST The needle of pop culture may be lodged firmly in the groove of dance music but these English eardrum-blasters aren’t having any of it. Melding hardcore with metal, the quintet has served up a five album-deep onslaught of beautiful brutality – brace yourselves for a different kind of dance. lamcproductions.com
V SERIES PRESENTS BASSJACKERS
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3 AT CÉ LA VI DJ Marlon Flohr and producer Ralph van Hilst turned a longtime friendship into bass-blasting aural splendour. That they’re bedecked with DJ Mag honours and have received props from Tiësto, is due to their throbbingly infectious take on contemporary dance music. Louder and better than most, their set will stun you. sg.celavi.com
SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY AT ZOUK Sander van Doorn, Tiësto and Armand Van Helden, are just some of the greats that affirm Nicky Romero’s place in the upper echelons of the modern dance world. Nothing has been the same since he released his breakout hit “Toulouse” in 2012, and this night, he’ll treat you to his zeitgeist-seizing powers. zoukclub.com
YELLOWCARD: THE FINAL WORLD TOUR
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12 AT THE COLISEUM @ HARD ROCK HOTEL We hate to be the bearers of bad news but here it is. After a positively winning 20-year run, the Yellowcard boys are hanging up their gloves. Adored and idolised for fare such as “Only One” and “Always Summer”, the band will be treating you to their last hurrah right on our shores. sistic.com.sg
ZOUK X MOONBEATS ASIA PRESENT THE DEEP END WITH SWEATER BEATS & LENERD THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16 AT PHUTURE Get psyched for a bass-first hip-hop extravaganza as two young guns band together for what seems like a deck-tearing time. Antonio Cuna AKA Sweater Beats’ scenestealing trajectory has been paved with his irresistible single “Mlln Dllr”, and Lenerd, as you know, is rapidly becoming a mainstay in the local hip-hop ecosystem. zoukclub.com
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BOB MARLEY B’DAY BASH FEAT. PRINCE FATTY
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4 AT CANVAS Celebrate the legacy of one of the most important musical figures of our time with another great one, producer Mike “Prince Fatty” Pelanconi, whose resume features names such as Graham Coxon, Pharcyde and The Skints. Bridging worlds as diverse as reggae, dub, acid jazz, rock, and pop, his set will enlighten and elevate. canvasvenue.sg
TRANSITION FEAT. MARK SIXMA
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9 AT CÉ LA VI One of the reigning open format DJs in Europe, Irwan has also played at private parties for artistes like Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson, and opened concerts for Chris Brown, 50 Cent, to name a few heavy-hitters who’ve enlisted his seamless touch. Come for a night of deep hip-hop grooves and more. sg.celavi.com
MADE IN JAPAN FEAT. DODGY YAMAMOTO & SHIGEKI
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 10 AT KYO Classic house heads, don’t complain that y’all don’t get any love. This night is for you. With Dodgy Yamamoto, you’ll get the deepest, filthiest, house grooves, as well as techy, tribal rhythms laced with dub and jazz. On his part, Shigeki can be relied upon for body-lifting tunes without the cheese. clubkyo.com
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18 AT CANVAS There’s EDM and there’s trance – but Mark Sixma fights for both banners. The Dutch DJ-producer marries the heady pound of club-staple sounds with the mythically expansive sweep of classic trance textures, serving up a gloriously plus-sized, transportive experience. Take flight with him as he commandeers a ship where tracks like “Visionary” will resound. canvasvenue.sg
FORWARD FEAT. MATTHIAS MEYER
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25 AT KYO Like many, Matthias Meyer was struck by the house and techno transmissions beaming out of the temples that are Chicago and Detroit. He’s since turned his devotion to the canons into an incredible career that has left an indelible mark on many a big room. Cue “Reichenbach” and “Skipper” and save the date. clubkyo.com
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Text Indran P Images Various Sources
RUN CLV PRESENTS DJ IRWAN
Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
what happens in vegas...
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Even after his death, piano virtuoso Liberace’s legacy is still widely celebrated – thanks to his talent, verve and inimitable style; all of which made him the perfect inspiration for Romance Was Born designers, Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales. Looking to the pianist’s residency in Vegas and the company he kept, the duo crafts a collection that sees plenty of piano references and motifs on party dresses and feminine suits. With a special focus on creating OTT surfaces, there is nary a piece that isn’t printed, embroidered, feathered, or glittering. Consider this a celebration of all that the maestro personifies: whimsy, carefree, and an ode to the excesses of life in Vegas.
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down under
WHILE YOU’RE OUT SHOPPING FOR UNDERGARMENTS FOR YOUR S.O. THIS VALENTINE’S, WE LOOK BACK AT EIGHT ICONIC UNDERWEAR MOMENTS IN POP CULTURE HISTORY – FROM THE SIDESPLITTINGLY FUNNY TO THE ONES THAT KINDLED YOUR ADOLESCENT LUST.
WAHLBERG WHITES
Before the Biebs, there was Marky Mark. Catapulting his name to stardom (and into the bedroom of every teenage girl of the ’90s), Mark Wahlberg is best known for his time on the billboards as one of Calvin Klein’s underwear models. Between flashing his all-American smile and grabbing the family jewels in solo ads, it was his campaign with a nubile and topless Kate Moss that really got people stirring. It’s been a long time since then – and he’s had to give up his throne to the likes of Justin Bieber and Kellan Lutz – but considering the success he’s achieved on the celluloid front, we’d say Wahlberg did pretty well for himself.
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GREEN BUSH
GUNS OUT
Movies often rely on the power of a compelling character (with an unforgettable catchphrase to boot) to etch itself into our consciousness; such is the case of Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat. All it took was a couple of strung-together phrases and a bright green mankini to create one of comedy’s most memorable moments – as he flashed his man buns on screen and got up to all kinds of mischief. The Borat-thong eventually became a popular costume at Halloween parties and marathons (we’re not kidding) alike. It even showed up on John Mayer in 2008 while the singer was cruising out at sea. Of course, there’s been wilder iterations since that neon-green one-piece, but this one will live in infamy.
Known for getting mega-watt celebs to appear in his outrageously funny movies, Mike Myers somehow convinced Britney Spears to take on a cameo role in the third instalment to his Austin Powers franchise. While her appearance was but a fleeting moment of LOLs in a movie packed with satirical humour, it’s the perfect chemistry between Spears and Myers that makes it memorable. In her signature midriffbaring ensemble with a head of flat-ironed blonde locks, Spears meets Myer’s character in a ’70s versus ’00s dance-off complete with gyrating choreography and shirtless men. Finally, out pops two gun barrels from Spears’ leather bra that begin to fire away at Myers before she eventually explodes. Really, it’s so bad that it’s good.
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I-CONICAL
Madonna is the courter of controversy, and at 58, she hardly seems to be dialing back on the drama. But the moment she endeared herself to the fashion world – while causing ripples in the headlines – can be traced back to 1990 when she took to the stage in a light pink bustier with conical bra cups. Where conservatives protested in the name of decency, the outre vulgarity of the piece has not only put her and designer Jean Paul Gaultier into undergarment infamy, it’s also spawned its own legacy that has since been copied endlessly by drag queens and pop stars alike. Still, there is no one who can claim the crown of the most famous bra quite like the “Material Girl”.
CUT IT OUT
You know her for her viral meme videos where she’s incoherently screaming into a microphone, but apart from that, Yoko Ono’s famous art performance is an act titled Cut Piece. It involves the artist walking onto a stage, facing the audience in silence – an act that draws comparisons to performance artist Marina Abramovic’s work – and inviting them to come on stage and snip her clothes away. First performed in 1964 in Kyoto, the idea was to subtly confront the notion that every audience member becomes involved in the aggression that such an act presented. Often, her performances start out with an air of docility and descends into surreal aggression as the threads get cut, leaving Ono baring all. 037
Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
STAGE ANTICS
It’s become an open secret that the members of Red Hot Chili Peppers frequently perform shirtless and, sometimes, sans trousers or underwear. Since first ‘shocking’ concertgoers in 1983 on one of their very first tours, it is now a trademark routine for the band to take to the stage with nothing but a humble sock over their manhood. Over the years, they’ve gone on to perform sell-out shows in the comfort of nothing more than a pair of boxers. In fact, the look is so synonymous with them that when their cartoon selves appeared on an episode of The Simpsons to play hit single “Give It Away”, they were animated entirely in tighty-whiteys. Recently, the band revealed that female fans managed to find the underwear that bassist Flea once wore, and squeezed the sweat out into their mouths. Barf.
WHAT A TEESE
There is no one who embodies the glamour of a burlesque performance quite like Dita Von Teese. The American performer, known for her short-lived marriage to Marilyn Manson and hyper-glitzy take on life, is the subject of fantasy and the epitome of old-world sultriness that continues to enthrall audiences around the world. She’s helped to kick the kinkier side of adult entertainment into the mainstream by marrying performances with equal parts sensuality and seduction without forgoing the frivolity that makes it enjoyable. Donning the most provocative lingerie on stage – all of which will eventually be peeled away – Von Teese’s signature props include giant martini glasses and feathered headpieces that evoke a theatricality now lost on modern-day performers.
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CHINESE WHISPERS
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For designers in the West, Asia has proven to be a veritable mine of inspiration that they revisit from time to time. Often, the interpretations border on cliche and are, at times, contrived. That the East has provided fashion with a far-flung idea of mysticism is a notion not lost on Alessandra Rich. Yet, her recent collection proved that this budding designer is anything but unimaginative.
Other standout looks include a light pink slip dress with a thigh-high slit and inserts of black
lace, and a ruffled white lace dress worn delicately under a cosy shearling coat. Speaking of coats, Rich balances out the fragility of her dresses with a selection of outerwear that offer a stylish contrast to the lacey numbers. With a penchant for wider lapels this season, most of them come lined with shearling fur and a generously sized cuff. Apart from the silk and shearling fur used, Rich brings the collection back to the West with heritage fabrics such as tweed and embroidered jacquard. Colours range from auspicious shades such as sunflower, orange, scarlet, and pink, to safer shades of grey, black and white – all of which provide options that could be easily suited for daytime engagements as well as after-dark soirees.
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ALESSANDRA RICH FALL/WINTER 2016 fashion
Text Aaron Kok Images Steinrohner
Well-loved for her sumptuous, romantic dresses that see miles and miles of French lace and silk, Rich delivered big this season. Focusing on a ’40s-style silhouette – where the waist nips in and the bottom flares out at the ankles – the designs feature traces of oriental influences, like that of the quintessential cheongsam. Mandarin buttons show up on high-neck dresses, while silk tassels dangle off miniaudieres and chain belts. In one look, the cheongsam turns into a daring evening dress that features yards of sheer French lace, trimmed with scalloped black lace and silk cords that run down its length. It’s sexy, without being too literal.
MOVES LIKE JAGGER Beyond the changing whims of their customers, fashion designers today have to contend with fast fashion brands and their expanding reach into the limited consumer pool. This may not be a problem for the monolithic houses, but it is the young, underthe-radar labels that feel the pressure. With a clear understanding of the need for functional fabrics with easily adaptable silhouettes, Cinq à Sept’s designer Jane Siskin produces pieces that feel unpretentious and special at the same time. Merely two seasons in, Cinq à Sept – a French term that refers to the romance of the golden hour between 5pm and 7pm – is growing its repertoire with clothing that can take you from work to party. At the forefront of this season’s drop are ’70s-inspired threads that seem to reference the style code of Bianca Jagger, as well as a bohemian take on winter-appropriate separates. Siskin’s daywear consists mostly of silky camisoles and languid trousers cut generously in width, pooling around the ankles. Not entirely groundbreaking, but with Instagram’s fashion mavens pushing the roomy trouser as this season’s must-have, there is no doubt that Siskin’s iteration will draw new fans.
Seasonal jackets are also spectacular in that they feature beautifully cut shapes that are classic and incredibly slimming. One sharp-shouldered wool number boasts subtle floral patterns embroidered onto the lapel and sleeves, and a trim of shearling on the collar – equal parts feminine and masculine. Another one in burgundy comes trimmed with plush bits of fur at the cuff and is held together with a belt sash; a seeming throwback to lost glamour, but made fresh again for today’s millennial crowd. Expect no shortage of party dresses. The star being a silk devore slip dress, in gunmetal grey with exploding red petals, worn over a black gauze top with a delicate lace trim. Those who prefer a pop of colour also have the option of a mustard-coloured dress in alternating layers of shirred silk and English lace, or a multi-tiered dress that blooms with painterly florals and a chubby fox wrap.
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Text Aaron Kok Images Cinq à Sept
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CINQ À SEPT FALL/WINTER 2016
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EASING IN
EVEN THOUGH NEW ZEALAND MAY NOT COME ACROSS AS A GLOBAL FASHION CAPITAL, ITS GROWING STABLE OF DESIGNERS, SUCH AS GEORGIA ALICE, IS SLOWLY ETCHING OUT A SPOT ON THE FASHION MAP. HAVING RECENTLY BEEN PICKED UP BY LUXURY E-TAILER NET-A-PORTER, WE GET PERSONAL WITH ALICE ON HER COLLECTIONS, CHALLENGES, AND WHAT MAKES HER A NAME TO WATCH.
Do you have a muse when you design? As I get older, I realise that dressing with a sense of ease is the most important thing, and the collections are beginning to reflect this as well. The muse changes, but in my head, the type of girl is always the same. What inspired your latest collection? My Spring/Summer ’17 collection built upon the Resort ’16 collection. I wanted to expand into more relaxed silhouettes, and continue to offer lightweight knits and crisp shirt looks. These key pieces are about creating synergy between workwear and loungewear.
Text Aaron Kok Interview and images courtesy of Net-A-Porter
GEORGIA ALICE
In previous interviews, you’ve mentioned that you started your brand because you “had something to say”. Five years on, do you feel that that narrative is still the same as it was back then? I think it shifts, as you get older and more experienced. I still believe the brand has a unique approach and I suppose it is now more about keeping things fresh and growing the brand’s offering.
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What do you hope shoppers will take away from your brand? That they can still feel comfortable while looking crisp and put-together. Clocking into your fifth year now, what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome? Definitely the growth of the brand, and managing it. It’s been a real challenge and it really is the hardest part. What about your greatest achievement? That I am still going, and I am still creating. What was your reaction when you learnt that Net-A-Porter was picking up your collection? I cried! I know it sounds dramatic – but that really is the best thing that could happen to a brand. Net-A-Porter really believes in the brands it carries.
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FRONTIER ROYALS LUSH EMBROIDERY, LANGUID JACKETS AND PUNCHY COLOURS ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY IN THE COMPANY OF WILD NOBILITY. THINK OLD WORLD ROMANCE MEETS NEW WORLD DECORUM.
PHOTOGRAPHY MUN KONG PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MELVIN LEONG STYLING AARON KOK STYLING ASSISTANTS BRYAN GOH & NURASYIQIN SEDIK MAKEUP KEITH BRYANT LEE USING CHANEL COSMETICS HAIR ALIKA TATAKORN MODELS ALLIE N & REUBEN M/AVE SPECIAL THANKS TO OXWELL & CO.
ON ALLIE LACE, TULLE AND ORGANZA GOWN WHOLE9YARDS COTTON TOP (WORN UNDERNEATH) LAZY OAF AT ACTUALLY CRYSTAL DROP EARRINGS ATELIER SWAROVSKI BY LANVIN GROSGRAIN AND CRYSTAL CHOKER ATELIER SWAROVSKI BY ROSIE ASSOULIN WOODEN BANGLES WITH CRYSTALS ATELIER SWAROVSKI BY KOTUR SPIKED METAL RINGS (WORN THROUGHOUT) ATELIER SWAROVSKI ART DECO CRYSTAL RING (WORN THROUGHOUT) ATELIER SWAROVSKI BY LANVIN METAL AND STONE RINGS (WORN THROUGHOUT) TOPSHOP ON REUBEN COTTON RUFFLED SHIRT BURBERRY COTTON SHIRT TOPMAN TWILL TROUSERS PAUL SMITH VELOUR JACKET NASIR MAZHAR X TOPMAN METAL GLASSES RAY-BAN CANVAS SNEAKERS VANS
ON ALLIE BEADED CANVAS JACKET WITH PATCHES LIU JO EMBROIDERED JEANS TOPSHOP LEATHER BELT WITH STUDS BURBERRY BEADED LEATHER HEELS CHARLES & KEITH CRYSTAL AND CHAIN EARRINGS SWAROVSKI ART DECO CRYSTAL NECKLACES ATELIER SWAROVSKI BY LANVIN ON REUBEN COTTON T-SHIRT BERSHKA EMBROIDERED SHIRT TOPMAN RIPPED JEANS H&M WOOL MILITARY JACKET BURBERRY COTTON BEANIE TOPMAN
RUFFLED POLYESTER SHIRT H&M PLEATED POLYESTER SKIRT H&M SILK TRENCH COAT BURBERRY LEGGINGS STYLIST’S OWN PU HEELS H&M COTTON BEANIE TOPSHOP METAL CAT-EYE GLASSES FENDI ART DECO CRYSTAL BRACELETS ATELIER SWAROVSKI BY LANVIN
COTTON JUMPER LOEWE WASHED DENIM JEANS DIESEL SILK COTTON JACKET PAUL SMITH LEATHER AND METAL BOOTS DR. MARTENS METAL GLASSES RAY-BAN COTTON NECKERCHIEF KEVIN SEAH
ON ALLIE LACE BODYSUIT LA PERLA EMBROIDERED JEANS TOPSHOP BEADED TULLE DRESS WITH VELVET RIBBON RED VALENTINO COTTON SOCKS COS SUEDE HEELS JIMMY CHOO FAUX PEARL AND CRYSTAL NECKLACE TOPSHOP METAL CHOKER TOPSHOP CRYSTAL AND CHAIN BRACELET SWAROVSKI ART DECO CRYSTAL BRACELET ATELIER SWAROVSKI BY LANVIN
VISIT YOUTUBE.COM/JUICESG FOR A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THIS SHOOT.
ON REUBEN PATCHED KNITTED WOOL CARDIGAN LAZY OAF AT ACTUALLY COATED LINEN TROUSERS LOEWE SOCKS STYLIST'S OWN STUDDED LEATHER MOCASSINS COACH POLYESTER BERET TOPMAN METAL GLASSES PRADA SILK NECKERCHIEF ZARA
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NO MORE BLUES
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jacket, $605, diesel
THE IDEA THAT SOMETHING AS DELICATE AS EMBROIDERY COULD BE APPLIED TO A HARDY FABRIC SUCH AS DENIM SEEMS OFF-KILTER, BUT THIS SEASON, DESIGNERS ARE COMMITTED TO CREATING NEXT-LEVEL DENIM BY WAY OF PATTERNED STITCHES AND EMBELLISHMENT. TAKE THIS JACKET FROM DIESEL FOR INSTANCE – IT REPRESENTS THE DICHOTOMY OF ELEVATED NEEDLEWORK AND RUGGED APPEAL THAT MAKES THIS TREND STRANGELY WONDERFUL.
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pu cap, $29.90, bershka
studded denim jacket, poa, gucci casual shirt, $89.90, topman
distressed jeans with paint effect, $790, dsquared2
049 cotton t-shirt, $29.90, zara polyester backpack, $55.90, bershka
jeans with eagle embroidery, $966, off-white
wood and plastic bead bracelet (pack of 4), $9.90, h&m
Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
metal wallet chain, $99, furla
slim-fit shorts, $79.90, topman
slim-fit shirt, $395, paul smith
indigo dying shirt, $647, taakk at taakk.jp
leather slip-on sneakers, $615, ermengildo zegna
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vintage wash jeans, poa, paul smith
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A RICH HERITAGE
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high-neck blouse, $342, romance was born at farfetch.com
LOOK TO THE OLD-WORLD ROMANCE OF WALLPAPERS FOR A LUXE SPIN ON YOUR CLOSET. RICH BROCADE PIECES DONE IN JEWEL COLOURS AND FITTED CUTS BECOME A TRENDY STYLE ANTIDOTE, ESPECIALLY IN THE CASE OF THIS TOP FROM ROMANCE WAS BORN. FINISH WITH LEATHER ACCESSORIES AND TRUSTY DENIM TO ANCHOR THE LOOK.
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beaded strass earrings, poa, marni
denim jacket with faux fur collar, $176, levi’s pleated skirt, $255, maje
pants with elastic waistband, $69.90, h&m
leather belt, $260, maison margiela shorts, $59.90, h&m
cropped top, poa, mary katrantzou at club 21
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embossed leather ankle boots, $149, zara
blouse, $226, raoul at raoul.com
pinafore dress with polyester inserts, $149, topshop
ripped mum jeans, $113.90, river island at zalora.sg
Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
mini dress, $372, alice + olivia high-waisted denim jeans, $69.90, zara
ankle boots, $99.90, mango
clutch, poa, jimmy choo
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vault
wool wide brim hat, $29.90, uniqlo
cotton shirt, $29.90, h&m
canvas tote bag, $3,990, michael kors
wool vest, $219, suitsupply
THIS V-DAY, TURN THE TABLES ON YOUR DATE NIGHT OUTFIT AND GO FOR A MENSWEARINSPIRED LOOK A LA ANNIE HALL. CHANNEL HER PREPPY ATTIRE WITH A PRINTED TIE AND AN OVERSIZED HAT.
cropped cotton trousers, $89.90, mango
stretch polyester trousers with belt, $49.90, zara
leather and faux pearl lace-up shoe, poa, nicholas kirkwood at pedder on scotts
silk tie, $156.50, j.crew at jcrew.com
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embroidered pu lace-up shoe, $99.90, zara
Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
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OH BOY!
poplin shirt, $99.90, mango
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ALL
suede sneakers, $109.90, puma
leather sneakers, $99.90, h&m
GUMMED canvas chuck taylor sneakers, $105, converse
perforated suede sneakers, $120, new balance
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Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
IF YOUR SNEAKER GAME IS LACKING A LITTLE PIZZAZZ, THIS SEASON’S CROP OF GUM-SOLED SNEAKERS IS JUST WHAT YOU NEED FOR A FRESH LOOK.
leather sneakers, $129, reebok at royal sporting house
canvas authentic sneakers, $89, vans
suede and leather stan smith sneakers, $189, adidas originals at pedder on scotts
nubuck leather sneakers, poa, buscemi at surrender store
canvas 2750 sneakers, $69.90, superga
suede sneakers, $280, filling pieces at mrporter.com
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hit list
KATE LOW
Screen Romance Love Actually is my favourite romantic movie. It never fails to get me teary-eyed, especially the storyline between Colin Firth’s character and his housekeeper.
Stranger Thing I’ve been keeping a paper fan that I bought in Ho Chi Minh City in my bag. It’s a little strange because people rarely use paper fans these days, but it’s wonderful in keeping me cool.
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Me Time I do Vinyasa yoga to calm down. The fact that it is a fast-paced class allows me to keep all the things that occupy my mind at bay. I am usually way happier and relaxed post-class.
It’s Lit The Essays Of Warren Buffett by Lawrence A. Cunningham is a life-changing read. It has helped me grow, and also inspired and transformed the way I run my business.
Flower Power I love the hydrangea. The blooms are truly magnificent, and its ability to change colour based on the soil’s acidity really amazes me!
Dream Shopper I’d love to dress Emma Stone. She seems like the sort of lady who knows how to have fun, which perfectly embodies the ethos of Perk by Kate.
Burning Love The Invigorate candle by COMO Shambhala has an uplifting scent, and I always feel like I’m in a luxurious resort when I light it.
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Sleep On It My go-to beauty product is the Water Sleeping Mask by Laneige. It hydrates my dry skin overnight, without giving me break-outs. Doesn’t hurt that it smells amazing as well!
Perk Me Up I am obsessed with our Macy bralette. It’s simple, elegant, and a refreshing change from the lace pieces I’ve been working on.
Text Aaron Kok Images Various Source
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WHILE FASHION IS CONSTANTLY PUSHING FORWARD, THE LINGERIE DEPARTMENT STILL FEELS A LITTLE STUFFY AND DATED – WHERE GLAMOROUS MODELS STARE YOU DOWN IN RUNOF-THE-MILL THONGS. KATE LOW, HOWEVER, APPROACHES CUSTOMERS WITH A DIFFERENT VOICE. HER BRAND, PERK BY KATE, FEELS LESS ISOLATING AND INVITES SHOPPERS TO EXPLORE THE AFFINITY THAT COMES WITH SHOPPING FOR UNDERGARMENTS THROUGH BEAUTIFUL CAMPAIGNS AND ROMANTIC DESIGNS. SHE GETS INTIMATE HERE.
Table For Two Yen Yakiniku at Ann Siang Hill is the perfect spot for a date. The small seating capacity and oneon-one service keep the ambience quaint, exclusive and romantic. Most importantly, the food here is amazing.
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PAT C H PERFECT THERE’S SOMETHING UNDENIABLY FUN ABOUT TAKING AN OLD JACKET AND SLAPPING ON FUN PATCHES TO GIVE IT A SECOND LEASE OF LIFE. IT’S A CATHARTIC ACTIVITY THAT HELPS EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY, GIVING OTHERS A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR INNER SELF. PUSHING THIS ALONG ARE DAWN BEY AND DANNY KOSTIANOS FROM PEW PEW PATCHES. HAVING MET IN HONG KONG AND STARTING THE BRAND THREE YEARS AGO, THE CREATIVE DUO IS TAKING THEIR PIECES FURTHER WITH A GROWING NUMBER OF STOCKISTS AND COLLABORATIONS. WE UNSTITCH THEM TO LEARN MORE. The start of something. Dawn: The brand began when an iron-on patch supplier approached me with a sample at a tradeshow in Hong Kong. I didn’t think much about it at first, but the idea of reinventing typical iron-on patches synonymous with the ’80s kept nagging at me. So I looked into it, and felt that there was a small but prudent way to get started in the fashion industry, and to learn about retail and wholesale markets. I approached Danny with the idea of a capsule collection. I knew Danny from school and admired his style of graphic work. Things just progressed from there! It’s been a great playground to turn our ideas into reality, and it’s so satisfying to see people resonate with our designs.
tattoo collection was designed entirely by Danny, and he had free reign over the series. Beyond these examples, my friends are always asking me to create certain patches; there’s usually an overflow of ideas, but I think that’s a good problem! Hong Kong dreaming. Dawn: The recent Hong Kong collection was inspired by our personal takeaways from the city. I studied in Hong Kong, and that’s also where Pew Pew Patches was started. I love the city very much – it’s vibrant, chaotic and full of culture. So after moving back to Singapore, I wanted to create a collection that paid homage to the place I love. They are all personal emblems of the city to me. When I showed them to the buyer of WOAW – a store in Hong Kong, and a true blue native – the feedback that we received was that it was very on-point. Danny: Making the Hong Kong set was super fun. I love Hong Kong and consider it home, so seeing what Dawn thought of as iconic was really interesting. It’s always neat to see what people relate to when they think of Hong Kong.
Text Aaron Kok Images Pew Pew Patches
Collaboration heaven. Danny: I would love to see patches designed by my local artist friends. Just to see what they can come up with in terms of designing a patch would be super cool. If I had to choose someone more famous, I would love to see patches done by artist and REBEL8 founder, Mike Giant. Stories behind the stitches. Dawn: Most of our patches come with a personal story, and were borne from suggestions that we get from friends, or are personal designs that we wanted to realise. For example, one of our best-sellers is a patch of a bulldog going surfing. A friend who loves bulldogs and believes that they’re very smart creatures inspired this. Based on his
PEW PEW PATCHES fashion
Moving on. Dawn: Honestly, I’m not too sure what’s next for us. I’ve considered doing pins for a while, but I wasn’t confident about the quality, so that’s been shelved. We’ve started to dabble in producing denim accessories – things that our patches can be used on – and we are looking at that as a way forward.
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INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSION
PINDEMIC
Share with us the journey of Pindemic so far. Pindemic was born from restless minds and an insatiable need to accessorise. There were many ideas that popped into our heads that needed to take physical form, but we decided to work with a product that would be versatile. We also wanted a process that allowed for multiplied production, so that all the fun could be shared. Putting a pin on a pouch identifies it as yours while a pin on a jacket makes for a unique statement. A pin is a functional, one-size-fits-all accessory. While we were encouraged by the warm reception overseas, we were compelled to make our presence felt in Singapore since this is where the business started. We looked at expanding our list of stockists here, made special series of pins and collaborated with local brands such as Jigger and Pony, and Zha Huo Dian. What is the design process like? The design process, like all creative processes, is not a fixed one. There are many things that influence and inspire us, and we draw from a collective memory bank. The idea for a pin design can come from something as simple as a word that resonates with us or from a drawn-out brain-storming session where we attempt to formulate and capture our thoughts onto a 30mm canvas. While we are inspired by love and life, and certainly pop culture, not all designs translate well into pins and we’ve had to abandon a few ideas that we were excited about. Once we are satisfied with the final artwork, we send it into production, which takes about two to three weeks. Pindemic actively collaborates with artists on special pins. Tell us more. We’ve had the opportunity to work with artists across the globe, such as illustrator Sarah Day from California, graphic designer Danny Rutledge from Brooklyn, as well as local artists such as Don from Bombibom, and Gab from Troops on Print. Artist collaborations drive creative exploration. It also offers the artist a platform to present their work to a wider audience as each pin becomes a wearable art piece. We work with artists whose artworks fashion
have an engaging and ongoing narrative, as that makes for a strong piece when scaled down to pin size. As this is a new medium for them, we sometimes run into technical difficulties translating the artwork, which could have been hand-drawn. Watercolour pieces are the most difficult to translate into usable forms due to the tonal differences within the artwork. What’s been the most satisfying thing so far in running Pindemic? It is exciting to see the brand grow from strength to strength. We are always expanding our list of stockists and seeking new opportunities and collaborations. One of our biggest achievements was when we were accepted to Tokyo Design Week last year. We find that the greatest satisfaction has to be from meeting our ardent supporters who follow us on every roadshow. They’ve been building their collection of pins steadily, and are able to spot our new drops immediately. Which are your personal favourite pins? It is so hard to choose, but if I have to, it would be the pineapple with the accompanying “ONG LAI!” slogan, because no one can say no to prosperity! Which has been the toughest design to realise? We’ve always wanted to produce a series of pins with a Japanese theme, because we are so in love with the culture. However, our limited Japanese vocabulary has proven to be a stumbling block. It would definitely be something that we will revisit. What’s next for Pindemic? 2016 has treated us kindly and we are driven to work even harder in 2017. We definitely hope to cultivate a pin culture in Singapore. There are more pin collectors these days, and it helps that a lapel pin is an easy candidate for a gift. Pindemic is now under the umbrella of The Limbic System, which manages an evolving portfolio of leading lifestyle concepts, so we are certainly going to benefit greatly from that.
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Text Aaron Kok Images Pindemic
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FOR A BRAND THAT’S BARELY INTO ITS SECOND YEAR, PINDEMIC HAS CERTAINLY CREATED ITS OWN HYPE AMONGST INTREPID FASHION FANS AND A BASE OF ARDENT FOLLOWERS. COLLAR PINS MAY SOUND SIMPLE AT FIRST, BUT LEAVE IT TO FOUNDER, JO OLIVIA LEE, AND HER TEAM TO COME UP WITH THE MOST EYE-CATCHING DESIGNS – FROM THREE-EYED BABOONS TO A MINIATURE VERSION OF THE STAN SMITH SNEAKER. HERE, SHE TALKS TO US ABOUT THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE BUSINESS, PARTNERSHIPS AND DESIGNS THAT SHAPE THE BRAND.
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SUPERGA While high fashion brands have been putting out ‘elevated sneakers’ that feature unusual fabrics and embellishments – at hefty prices, no less – we’re looking to Superga for fancy kicks that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Always straddling the line between being comfortable and on-trend, Superga’s Spring 2017 collection features a selection of super feminine colours and materials, including one that’s dressed in macrame lame. In gorgeous midnight blue with glints of silver, they ooze the right amount of casual and class and are the perfect option when paired with a cute frock.
AIDEEN GAYNOR Though early into her career, Brooklyn-born and Dublin-raised designer Aideen Gaynor is already shaping up to become one of fashion’s latest luminaries. With a debut collection inspired by Haruki Murakami’s Hard-Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World, her pieces stride confidently between avant-garde tailoring and wearable art.
$149.90, available at Superga, #02-73/75 Vivocity.
MAKE CLOTHES, NOT WAR Spring/Summer 2017’s militant mood has lent an air of rigidity to most collections. Christian Dada is, however, unlike most. Rather than take on the obvious stereotypes of military-inspired designs, designer Masanori Morikawa looks to the opposite of war for inspiration: peace. In a seemingly timely message about the turmoil in the world, Morikawa takes signature military details such as epaulets, chevron stripes and the brocade used in military dress jackets, and injects them into soft silhouettes and slouchy, oversized cuts. Double-breasted suits are dotted with grommets and given utilitarian snap buttons, while surplus jackets become officer coats and sleeveless shirts. Available at Christian Dada, #01-02 268 Orchard Road.
HOT STEPPER Fans new and old will take to this stylish stepper from Skechers. With a retro design that calls to mind its models from the ’90s, the Originals OG84 – Rise N Shine gleams in a soft metallic knit and mesh fabric upper, and features a platform sole that channels the nostalgia of yesteryear. Equipped with a shock-absorbing Air Cooled Memory Foam insole, it works together with a flexible, rubber traction outsole to increase grip while cushioning every step. $109, available at Skechers.
FORWARD MARCH
How did you get into fashion? For as long as I can remember, I was always interested in creating things with different mediums. My dad is a scenic artist and he spent a lot of time developing different skills with me when I was younger. When I was seven, he taught me how to thread a needle and that became a kind of revelation – that there was another way to build and connect objects. It opened up new doors for me. My mother studied fashion marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and that’s where the other influence kicked in. When I discovered that you could learn to make and design clothes, I decided that was what I wanted to do. Has growing up in Dublin influenced your design process? Very much so, whether it be direct or subconsciously. The quintessential culture of Dublin is extremely honest and matter of fact – it’s always a good ethos to have when approaching a collection. Old Dublin is definitely something I would love to look to for my next collection. Talk us through your debut. What was the idea behind the collection and how did that translate? When I design, I like to create narratives. Haruki Murakami is one of my favourite authors. I wanted to apply the themes from his novel, Hard Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World, and combine them with my own narrative about the loss of identity and the idea of reality colliding with childhood memories. My designs derive from visual representations and research of Victorian children’s clothing, corsetry, and the portraits of the “Hidden Victorian Mothers”. The final pieces feature the work of Glaswegian Victorian textile designer, Christopher Dresser. We noticed the amazing volume on some of your cuts. Was that a challenge to achieve? It was a challenge when it came to finding the space to cut and draw the patterns! Most of them ended up being done on my living room floor. A lot of toiles were made, and sometimes, the amount of fabric was so overwhelming. Thankfully, it all worked out okay. What do you hope to accomplish with your label in future? I would like to see my designs mature – with more deconstruction – and feel less contrived. I hope to do my Masters first to help develop my design process.
Taking style cues from military uniforms and pairing that with increased functionality, Timberland’s new collection delivers on-trend aesthetics with comfort. Featuring a looser cut and lightweight construction, the Cityblazer Boot collection allows movement with greater ease. The muted colour palette makes each pair versatile enough for daily wear, while the new AeroCore midsole cushions without adding bulk. Also part of the collection is a series of outerwear, including the Stark Mountain Field Jacket, which is perfect for jazzing up an otherwise sloppy weekend look. Its water-resistant fabric and four-pocket design also makes it a great wet-weather companion. $219 to $499, available at Timberland, #01-30 Raffles City Shopping Centre. fashion
Text Aaron Kok Images Dean Ryan McDaid
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ANYA HINDMARCH
Made to resemble an artist’s satchel, the Orsett Top Handle bag features supple, sturdy leather that retains the shape of the bag regardless of the items it carries. With an outer compartment and an inner pocket, it can be converted into a sling by folding the top flap down and toting it by the strap – making for two bags at the price of one. Choose from tomato red or rich green, or take it up a notch with the multi-coloured ‘pixels’ pattern on an indigo suede base.
POA, available at Anya Hindmarch, Takashimaya Ngee Ann City.
THE SCIENCE OF FASHION
EMU AUSTRALIA Set against a black canvas, the swaying fern fronds – a key motif for the season – provides these espadrilles with a nice pop. Made from canvas uppers for better ventilation, these steppers come with an EVA foam insole to keep you dancing all night long.
SOCKS FOR MY SWEET As cupid makes his annual return this month, forgo the typical, overpriced bouquet and wear your heart on your feet instead – with Happy Socks’ Arrow & Hearts gift box. Comprising three pairs of black and red socks, they’ll make an impression with romantically themed patterns. Channel your inner Sailor Jerry with a black pair that features oversized roses blooming around your ankles, or go all-out with a scarlet-hued pair that flaunts a heart-shaped pattern that resembles textbook doodles. Lastly, the simple black pair with floating, cutesy red hearts also makes for a perfectly versatile addition to your sock wardrobe. $38, available at Happy Socks Avenue, #02-433 Suntec City Mall Tower 1.
GAME FACE ON
“Dollar” 14-karat gold earrings, poa
“Go” 14-karat gold and enamel bracelet, $1,860
We’re taking cues from PANTONE’s Colour of the Year, Greenery, and copping one of these for an on-point start to the season.
Working together with New York-based jewellery design Alison Lou, the Alison Lou x Hasbro collection is a celebration of everything we love from the storied games creator. Spanning the colourful spots of Twister, the signature icons of Monopoly, and the cutesy facial features of Mr. Potato Head, these four pieces from the “Game Night” collection are definitely on our win-list. Available exclusively at net-a-porter.com.
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$79, available at Takashimaya Ngee Ann City.
DIOR With moss green arms and green-tinted lenses, the DIORREFLECTED model boasts an eye-catching pixelated effect with lenses treated to reflect light, For the brave, the DIORUMBRAGE sunnies come with a tortoiseshell frame, but it’s the leafy shadows on the lenses that steal the show.
POA, available at Dior, #B1-63 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands.
14-karat gold necklace with emerald, ruby, yellow and blue sapphires, $1,575
14-karat gold, diamond and enamel rings (set of four), poa
Text Aaron Kok and Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
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Imagining a world where major socio-environmental upheaval has plunged society into a dystopian landscape, Yohji Yamamoto’s Spring/ Summer 2017 outing with Y-3 can be best described as ‘Stanley Kubrick meets Mad Max’. Technical fabrics billow out to form tent-like hoodies – or are spliced together to create trousers and jumpsuits – while abstractly-positioned geometric shapes, high-cut sneakers, buckle straps, and dangling tubes all contribute to the sci-fi storyline. With pops of colour in the form of Klein blue and muted turquoise, the collection embodies both the spirit of Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sportswear and street fashion. Available at Y-3, #01-05 Mandarin Gallery.
flourishing fashion
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Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
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Thanks to the trending wave of ‘real’ beauty and no-makeup makeup, precision application is taking a backseat this Spring – giving way to offbeat aesthetics that are freewheeling yet romantic. With the classic red pout taking centre stage at Molly Goddard, Mother Of Pearl and Andreas Kronthaler, colour is slapped on, smudged and blurred, rebelling against the constraint of lines and edges. This is a rule-breaking, off-kilter twist that’s edgy and irreverent, with a just-been-kissed quality that’s oh so V-Day-appropriate.
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spring into action THOUGH TRADITIONALLY TAME AND PREDICTABLE, THE SPRING/SUMMER SEASON THIS YEAR TAKES BEAUTY BY THE HORNS TO UNVEIL THE WILDEST, MOST OUTRE LOOKS WE’VE SEEN IN A LONG TIME. WHILE MOST ARE NOT EXACTLY WHAT WE’D DEEM SCHOOL- OR WORK-FRIENDLY, THEY FIT RIGHT INTO OUR PLANS FOR THE UPCOMING FESTIVAL SEASON. HERE ARE EIGHT OF THE BOLDEST LOOKS TO TAKE REFERENCE FROM.
DESIGUAL While we’ve been bombarded by all sorts of wacky animal and anime filters on social platforms, drawing it on IRL takes the proverbial cake.
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MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA Wacky alien get-ups aside, we can’t take our eyes off the chrome and glittery puckers that are equal parts fun and fabulous.
KENZO As if mimicking the Asian art of the geisha and Chinese opera, vivid blush is taken all the way up to the eyes and temples for a striking effect. made up
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MATTY BOVAN This is ’90s Gwen Stefani on steroids. An explosion of contrasting hues that is a tad spacey, yet attentiongrabbing all the same.
GARETH PUGH We’ve talked about this season’s smudgy red lips but this eerie iteration takes it to a whole ’nother level.
PREEN Still wearing flowers in your hair? Get on with the movement and take it to the mien and decolletage.
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MARC JACOBS When the rest of society is sporting the same colour styles on their manes, you can stand out with a head of pastel dreads.
ASHISH
Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
We’re not suggesting you go all Avatar -esque with this Bollywoodmeets-galaxy look but the exaggerated under-liner is something to get behind.
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lip feat. in be adult, $29, moonshot at sephora
lipstick in eden, $32, lipstick queen at escentials
virgin kiss tension lip oil tint in 02 wild cherry, $22.90, clio at selected watsons stores
artist acrylip in 400, $33, make up for ever
stay all day liquid lipstick in rubino, poa, stila at sephora
RED HOT KISSERS WHAT BETTER WAY TO TURN UP THE HEAT THIS VALENTINE’S THAN WITH THE LATEST CROP OF BOLD, SCARLET LIPPIES?
lipstick in mika, $29, inga cosmetics at ingacosmetics.com
rouge unlimited supreme matte lipstick in rd 156, $38, shu uemura
vibrant moist lipstick in red, $18.90, za at watsons
rouge volupte rshine in 57 rouge spencer, $51, ysl beauté velvet lip glide in disruptor, $40, nars
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Text & Coordination Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
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bountifully va-va volume set, poa, percy & reed at sephora
nocturnal shadow box, $52, urban decay, #b1-32 ngee ann city brow zings, $56, benefit cosmetics
kill black waterproof brush liner, $25.90, clio at selected watsons stores
love story eau sensuelle, $147 (50ml), chloe at leading departmental stores
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amazonian clay 12-hour highlighter in exposed, $48, tarte at sephora
nail polish in dressed up on dress-down day, $23, ncla at sephora.com.sg
Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
‘year of the rooster’ lipstick in dangerous, poa, m.a.c cosmeticst
WILDEST LOVE
o!mega lash volumising mascara, $44, marc jacobs beauty at sephora
WHETHER IT’S TO CHANNEL THE IDGAF ’TUDE OR AN AFTERMATH OF A HOT NIGHT ON THE DANCE FLOOR, STREAKY PEEPERS AND SMUDGED PUCKERS ARE EXUDING ALL KINDS OF SEXY THIS SEASON. QUEEN OF GRUNGE, COURTNEY LOVE, LEADS THE WAY.
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sweet cheeks blush palette, $32, nyx at sephora
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M.A.C PREP+PRIME ESSENTIAL OILS For time-starved urbanites on the go, this is exactly what you need to keep your skin looking plump and dewy all day. Derived naturally from grapefruit and chamomile essences, these hydrating oils purify, soothe, and calm skin through a healing balance of plant-derived elements. Available in Grapefruit & Chamomile, Sweet Orange & Lavender, and the very uplifting Yuzu, apply to skin after cleansing or mix it into your foundie for a moisture boost. This nifty twist-up stick can even be used to tame stray flyaways on the mane and hydrate parched cuticles. $38, available at M.A.C Cosmetics.
primer-y concern
Enhance the intensity and lifespan of your makeup by setting your base right with these helpers.
URBAN DECAY Nail that au naturel look with this latest range of complexion perfectors. Available are the Optical Illusion, De-Slick, and our favourite, the Self-Adjusting Complexion Primer. Microencapsulated beads of pigment create the perfect soft-focus effect by minimising pores and adapting to skin’s tone, while reducing shine with conditioning vitamins that absorb oil.
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V-Day’s just around the corner, and LUSH is back with our bathtime favourites and more. Whether as a treat to yourself or a present to someone special, the cocoa butter-coated lime and fennel oil bomb that is Over and Over will mesmerise with its vibrant citrus firework of gorgeous sunset colours. For a fool-proof option that sends the message across, Lovestruck Bubble Bar charms with a heart-eyes emoji packed with tangy lemon and geranium. All you need to do (to get things hot and steamy) is to run them under lukewarm water for a frothy, bubbling good time. Ooh la la. $13 and $16 respectively, available at LUSH.
LOVE BOMB
$55 each, available at Urban Decay.
NARS Formulated with antioxidants, plant extracts and peptides, this trio improves skin’s appearance by smoothing out lines, blurring away pores, and adding radiance. Radiance adds a hint of pearlescence to the skin, while Pore & Shine Control keeps skin matte throughout the day. Lastly, Smooth & Protect shields skin from harsh UV rays with a high SPF of 50/PA++++.
$65 each, available at NARS.
SHOW-ER SOME LOVE
Looking for some V-Day blooms that won’t break the bank? The Body Shop’s British Rose range comes from roses that are hand-picked, air-dried, and infused into fresh mountain water on-site an awardwinning farm in the English countryside. Girlfriend gifting cannot get anymore romantic. Our faves include the British Rose Petal-Soft Bath Foam, and a new British Rose Instant Glow Body Essence set to illuminate dull skin, leaving it bouncy soft and dewy. Ready, set, glow! $8.90 to $36.90, available at The Body Shop. made up
TIME TRAVELLER Tackling ageing skin sees a breakthrough with Philosophy’s new Time In A Bottle 100% In-Control serum. Working through three dimensions of time, it repairs past and concurrent ageing signs; renews existing skin protection with vitamins and antioxidants; and resists further deterioration by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin – keeping skin baby-soft and supple. Poa, available at Philosophy.
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blush hour
Geisha-like pasty faces may have ruled the streets at one time, but come Spring, nothing says playful flirtation like some colour on your cheeks.
YSL BEAUTE FACE PALETTE COLLECTOR
NARS NARSISSIST CHEEK PALETTES
URBAN DECAY NAKED FLUSHED Here’s a blush, highlighter, and bronzer all in one
There’s no denying – we would cop this just for
Go big and bold with richly pigmented and
the sheer Insta-worthy factor alone. The classic
micronised powders in the latest, limited edition
colour-blocking delight. Used individually, the
gold compact is adorned with a shouty black-and-
shades. With a mix of high-impact matte and
shades help to create perfect contours, and when
white slogan this season and opens to a perfect
refreshing shimmer blushes in a palette, turn up
blended, they offer a fun and radiant colour fest.
pop of orange. Refreshing hue aside, it is also
the heat with hot bronzes and reds in Unfiltered I,
Our pick goes to the trio of medium bronze satin,
embossed with an edgy ‘brick wall’ texture that’s
or channel your inner sweetheart with soft pinks
soft pink-champagne, and dusty rose satin for a
bound to excite.
and golds in Unfiltered II.
look that’s Spring-time appropriate.
$95, available at YSL Beaute.
$90 each, available at NARS.
$45, available at Urban Decay.
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That’s right; chuck ’em contour brushes and make room for the Black Tea Firming Corset Cream by Fresh. Loaded with firming medicinal benefits from wolfberry extracts, this emollient cream further lifts and defines skin, much like how a corset shapes the body. Its formula is designed specifically for the face and neck to improve skin’s elasticity so you can achieve defined contours without the aid of makeup. The super lightweight texture also allows for layering and keeps skin looking supple throughout the day. $153, available at Fresh.
Text Ling Tay Images Various Sources
slather on There’s no such thing as too many beauty products, so it is with open arms that we welcome The Face Shop (Nature Collection), a brand new Korean beauty concept store housing brands like The Face Shop, belif, and the exclusive DearPacker. Specialising in masks, the brand’s Black Tea & Black Rose Mask contains over 70 per cent royal black tea and black rose water to hydrate, firm and increase skin’s elasticity. Lavender oil and antioxidants further facilitate deep absorption and prevents ageing. $55 (50ml), available at The Face Shop (Nature Collection).
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SPRING CLEANING In Singapore’s hot and humid weather, it is unadvisable to leave your scalp uncleansed even for a day. To help you along is the new Ever Cleansing Balms by L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise. Boasting formulas that are sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free, consider this a one-step restorative solution to cleanse, condition, treat, detangle, soften, and add shine to your tresses. Powered by nourishing botanical mints, they provide a gentler wash than regular shampoo. The result is hair that is soft, pampered and tangle-free. $25.90, available at leading personal care stores.
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BLESS YO TRESS How do you fight hair loss when you don’t know what’s causing it? After 20 years of research, the good people at BioRoyale have finally come up with a solution for hair loss. With the BioRoyale GroBack shampoo, harsh ingredients are removed, and quality ingredients – like calendula, aloe vera and rosemary oil – are added to combat the effects of hard water and climate changes. Hair is weakened and prone to breakage even when exposed to just water, and the GroBack range aims to promote hair growth by improving hair texture, preventing premature greying, and reducing scalp issues. $35 to $120, available at Four Seasons Market Place.
PLATINUM STRENGTH
We can’t make you strong and pumped like a superhero, but you sure can come pretty close with the L’Oreal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic Serum. With antioxidants to combat fatigue and external aggressions, as well as re-energise and boost radiance – plus active ingredients to regenerate skin’s resistance – the serum works like an energy drink for your skin. Where fuss-free products go, we love the light and fast-absorbing texture that leaves zero sticky residue – just a mien that’s refreshed and healthy looking. $27.90, available at leading personal care stores.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, TRESemme teams up with local salon, Artisan Hair, to roll out the Expert Selection range. In a bid to prove just how easy-peasy it is to attain salon gorgeous hair all day errday, the TRESemme Platinum Strength range is a potent formula that reverses up to two years’ worth of damage in just five washes. Designed specially for hair exposed to styling, heat treatment and chemical works, this selection helps to strengthen and moisturise the mane thoroughly so you look and feel your best. $11.50 to $13.90, available exclusively at Guardian.
EASY DOES IT Alpha-H rolls out the Gentle Daily Exfoliant for brighter, youngerlooking skin. It exfoliates and helps prevent signs of ageing with crushed, water-activated fruit enzymes from unripe green papaya, along with the skin and leaves of pineapple. If that doesn’t sound nutritious and deliciously pampering, we don’t know what will. While non-abrasive, the micro-exfoliant further removes dead skin cells, sweeps out clogged pores, reduces inflammation and, get this, reduces stubborn facial hair-growth. It even comes in a unique measuring cap inside the lid, making it incredibly easy and practical to use. $70 (50g), available at Sephora.
FROM ZERO TO HERO Go from Lee Min No to Lee Min Ho with the Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil-To-Foam, a latest cleansing beauty trend in Korea. Transforming from a cleansing oil into a foam wash, this two-in-one baby optimises your skincare routine by cutting cleaning time by half. The unique foam activating technology thoroughly removes impurities and excess sebum all in one step, while staying gentle on the skin. This also comes in a hydrating formula for dryer skin, or brightening formula for tired skin that lacks that coveted K-glow. $30.90, available at leading personal care stores.
FINISHING TOUCHES Now you can get that extra shut-eye and flaunt your lived-in mop thanks to Ouai’s Dry Shampoo, which neutralises product build-up and oil, leaving hair light and airy so you save precious shower time on busy mornings. To combat hot and humid days, try the Finishing Creme – much like an enriching lightweight lotion, it smooths out dry ends and tames frizz to leave a light-reflective shine. Top it off with a multi-tasking Hair Oil to seal split ends and get that high-gloss, super-smooth finish that’s perfect for date night. This baby even doubles up as an overnight hair mask! We love. $36 to $42, available at Sephora.
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Text Ling Tay Images Various Sources
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HAIL HYDRA
wine
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Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
Nothing sets the mood for date night quite like a good bottle of wine. Instead of relying on the supermarket for a cheap fix, impress your date by whipping out a bottle of your homemade ‘juice’. Complete with everything (except fruit) you need to make a variety of wines – including merlot, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay – right in your kitchen, the process is as easy as following an instructional card in these Make Your Own Wine kits. Expect a decent toast that’s full-bodied, well-rounded and fruity.
$92.60, available at uncommongoods.com.
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grossest hits PSYCHROPHILIA DENDROPHILIA
This is one of those instances where you encounter some fact about your fellow man that makes you exhale in resignation, “Why?”. Dendrophilia, which is a legitimate thing now (thanks modernity!), connotes a human being’s sexual attraction to trees. Let that sink in and think of all the times tree-huggers got it hard for being Green-conscious. This, obviously, is way worse. According to Tiger Devore, a Las Vegas sex therapist, dendrophiliacs tend to prefer trees with bumps and bulges because of their pleasure-giving capabilities. The law hasn’t caught up with this phenomenon yet, so it’s technically legal.
Give it up for the most sadomasochistic one of the lot. Psychrophilia is the condition of experiencing arousal from freezing and/or watching others freeze. It’s not a stretch to say that freezing is a distinctly unpleasant sensation and, therefore, does not lend itself to thoughts of ‘sexy time’, for most people. But if you’re whom this list is about, being jacket-less in a very chilly room is primetime. There appears to be no scientific – or logical – basis for this behaviour; it literally is what it is. For more perspective, we recommend watching a clip on YouTube aptly titled Psychrophilia – it’s funny and real.
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MUCOPHILIA HYBRISTOPHILIA
Liking the ‘bad girl/boy’ is an evergreen gateway drug into alternative vistas of attraction. There’s something about the sheer separation between the dashing bad*ss and the clean-cut miscellaneous nobody that gives the former an allure that the latter can never claim. And this is what hybristophilia is all about. To a ‘rational’person, in the most general sense of the term, harbouring an intense attraction towards a criminal is nothing more than self-sabotage – but to hybristophiliacs, that attraction and rush is primal. Think of how womankind lost its collective mind over convicted felon Jeremy Meeks in 2014. He even made #housearrest a trending hashtag.
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The discharge of fluids from our bodies is often accompanied by feelings of pleasure and release. But mucophiliacs are a lot less discriminatory about which mode of ejaculation to derive sexual gratification from. And if you’ve guessed that they are turned on by the very act of sneezing, you’re right. The rationale here is that sneezing bears a certain measure of resemblance to sexual climax, in that it’s an explosion that is accompanied by relief. At least on pure logic alone, the similarity checks out. Still, you don’t need to be a germaphobe to find this particularly strange.
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THE NOTION OF FETISHISM WAS FIRST SCIENTIFICALLY ARTICULATED BY THE FRENCH PSYCHOLOGIST ALFRED BINET IN 1887 – BUT THERE WAS NO WAY THE VISIONARY WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FATHOM HOW WEIRD THINGS WOULD GET THEREAFTER. HERE ARE EIGHT FETISHES FOR WHICH ‘UNCONVENTIONAL’ BARELY SCRATCHES THE SURFACE. AND YES, WE’LL JUDGE YOU IF YOUR QUIRKS SHOW UP.
VORAREPHILIA
As of this writing, there’s intense debate within the international medical community about whether or not this type of paraphilia should be included in the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, which defines the standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders. Being what it is, which is the erotic desire to swallow – whole – a person or be swallowed by somebody, it’s problematic because it can’t physically happen. That’s why vorarephiliacs turn to art – in particular, manga – to get their kicks. Some case studies have concluded that vorarephiliacs are so inclined because they see their kink as an escape from loneliness, which makes this particular turn-on more relatable than others on this list.
TRIPSOLAGNIA
If a fetish is more grounded in narcissism than sexual deviancy, it’s relatively more benign. But that doesn’t mean that tripsolagnia, which describes the sexual urge or arousal associated with having one’s hair shampooed by someone else, isn’t weird. Yes, it’s ‘nice’ to have someone working that jojoba blend into your scalp but you definitely cross a line when that feeling becomes ‘sexually pleasing’. Cures for the embattled include psychoanalysis, hypnosis, behaviour therapy, and cognitive therapy, suggesting that this appears to be a pretty aboveground affliction. But on the plus side, it’s one of the more hygienic of man’s leftfield obsessions.
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Text Indran P Images Various Sources
O C U LO L I N C T U S
Now, for the weirdest item in our survey: Oculolinctus is the practice of licking eyeballs for sexual pleasure. Just in case you think this is the province of the uberweird, The Huffington Post reported that it was so prevalent in Japan that it caused a massive outbreak of viral conjunctivitis nationwide. Though sexual in nature, it involves the titillation of probably the least sexual organ. But that’s not even the half of it. In relation to the human eye, the tongue is foreign matter and prolonged contact with the invading pink member can cause chlamydia, corneal abrasion, corneal ulceration, and worst of all, blindness.
MECHANOPHILIA
Cars have long figured in pop culture in a huge and widely celebrated way. But the sexual status of automobiles is a new and, shall we say, niche concern. Believed by certain behavioural psychologists to stem from the biophilia hypothesis – which holds that man harbours an intrinsic need to establish a connection with other forms of life – mechanophilia is troubling because of its similarities to necrophilia, the sexual attraction to corpses. As such, it’s considered a legitimate sexual offense in the U.K. In comprehensive and disturbing detail, the 2008 documentary, My Car Is My Lover, attempts an investigation of this fixation.
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ANDROID LOVE MY VIRTUAL BOYFRIEND
One of the most popular dating simulators on the app market, My Virtual Boyfriend pulls out all the stops to deliver an immersive, addictive, Sims-like experience. Granting you the ability to customise the characteristics of your prospective virtual partner – from personality to physical appearance – players can choose from thousands of permutations to find ‘Mr. Right’, or even model their man from smartphone gallery images (Brad Pitt? Jude Law? An ex-boyfriend, perhaps?). With 35 levels to progress in order to win his love – through activities like mini golf, lazing around watching TV, and shopping – players can choose to lay on the loving by purchasing him gifts and outfits to wear, or rule with an iron fist – but we can’t promise he’ll stick around. Free, available on Android at the Google Play store.
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P O C K E T B LO N D E CYBER GIRLFRIEND
It’d be a stretch to say that this app emulates what having a girlfriend really entails – she won’t argue with you, she won’t make demands, and she’ll try to fulfill all of your requests without a hint of sarcasm. Think of her as a dolled-up version of Siri rather than a life partner. Able to make small talk with you, inform you on the latest news and weather, and figure out the quickest transport routes, the upside to Pocket Blonde Cyber Girlfriend is that you can selfishly order the virtual assistant to do your bidding (if you don’t believe A.I. is capable of developing feelings, that is), while sparing a real woman’s feelings and efforts in the process. Free, available on Android at the Google Play store.
MYSTIC MESSENGER
There are apps out there that’ll imitate calls from a Romeo, but in 2017, when was the last time you received a phone call from a friend, let alone a prospective lover? Mystic Messenger taps into the message-manic generation and makes romantic texting a whole lot more interesting than “send nudes”. Premised on the player stumbling into a private chatroom inhabited by impossibly pretty cartoon gentlemen, the South Korean app puts you on a story of intrigue as you get to know five mysterious party planners. Through real-time texts, calls and images, hanging around in the chat room too long will undoubtedly have you momentarily wishing that these guys could enter the real world for a face-to-face. Free, available on Android at the Google Play store.
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VALENTINE’S DAY CAN BE A PAINFUL REMINDER ABOUT THE DIFFICULTY OF FINDING ‘THE ONE’ IN A SOCIALLY CONNECTED, EMOTIONALLY DISCONNECTED WORLD – AND, FOR SOME, AN AFFIRMATION TO STEER CLEAR OF HUMAN LOVE COMPLETELY AND OPT FOR ARTIFICIAL AFFECTION. IF YOU’RE NOT WILLING TO TAKE THE PLUNGE INTO POTENTIAL HEARTBREAK THIS YEAR, THESE ANDROID LOVERS WILL TELL YOU SWEET NOTHINGS AT NO COST, WITHOUT DEMANDING ROSES OR CHOCOLATES FOR THEIR TIME.
MY SWEET ROOMIES
There’s nary a guy out there who hasn’t fantasised about being the only male in an allfemale dorm, and that’s exactly the premise for My Sweet Roomies. Adopting a choose-your-ownending format of gameplay, the dialogue-based story begins with you losing your house, and being forced to move into a share-house occupied by six Japanese women – who all happen to be fighting for your affection. Players select a woman they’d like to court, and are then plunged into an anime-style romance narrative that reveals itself slowly through an ‘energy’ system. While gameplay interaction is minimal, players discover details about their virtual SO through ‘secret stories’ that probe the characters’ inner thoughts. And if you’re not liking the cut of her jib, you can switch her out for another one of your roomies mid-game. Savage. Free, available on Android at the Google Play store.
BOYFRIEND PLUS
If it’s a sense of realism you’re after, Boyfriend Plus might be the most convincing app out there, and may even fool your friends too – provided you come up with a solid story to explain why they’ve never met him. Pre-programmed with real photos and ‘personalities’ of men who actually exist IRL, the chat-based simulation works in the same way a typical messaging app would. Like living people, the more you talk to your love interest, the more information and photos they’ll share with you. While your messages are limited to programmed text responses a la Fallout, each fella’s conversations feel more realistic than anything a chatbot might offer, and are a sure cure for lonely evenings. We hear ‘Andy’ is a real lady-killer. Free, available on Android at the Google Play store.
Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources
T H E K I N G O F LO V E
The title says it all – you’re a Casanova who’s stolen too many hearts to count, but only one lucky lady can have yours. Delusions of grandeur aside, The King Of Love presents a clicker-style role-playing game (RPG) in which players level-up to win the love of one of 30 animated sweethearts. Through developing your ability to sweet-talk your lady friend and earning coins to purchase luxurious gifts for her, players are able to take their girlfriends to holiday destinations and work arduously to progress through the game to earn bikini outfits. The developer stipulates that ‘actual girlfriend models’ will appear at level 500, and though we’re not entirely sure what this may mean, at least you’ll have incentive to stick with it while you give Pokémon GO a break. Free, available on Android at the Google Play store.
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CANDY CRUSH GET YOUR SUGAR ON THIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH DESSERTS FROM FOUR NEW CAFES DEDICATED TO HIT THAT SWEET SPOT.
SUGAR LIPS Even from a distance, Sugar Lips’ tempting scent of warm waffle batter crisping up on the stove will lure you right in. Once seated, take your pick from its mix-and-match menu, where standard desserts ($12.90) come with one topping, medium ($14.90) with two and large ($16.90) with three – all drenched in a combination of sauces. At first glance, the Chocolate Seduction Truffle Cake seems like a regular slice, but one bite will change that. The cream that fills each layer is decadently rich and, when paired with a creamy spoonful of the Thai milk tea gelato that it comes with, feels like a little slice of heaven. Also noteworthy is the Red Velvet Fluffy Waffle, which offers a lighter option for calorie-counters. #02-01 Orchard Gateway, tel: 6386-6387.
SUGARHAUS What separates this cosy establishment from run-of-the-mill dessert cafes is that founder and owner, Stanley Seow, insists on making his treats from the base-up – nothing is processed or pre-ordered. The star player in Sugarhaus’ cake lineup is the much-buzzedabout Taro Galaxy ($8.80). With its marbled, largely blue, psychedelic mirrored glaze, it makes quite a first impression. Creamy and pleasantly dense, it’s a fusion of the distinct flavour of yam with a rich, sugary heft. Likewise, the Rich Dark Chocolate Cake ($8.80) is a robust-tasting revelation that lives up to its name. Even the Caramel Waffle ($5.50), over which we relished scoops of Charcoal Vanilla ($3.50) and Dutch Chocolate ($4.30), which surprised us with their sheer originality and lusciously creamy texture. 10 Jalan Serene, tel: 6314 2247.
SUZETTE DESSERT BAR Within its chic confines, you’ll be treated to a payload of desserts including the Hazelnut Coffee Tart ($6), which turns out to be our favourite. Creamy yet slightly crumbly, it boasts a nutty aroma that, amazingly enough, doesn’t clash with the strong chocolate flavour. The lingering coffee aftertaste is also a plus. Another unique creation is the Earl Grey Banana Cake ($8), which, though featuring an uncommon mix of ingredients, brings out a new totality in flavour. Dense and generously stuffed with chunks of banana, it also proffers sharp notes of earl grey with every bite. A lovely boost of zest comes with the Lemon Meringue Tart ($6), which though sour, goes down easy and leaves a creamy trail on the palate. 8 Raffles Avenue, tel: 9652 5092.
Text Aaron Kok & Indran P Images Various Sources
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APIARY To start, Apiary serves its own signature blend of coffee beans which will delight java lovers. But if your sweet tooth is nagging for attention, its simple but devilishly good selection of desserts will more than satisfy. On a seasonal menu of ice cream flavours ($3.80, one scoop; $7.20, two scoops) are the beautifully scented Earl Grey Lavender, the nutty and slightly salty Pistachio, and the best-selling Nutella. On the waffle front, take your pick between a plain ($4.50) or a charcoal waffle ($5.50) – both are yummy, fluffy bases for the ice cream – which come drizzled with maple syrup, homemade chocolate sauce and fresh fruit. We also love the Lemon Curd Tart ($6), which cuts through the sweetness with its acidity and sourish bite. 84 Neil Road, tel: 6493-7273.
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THE WINNING TEAM LISTEN UP AS CHIVAS REGAL SHOWS YOU HOW TO WIN THE RIGHT WAY
Let’s be honest: Everybody wants to win. In the greatest playing field of them all, which is life itself, every person carries a universally burning desire to come out on top – no one ever aims for second best. But while the universal aspiration of wanting to win is a fundamentally human trait, it’s also a highly complex one. Some might say that it’s the greatest challenge ever. And now, Chivas Regal has furnished what might very well be the perfect answer. As part of its Win The Right Way campaign, the blended Scotch whisky brand has enlisted Hollywood A-lister, Captain America himself, Chris Evans, to show you how to succeed in your endeavours and at the same time, elevate the community you thrive and exist in. ASCEND TOGETHER One of the most crucial elements you need to Win The Right Way is teamwork. Just as how successful companies and sports teams produce record-breaking results in their respective arenas of competition by working closely as a unit, Evans outlines that the way to success starts with “we”, not “me”.
KNOW YOUR ROOTS Though he’s one of the most vital and adored movie stars around the world, Evans has never forgotten where he came from. He stresses that one of the key ingredients to his success in the film industry has been his groundedness. Passionate about theatre as a child, he moved to New York after high school, joined a casting office and, in his words, “pounded the pavement” until he finally caught his big break on 2005’s Fantastic Four, where he played Johnny Storm AKA the Human Torch. Yet, a big part of what led him to that role and subsequent other high profile ones is his acknowledgement that he had help along the way from those that believed in him. “Nothing in this world
Text Indran P Image Chivas Regal Singapore
Very often, one’s single-minded pursuit of success alienates one from one’s peers and co-workers. But if the ambition to succeed evolves from an individual to
a communal level, the overall win will enrich all those who share and participate in making their desire a reality. By working together, we understand each other better and as knowledge, experience and expertise is shared, lives are impacted and spirits elevated. As Evans puts it, “Everyone wins, when we win the right way”.
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is truly independent or isolated”, he affirms. As much as Evans is an undoubtedly talented actor, his enduring success owes as much to the people that have walked the walk with him in their own ways. A SHARED SUCCESS TASTES BETTER Much like how the pleasure of sipping on a nice glass of whisky is amplified by good company, the feeling of joy from winning is greater when everybody wins. The principle of giving back informs the core of Winning The Right Way. As Richard Black, global brand director of Chivas Regal opines, “We believe in sharing success, supporting local communities, and investing in social business. This is one of our founding beliefs and is at the core of everything we do. Our latest campaign allows us to continue to champion our commitment to Win the Right Way together and gives us an opportunity to reinforce this belief in entrepreneurial thinking and generosity around the world”. Evans concurs. In life, he surmises, “the bigger impact you can have is by being a good person”. Goodness begets goodness and success begets success. Now, get out there and Win The Right Way.
For more information on Chivas Regal and the Win The Right Way campaign, visit chivas.com.
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hit list
CLARENCE VALERIUS WEE
Telly Couple I love the chemistry between Monica and Chandler from the show, Friends. They get each other in the weirdest ways.
Guilty Pleasure Eating. I really enjoy eating! And if I had to pick, I’d say BBQ spring chicken is my favourite thing to eat.
Unsung Art There’s this guy I follow on Instagram called Michael (@mjgebhart), and I think he’s very underrated. His penmanship is on point, because it’s so simple but so packed with technicalities.
Wise Words Being a calligrapher, my favourite quote has to be “Do first, think later”. It reminds me not to overthink things, and just to satisfy the heart first.
IN AN AGE OF EMOJIS AND TEXT MESSAGES, NOTHING SAYS ROMANCE QUITE LIKE A HAND-WRITTEN NOTE FROM A LOVED ONE. MAKING THIS AN ARTFORM IS CALLIGRAPHER, CLARENCE VALERIUS WEE OF CRAFTVARIES, WHO’S BEEN HELPING PEOPLE CONVEY MESSAGES OF FONDNESS, ONE STROKE AT A TIME. THESE ARE SOME OF HIS BELOVED THINGS. craftvaries.com
Drink Of Choice Water. It keeps us alive!
Local Haunt Little India is a favourite place of mine. It’s where my studio is located and it seems like a perfect distance to wherever I need to get to.
Calligraphy Hero I really look up to Paul Antonio. He’s packed with so much knowledge and understands the touch.
Life-changing City The Netherlands affected me a lot. When I was still in school, I did an internship in Eindhoven and had the opportunity to travel around the country. It was an eyeopener and an amazing experience that set me on the path to where I am today. navigate
Past & Present Back when I was in lower secondary, after my parents bought me a mountain bike, I wanted a stunt bike instead. I knew it wasn’t easy to get them to buy another bicycle, but they did. That was the moment I realised how blessed I was.
Text Aaron Kok Profile image Stefanie Djie Images Various Sources
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Date Night The perfect date is pretty subjective, and I think the conversation and chemistry is important. That said, I guess watching Making A Murderer on Netflix or walking the streets of Osaka after a nice bowl of ramen is perfect, as long as you’re in good company.
arty
LOVE LETTERS
LIANA YANG
Text Aaron Kok Images Liana Yang
POP CULTURE HAS CONDITIONED US TO LOOK AT LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH ROSE-TINTED LENSES; EVERYTHING IS SACCHARINE AND HAPPY EVER AFTER. PERHAPS THIS CLOYING IDEA OF RELATIONSHIPS IS WHAT MAKES SINGAPOREAN ARTIST LIANA YANG’S WORK SO ENGAGING. YANG UNDERSCORES THE IDEA THAT RELATIONSHIPS CAN OFTEN BE MESSY AND UGLY, AND, LIKE THE MUD BENEATH THE ROSES, YOU CAN’T HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER. SHE SHARES MORE HERE.
relationships that is more complex. That said, modern romance is only one of the few topics that I am currently focusing on in my overall practice.
Hi Liana, how did you get into photography? Ironically, I started photography about 10 years ago to distract myself after a failed relationship. I experimented by photographing really random stuff with a Lomo and point-and-shoot camera. After saving up enough money to get my first DSLR camera, I created my first proper photo series, Aqua Wonder, at Marine Parade estate when the HDB flats were still in coats of blue-green. These days, I enjoy working with the photographic medium as it has a certain ambiguity, which I find very alluring. There is always something voyeuristic and invasive about photography. What is the one thing you hope viewers will take away when they see your photos? I am very drawn to the candid trivialities of modern society and human interactions, which I hope the viewers will pick up on. Although we often make photos as a form of memento, there are esoteric qualities when you look at an image. How do you find the stories to tell? Do they come from friends, literature, or is it from somewhere more personal? My stories are mostly personal. I also draw inspiration from social media, current affairs and contemporary culture. Sometimes, friends will share their stories or come up with crazy ideas. There’s something gritty and discomforting about the themes. Why did you make the decision to unpack the complexities of relationships? I’m glad you mentioned gritty, because we are so used to being exposed to sugar-coated versions of relationships. With social media, we are constantly being watched and judged. There is this innate requirement to ‘perform’ for your followers. Especially for those in relationships, there seems to be this responsibility and pressure to uphold an idealised representation of ‘being in love’. I’m not proposing that being in a happy relationship is wrong, but what I try to show in my artwork is another viewpoint. There is a hidden dualism in
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Tell us more about What My Pussy Loves, which features cats interspersed with random images and claw marks. What inspired this series? Before the pussy series, I would see my dad making great effort on a daily basis to take care of my ageing grandma. At the same time, I was going through a very problematic long-term relationship. I began to wonder and question the responsibilities of love, compassion and dedication, while the other person can be so difficult to be with or to look after. I thought my cats made a great metaphor to examine these questions, because cats tend to be depicted as cold and menacing. With a very cheeky title, I portrayed the cats as how one would photograph, say, family members, in a traditional or vintage sense over the course of two years. What inspired the story line in Year 0? The title was drawn from a short story by Junot Díaz, titled The Cheater’s Guide To Love. My Year 0 series reveals my romantic involvement with a married man, and the complications in relationships. There is a real sense of mystique and a certain amount of tension to the story and photographs in Year 0. Was that intentional? It was intentional, as I wanted to convey this sense of being watched while doing things on the sly – a sort of voyeuristic invitation to the viewer. If the viewer isn’t informed of an extramarital affair going on, most would think that it is a series of sexy photos about a couple in a relationship, until they start noticing the little clues. Year 0 questions the moral grounds of romance, especially when we are always discussing the right to personal choices and having more options. I chose the title to signify a feeling of timelessness when one is involved in an illicit affair; like time standing still in these moments. Through the course of your work, have your personal views of relationships and romance been impacted in an alternative way? I think I am still the same, but men tend to be wary of me, especially when they find out what I am doing [laughs].
lianayang.com
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PICTURE PERFECT 076
A PHOTOGRAPH IS A REPOSITORY OF MEMORY; A POIGNANT REMINDER OF ‘BACK IN THE DAY’. BUT IN THESE MODERN TIMES, WITH THE TRAJECTORY OF TECHNOLOGY MOVING IN HYPERSPEED, THE HUMBLE PHOTOGRAPH HAS EVOLVED INTO SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY. THANKS TO PHOTO BOOTHS, YOU CAN DRESS UP YOUR MEMORIES – AND YOURSELVES – WITH ALL THE QUIRKS AFFORDED BY NEXT-LEVEL EDITING SERVICES FOR THE WORLD TO SEE. PHOOTPRINT, A HOMEGROWN PHOTO BOOTH COMMITTED TO DESIGNING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES THAT FOCUS ON CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND SOCIAL MEDIA, IS THE LEADER OF THE PACK. FOUNDER AND OWNER GIUSEPPE MENNELLA SHARES HIS STORY.
How does Phootprint stand out from the rest of the competition in making memorable photo booth experiences? At every single event, since the beginning, we pay a lot of attention to the customer experience. We target mainly corporate customers and often support brand activations. Therefore, we stand out by focusing on the continuous innovation of experiences. Our delivery must also be flawless, so we invest in making our team professional, cheerful and, at the same time, operationally savvy. My business partner, Jayelle Woon, who joined me in early 2015, has contributed enormously in making that happen. When you pair innovation with flawless execution, you stand a chance to deliver memorable experiences. What’s been the craziest photo booth request you’ve received? I think the Eagle Eye Photo Booth with Green Screen has been one of the most challenging yet successful
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services we’ve introduced. It’s an experience where you hook the camera up on a ceiling, set up the green screen as a carpet, figure out the lighting, and then amaze your guests. What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far? In terms of projects, the most challenging but very satisfying one was to deliver for a prestigious customer our REVOLVE experience, a new photo booth service made with an array of cameras to achieve the bullet time effect (as seen in The Matrix). It catches a split moment in time from different angles, and the outcome is very catchy with a popping 3-D effect. We launched this one during a private event that was part of the Singapore International Film Festival in 2016. We were excited to have a popular Hollywood star to try our photo booth too! If you could have one wish granted for a new photobooth setup – no matter how crazy – what would it be? One of the ideas I keep thinking about, and that I believe would be truly crazy and fun, is an underwater photo booth setup. I wonder if that would catch on for pool parties here! What’s next for Phootprint and yourself? Phootprint will be around for as long as we deliver great entertainment. Therefore, we are working on continuing our efforts to innovate and surprise guests at events. As for me, I am very much focused on this venture and am currently exploring ways to scale the business beyond Singapore.
phootprint.co
Text Indran P Images Phootprint
GIUSEPPE MENNELLA
Why did you start Phootprint and how did you go about making it a reality? I’ve always been interested in technology and in 2012, after spending many years working in a MNC leader of telecommunication equipment, I had the opportunity to close that chapter of my professional life and try something on my own. I wanted to start a business where technology, art, digital marketing, and entertainment could all be mixed in a powerful way. That was when I fell in love with the photo booth industry, so I invested in it with my own savings. In early 2013, we were one of the first to introduce the Instagram Printing photo booth in Singapore.
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WISE CHOICE A brainchild of experiential events agency, Blaccsmith, newly opened concept store Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee serves up a curated collection of street culture, coffee, beer, and vinyl. On display is a handpicked vinyl range spanning soul, jazz, hip-hop, funk, and reggae. Streetwear fiends can also expect the selection of apparel from Obey Clothing, Erroyl Watch Company and Deus Ex Machina, and take part in monthly events such as Coffee Breaks, a vinyl-only sesh accompanied by the chillest beats and drinks. Faux hipsters not allowed. 486 Serangoon Road, tel: 9748 1775.
HEARTY MEAL CHANG URBAN PULSE
For fans of high octane action and ice cold beer, Chang Urban Pulse is bringing the power-packed street culture of Thailand to Singapore in a one-night-only battle of booze, breakdancing, beat-boxing, rapping, and a few rounds of Muay Thai. Get a taste of raw grit up-close as Thai fighters, Kanpetch Pronpichit and Petchchompoo Kiatpetchmongkol, exchange explosive uppercuts with Singaporean counterparts, Brandon Ng and Cheryl Gwa. The battles will be hosted by Thailand’s hottest DJ crew, Bangkok Invaders, and the urban art exchange features performances by B-boy crew Radikal Forze, beatboxer Dharni Ng, rapper Masia One, and leading Thai street artists. Forget the first rule of fight club; tell all your friends!
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Happening February 24 at Infinite Studios. Reserve your spot at changbeer.com/changurbanpulse.
PROCESS THIS With all things digital being an indispensable part of life, a trusty laptop is key to getting things done. Lightweight yet powerful, ASUS laptops just got a power-up with the AiO Series, featuring the 7th Gen Intel Core ‘Kaby Lake’ processor. This latest hardware upgrade is available for selected ZenBook, VivoBook, Transformer Pro, and AiO laptops, boosting faster performance, increased energy efficiency, and higher quality entertainment for work and families. For avid drama watchers, we recommend the 27-inch Zen AiO ZN270, while those who work on-the-go will dig the 1.1kg-light ZenBook 3 Deluxe UX490. POA, available at ASUS.
TOO K-UTE Get into bae’s good books with kikki.K’s new Valentine’s Day Collection, ‘And Then I Met You’. Take your pick from the cutest greeting cards and the sweetest gifts, all featuring hand-drawn illustrated puns in a chic colour palette of red, peach, grey, and light blue, with touches of gold foil. Celebrate the special people in your life with the handy Heart Box, or up the romance with 20 Reasons In A Jar. Snag the ‘Best Partner’ award and let your loved one redeem “One Uninterrupted Sleep In” or “One Household Chore Completed” with our favourite, the Coupon Card. $6.90 to $24.90, available at kikki.K. navigate
This February, treat your other half to a three-course feast and momentarily transport yourselves to the heart of Central Europe, courtesy of Kaiserhaus. Special plates from the kitchen include the rich Signature Gourmet Beef Stew to turn up the heat, and the Seafood Pot that’s bursting with flavours of the ocean – with plump scallops, prawns and sea bass fillet, all braised in a Mediterranean seafood broth. Wash it all down and toast to a good night with the Szigeti Grüner Veltliner Sparkling Wine and an array of decadent desserts. $108++, available from February 11 to 14 at Kaiserhaus Capitol Theatre, tel: 6377 0013.
keep WATCH Relive all your favourite local classics on the big screen with Watch Local 2017: Singapore Telemovies. On to its sixth year, Objectif’s annual series will cover a selection of telemovies from the ’90s to present day. The treasure trove of films ranges from original neighbourhood romance to local adaptations of Singapore literary works. Some highlights include Early Morning Awakening by Gozde and Russel Zehnder, and The Playground by K.Rajagopal. From February 7 to 11, at Chapel Gallery. Get your tickets at watchlocal2017.peatix.com.
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AT THE CROSSROADS
trigger happy Give smartphone photography a break with these two instant snappers. Nothing like tangible memories y’all.
POLAROID POP
LOMO’INSTANT MURANO
This is our favourite old-school instant shooter
Much like a romantic gondola ride past colourful
gone digital. Polaroid Pop is the ultimate combo of
houses along the Venetian canals, the Lomo’Instant
touchscreen LCD shooting with high quality images
Murano is clad in five punchy hues that scream
on instant prints. Clad in a jet-black body with a pop
adventure. Play around with the unlimited multiple
of colour, it has a 20-megapixel sensor alongside
exposures, a manual on-off flash, colour gel flash filters,
Wi-Fi and bluetooth capabilities, and also doubles as
bulb mode, and be sure to spam them adorable selfies
a portable photo printer for your phone images. Plus,
with the built-in wide-angle lens. The Combo package
prints from the camera come adhesive-backed so you
even comes with close-up, portrait, and fisheye lens
can stick ’em on anywhere you please, instantly.
attachments so you’re fully covered from all angles.
POA, check polaroid.com for updates.
$148 to $188, available at lomography.com.
LIBRARY VISIT Keong Saik Road’s best-kept secret, The Library, is back now bigger and better, but just as intimate and welcoming as ever. Known to regulars for its quirky, inventive cocktails suited for every personality and mood, the immersive drinks menu now includes an exclusive few infused with traditional Chinese ingredients. A prelude to an upcoming collab with Eu Yan Sang, expect not just herbs in your concoctions, but also an entire Herb Library in the latest Chinese medicine shop set-up of the bar. Complete the whole experience with some beef cheek bao, and kaya toast ice cream – a tip of the hat to local comfort street food. 47 Keong Saik Road, tel: 6221 8338.
RECOVERING (FROM) THE PAST Instead of the done-to-death Valentine’s day date ideas, how about you and your muse take a casual art gallery tour this year? Worth a visit is Htein Lin: Recovering the Past, the first solo exhibition of leading Burmese artist, Htein Lin, in Singapore. Delving into his past experiences growing up in Myanmar and as a political prisoner punished for his pro-democracy beliefs, the exhibition highlights his many trials and tribulations, and most importantly, the healing process in recent years. From now to March 5, at Yavuz Gallery, #02-23 Gillman Barracks.
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WE’LL TECH ’EM ALL Tech-giant Samsung just dropped a range of Scandi-inspired mobile and entertainment accessories that would make even the most aesthetically critical eye widen. Striking the perfect balance between sleek minimalism and high performance, these devices look fab as chic homeware pieces. Our pick goes to the Wireless Speaker Bottle, which resembles a vase, but is really a 360-degree surround sound speaker with wireless charging capabilities. Tilting or shaking the bottle even adjusts the built-in LED’s brightness and colour. Available in black and white, and the subtlest coral pink and mint blue, these tech toys are set to be the next gadget game-changers. POA, available exclusively on samsung.com.
Text Ling Tay Images Various Sources
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Bold, inventive and thought-provoking, Crossings is a celebration of Singapore’s youngest theatre-makers and performers – aged 19 to 24 – featuring two plays that illustrate the crossroads we face in making life decisions. Watch a social media darling attempt to guide a helpless forgetful mother through a tragic accident and embark on an enlightening trip through memory lane in The Mother, The Son And The Holy Ghost. Then, learn more about embracing the past, the present, and the uncertain future with your spouse-to-be in times of turmoil with Arbitrio. Happening from February 15 to 19 at Centre 42, 42 Waterloo St.
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MASK AND MIRRORS 2016 NYE PARTY AT CÉ LA VI SECRET SEDUCTION
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EP!C PRESENTS DIPLO AT ZOUK MAD DECENT VIBES
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EMONIGHTSG: THE B-SIDES AT REFUGE EMBRACING THE ANGST
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HOLD IT LADIES WITH NASHD & RATTLE AT K YO LADIES BE LIT
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GLITZ, GLAMOUR & GOLD FEAT. MATT NASH (UK) AT ALTIMATE THE HIGH LIFE
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DIAMOND ON THE BAY AT MONTI SHINE BRIGHT
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FESTIVE BY THE BAY AT OVEREASY FULLERTON DANCIN’ IN THE MOONLIGHT
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SHANGHAI DREAMS AT VLV ORIENTAL WONDER
S H O P AT T H E S E S T O C K I S T S ACTUALLY #03-18 ORCHARD GATEWAY ALICE AND OLIVIA #03-17 ION ORCHARD BERSHKA #B3-06/07 ION ORCHARD BURBERRY #01-06 ION ORCHARD CHARLES & KEITH #B3-58 ION ORCHARD CHRISTIAN DIOR #01-13 ION ORCHARD CLUB 21 #01-02 FOUR SEASONS
COS #03-23/23A ION ORCHARD
KEVIN SEAH 55B/C BOAT QUAY
DIESEL #02-47A PARAGON
LA PERLA THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS
DR. MARTENS #02-17A WHEELOCK PLACE DOLCE & GABBANA #01-19/#02-09 ION ORCHARD DSQUARED2 #01-24 ION ORCHARD ERMENGILDO ZEGNA #02-07A ION ORCHARD FENDI #01-30/32 NGEE ANN CITY
MM6 MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA #01-08 ION ORCHARD
ROYAL SPORTING HOUSE #03-112/113/114/116 MARINA SQUARE
MANGO #B1-39/40 NGEE ANN CITY
SUITSUPPLY #03-14B/15 ION ORCHARD
LEVI’S #B2-23 ION ORCHARD
NEW BALANCE #01-39/42 VELOCITY AT NOVENA SQUARE
SURRENDER STORE #01-03 268 ORCHARD ROAD
LIU JO #02-49 PARAGON
NIKE #01-02 SHAW CENTRE
LOEWE #01-18 THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS
OFF-WHITE #01-01 268 ORCHARD ROAD
LANVIN #01-19/20 HILTON HOTEL
PAUL SMITH #01-11/12 HILTON HOTEL
SWAROVSKI #B1-17/18 ION ORCHARD TOPSHOP/TOPMAN #B2-01, #B3-02 ION ORCHARD UNIQLO ORCHARD CENTRAL
FURLA #03-26 ION ORCHARD
MAJE #B2-109 THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS
PEDDER ON SCOTTS LEVEL 2 SCOTTS SQUARE
CLUB 21 MEN #01-02 FOUR SEASONS
GUCCI #01-05 ION ORCHARD
MARNI HILTON SINGAPORE
PRADA ION ORCHARD
COACH #02-19 WISMA ATRIA
H&M ORCHARD BUILDING
MICHAEL KORS NGEE ANN CITY
PUMA #02-15/16/17 VIVOCITY
WHOLE9YARDS #01-05 WISMA ATRIA
CONVERSE #B3-57 ION ORCHARD
JIMMY CHOO #01-41A/44 PARAGON
MIU MIU #01-09 ION ORCHARD
RED VALENTINO #03-15 NGEE ANN CITY
ZARA LIAT TOWERS
CLUB 21B #01-07 TO 10 FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL
VALENTINO #01-03 ION ORCHARD VANS #B3-61 ION ORCHARD
final word
STRANGE BY ASSOCIATION
SOME COLLABORATIONS JUST CLICK, AND SEEM LIKE INSTINCTIVELY GOOD IDEAS BEFORE YOU’VE EVEN HEARD THE TWO MUSICAL FORCES COME TOGETHER. THEN THERE ARE THOSE THAT SEEM DOWNRIGHT INSANE FROM THE GET-GO, WHERE NOVELTY FACTOR IS FAVOURED OVER LOGIC AND RESULTS ARE HIGHLY UNPREDICTABLE. WHILE SOME ARE FORGETTABLE AND OTHERS HARD TO FORGET, THESE UNLIKELY PARTNERS PROVE THAT, SOMETIMES, OPPOSITES REALLY DO ATTRACT.
OZZY OSBOURNE x MISS PIGGY Given the Prince of Darkness’ penchant for biting the heads off animals, Miss Piggy’s collaboration with the Black Sabbath legend only adds to her fearless diva persona. In a rendition of the Steppenwolf classic, “Born To Be Wild”, Ozzy’s recognisable drawl is treated to the Muppet goddess’ commentary – at times joining him in the titular chorus, while sounding a little too excited at others. Despite being in the presence of rock royalty, it doesn’t stop Piggy from chiding him with comments like “Would you stop spitting?” and “Ozzy, get off the floor”.
WEEZER x KENNY G Seminal L.A. rockers, Weezer, have never been too shy to experiment with their guitar-driven anthems – with frontman Rivers Cuomo roping in the likes of Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, Vic Mensa, and Adam Lambert. While fans have come to expect the unexpected, nobody could’ve predicted the king of hotel lobby soundtracks, Kenny G, joining the list. Whether the joke was on G or the band truly felt his sax skills and luscious curls were necessary, “It’s Your Daddy” is sure to crack a smile on your face in a good way.
THE FLAMING LIPS x KESHA The troupe of psychedelic rockers doesn’t discriminate when it comes to collaboration, as demonstrated on their collaborative album with Miley Cyrus and the illustrious list of guests on The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends. Regarding the latter, perhaps most surprising was hearing Kesha’s voice on the opening track – an unexpectedly satisfying fit with the Lips’ experimental style. Having reportedly written an entire album together – which was shelved due to Kesha’s lawsuit with Dr. Luke – fans will be counting the tick-tocks on the clock until, or if, the album ever surfaces.
JACK WHITE x INSANE CLOWN POSSE Despite the male half of The White Stripes’ pale complexion, we never picked Jack White for a Juggalo. Alas, having worked with everyone under the sun, White looked to step up the strange with a reinterpretation of Mozart’s explicit “Leck Mich Im Arsch” (go ahead, Google Translate that) with none other than Detroit clown rappers, Insane Clown Posse. The resulting song is downright bizarre – and, to our bemusement, it was ICP who hung their heads in shame when questioned about the track months later, with Violent J stating that it was only done for “business”.
ROB ZOMBIE x LIONEL RICHIE Inspired to reinvent the Commodores’ 1977 funk hit “Brick House” after placing it in his film, House of 1000 Corpses, Rob Zombie’s thoughts on teaming up with Lionel Richie were summed up as, “so effing wrong that it makes perfect sense”. Richie, clearly pleased to be the one Zombie was looking for, worked with the Hellbilly Deluxe musician to transform the song he originally penned into a seedy funk-rock fusion, filled with suggestive moans and even a few bars from female rapper Trina. While not nearly as good as the original, it certainly proves the notion that even the craziest ideas are sometimes worth exploring.
BOB DYLAN x KURTIS BLOW Long before Dylan became the proud, albeit controversial, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, the folk icon had temporarily traded in his signature rusty crooning to drop bars with one of the founding fathers of rap, Kurtis Blow. While we don’t think his lyrics on “Street Rock” – which include the line, “I’ve indulged in higher knowledge through scan of encyclopedia / keep in constant research of our report and news media” – were considered by the Nobel Committee, Dylan’s drawled rhymes have an uncanny resemblance to the mumble-rap stylings of acts like Migos today. Talk about influential!
Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources
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FIND
HERE BARS & CLUBS
Attica • Blu Jaz Café • Brewerkz @ Riverside Point • Canvas • Cherry Club • Harry's @ Esplanade Mall, HarbourFront Centre • IndoChine @ Club Street • KYO • LOOF • Paulaner Brauhaus • Que Pasa and Ice Cold Beer • Siem Riep Café Bar & Water • Wala Wala • Zouk
F&B
6 Oz Espresso Bar • Afterwit • Aeiou cafe and Lifestyle Store • Arteastiq Boutique Tea House • Atlas Coffeehouse • Billy Bombers @ The Central • Boufe Boutique Cafe • Café Cartel • Chai Seng Huat Hardware • Costa Coffee @ 313@Somerset, The Metropolis, Raffles City, Vivocity • Dazzling Café Singapore • Dome Coffee @ Raffles Place, Singapore Art Museum • East 8 • Guac & Go Pte Ltd • Habitat Coffee • Hard Rock Café • House • I Am Cafe • Ippudo @ Mandarin Gallery, Shaw Centre • Island Creamery @ Serene Centre • Kith Café • Kombi Rocks • O Comptoir • LEPARK • Mad Nest • Manhattan Fish Market @ Junction 8 • Mint Museum of Toys: Mr Punch Restaurant & Bar • My Awessome Café • Ninja Bowl • Ninja Cut • Oblong Place • One Rochester • Open Door Policy • Overeasy • Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters • Pacific Coffee @ Red Dot Building • Patissez Singapore • Pies & Coffee • Potato Head Folk • Prive Café • Project Acai @ Holland Village • PS Cafe @ Paragon • Rokeby Bistro • Seed and Soil • Selfish Gene Café • Sogurt • SPRMRKT • Starbucks @ 3 Jalan Jamal, Bugis Junction, Centrepoint, Citylink Mall, Great World City, Holland Village, ION, Jurong Gateway, Liat Towers, Liang Court, Marina Square, OCBC Centre, One Fullerton, Orchard Point Mall, Pacific Plaza, Paragon Shopping Centre, Raffles Hospital, Shaw Leisure Gallery, Tampines Mall, Tanglin Mall, The Cathay, The Central, The Concourse, Thomson Plaza, UE Square, United Square, VivoCity, Wilkie Edge, Wisma Atria • Sushi Burrito • Tess Bar & Kitchen • The Clueless Goat • The Lab • The Lawn @ AXA Tower, Nanos • The Lokal • The Providore • The Coastal Settlement • The White Rabbit • Timbre @ The Substation • Wilder Café • Wheeler's Yard • Working Title Cafe
FASHION
ACTUALLY • Adidas Originals Concept Store • Agnes B • Alcoholiday • American Eagle @ Suntec City, Vivocity • Benjamin Barker @ Cineleisure, Marina Square, Vivocity, Wheelock Place • Bershka • Crumpler @ ION, Raffles City • dh.sunglass • Dr. Martens • Durasafe • Fred Perry @ ION, Orchard Cineleisure • Goodluck Bunch • Guess @ Marina Bay Sands • Leftfoot @ Orchard Cineleisure, The Cathay • Levi's @ Suntec City, VivoCity • Limited Edt Vault • Limited Edt • ModParade • Muji @ Paragon • Mujosh • New Balance @ Tampines Mall, Velocity • Nixon • P.V.S • Pull and Bear @ Bugis+, ION • Rip Curl @ Marina Square, VivoCity • Révolte x She Shops • Rockstar • Sects Shop by Depression • Space Invasion @ 112 Katong • SUP • SuperShades SG • Superspace • The Authority • Topshop/ Topman @ ION, Jem, VivoCity • WESC • White Rose Parlour
ARTS, DESIGN & MUSIC
Basheer Graphic Books • Curated Records • Hear Records • Kizuki + LIM • Kplus • National Arts Council • Olando Pte Ltd • Red Dot Museum Shop • Roxy Music • Scissors Art • ShinnPark • Strangelets • The Arts House • The Projector • The Substation • Valentine Music Centre
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Artisan Hair • Asmara • Essensuals Bugis • FDP Prestige Hair Care • Fitness First @ Paragon, One George Street, AMK Hub, Fusionopolis, Alexandra, Tampines, Marina Bay Financial Centre, UE Biz Hub East, Market Street, Westgate, 100AM, Metropolis, • KImage @ Suntec City • The Cathay • STRIP @ Dempsey, Great World City, Holland Village, Katong, Paragon, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Mandarin Gallery, Wheelock Place, VivoCity • The Panic Room • TONI&GUY @ East Coast, Mandarin Gallery
HOTELS
Cube Capsule Boutique Hotel • Five Stones Hostel • Hotel Re! • InterContinental Singapore • Link Hotel • Lloyd’s Inn Pte Ltd • Mori Hostel • Naumi Hotel • New Majestic Hotel • Premier Inn • Swissotel • The Quincy Hotel • Wanderlust Hotel • W Singapore
SCHOOLS
BCA Academy • Lasalle College of The Arts • Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts • NUS Radio Pulze • Republic Poly • S P Jain School Of Global Management • Temasek Polytechnic • Yale-NUS College Library
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Audio Technica • Big Box • BooksActually • Changi Airport Ambassador Transit Lounge • Frank by OCBC (Nanyang Technological University, Orchard Gateway, Singapore Management University, Singapore Polytechnic, VivoCity) • JCube • JCube, The Rink • SAFRA @ Toa Payoh • SCAPE • STA Travel • St Games Cafe • THE HIVE • Tokyo Bike • The Reading Room • Wave House Sentosa