JUICE January 2015 - Tokimonsta | Issue #196 by JUICE

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ISSUE #196

LEVEL UP the fast forward issue

EDITORIAL editor jazmin kelly six [jazmin@juice.com.sg] senior fashion writer/stylist liyana meer [liyana@juice.com.sg] JUICE.COM.SG FACEBOOK.COM/JUICE.SG.FANS TWITTER.COM/JUICESG INSTAGRAM.COM/JUICESG

HAPPY NEW YEAR Hello kiddos. Welcome to 2015, where bigger and better things await this new dawn. Unconvinced? Well, the festival Gods have already announced (at time of print) seven upcoming parties to expect and we are only in the first month of this spanking new year. How can you keep still? We don’t; we just keep going.

START

But before we move on into yet another state of drunken bliss (Heineken, we wurve you), let us look back at the recent EDM madness that is IMS (page 16), or International Music Summit for the uninitiated, and relive the celestial magic that went down at ZoukOut 2014 (page 32).

To celebrate the smashin’ start to 2015, we’re bringing back our special double covers this month – featuring Tokimonsta, who’s slated to play at Super 0, and Chet Faker, whom we’re dying to catch at Laneway. We also speak with Banks, Royal Blood and The Field; all scheduled to pay us a visit as well. Also, if you’re new to the scene and need a ’lil help navigating the terrains, hop over to page 14 and check out our friendly guide to the hottest local nights you can expect. It’s got everything you need to know to be cool. We promise. There you go. It is a handful to note and remember, but as always, you know will be beside you at every step of the way. So make sure you follow us on social media for the latest happenings and live updates. Peace out.

music writer kevin ho [kevin@juice.com.sg] lifestyle/online writer trent davis [trent@juice.com.sg] contributors alvelyn alko, chris ong ujine, debbie chia, den ng, joan lim, mich makeover, sziying khoo ART DIRECTION designer jackson kang [jackson@juice.com.sg] contributing designer leonardo rusli ADVERTISING & MARKETING sales & marketing manager lavonne lam [lavonne@juice.com.sg] DID 6325 8031 M 9747 2806 sales & marketing executive cedric phang [cedric@juice.com.sg] DID 6325 8032 M 9176 6580 PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR david see [david@lumina-looque.com] DIRECTOR calvin cheng [calvin@lumina-looque.com] REGIONAL CONTACTS MALAYSIA editor alif omar mahfix [alif.mahfix@revasia.com] INDONESIA editor agiani salima [agiani.salima@mediasatu.com]

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Your curated aural roster for escaping the mundane – January 2015

Fridays 02

NoPartyHere WITH. Axel Boman

Saturdays 03

Hy p e r co l o u r Re co r d s / Pa m p a Re c o r d s / St u d i o Ba r n h u s , Sw e d e n

Rus h Hour/ O vum, Bulgar ia

DJ KFC

Psychemagik

Norman Chung

Ps y ch e m agi k, U K

Space Dimension Controller

R & S / Cl o n e , U K

Spank WITH Shigeki

Godwin P

Footwork WITH Ramesh K & Godwin P Kenneth Francis

OneWithAldrin Norman Chung

Ramesh K

Resident Advisor at kyō: Midland B2B Pangaea Cosa Nostra & Norman Chung

Shigeki

Midnight Shift Reprise: KiNK WITH Kaye

Machine WITH Ben Sims & Kirk Degiorgio Norman C

Blackout FEAT. Zig Zach & Hugo Marti Norman C

Regular nights Wednesdays – Dance Anthems – Playground with Norman C & Andrew Chow, Thursdays – Hip Hop, R&B – Hold it Ladies with Andrew Chow & Titus, Fridays – House – Rewind with Brendon P & Shigeki, Saturdays – Tech House, Techno – Forward with Norman C & Guests Address 133 Cecil Street #B1-02 Singapore 069535 Telephone +65 6225 6001 Email reservations@clubkyo.com Website clubkyo.com Soundcloud clubkyo-sg Facebook clubkyo Twitter clubkyo Instagram clubkyo Admission Ladies – $20*, Men – $25* *incl. 1 drink

JANUARY 2015 10 12

DANCE DANCE RESOLUTION

Start 2015 afresh with these extraordinary concepts from the club scene.

CONTENTS

CHET FAKER

In our opinion, Laneway trumped the competition when they roped in James Blake last year. This month, Chet Faker fills up the lacuna of electronica singer-songwriters with his distinctive jazzy sound and a voice as smooth as his ascent to the top. But talk is (relatively) cheap when it comes from just us, so we secured a moment with the bearded fellow himself for some words of validation. Image Courtesy of Lisa Frieling

TOKIMONSTA

After weeks of social media teasing, the riddlesome Super 0 ninjas finally unveiled the mystery locale of their pop-up party series. They’ve also assured us with the return appearance of Jennifer Lee AKA Tokimonsta. Even better, they hooked us up with a precious dialogue with the beat-builder herself, where we spared no expense in pinpointing some of her quirky talents. Image Courtesy of Koury Angelo

PETE TONG

REST & RELAX

MOVING FORWARD

LIVE FAST

21 INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SUMMIT 2014

The 40-year EDM veteran’s dignified perspective on the industry.

An illuminating sequence of keynotes and discussions in the Asia-Pacific debut.

BANKS

Recover fast from the year-end debauchery with these beauty aids.

Why we’re bowing down to the Goddess.

STORE-Y TELLIN’

Unconventional shopping havens that are ahead of the pack.

New year. New wardrobe. Killa ’tude.

Nine iconic reel-life role models.

LINEUP OUT NOW

SAT 24 JAN THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY ANGUS & JULIA STONE • BANKS • CHET FAKER • COURTNEY BARNETT EAGULLS • ENTERPRISE • FKA TWIGS • FUTURE ISLANDS • .GIF HANGING UP THE MOON • JUNGLE • JON HOPKINS • LITTLE DRAGON MAC DEMARCO • PASTEL LITE • POND • ROYAL BLOOD • RUSTIE • ST. VINCENT LINE UP SUBJECT TO CHANGE

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE EVENTCLIQUE.COM SISTIC.COM.SG SPONSORS

PA R T N E R S

M E D I A PA R T N E R S

SINGAPORE

O V E R S E A S M E D I A PA R T N E R S

S I N G A P O R E . L A N E W AY F E S T I VA L . C O M

HELD IN

SUPPORTED BY

SOUR GRAPES

Yo , I totes enjoyed reading your ZoukOut trivia article, but only until it confirmed how downhill the festival has become. What happened to the bands? And who the hell is Steve Angello? I could make better tunes on my busted snare drum than that wub-wub sh*t. Disgruntled Drummer

INBOX

When you’ve made as many hits as Angello has, give us a call and we’ll put you on the cover. But we won’t hold our breaths.

SEARCHIN’ FOR SURF

“As children of the wild we make our choices on our own; Our path is full of fear for must be taken all alone.” But you’re never alone when you holla at inbox@juice.com.sg

What’s up , Awesome write-up on the Rip Curl SearchGPS watch; it’s the perfect thing to kick-start my new year’s resolution to take up surfing. Would you guys happen to know of any good surf spots I should hit up? There’s no surf at Sentosa, that’s for sure. SGSurfer

Dude. How are you going to “live the search” if you can’t search Google?

MAIL of the month

HANGOVER HUBRIS Hiya , Your feature on hangover cures last month is going to come in handy when I go on an around-the-world trip later this year! Thinkin’ of trying some rollmops after getting white-girl-wasted with some Berliners! Thanks guys! Hot for Shots

We’re more the late-night burger crowd, but hey – different strokes for different folks!

GEEKY GIFT-GIVER

HEY , DIDN’T THINK I’D EVER BE USING JUICE AS A SHOPPING COMPANION, BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE! MY GIRLFRIEND WAS OVER THE MOON UNWRAPPING ALL THE GEEKY GIFTS I PICKED OUT FOR HER. YOU GUYS ARE A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. @VADERRULZ

CONSIDER IT OUR GIFT TO YOU, YOUNG PADAWAN. WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK FOR THE NEXT ONE TOO, AND HERE’S THE PROOF.

SHE’S GOT THE BLUES

Dear , Cheers for the tips on the blue makeup products, I had a killer Frozen look going all Christmas. I only wish we had cold snowy weather so that I could feel the part as much as I looked it. Gah, darn the tropics!

Girl, “let it go”. You can always cool down with an ice kachang?

THIS MONTH’S MAIL OF THE MONTH WINS A GLAMGLOW POWERMUD DUAL CLEANSE TREATMENT WORTH $92, COURTESY OF ESCENTIALS.

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR RUBBER

SINGAPORE

SERVIN’ UP THE FRESHEST CONTENT

OUR EXCLUSIVE WEB HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH! CHAT: LOCAL NATIVES

WE CATCH UP WITH THE SILVER LAKE INDIE-ROCKERS AS THEY ROCKED OUR SIDE OF THE GLOBE FOR URBANSCAPES.

REPORT: BASTILLE

THE INDIETRONICA OUTFIT BEHIND THE INFECTIOUS “POMPEII” OFFERS MORE THAN JUST A RADIO HIT.

LILY MCMENAMY X MOSCHINO AW14

MODEL LILY MCMENAMY DEBUTS MOSCHINO’S LATEST JUNK CULTURE COLLECTION IN A SEIZURE-INDUCING SHORT FILM.

CHAT: LOCO DICE

A DIALOGUE WITH THE GERMAN HOUSE PRODUCER BEFORE HE CAUSED A STIR AT ZOUKOUT.

G-SHOCK G’MIX GBA-400

G-SHOCK BRINGS ROCK-SOLID DURABILITY TO THE WORLD OF PORTABLE MUSIC.

NARS HOLIDAY 2014 COLOUR COLLECTION

A SCI-FI CHIC COLLECTION TO HELP YOU NAIL THE FUTURISTIC PUNK LOOK.

REPORT: SLOW MAGIC

THE MASKED FOX TELEPORTS CROWDS AT LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL TO HIGHER SPIRITUAL GROUNDS.

BILL BURR: LIVE IN SINGAPORE

ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL STAND-UP COMICS ARRIVES ON OUR ISLAND.

STAY CONNECTED JUICE.COM.SG

FACEBOOK.COM/JUICE.SG.FANS

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CLASH OF HORIZONS

MUSIC

Marry the romance of France with the mysticism of Iceland, and you’ve unified a super-duo that’s as modest as it is magical. Air’s Jean-Benoît Dunckel and Bang Gang’s Bardi Johannsson have derailed the dubiety of long-distance relationships for a partnership called Starwalker, embracing ambient-wrapped synth-pop with snug cosmic pads orbiting above trickling slow-mo beats. Such is the setting that accentuates the lucid languor of “Blue Hawaii”, a spacey new single that’s hardly tropical, but is instead an imaginative black hole that sucks us in with français-articulated poetry of dragons, phoenixes and the cosmos. To the future – that’s something we can contentedly gravitate towards.

starwalkermusic.com

Text Kevin Ho Image Taki Bibelas

WALKING THE TALK CHET FAKER IN OUR OPINION, LANEWAY TRUMPED THE COMPETITION WHEN THEY ROPED IN JAMES BLAKE LAST YEAR. THIS MONTH, CHET FAKER FILLS UP THE LACUNA OF ELECTRONICA SINGER-SONGWRITERS WITH HIS DISTINCTIVE JAZZY SOUND AND A VOICE AS SMOOTH AS HIS ASCENT TO THE TOP. BUT TALK IS (RELATIVELY) CHEAP WHEN IT COMES FROM JUST US, SO WE SECURED A MOMENT WITH THE BEARDED FELLOW HIMSELF FOR SOME WORDS OF VALIDATION.

No one’s invincible; everyone’s prone to the irks of illness. Drugged on lozenges and cough syrup, we picked up the Laneway-mediated call and apologised to the electronica singer-songwriter for the croaky nature of our waning voice. Nick Murphy, who’d adopted the persona of Chet Faker, empathised kindly. This was our second attempt at having a coherent conversation, for he too had to reschedule our prior arrangement due to severe exhaustion. No one can blame the guy. He impressively played over 120 gigs in the past year alone, and has attended numerous award shows (and won) despite having just one full-length, Built On Glass. We both cleared our throats once more, and proceeded to get down to business.

THE DEATH “Hello?” we uttered worriedly, wondering if he’d slammed the phone down on us. “Sorry man, you gotta gimme at least a minute before I can answer that question,” he replied contemplatively, “Conceptually, I understand death as we all do. But none of us has ever experienced death. Some of us come close to it, when someone we love dies. But for me to say that death does or doesn’t scare me? That’s just arrogant”. A risky question, but we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful answer. This right here was Murphy as Chet Faker – the eloquent songsmith behind compositions that trickle with jazz, soul and trip-hop, and lyrics covering ruptured connections and puppy-eyed love. Perhaps his way with words sprang from his passion for reading, one that unfortunately, has been long lost – a death in itself, you could call it. THE ISOLATION Before the fame and fortune, Murphy actually worked at a second-hand bookstore for years, located conveniently beside a record shop.

THE CONTROVERSY So Murphy did enjoy being sociable, and as it seemed, the occasional display of deadpan humour. But as it turned out at the recent ARIA Awards, the man’s packing some rebellious spunk too. He broke the Internet again in a more contentious way, when Aussie media criticised him for accepting his ‘Best Male’ and ‘Best Independent Release’ trophies with an “unappreciative speech”, when in reality, he’d just recovered from hectic rehearsals and harrowing hospital visits. “Dude, I deal daily with positive and negative reinforcements more than most people ever will, so I’m not sensitive when it comes to personal attacks,” he asserted, “What I get upset about is when we, as a society, think it’s appropriate to incite verbal abuse towards an individual under the guise of them being recognised for representing that very society on an international level. It’s completely contradictory and makes no sense”. “And besides,” Murphy concluded, “I’d rather have a weird speech than what’s conventionally defined as a good speech”. Digging deeper, we discovered that Murphy’s exasperations towards the industry stemmed from the ‘formalisation’ of music, an unpretentious art that was built on an ordinary guy living in his studio, merely experimenting musically while writing about his personal life. At least, that’s how he saw it. To him, he was no superstar or electronica Messiah, just an honest musician who refuses to fake his way through the industry. That’s not something you can ever get sick of.

Chet Faker releases our problems at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, happening on January 24 at The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay. chetfaker.com

Text Kevin Ho Image & Interview courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

COVER

THE DECAY “I don’t like decay man!” Murphy exclaimed with an infuriated outburst, awakening whatever dormant propensities that fogged the opening seconds of our dialogue, “I have a hard time accepting when my body doesn’t let me do the things I wanna do. Even with those 120 shows, I only cancelled five! And it’s not like I had the sniffles, I was physically incapable of going on stage. I had hardcore fatigue”. You could hear so much fury and sorrow in his voice then; this was a performer who truly wished to deliver day-in-day-out, to which, we found all his exertions in defending his case absolutely redundant. But as he expressed his vexations with being ‘buried in the ground’, we admit it did bring to mind his haunting music video for “Talk Is Cheap”, which incidentally, showed Murphy buried in the earth, while being gracefully decomposed by time and nature. “So does death bother you too, Nick?” we openly asked. He grew silent.

“I used to just sit in there and read books; I’d be the only one. And when I finished a book, I’d go next door and buy a record,” he recalled fondly. “But I’ve been so busy this past year; I barely even have time to make music anymore!” he resumed, “So I’d rather make music than read. My downtime is too precious to me”. We wondered if this self-inflicted seclusion inspired the morose “Cigarettes & Loneliness”. “Oh I like being completely on my own,” Murphy responded, “I’m probably more on the solo side of things. I do all sorts of stuff on my own – breakfast, walks, movies. I’m comfortable with myself”. But what about Flume? More than just co-producing BFFs, it wasn’t too long ago when Faker and Flume broke the Internet (for Internet hipsters anyway) with a candid shirtless pose against the waves. Murphy paused for a bit when we urged him to explain himself. “Well, that photo’s kinda self-explanatory, isn’t it? Two dudes at a beach, just f*cking around”.

TOKIMONSTA

RAVING RABBIT THOSE RIDDLESOME SUPER 0 NINJAS… IT ACTUALLY WASN’T LONG BEFORE WHEN – AFTER WEEKS OF SOCIAL MEDIA TEASING – THEY FINALLY UNVEILED THE MYSTERY LOCALE OF THEIR POP-UP PARTY SERIES TO BE THE FORMER SIA CHANGI SPORTS CLUB. REGARDLESS OF OUR CRESTFALLEN MOPES FROM WRONGFUL GUESSES AND LOST BETS, THERE WAS AT LEAST ONE PRE-CONFIRMED CERTAINTY THAT THE SUPER 0 CREW ASSURED US WITH – THE RETURN APPEARANCE OF JENNIFER LEE AKA TOKIMONSTA. EVEN BETTER, THEY HOOKED US UP WITH A PRECIOUS DIALOGUE WITH THE BEAT-BUILDER HERSELF, WHERE WE SPARED NO EXPENSE IN PINPOINTING SOME OF HER QUIRKY TALENTS; SKILLS THAT SHE’S BEEN LEVELLING UP SINCE HER 2008 DEBUT. TOKIMONSTA – WE CHOOSE YOU!

‘SUSHI ATTACK’ Effective Against: Music Geeks, Sashimi Senseis, Plate Stackers Whether it’s an abandoned warehouse or a sushi joint, you can find Lee tearing the roof off with both MIDI and maguro. Lee was a 2010 graduate of the Red Bull Music Academy – an association that recently made her name go viral with its enchanting Sushi Sequencer project. A clip you have to watch to believe (redbullmusicacademy.com), Lee constructed a custom ‘menu’ of hip-hop tracks using nothing but conveyor belt sushi. “It makes complete and total sense once you know how it works!” she keenly explained, “There’s a sensor that reacts to the colour of the plates, triggering MIDI clips to be sent to my Ableton software”. As thrilled as she was, we asked her how it felt to ‘cook up’ music history. “Oh the music sequencing was great,” she acknowledged, “But really, I just enjoyed the amount of sushi I got to eat”.

‘KOREA WAVE’ Effective Against: Global Audiophiles, K-pop Enthusiasts, Bunny Addicts On that Asian note, we urged if she could expand on her Korean heritage, especially since she occasionally incorporates Korean traditional instruments into her electronica handiwork. “Well, Korea isn’t exactly home as I was born in Los Angeles, though I suppose it would be considered my ‘motherland’,” Lee elaborated, “But I have been visiting Seoul a little more than I used to, which is nice”. And despite being worlds apart in musicality, she was against advocating the stigma surrounding K-pop, “K-pop is incredibly fascinating. They have the most ornate videos and nearly scientifically-produced pop songs. There is a factory-like nature to a lot of it, but I truly believe K-pop musicians are talented in their own ways”. You might also know this if you understand Korean (or watch lots of Korean dramas), but the ‘Toki’ in her identity is in fact, Korean for ‘Rabbit’, prompting us to snoop for some oblique philosophical meaning.

‘PRODUCTION PUNCH’ Effective Against: Potential Collaborators, Saturated Market, Label Recognition Since exchanging one geeky lifestyle for another, Jennifer’s poured everything into sharpening her chiefly instrumental productions. “I don’t use samples so much anymore,” she described her studio techniques, “If anything, I try to create sample-y sounds from scratch. Even with vocal samples, I eventually replace them with newlyrecorded and pitched vocals”. These technical phrases might sidestep the attentions of the casual listener, but it signifies an acumen picked up by RBMA, FlyLo’s Brainfeeder and even commercial popstars like Kelly Rowland. “I was super surprised to hear that even she had an interest in my music! But she’s more than just a pop figure; she has a really great ear”, not to say that she needed any pats on the back from the Destiny’s Child diva. Or did she? Perhaps beneath the racially-fuelled feistiness and industry-lauded accolades lies a girl who’s still humbly figuring herself out, or a girl who wasn’t always going for slick underground parties like Super 0 Openair. “There were probably a whole bunch of secret events I didn’t even know about because…I wasn’t that cool,” she confessed. “Regardless, I’m glad I can be a part of something like this for the new kids”. We felt a subtle obligation for us to tell her she was already the epitome of ‘cool’, but we figured she didn’t need to hear it. She was already booked to unleash the monster at Openair, and that right there, is something super.

Tokimonsta drops her special moves at Super 0 Openair, happening on January 17 at 24 Turnhouse Road. For more information, visit super0.sg. tokimonsta.com

“I’m sure this may sound disappointing, but the main reason I called myself ‘Toki’ was because my family said I looked like one”. Wrong.

Text Kevin Ho Image Red Bull Music Academy Interview courtesy of Aligned Agency

COVER

‘STEREOTYPE SHIELD’ Effective Against: Lazy Journalists, Ill-Informed Critics, Geography Failures We reckoned that the sushi stunt must’ve been a tad bit infuriating for Lee however, who already deals with the pestering presumption that she’s Japanese. “Yeah…I mean, I am a little sensitive about that because I always have to get on a soap box and scream to people that all Asians are not the same,” voiced the jaded Korean, “But it’s kind of cool to see how people have become a little more cautious about how they approach race and ethnicity”. We can only guess that her rants and outbursts at ignorant media figures have helped quell this misperception. Clearly, we didn’t wanna see Jennifer when she was ticked off; we never did.

‘PARENT REBELLION’ Effective Against: Freedom Fighters, Idealistic Dreamers, Asian Upbringing Lee’s mention of family did make us wonder about any domestic hindrances she might’ve tackled when going into music full-time. “I definitely grew up in a conservative environment,” she admitted, “My mum wasn’t pleased when I decided to pursue music, but I asked her to give me a year to see if it could work out. And if it didn’t, I’d go back to something more practical”. However, she did, at one point, heed her mum’s advice, earning her bread and butter in the video game industry. Responding to our query as to why she’d left possibly the best job ever, “I worked in business development and licensing, so it was really cool to see that side of things. But I left because I was laid off around the economic downturn – otherwise I think I would have stayed!”. We had accidentally hit a delicate spot, but deep down, we were pleased she moved on to greener pastures.

DANCE DANCE RESOLUTION

FEATURE

SINGAPORE ISLAND CULTURE CLUB

Beachy In The Basement: It’s a seashore-like jaunt without the pesky annoyance of sand getting A Different Kind Of everywhere! The policy of ‘Open-Format’: It ain’t just a this party is straightforward: term you find being loosely jovial, frisky tunes that hurled between EDM you’d normally bounce to go-tos and top 40 requests; in an al-fresco chill-zone, this nexus of cultures is a repositioned and tweaked hodgepodge of world music. for an intimate, indoor Kilowatt carries weight setting (yay, air-con!). in the scene, courtesy of Homegrown hero Aldrin tastemakers from Mexico takes charge with the (Gonzo), Greece (Kostas Present Purpose crew, Krep), Italy (Tuttapposto), and they recently even France (Rohdd), Portugal celebrated SICC’s (Little B*stard) and more, first anniversary in with an ‘anything goes’ smashing style! mentality that’s inclusive Soundtrack: Nu-disco, deep to all merrymakers, yet house, Balearic, indie dance exclusive to exotic tunage. Joint: Kyo Soundtrack: Afrobeat, Balkan, jazz, oldies, ska, facebook.com/ rockabilly, reggaeton singaporeislandcultureclub Joints: Gem Bar, Wonderbar, Artistry

KILOWATT SOUNDSYSTEM

facebook.com/ kilowattsoundsystem

SINGAPURA DUB CLUB POPS OF THE TOP Haven For Pre-Millennial Hipsters: We always care about the young folks, but we also look out for you indie veterans who prefer to bask in nostalgia while downing your ‘champagne supernovas’. Dynamite gal Ginette Chittick and ex-Poptart maestro Jinmart share your sentiments, hitting the Loof-top each month for an alternative dash down memory lane. As Ian Brown would call it, this dream team is the resurrection! Soundtrack: Brit-pop, post-punk, shoegaze, psychedelia Joint: Loof

loof.com.sg

One Rasta Bashment, Mon: The amorous spirit of reggae has long prospered in our tiny scene, thanks to flagbearers, Masia One and Dub Skank’in Hifi, so it made the utmost sense for these twin titans to unify their mutual calling. Romp like a rude boy to live Jamaicaninfluenced bands, and get your eagle on with deck selectas handpicked from the international reggae circuit. Membership is always open. Soundtrack: Reggae, dub, dancehall Joint: Artistry

facebook.com/ singapuradubclub

DROP SHOTS All About That Amen Break: More one-beat-to-rule-’emall than one-trick pony, the distinctive pattern of drum & bass is a welcome rattling along Haji Lane, rumbling stridently at blistering BPMs. Headed by DJ Nez – a staunch ambassador of the local d&b scene who once captained Home Club’s +65 series – Shots is a fairly new concept that’s propelled into turbo-mode with likeminded guests from Subvert HQ and Phyla. Soundtrack: Drum & bass, jungle Joint: KOI Bangers + Izakaya

facebook.com/dropshotsg

REGGAE IN A HIPSTER CAFE, ASIAN FUNK IN A BOUTIQUE HOTEL, OR D&B IN AN IZAKAYA; CULL YOUR PARTY PROCRASTINATION AND START 2015 AFRESH WITH THESE EXTRAORDINARY CONCEPTS FROM THE CLUB SCENE.

TIKO DISKO

SŌKO

Chronicles Of Chico & Tiko: Possibly the campiest jamboree we have on this list, this retro-themed gathering follows the mysterious friendship WE MOVE between Sir Chico Montagut Darker Than Wax Presents: and Tiko Disko (we know It’s mind-bogglingly inspiring it’s you, KiDG from Poptart) what this humble local label and their bizarro quest for has accomplished – over “jizz funk and jacuzzi soul”. 20k SoundCloud followers, A vintage vibe so thick you shout-outs from could imagine your gramps international music hubs raving in disco-purposed like Do Androids Dance, and spandex, this party will a roster stretching across smack you with a flashback the entire world. Yet DTW is of rare, groovilicious records. still very much based here, Soundtrack: Asian funk, and gallantly orchestrating sultry disco, adult-oriented soirees that showcase their rock eclectic creative vision. Join Joint: Wonderbar the DTW revolution! Don’t say we kept you in the dark. tikodisko.blogspot.sg Soundtrack: House, soul, trip-hop, trap, wonky Joints: 25 @ Circular Road, Chateaux

Wot Do U Call It…Garage: You don’t need to scurry through London’s underground to locate that quintessential UK sound. Fitly flourishing under the direction of DJ Benny Campbell with special guests in tow, lissome niche sounds like two-step and bassline can be found popping up all over the SYSTEM scene with frenzied ovations The Head Of William J: Just from both Brit-expat and a month ago, a Canvas local communities. And b-day bash was thrown remember to pronounce it for its Darker Than Waxright – it’s geh-ridge! affiliated resident, and they Soundtrack: UK garage, UK obviously love him long time funky, deep/vocal house ’cos Will’s now got his own Joints: Canvas Singapore, self-curated series to flaunt Life Is Beautiful, Bang Bang his eclectic array of clubjolters. And the lad’s got facebook.com/ darkerthanwax.com friends in high places too, UKGSingapore with Mumdance and Addison Groove spinning on System’s first two installments alone. Good on you, Will! Soundtrack: Grime, bass, juke Joint: Canvas Singapore

canvasvenue.sg

SUNDAY AT THE TRAINING SHED Gaiety For All Ages: Remember kids (unless you’ve naughtily procured a fake IC), no clubbing till you’re legal! Unless you’re talking about the monthly communal hideout that is SATTS. Lil’ tots are welcome to gambol around the decorated lawns, while adults can shoot some baskets as they’re side-stepping to some slickly-spun BGM. Surrounded by expressive graffiti murals and barbecued niblets, this sequestered fete makes a perfect recharge for the week ahead. Soundtrack: Soul, funk, Balearic, hip-hop, reggae, disco Joint: The Training Shed @ Labrador Park

sideshow.sg

Text Kevin Ho Images Various Sources

MECCA OF EDM

REPORT

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SUMMIT 2014

“Please take your seats” or “Lunch ends in 10 minutes” aren’t exactly earth-shattering pronouncements that’ll etch craters in EDM history, but they’ll forever leave an impression in our memory banks considering the orator of these otherwise trivial statements. “The original, the don” Pete Tong of BBC Radio 1 fame ceremoniously welcomed attendees to the Asia-Pacific debut of the IMS with his signature stirring voice, seven years after co-founding the EDM conference in Ibiza. Nestled within the swanky ambiences of W Singapore Sentosa Cove, IMS received 300 delegates from all around the region, resulting in a rare networking sesh between industry who’s whos as they shared ideas while trading namecards and buffet sushi. After Tong had everyone firmly settled down with authoritative aplomb, we bore witness to an illuminating sequence of keynotes and discussions arranged exclusively for this milestone event.

FIVE IMS MOMENTS THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION 1) WHERE TWO WORLDS MEET Hosted by the ever-charming Mr. Has, the panel discussion of ‘East Meets West’ saw a fluid discourse between regional and international acts. India’s Arjun Vagale and Thailand’s Celeste Siam expounded on the inflating EDM culture of the West back home, with Zouk resident Jeremy Boon affirming that the superclub was one of the first to incorporate house music in Asia. Damian Lazarus shed light on his cross-cultural collaborations with Pakistani Qawwali singers, and the NERVO twins stated that 25 per cent of their gigs in the last four years took place in Asia, and that they even plan to be based here! 2) DANCIN’ WITHOUT THE DRUGS Those were the doctor’s orders, according to Dr. Gino Yu, a HK-based expert on music and medicine. With much charismatic vitality and endearing black-humoured murmurs, Yu reinforced the suspicion of how drug culture in the West has partially deterred the full expansion of EDM in the East. He regarded this as a shame, in turn, highlighting the underlying health benefits and healing process of dance music. Beneath the suit and doctorate, we all suspected Yu was a hardcore raver-at-heart. Nice one, Doc.

3) “IF YOU’RE DOING THIS FOR MONEY, FOR GREED…YOU’RE A DUMB*SS.” Despite the explosion of EDM within Asia, that didn’t stop some Asian promoters from withholding their verbal jabs at industry punters. JC Ahn in particular, the International Director of South Korea’s VU ENT, was engagingly opinionated during his edifying rant. On ‘Galvanising The Region’, Ahn, together with qualified regional figures, expressed their gripes with “rich kids spoiling markets” and “fly-by night promoters who lack knowledge of the scene”. Also, Japan continues to struggle with the residual effects of J-pop, and the vulgar lyrical content of EDM songs (manager Emily Hou wittily described it as “put your hands up motherf*ckers”) puts China in a bind. It was a thought-provoking perspective, revealing that even the ripest of domains suffered setbacks of their own. 4) TONG INTERVIEWS ANGELLO Very much like watching a BBC Radio 1 podcast unfold right before our very eyes, Pete Tong sat Steve Angello down for a heart-to-heart before the latter’s ZoukOut showcase. You could feel the mutual reverence bouncing off the two of them as they chummily cracked jokes about

being “OCD control freaks”, and especially when Tong asked Angello “how big the cheque would have to be to get Swedish House Mafia back” – communal laughter ensued. The reunion-declining house icon also made the bold assertion that there was no point being a musician without challenging oneself. He even dissed lengthy hype-up processes and their irrelevance to the craft. “We’re supposed to make music,” he elaborated on dragged-out marketing, “It’s like announcing I’m having lunch”. 5) THE GODFATHER OF DANCE MUSIC IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC Everyone watched in stunned silence as trance legend Paul Oakenfold interviewed Zouk Owner, Lincoln Cheng. We were essentially watching two old friends reminisce about the past – celebrating X’mas of ’92, Cheng’s pesky nagging at Oakenfold during his pioneering Zouk sets, and even a comical incident involving Grace Jones that had Tong chipping in for a spontaneous catch-up. Oakenfold even expressed his concern when Zouk faced the crisis of going belly-up, one where Cheng cleared the air with utmost clarity. It was at this moment – this union of bigwigs – where you truly

Text Kevin Ho Images International Music Summit

sensed the outstanding influence of Zouk’s skipper, who was then, and deservedly so, prestigiously awarded with the IMS Pioneer Award. Ovations flooded the room, and all guests were subsequently ushered out for the post-IMS cocktail party at the hotel’s WOOBAR. We shook more hands and clinked glasses as the deep house soundtrack of Becky Tong cruised classily through the air, joined by Daddy Pete for some family bonding via four-on-the-floor. And as more scrumptious canapes rolled down our gullets, NERVO closed the conference with suave tech-house treats, paving the way for Oakenfold’s off-site set at Attica – which included a surprise drop-in by Steve Aoki! New partnerships, new perspectives, and a new frontier for EDM in the Asia-Pacific – it comes as no shocker that IMS 2015 has already been booked in Singapore for an extended two-day slot. The future of EDM is happening right at our doorstep.

internationalmusicsummit.com

CHAT

MAKING MAGIC WITH

DAMIAN LAZARUS

No doubt we all felt something when the London-raised founder of Crosstown Rebels sat meditatively on the International Music Summit panel, and again when he swept across ZoukOut with his spiritual house sorceries. But while most shamans and conjurers don’t reveal their secrets, Lazarus was absolutely obliging as we inquisitively picked at his bewitching mind. This conversation is no illusion. Having A Bulky Bag Of Tricks I can never get bored with my label, Crosstown Rebels. We were never doing all techno or all ‘EDM’, it was always solid underground music that can go off in various tangents. Because I allowed that to be the early root of this label, it enabled me to continually develop new sounds and new ideas. I don’t really give a sh*t about compromising towards mainstream sounds though [laughs]. Importing Techniques From Exotic Lands I’ve collaborated with The Ancient Moons, a Pakistani collective of musicians. The collaboration on “Lovers’ Eyes” obviously wasn’t easy, due to the language and cultural barriers. These guys weren’t exactly up on house and techno music, but I tried to explain to them that there was a strong connection between that and Sufi trance. I gave them the idea of wanting this song to be about the third eye – the aspect of being able to see beyond this dimension. And they came back with this idea of a simple love story between a boy and a girl, where four eyes become one. Establishing Connections With The Spirit World I try to involve many aspects of spirituality into my daily life. I think there is generally a bigger picture, and music enables us to reach certain goals that aren’t attainable in the real world. I am a believer that music can uplift the soul; I like to create moments for people to latch onto for the rest of their lives. Setting Up Elaborate Stages We developed a stage for Insomniac at the Electric Daisy events a couple of years ago, inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey. And that for me is one of the most important movies of this generation – the idea that a black monolith can interrupt the creation of mankind and evolution. But it was also interesting ’cos it was the first time we were asked as Crosstown Rebels to create a stage at an ‘EDM’ festival.

Employing Animal Assistants Oh I’m always talking about my cats and dogs, and my goats. No kidding; I do actually have four goats at the moment! I just bought a farm in Florence, Italy, and I’m making my life a lil’ more self-sufficient. I grow vegetables and rear chickens. Believing In Cosmic Realms Like 2001, I’d love to go through a wormhole! Reaching the other side, I’d like to meet myself in another dimension. I suspect that there is another Damian Lazarus knocking around, except he’s a more enlightened version of me, who’s experienced life without the toils and troubles of today’s world. I imagine in another dimension, there is a more peaceful and continual sunshine. Refusing To Solicit For Fans I see musicians who pay teams of social media companies to give them a bigger fanbase on Facebook, and I see promoters booking artistes based on the number of ‘likes’ that they have. Personally, I consider every person on my FB page to be a true fan, ’cos I haven’t gone out asking people to help me bring up my numbers. I think social media has become a very difficult anomaly in dance music. In the other dimension, everyone would be using mind control to tell people when to go to the parties. Owning A Limitless Choice Of Hats Oh I have many, many hats. I have a hat wall, and these walking sticks and umbrella stands that I hang my hats on. I’ve got numerous wizard hats, and even this big velvety one with a spike coming out of it. I love to wear hats as an extension of my mind.

damianlazarus.com

Text Kevin Ho Image & Interview courtesy of International Music Summit

IT’S ALL GONE

“Moving the needle”, “breaking music”, “funnel” theories – all riveting nuggets of conceptual lingo you’d expect to hear from the ‘Prime Minister Of Dance Music’ himself. We humbly absorbed all of Tong’s wisdom with gaped jaws and twinkling eyes, as the 40-year EDM veteran, BBC Radio 1 icon and host/co-founder of the International Music Summit offered his dignified perspective on the EDM industry, and then some. The Original Pioneer Of IMS We were thinking about getting good people without spending the budget to fly them in from all over the world, so we were looking at ZoukOut in Singapore as an obvious target ’cos there was a lot of talent coming through the area. And then obviously, it always did come back to Lincoln (Lincoln Cheng, owner of Zouk), a friend we’ve known for so long. The Don Of Being Adaptable You never know what to expect when you do a mid-week show around a conference. I kinda wasn’t really concentrating before my gig was arranged! But once I realised it was with Mark (Mark Brimblecombe, owner of Attica), I was confident it’d be fine. I was there later than I wanted to be for sure. And everyone that I came with left [laughs]; I don’t know how I ended up on my own!

The Legend Of BBC Radio 1 The one thing I’m very conscious about is having platforms that help ‘move the needle’ and introduce people to new music. To do that, consistency is a big thing. By being on BBC Radio 1 for 20 years, I’ve managed to do just that. That level of consistency means a respect that goes along with it, so I’m proud of that legacy. It cost me a lot of Friday nights [laughs]. The Master Of Marketing Theories If you’re gonna ‘move the needle’ and ‘break music’, you need to have an audience. The easiest thing to do is play Resident Advisor’s Top 100 – the ‘coolest’ underground music – but then you end up with no audience; no one’s listening. You gotta have as big an audience as possible (by playing ‘EDM’ anthems), so when you do play a new underground song, it kinda matters to somebody. I always describe it as a ‘funnel’; you gotta capture people with the big end of the funnel and drag them down to the small end.

PETE TONG

The King Of The Family Becky? I’ve never actually sat down with Becky (Pete’s DJ daughter) and told her that she’s gotta go in this business. It’s funny with her, ’cos she never wanted to be a DJ nor be in the industry. She just found herself having a natural affinity to it; guess you could say it’s in the blood! The Top Dog Of Professionalism The last five years have brought in more eyeballs, more audiences and more punters. When you really get into the ones who are more outspoken like Seth Troxler, well, everyone can have their opinion. I think Seth would still have a certain amount of respect for Guetta, Calvin and the Swedes. I’m quite conscious of that about EDM as well. You might not like “Wake Me Up”, but from an A&R perspective, it was a really clever record. So you might not play it or like it, but as a professional, you should go “Well Done”. Of course, some of it is really just crap copying someone else.

petetong.com

Text Kevin Ho Image & Interview courtesy of International Music Summit

CHAT

The Boss Who’s Seen It All From the late ’80s, dance music was popular in England with the rave scene and acid house. It was the first time the phrase ‘superstar DJ’ was used, and record sales were bigger than today, not counting downloads. This UK influence radiated through Europe – Holland, France and Germany – but in America it was always in fits and starts. Back in the day, it was predominantly associated with ‘black, gay, druggie’ and all of the stuff that mainstream America would’ve been freaked out about, which is why it never grew there. That’s where the English came along, took over it, and invented club culture.

CHAT

ROYAL BLOOD

Joining the two-man leagues of The Black Keys and Death From Above 1979 are these two garage-rocking Brits, sounding chunkier and more truculent than most full-sized bands with an innovative bass-and-drums combo. We turn down the amps a wee bit to catch up with percussionist, Ben Thatcher, who had plenty to say about their exaggerated escalation and Mike Kerr’s questionable cooking.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

First up, if you had the power of royalty, what would you do for the world? I don’t think any man should have that power, but I think I’d just be a good person! I’d be the best that I can. I could make people’s lives better.

Considering that you guys had actually been writing songs for a long time – a self-imposed cabin fever of sorts – do you feel that the public’s perception of the band’s swift rise has been blown out of proportion? The rise of Royal Blood has been very quick in public view, and I understand that. But what people don’t know is that Mike and I have been friends and writing music for the last 10 years. So when Royal Blood formed, we already had our base and knew what we wanted to do. It has been an absolute whirlwind during these couple of years, but obviously when you’re living this kinda life, it’s longer than people can imagine. So it did feel a little bit longer for us. And from what we’ve heard, that whirlwind also involves balancing a marriage! That must be crazy, Ben. It is very crazy! When I got married, I wasn’t on the road with Royal Blood. So being thrown into that Royal Blood world just after being married… I’m not gonna lie, it’s tough! But you have to play the cards that you’re dealt I guess. It’s definitely a challenge because you turn your relationship into a long-distance relationship. Pity! Your wife doesn’t follow you on tour? She comes for the odd gig every now and then. But she has a job and our families back at home, so she’s stuck there most of the time. We’re well aware of your impromptu first gig with Mike as Royal Blood, after a spontaneous encounter at the airport. But we’d like to ask instead, how was that first gig? It was very natural, messy, and spontaneous. We just turned up with the amps and drum kit, and we had written skeletons of song ideas and were just having fun really. Nothing more than that!

Do you know the secret behind Mike’s bass sound? Or would you have to kill us if you revealed it? [Laughs] He uses three amplifiers and runs it through a normal bass guitar with a few pedals. It’s very simple; it’s not too much. He’s clever in how he does it.

How did you guys feel when you didn’t win the Mercury Prize and lost it to Young Fathers? That must’ve been a bummer. To be honest, anyone could have won that prize! And we really had no expectations to win an award when we started writing music. Obviously, it’s great to win. But just to be nominated for the Mercury Prize was, for us, an absolute pleasure. We love the police-inspired video for “Figure It Out”. Have you ever had a run-in with the cops? I have never! I am actually quite a good, wellbehaved gentleman [chuckles]. We believe Mike also has a degree in chef hospitality. Does he ever cook for y’all on tour? Yeah, he likes to cook. But he doesn’t really do it on the road often. He just bought a blender though, so he’s been making smoothies in the mornings. But when he does have a kitchen available, what’s the best dish he’s ever served to you? Erm, I don’t know. In the past, he has always served me very odd things… Like what? He once force-fed me a deep fried egg. That hardly sounds bad! [Hesitates] No…I wasn’t too sure about it really.

Royal Blood unleashes the power of two at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, happening on January 24 at The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay. royalbloodband.com

Text Kevin Ho Image & Interview courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

BANKS

GRACE OF A GODDESS Banking On Coming Out Of Her Shell It’s such a crazy business; you give so much of yourself and it doesn’t even stop at the art that you make. It keeps going; it’s you as a person; your face is everywhere. I’m still learning to open up, but I think it has come a long way from when I felt like I lived in a box, hiding what I do as a musician. It’s an ongoing process; I’m still doing that. Banking On Collaborations It’s incredible that I’ve got to collaborate with so many talented producers like SOHN, Lil Silva and Shlohmo. There’s nothing better than when people connect with the music that you’ve created. So of course, working with people who inspire me is my favourite thing in the world. Banking On Versatility In Songs I think the production style totally depends on the song. It’s a lot about the mood you create, along with the lyrics. Some songs even have a soul and heartbeat that make it completely pure. Songs like “You Should Know Where I’m Coming From” needed to be really stripped-back and bare, and vulnerable and raw. And for something like “And I Drove You Crazy”, I wanted it to be a bit more production-heavy, same with “Drowning”. Banking On Childhood Memories Since we’re on the topic of “Drowning”, though I don’t swim that much anymore, I was actually a good swimmer when I was younger! I was even on the swim team when I was 10. I think I won baby medals. It wasn’t anything serious. Banking On The Familiarity Of Home It’s weird when you’re gone so much and then you come back and nothing has changed, but yourself. So when I do come home, I try to get fresh flowers and things that feel alive, just because sometimes you can feel far away from your own home if you’re not there enough. I have this old keyboard that I still write on. But I miss it, being on tour so

much, and I actually haven’t touched it in a while. I think it’s in the closet somewhere… Banking On The Gift Of Giving I think – if I had a million dollars – I would probably buy some houses for people in my life. I would buy this woman who helped raise me a house, and I would buy my mum a house. My sister and dad would also get houses. I would buy everybody houses [laughs]. Banking On Rare Opportunities To Pamper Herself It’s actually so funny, ’cos I was just talking about this with my friend. I don’t actually buy anything! I really should go shopping [laughs]. I should go shopping after I get off this call and buy myself something delicious. I guess when you’re doing what you love, and you’re travelling and missing your family and home, sometimes buying is not really what I’m focused on. I’d rather be doing something else. Banking On Voice-Restoring Medicine I was probably really sick two to three weeks ago on tour, and though I would never cancel a show, I was close to then because I could barely talk. So during that period, I just loaded up on the most throat-numbing medicine and got through it [laughs]. Banking On Being A Goddess I think being a Goddess is being human. So I am a Goddess, but I also sometimes feel shy. And I think Goddesses feel shy and strong sometimes, and confident and fearful, and weak and strong, and aggressive and quiet, and every single thing you could feel. I think the fact that I’m shy and evasive sometimes makes me a Goddess.

Banks sheds some divine intervention at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, happening on January 24 at The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay. hernameisbanks.com

Text Kevin Ho Image & Interview courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

CHAT

Far from an act of God – or Goddess more like it – the mounting accomplishments of this alt-r&b songstress have been no accident, not to say that it didn’t come without trials and tribulations. Soft-spoken and elusive, the Californian crooner took a while before fully opening up to us, but what a sweetheart she was when she finally did! You can bet on it; we’re bowing down to Banks.

FAIR IN LOVE & WAR

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LILY ALLEN

Musical celebrities come in all shapes and sizes, age restrictions and language filters. Being one pottymouth of a pop rebel herself, the London lass has given the proverbial finger to the industry standard of success with her aloof songwriting and controversial run-ins with trigger-happy press. We’ve decided to take things a bit more responsibly however, by presenting an authentic portrayal of Allen with nary a punch or F-bomb. “Hello, is this Brownie? We were told this was Allen’s assistant, Brownie,” we called in casually, expecting to dawdle through yet another layer of top-security red tape. Allen was now a ‘popstar’ after all, a high-profile anti-hero who could get away with ripping references from Gaga, Rihanna and Kanye. So imagine our momentary jolt when a sprightly, albeit mildly breathless, Allen answered our call. Having just finished a photoshoot and awaiting other dial-ins from international press, it did explain the slight sense of urgency in her voice. You always could pick up the tiniest of emotions from Allen’s tone; it’s what makes her stand out amongst female icons despite possessing neither diva-esque range nor dynamism. “Before every show,” she revealed, “I do two hours of vocal warm-ups; my voice is one of the things I care the most about. A certain thing I think of when I come off stage is whether my voice was as good as it could’ve possibly been. So it’s something that I’m constantly working on I guess!”. We hear all the hard work Lily, in your charming nuances and vibratos. Another cherished aspect that Allen makes up for her limits in powerhouse vocalising is her scathing honesty in songwriting. Other pop peers aside, Allen’s lyrically unsheathed her blade against misogyny in the industry, her then-lazy baby brother Alfie Allen (now a GOT star though!) and Internet trolls who cower under the blanket of anonymity while posting hateful comments. “I don’t read all those comments really,” uttered Allen on her issue-addressing single, “URL Badman”, “I only care about what my real fans think of my performance, my, music, my voice and my band. Apart from that, I really don’t care about what any of them think!” Call us a monkey’s uncle if that’s not a healthy mentality to adopt in this haters-gonna-hate era; we could tell why the plethora of love for Allen grows stronger each day.

“Do you intend on concealing the racy content of your songs from your two kids though?” we asked with concern (heads-up mums and dads if you’re bringing your young’uns to her show). “Well I sing my songs because I wanna be honest,” she responded, “So if my kids were to grow up and start understanding these things, I don’t intend on hiding anything from them. But obviously right now, being only two and three, they don’t know what they mean and that’s quite alright!”. We probed further if she was just as sheltered growing up, a presumption that she curtly laughed off. “No, I wasn’t shy at all! I was actually a sports scholar in school; I loved hockey and netball,” she clarified with a cheeky tint of pride, “And I guess I was like how I am now, quite naughty!”. But just because Allen isn’t hesitant about protecting her daughters from the truths of adulthood, doesn’t mean that she won’t bare her fangs against prying paparazzi – a pestering consequence of her UK fame. “The paparazzi’s not annoying because I understand that’s how it works and that’s what people wanna read about,” she groaned, “But it is incredibly annoying when my children are around. Quite often, people are respectful when I tell them not to take any photos when I’m with my babies. And if they’re not willing to listen, then I don’t really mind whether they like me or not!”. We assure her that Singaporean media isn’t as unethically intrusive, to which she gave an approving chuckle. “I’ve only passed through the airport a lot, but Singapore does sound like a beautiful place!” she chirped. We can only speculate, but we’re pretty sure she was smiling.

Lily Allen shows us she’s Sheezus on February 2 at The Star Theatre. For more information, visit lushington.com. lilyallenmusic.com

Text Kevin Ho Image & Interview courtesy of Live Nation Lushington

CHAT

WIDE AWAKE

The halcyon productions of Scott Hansen reflect a consciousness that doesn’t soundvery conscious at all – somnambulant dream-pop instrumentals that flit beyond the domain of sheep-counting. Yet these guitar-garlanded structures are hung from Hansen’s active imagination, and he’s been dreaming big for over 10 years. We seep beneath the Tycho alias to learn more about the SG-bound idealist, for a conversation you don’t have to pinch yourself to believe.

TYCHO

Hi Scott! We actually featured you a couple of months back for your tracks on the video game, Hohokum. Do you fiddle with games much? I spent a little too much time on video games earlier in my life, so these days I try to limit things a bit. I did recently get a new console though, and that’s been a nice distraction. That game’s pretty surreal ’cos it involves the visiting of numerous exotic worlds. Any parts of the globe that have blown your mind? Tokyo is always a fascinating place. I think that would have to be my favorite place outside of the U.S.. When you’re making songs in the studio, which comes first? The chords and musical foundation? Or the imagery that you have in your head? Usually a simple melody, either on the guitar or keyboard. I then flesh things out with bass and drums. Speaking of imagery, is the process of creating the visuals for your compositions more complex than the music itself? And what challenges or limitations do you encounter with visuals? The music is definitely more complex. I’ve always been a visual artist so that part comes easier to me. The biggest limitation has been computer hardware resources; video work can be painstaking as the amount of data being processed can really slow things down. We couldn’t help but notice how Awake was only eight tracks long, short by most albums’ standards… Yeah, we had eight songs we felt strongly about and it just felt right. I wanted to keep things focused and concise without any fillers.

10 years to reach. Did you ever feel frustrated in the starting years of your career? I’ve never been frustrated with my progress as a musician because I’ve never really considered myself one; I just feel very lucky to be able to spend the majority of my time learning this discipline. I can be very impatient with some things, but when it comes to work I’ve always applied a sort of brick-by-brick mentality – impatience comes while making a single brick, but eventually, a house is built. You also partake in photography under the alias ISO50. What inspires your photographic endeavours? I love landscape photography. I’m most moved by natural beauty and so I’m always trying to capture it. The cartoon world has also been rather kind to you these past few years, particularly Toonami. Did you grow up on a lot of action-packed cartoons? Yeah mostly G.I. Joe and all that when I was young. It has been great to see animation grow up in the past decade; Adult Swim has produced some of my favourite shows. There’s a Singaporean slang-word we like to use called ‘Tai Ko’, which loosely means to nail something effectively by accident. Have there been any career milestones that you’ve regarded as accidental successes? [Laughs] That’s pretty good. I think all success, particularly in music, can be attributed partly to luck. But I’m a firm believer that you make your own luck in a way; you have to be in the right place and be prepared when luck comes or it’s of little use.

“Apogee” sticks out as one of our favourites. Are astronomy and sci-fi culture big things for you? Not so much sci-fi, but yes, astronomy and astrophysics have always been interesting subjects to me.

And lastly, we read that you like fixing things. If there’s one thing in your life that you could repair or fix, what would it be? That list is too long for this space.

Awake also arguably marks the pinnacle of your success so far, an achievement that took nearly

Tycho takes us dreaming on January 15 at Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall. For more information, visit facebook.com/ secretsoundsasia. tychomusic.com

Text Kevin Ho Image & Interview courtesy of Secret Sounds Asia

MOSCOW

global CITY soundscapes CITY LISTENS THE JELOW An indie-rock quintet fronted by female powerhouse Dashoo Frederiksen, the English-singing outfit unleashes a potent blend of choppy guitars, dancey drums, and regal trumpet hooks – resulting in a Killers-meets-Go! Team kinda delivery. And we even hear some snippets of ska in there! Say “Hello” to Jelow.

MUJUICE It’s not just his name that’s caught our attention (for obvious reasons); this DIY producer has blurred the lines between electronica, downtempo, and neo-classical with layers of pianos, strings, and winds. Keep an eye out for Roma Litvinov; there’s magic in the making with this one.

HEINEKEN DIGS DEEP INTO THE BOROUGHS AND METROPOLISES OF THE WORLD, INTRODUCING THE NATIVE SOUNDS OF THEIR STREETS AND SCENES. EXPAND YOUR PLAYLIST, ONE CITY AT A TIME.

MOSCOW IN SOVIET RUSSIA…

You need a pinch of Perestroika – that’s restructuring for you – to your flawed impressions if you think Russia-made music comprises just collectives of awkward old policemen singing “Get Lucky” and eight-bit Tetris tunes. Russia is after all the birthplace of the great-great-grandfathers of classical music, including Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, so you bet their descendants and future generations learnt a thing or two! We plunge resolutely into its capital of Moscow to show you the music culture beyond its Red Squares and Kremlins, one that’s brimming with indie-rock bands, electronica producers, and EDM DJs. Forward, march!

BOBINA

PRESENTING: THE HENDERSON PROJECT

Here’s perhaps Moscow’s answer to Tiësto and Above & Beyond. This trance DJ is so in demand right now, that he’s not only landed collaborations with Andrew Rayel and remixed for Krewella; his single “Refuge” was even voted #1 on Ferry Corsten’s radio show. DJ pose up!

Launched by the Present Purpose kakis, The Henderson Project is a double-bill installation that transforms Henderson Industrial Park into a peppy playground of music, spoken word, art and film, over two distinctive evenings.

DZA How can you resist anyone who serves up a tune based on Bravest Warriors’ Catbug? A producer and founder of Moscow’s party-running How2make Crew, Sasha Dza’s artistically recognised for his gritty trap, flurrying footwork, and synth-sweeping electronica – while paying homage to all that we love ’bout old-school video games.

HEINEKEN SPOTLIGHTS

We know you just can’t get enough of Depeche Mode, so swing by on February 6 for the debut screening of the new-wave band’s documentary, Our Hobby Is Depeche Mode , with an after-party soundtrack curated by DJs Aldrin and KFC.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised , raising fists on February 13, offers a synthesis of poetry and music from UK’s Lazy Habits, and supporting songsmiths Michaela Therese, Benjamin Kheng and ShiGGa Shay.

The Henderson Project takes off on February 6 and 13 at 203 Henderson Road, #02-01 Henderson Industrial Park. Visit our Facebook page to win free passes.

A SUBLIME MIND

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THE FIELD

Much like a rural meadow or a rolling plain, the instrumental symphonies of Stockholm’s Axel Willner can stretch on forever, and we’re barely overstating things. Dauntless amalgams of minimal techno, ambient and IDM, Willner’s audial journeys have extended beyond the 15-minute mark, with never a dull, barren second in between. Ahead of his debut live set at Super 0 Openair this month, we loop ourselves into a chinwag with the virtuoso behind The Field.

Hi Axel. ‘Minimalism’ is one word that’s used plenty when describing your sound. Aside from music, what are some things you wish you could see less of in your life? Less of poorly-made produce and industries like meat farms. Your tracks are not short to say the least! What is the decisive factor when it comes to finishing up a composition? Is it simply a case of saturating all possible ideas that you can derive from a loop? Not all of the ideas, but some, and to put them on repeat until you reach another state of mind. We read up on your theory on how a loop can make your mind hear things that weren’t perceived before. Would you regard yourself as someone with more sensitive hearing, or perhaps, a very lively imagination? I think in that case, it’s more of an imaginative thing. That’s probably just how the brain works. If the sound gets a bit ‘boring’, then it makes up good things. Your tracks are like journeys, with the ability to take listeners from one place to another. Yet you’ve mentioned getting writer’s block when you’re on the road. How would you reconcile these two observations? Being out and playing steals a lot of creativity from The Field but not from music-making in general; I always have something else going on. For every record since 2007’s From Here We Go Sublime, I’ve been taking breaks from touring when it was time to start making an album. To move to another place, like a country or town, is just very inspiring! You’ve recorded both with a band and as a solo artiste. Isn’t it tricky to record music this introverted with the conflicting perspectives of others? No, I found it very exciting. As I made all the sketches before and had somewhat of an idea where the tracks would go already in my mind, it was special to see a lot of them going in

Text Kevin Ho Image ANTI- Interview courtesy of Aligned Agency

other directions that I had not planned. The key to that was just to be very open to everything and just to go with it. You’ve once expressed that you don’t feel anything for dance music that plays in clubs. Does that still ring true? Not even a tapping of the toes? [Laughs] Sometimes of course…but that depends on the mood. But most of the time when I’m out – which is rare – I hardly get into it. You’re well-known for your sampling of traditional pop songs. Any thoughts about the pop scene of today? The pop scene today is not too exciting at the moment, but of course there’ll always be an artiste or a track that catches my attention. But the general climate of the pop world lately is really quite boring. You released material from your drone sideproject, Hands, earlier this year. Is that an experiment you wish to continually pursue? I hope so! We´ll have to wait and see, and this is exactly what I was talking about earlier. I always try to stay busy with other things on the side of The Field. And what about your horror film-inspired band Black Fog? Unfortunately, that has been put on hold as the rest are living in Stockholm and I haven’t been there for a while now. Who are some of your favourite horror film characters? My favourite, and one of the scariest, is Regan in The Exorcist. Can we expect a follow-up to Cupid’s Head anytime soon? And also, have you ever had your heart broken, Axel? Yes I’m planning to do some recordings next year! And yes, many times…

The Field plays at Super 0 Openair, happening on January 17 at 24 Turnhouse Road. garmonbozia.se

Kay e No one knows sound like those who make a living outta it. So to test the capabilities of the latest X-mini™ CLEAR custom 2.1 audio system, we dropped by the studio of Kaye, the stalwart co-founder of local label Darker Than Wax.

CRYSTAL CLEAR PRODUCTION A grouchy cat sulks at us at the door, before scampering away with gradually inaudible growls. A shirtless Kaye urges us to ignore her rudeness, welcoming us into his snug home studio. A juxtaposition interweaves between the playful Lego constructions scattered throughout, and the professionalism of Maschine controllers and Roland drum machines on Kaye’s sleek work desk. “A home studio is perfect,” Kaye clarifies, “These days, everything is done in a ‘box’. It’s all very minimal, and a bedroom is more than enough for that”. We hand him the X-mini CLEAR as he syncs it wirelessly with his Ableton software, and watch him fiddle with samples and knobs while taking the speakers for a spin. Putting his DTW tee back on, Kaye looped the groovy house track he’d made on the spot, and shared his thoughts about the X-mini CLEAR.

R E ASO N S W H Y KAYE LOV E S T H E X - MI N I C L E A R

1) It’s Not All About Dat Bass The clarity is definitely there. And what I actually like about it is the fact that it’s not overly biased on the bass. When I listen from most other speakers, one big issue I have is that I only hear bass and nothing else! That’s how the CLEAR fits in a nice place amongst all these products because it’s very different that way; it’s more balanced. And from what I hear, the frequency response is also quite even. It’s got an even sound – clean lows, mids and highs. 2) It Makes An Optimal Reference Tool For Production I think a very good reason for having a CLEAR in the studio is because while we simply rely on proper studio monitors, sound engineers always need to do an A/B comparison for reference. In the old days, they used to compare it with sh*tty speakers. After they do their mix and make a copy, they’d sometimes play it in a car stereo, just

to hear how it sounds on a normal entry-level system. But something like the CLEAR is replacing all that. It makes a great reference tool for producers and engineers. With the CLEAR, you get to hear how your audience would be potentially listening to the music. 3) It’s Aesthetically Pleasing To The Eye Personally, I don’t usually buy a product ’cos it’s pretty. It’s gotta be functional first and foremost. But if it’s butt-ugly I’ll think twice, and the CLEAR is far from butt-ugly [laughs]. I like its clean look; it’s not trying to do too much for its own good. I also think the lighting feature would be great if you’re having a private party or even a picnic. Visual feedback is always great ’cos it helps to brighten up the mood rather than street lamps and what not. That’s definitely a nice touch to have.

4) It’s Easily Portable Without Compromising On Panned Sound I would definitely bring the CLEAR along with me, especially when I wanna do production on-the-go. I’m also a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to speaker systems. If you give me one small thing that produces sound from one speaker, I won’t like it. It’s good that the CLEAR is a 2.1, so I have a left and a right. Obviously, I don’t get that perfect triangular listening space as in the studio, but I can hear panning! 5) It Does Away With Annoying Wires I hate wires! As organised as I can be with wires, I still hate it ’cos everything gets everywhere. One gadget can have four cables coming out of it and you have seven gadgets sometimes. You don’t even need wires with the Bluetooth function of the CLEAR!

x-mini.com darkerthanwax.com .

BIPPITY BOPPITY BOOM MIDNIGHT FACES

So many heroes to shadow, so many genres to choose from – that’s the incredible yet inconvenient conundrum that vexes the baby steps of any budding band. To ride on the momentum of synth-supported electronica, or #throwback to the undying appeal of Madchester’s Joy Div-esque post-punk? The Cali duo of vocalist Philip Stancil and multi-instrumentalist Matthew Doty has opted for both, along with borrowed elements from funk and dream-pop. But don’t mistake their fickle unpredictability for a laziness to commit; in fact, it’s exactly what makes Midnight Faces tick.

FOCUS ARTISTE

Their melange of influences traces back to Doty’s religious folks, who brought up the composer-to-be in a consecrated environment of Christian bands, an upbringing he eventually outgrew for a post-rock project with Father John Misty, Saxon Shore. Together with Stancil’s raspy light-footed vocals – imagine a cleaner Bryan Adams with the mug of a cleaned-up Kid Rock – they’ve already released two underrated full-lengths that have unabashedly showed off their jumbled aesthetic, with tonal tributes to the likes of The Cure, Wild Nothing and The Radio Dept. Midnight Faces has audaciously executed another 450-degree headspin once more, with their latest crackerjack of a tune, “Donna”. Revealing a sprightly, minimal arrangement with fortes found in a melodious bass loop and a hasty, filtered drumtrack, “Donna” would undoubtedly convince newbie listeners to reach a similar conclusion: that Midnight Faces is 2015’s answer to The Drums – hip-hip-hooray for surf-pop revivalism. But we’re wiser than to merely pigeonhole these norm-challenging lads into any glass slipper of a genre; their ball looks to rock on even beyond the stroke of midnight.

midnightfaces.com

NOT QUITE POST-PUNK EITHER Fresh Rebellious Acts That Bend The Formula

EX-CULT

Ever wondered what post-punk sounded like ‘pre-post’? Unleashing a sound dubbed by critics as ‘proto-punk from the ’70s’, these Memphis ruffians could scare the pocket change outta any Mohawk-sporting bully with their noisier torrents of guitar-driven chaos. It’s no surprise they come from a hardcore background! excult.tumblr.com

DEATHCATS

Gritty textures tend to be expected of any post-punk deviant, but these are some filthy kitties that really could use a shower. With the magic of pedals, these Scots have processed a sound so condensed that it’d make shoegaze slouchers look up. deathcats.bandcamp.com

MOURN

Post-punk ain’t all about skippity compositions, and these Spanish natives are asserting it with tantrums of belligerence. Cacophonous fusillades of clawing chords are paired with wails and screeches, echoing the aggressive alt-rock archetypes of PJ Harvey and Sleater-Kinney. ohmourn.bandcamp.com

Text Kevin Ho Images Various Sources

RAT BOY

Transpose as this Essex-based teenager may, we’ll recognise a Joy Division bassline anywhere! Despite ripping off “She’s Lost Control” on smashing single, “Sportswear”, this sneaky one-man-band blends post-punk relics with the crippling deftness of glitchy e-beats. soundcloud.com/ratboyratboy

PRESS PLAY ALBUMS

MODEST MOUSE STRANGERS TO OURSELVES

Quit floating on fellas; we’ve waited long enough! It’s been a restless eight years since these indie-rockers dropped a full-length with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, but they’re finally breaking the silence with more of Isaac Brock’s deranged yelps and the band’s zestful grooves that are never estranged from our expectations. modestmouse.com

One of jangle-pop’s hidden gems from Down Under, this quartet breezes in with a third album that sounds very much excavated from your big bro’s record stash. Guitars twang away while wistfully glazed with a smokey old-school filter, and vocals glimmer like sunshine with heartwarming harmonies. soundcloud.com/dickdiver

FUTURE BROWN FUTURE BROWN

“Everything is better when it’s a bit grubby and broken” – a grimly optimistic perspective when coming to terms with a perpetually unhappy lifestyle. Ratworld is the product of such wishful thinking from Ryan Needham and Liza Violet, translating their negativities into catharses of fuzz-pop and noise-rock. soundcloud.com/menacebeach

Like and share away; this is one ‘FB’ that’s rippling across the Interwebz with their mish-mash of underground star-power. A production supergroup consisting of Fatima Al Qadiri, Nguzunguzu and J-Cush, this Warp-endorsed rat-pack fuses grime, hip-hop, r&b and other bassy fiddlings on their debut album. soundcloud.com/future-brown

MARK RONSON UPTOWN SPECIAL

BRODINSKI BRAVA

That funk revival ain’t over, son! Hot on the heels of the trend revitalised by Nile Rodgers and Daft Punk, the hip-hop DJ is bringing the boogie back with flashback-focused guests like HudMo, Simian Mobile Disco, Kevin Parker and soul legend Stevie Wonder. markronson.co.uk

Albums from DJs are as rare as the records they stash, so don’t mind us flipping out over the debut LP of the Bromance bawse. Surfacing from the behind-the-scenes coxswaining of his Parisian label that pushes Gesaffelstein and Louisahhh!!!, Brodinski exposes a gamut of hip-hop, trap and techno with unsurpassable French flair. brodinski.net

THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT DOPE MACHINES

We’ll still forgive you for initially mistaking these Californians for an Arcade Fire rip-off; their moniker and violin-enhanced baroque-rock don’t help. Intent on not repeating that inadvertent folly, their fourth record reveals a contrasting coat of vintage-y synth-pop, DIY-produced by screeching frontman, Mikel Jollett. theairbornetoxicevent.com

CHROMATICS DEAR TOMMY

Radiating Italo-stylised tones using gizmos from the analogue age, 2012’s Kill For Love was a quixotic follow-up to the neo-noir film Drive, with its synth-oozing soundtrack controversially stolen from Chromatics composer, Johnny Jewel. There is, however, no love lost in this congruent 17-track monolith, set to melt hearts on Valentine’s Day. facebook.com/chromaticsband

TRACKS

JONNY TELAFONE “THE PRAYER”

Pushing the abysmal boundaries of the dark-wave genre, the ghostly reverb on this Melbourne musician’s voice is so thick, it’s pretty much suffocating.

PLEASURE STATE “GHOST IN THE SYSTEM”

This dream team between Lee Foss, Anabel Englund and MK is legit! Englund’s evocative vocals paired with a bass-bumbling tech-house beat.

PETITE NOIR “CHESS”

Singing with the timbres of Wild Beasts and TV On The Radio, South Africa’s Yannick Ilunga lugs the symphony from twitchy electronica to stadium rock greatness.

Text Kevin Ho Images Various Sources

TALL TALL TREES “PICTURE PICTURE”

Ah, we get all the Kishi Bashi references now. This folktronica wizard has manifested one fidgety orchestration with a love for loops, classical elements and cherubic falsettos.

RENE AMESZ “CITY STREETS”

In the same vein as other hyper-frenzied house-makers like Duck Sauce, Rotterdam’s Rene Amesz blends the electro-house tradition of swell-drop-swell with candy-shelled synthwork.

TUNAGE

DICK DIVER MELBOURNE, FLORIDA

MENACE BEACH RATWORLD

ESSENTIALS

“I need to inhabit every bit of lyric, or else I can’t bring the song to you – or else they’re just words.” – Jeff Buckley

BROKEN HALLELUJAH JEFF BUCKLEY

Like Mercury, Cobain and Shakur, Buckley’s was a defining legacy that vanished way too fast. On June 4, 1997, the singer-songwriter’s body was found drifting lifelessly along the Mississippi. We were never graced with that sophomore album, we never sang along live to “Last Goodbye” with that celestial voice of his, we never nabbed a chance to ask him about influencing Radiohead and Rufus Wainwright. “D*mn you Jeff for leaving us prematurely,” cursed the voice of a generation. At the time of his unforeseen demise, Buckley was survived by his pianist/cellist mother, who’d taught young Jeffrey how to harmonise during their drives to school. The memory of his father however, was not as warm and fuzzy. Tim Buckley – himself an established musician – abandoned the family when Jeffrey was just six months old, and overdosed two months after a rare Easter reunion. Uninvited to the funeral, an exasperated Buckley tackled his skeletons by covering a song of his departed old man’s. It was called “I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain”. It had been written for Jeffrey.

Brutal, excruciating honesty was never a lyrical quandary of Buckley’s. In his only album, Grace, Buckley references drug use in confronting tattered relationships (“Mojo Pin”) and even his own ‘fictionalised’ death in the title track. And unless you have a heart of stone, you’ve definitely cried at least once to his sacrosanct rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Simplistic in execution, potent in emotional gravitas – it’s no wonder Buckley’s a hero to singer-songwriters everywhere. Buckley knew very well this gift he’d been blessed with. He’d even missed the intimate Manhattan open-mic circuit that had sharpened him, eventually forgoing the sold-out world tours that avalanched from his asphyxiating success. If he were alive, who knows? We might’ve caught him strumming meekly in the comfort of some hipster coffee bar. Only heaven gets that privilege now. Perhaps his dad’s in the audience.

jeffbuckley.com

FIVE BUCKLEY BITS

Buckley was so adaptable as an open-mic musician, he once transposed a song to ‘match’ the hums and whirrs of a nearby dishwasher. Even our ears aren’t that sharp!

Despite having plastered his weathered ‘rockstar’ visage on his Grace LP — a sleeve that smitten fans still swoon over – Buckley had never acknowledged his steamy looks. He actually thought he looked geeky.

Buckley grew up in Southern Cali before he began scouring the Manhattan gig circuit. Enduring the nomadic upbringing with his mum, he regarded himself as “rootless trailer trash”.

Text Kevin Ho Image Various Sources

Alt-rock and gospel-pop weren’t Buckley’s only musical expressions. Before his solo career took off, he’d been touring with bands delving in jazz, dancehall and even heavy metal.

There was also a rumour that Buckley had been in a saucy affair with Courtney Love, who went on to write a Hole song about him and Kurt Cobain. We prefer being on the fence with this.

SMOOTH SAILING

alex metric

IT’S THE SHIP

Like hung-over zombies the next day, we lumbered through the ship’s promenades and restaurants for free meals, before plonking ourselves on deck chairs and unwinding to the Balearic/nu-disco selections from Alex Metric and Aeroplane. And taking cue from the dipping yolky sunset, we slid down to Deck Two’s indoor stage for the ‘venomous’ electro of SBCR (The Bloody Beetroots), and discovered techno firecracker Louisahhh!!! playing a secret set in a video arcade! But no amount of buttonmashing and move-busting could rival the trancey ecstasy of Dash Berlin – that had us floating on both Cloud Nine and the sea. basement jaxx

Come our last day, we were determinedly adamant on making it count! Our highlights (the ones we can soberly recall) include Major Lazer’s Jillionaire and his tropical blend of dancehall and future house, turntablist DJ Craze and his agile deck tricks, and Chvrches, offering a chiaroscuro to the DJ-dominant line-up with a live synth-poppy showcase. And don’t pay heed to the haters, we’ll admit that even former adult-film star Sasha Grey held her own with industrytrendy tunes. A well-oiled maritime fiesta all in all, Livescape Asia’s debut homage to Holy Ship! was by no means a sinker, and we’ll be saying “Aye aye, Cap’n” to the next one.

crookers

dj craze

dash berlin

sasha grey

sick individuals

lil jon

Text Kevin Ho Images All Is Amazing

REPORT

jillionaire

There’s something enchantingly comforting about scooting off to sea for four nights, especially when that voyage promises an incessant blitzkrieg of EDM. As soon as the Royal Caribbean cruise liner lifted its anchors, the initial rumbling of our departing vessel amalgamated with the trembling bassy kicks of SG-based electro-house duo Rave Republic and Malaysian trap vixens Twinkies. Spinning across separate stages that overlooked pools and hot tubs (’cos jacuzzis and jiving are a match made in heaven), the legion of regional talent had us drunken sailors psyched for Day One’s headliners – the carnival house of Basement Jaxx, followed by more electro-twisted haymakers from Crookers.

“Land Ahoy!” we exclaimed as the ship began docking at Langkawi. We appreciated the flexible ‘OTOT’ policy, so we caught a siesta while reminiscing about that sinful pyjama party we’d crashed the night before. A chartered bus awaited us as we awoke, taking us to fluffy sands, watersports activities and yet more reasons to get intoxicated. Malaysia’s H3 kept us sizzling with dubstep and Moombahton drops, and we concomitantly barked “WHUT!” and “YEAH!” to more trappish shenanigans from Lil Jon. And by dinnertime, we were back onboard and heartily refilled our engines for more trance and house marathons from Sick Individuals and Aly & Fila. Phew.

chvrches

richie hawtin

FIRST LIGHT FOUND REPORT

ZOUKOUT 2014

dannic

above & beyond

nicky romero

Recuperating in bed within a quilt-wrapped cocoon, or gulping down energy drinks by the gallons; most partygoers would ideally charge up for the delirious ZoukOut weekend at Siloso Beach. With the International Music Summit (see page 16) freshly wrapped up however, we were denied the privilege of such idle pre-ZoukOut rituals; effectively leaving us saddling one shindig after the other. But when did that ever stop us from raving? We live for that ZoukOut buzz! DAY ONE, 9:03PM MANY STARS. MUCH MOON. WOW. Vouching for the effectiveness of caffeine + alcohol + sleep-deprived high, we pranced like maniacs to the underground-focused Star Stage where our very own Debbie Chia spun a set of techno and dub. A sonic boom bellowed from the Moon Stage on the further side of the shore, tugging us towards Dannic’s debut set like puppets in motion. This substantially larger area was dedicated to the heavyweight acts with their weaponry of big beats and drops, and we were off to a swell first impression with the Hardwell protege on-deck. DAY ONE, 11:47PM NEVER TOO EARLY FOR TRANCE! Squirming out of the sea of revellers, we flicked sand in our stride while soaking in the ZoukOut fringe experience of carnival characters and VIP booths. Just a stone’s throw away from the big-room house anthems of W&W at Moon, we were momentarily hypnotised by Magda’s dusky techy set at Star, before eventually floating back for rapturous shots from trance kings, Above & Beyond. Inspirational, albeit slightly cheesy, captions flickered across the massive LED screens as the returning titans played hits like “Blue Sky Action”, driving the spellbound crowd wild even without the splendour of sunrise.

steve aoki

DAY ONE, 2:08AM A MINIMALISTIC GAMBLE We love our apocalyptic pyro and confetti storms – recurrent visual highlights that accompanied the prog-house deluge of Nicky Romero – but sometimes, the smaller-scale showcases resonate the loudest. A noteworthy feature of the Star Stage was how it made you feel like you were in a warehouse; an enclosed and safeguarded haven with a ‘roof’ of wiry star fixtures and night sky. Loco Dice made us feel at home within his chamber of minimalistic house and tech-house – scant on the melodies, hefty on the beats, all nourishing on the feels. DAY ONE, 4:12AM LET THERE BE CAKE To the fortunate fan who had the thrown-cake treatment courtesy of Steve Aoki, we hope you managed to wipe the cream outta your ears! As predicted, the electro-house juggernaut turned the Moon arena into an asylum, unleashing trolling tunes like The Lion King’s “Circle Of Life”, and even tossing poor defenceless Romero into the audience onboard an inflatable raft. Richie Hawtin on the other hand, was a no-nonsense display of upbeat techno at Star, closing ZoukOut’s first night a lil’ over 5am. Phew.

maya jane coles

DAY TWO, 8:56PM CAN’T DO WITHOUT LOCAL We found ourselves back at Siloso Beach after freshening up the next day, feeling triumphantly proud for more local warm-up sets from KFC, Mr. Has and Aldrin. Contrary to previous years that sheltered homegrown DJs within a shrunk zone separated from the main action, our boys had the well-deserved honour of playing the big stages just like all the other international guests, such as Mano Le Tough, who touched our soft spot with a sensual deep house delivery. DAY TWO, 1:10AM OF AMISH AND ANIMALS Damian Lazarus boarded the Star Stage after Mano’s profound debut, channelling ‘amish party shaman’ with his hat-and-beard appearance. He even gave his house selections an exotic edge with his Qawwali-sung track, “Lovers’ Eyes” – perfect for the cooling, tropical ZoukOut climate. With spiritual vibes in tow, we drifted back to Moon for back-to-back electro-house assaults from the Showtek brothers and wonderboy Martin Garrix, the latter clearly a crowd favourite as we gathered from all the shrieking girls. Remember ladies, he’s only 18. DAY TWO, 3:37AM HOOT HOOT HOORAY An outdoor extravaganza like ZoukOut gives the Zouk team leeway to pull out all the stops with stage design. For house leading lady Maya Jane Coles – whose set serendipitously coincided with ZoukOut’s fireworks parade – that meant

an immersive visual cavalcade of hallucinatory psychedelia, including titanic owl animations in line with her famous bird-shaped tattoo. While in Steve Angello’s case, it meant literally setting the stage on fire with inferno spurts and more drizzling pyrotechnics. A genuine mosh-pleaser with Swedish House Mafia-affiliated classics like “Reload” and “Save The World”, Angello ended on a high with the Dougy Mandagi-featured single, “Wasted Love”, reminding everyone that he can be just as phenomenal as a solo act. DAY TWO, 6:18AM FIRST LIGHT After tumbling through more techno with Dubfire at Star, we yearned hungrily for more low-end indulgences. So thank goodness for Skrillex! Another Singaporean debut, the established bass-hero wrecked the Moon floor with blasts of trap and, you guessed it, dubstep. Over at Star however, Siberian beaut Nina Kraviz captivated uncompromisingly with a vortex of minimal techno, contrasting Skrillex’s lunacy with a mellower barrage of her own. Whichever your preference, both provided optimal soundtracks for the rewarding ZoukOut sunrise – a cosmic high-five to all 50,000 carousers in attendance. We just hope you survived long enough to see it; ’cos there ain’t nothing like it.

martin garrix

Text Kevin Ho Images Zouk Management

nina kraviz

skrillex

steve angello

SPAM THAT SUGAR

PICK :

IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

FLASH: MUSIC

Less creepy Disneyland ride from hell, more palatable symphonia from this international rat-pack called Cairobi. Despite being previously known as Vadoinmessico – meaning “I’m Off To Mexico” – only one member of this cosmopolitan quintet is Mexican, with other bandmates hailing from England, Italy and Austria. The fusion of influences culminates in tribal psychedelia, with bongo-like percussions tapping beneath swirls of guitars, and vocals that channel a tropical-tinted Panda Bear. soundcloud.com/cairobi

It’s no secret that we’re a sucker for wonky and its fondness for eight-bit synths and trap-influenced beats. So what happens when you inject wonky into pop? You get a sugary high intrepidly personified by Hannah Diamond — dubbed the First Lady of the quirky PC Music label that’s fostered acts like SOPHIE and Thy Slaughter. Simply imagine a saturation of chip-tuned hyperactivity and electronic mirth, with cuteness capable of rivalling any anime idol. soundcloud.com/hannahdiamond

Interpol tweet their ordeal of having their tour bus stuck in a snowstorm for over 50 hours, surviving on chips and vodka.

WAS RICHIE HAWTIN’S MONITOR-SHOVING SCANDAL AN ACCIDENT? Snapping shots and Insta-vids of DJs has become socially acceptable, but jeez, know when to stop will ya? One pesky fangirl didn’t, which drove the ZoukOut performer to ‘nudge’ a monitor towards her line of vision. What he didn’t intend – according to his remorseful public statement – was for the monitor to tumble haphazardly onto the unsuspecting (and uninjured) lady. We obviously don’t condone Hawtin’s impulses, mishap or not, but do remember to give DJs some space too!

NOT TAKING B.S. FROM N.S. Singaporean dudes aren’t the only ones who suffer two years of shaven heads and jungle-crawling, Iranian fellas have it rough too. Despite being an insurmountable roadblock to Habischman and his touring dreams – a likely prospect since graduating from Red Bull Music Academy in 2008 – the 28-year-old has beaten the odds with tech-housey willpower, excavating inspiration outta conscripted despair to construct singles fitted with cushioned kicks and minimalistic hooks. That we can salute! soundcloud.com/habischman

WATCH

MAC DEMARCO AMBUSHED ON THE ERIC ANDRÉ SHOW

For once, the psych-popper’s tomfooleries aren’t of his own making! While nonchalantly performing on the Adult Swim series, DeMarco gets brutally interrupted by a pack of ninjas with kendo sticks and err…posterior-related torture devices, all with the sidesplitting wackiness of those Japanese game shows.

THE LATE DJ RASHAD CREATES JUKE TRACK IN 10 MINUTES

We felt sentimental when Teklife’s DJ Spinn laid out the footwork at Canvas a few weeks ago, so we almost teared when this unearthed video of Rashad surfaced online. It’s more than just a beat-the-clock challenge; you’re catching a rare glimpse of a genius in action! RIP.

PAUL MCCARTNEY GOES TO SPACE

In video game reality, that is. Gamers are aware of the Beatle’s musical contribution to the OST of sci-fi shooter, Destiny, but this grandiosely campy vid really sums it up! Awe (or cringe) at a holographic McCartney serenading inanimate CG soldiers on alien planets.

AZEALIA BANKS WANTS TO STOP HAVING BEEF WITH EVERYONE Says the notorious poo-stirrer who’s held countless grudges with figures in the industry. In one year alone, she’s called Lily Allen’s husband ugly and A$AP Rocky gay, wanted to punch “the ugly one” from Disclosure, and even dissed The Stone Roses by referring to them as “old saggy white n*ggas”. We don’t know if karmic cleansing actually works, but Banks has since insisted that she’s “hanging up her fighting gloves”. Truth or hogwash? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

DEER IN SPOTLIGHTS They’re only a year old, yet critics are already referring to Grand Vapids as the next Deerhunter. They’re both Georgian and share the same producer, and they both tweak indie-rock’s ‘guitar music’ formulae by implementing ambient, drone and flakes of electronica. And like Deerhunter’s co-vocal combo of Bradford Cox and Lockett Pundt (Lotus Plaza), the Vapids too parry mic-duties between two capable and pensive singers who wax lyrical about kilns and aubades. grandvapids.com

DJs Mat Zo, Duke Dumont and ZHU; producers Aphex Twin and Röyksopp; bands Little Dragon, Alt-J and Arcade Fire – all up for Grammys this year.

DYNAMO FROM DOWN UNDER

OUTKAST REUNION WASN’T AS MUTUAL AS FANS HOPED FOR We’re sorry Ms. Jackson (woooo…), but it might take another several years before Big Boi and André 3000 officially rekindle their hip-hop union. Revealing the bitter news to, of all people, Nicolas Jaar, for an interview with The Fader, Dré was apprehensive about their >40-show reunion tour as he “felt like a sell-out”, but needed the moolah to support his family. Well that explains his controversial “SOLD”-embellished jumpsuits. Money talks, people.

PICK :

FINDING MEANING Guitar sample on last Death Grips’ album revealed to have been played by actor, Robert Pattinson. Good catch, FKA Twigs!

You’re asking for a Google nightmare with a moniker like Several Definitions, but that didn’t hamper us in doing our digging on this Swiss sensation. A secret weapon that Hot Since 82 ain’t hesitant to show off through his Knee Deep In Sound imprint, this solo producer generates tech-house beats that chisel with prickly hi-hats, while crafting melodies with globular basslines and airy sweeping synths – marking a nascent transition still discernibly tethered to his prior deep house dabblings. soundcloud.com/several-definitions

Text Kevin Ho Images Various Sources

FLASH: MUSIC

This rapping songstress could’ve been anything in life, having been an academic prodigy who jumped school grades as effortlessly as her strides in the industry. Yet at 18, Tkay Maidza chose to chase her arduous dream, and she’s already received comparisons with emcees, M.I.A. and Azealia Banks. Going beyond hip-hop, the Zimbabwe-born spitfire busts her rhymes amidst grime and UK garage instrumentals, engaging the trendy assistance of producers like Paces and Bok Bok. tkaymaidza.com

REVERB IN REVERSE BY DEBBIE CHIA

NOW TRENDING, FESTIVALS.

A new year, new beginnings…a new column? I write this, still woozy from a two-day ZoukOut excursion, with an insidious virus warning me to slow down and know my limits. I am already all festival-ed out before the year of the festivals has even begun. The word is out: 2015 will be the year of mass gatherings. From as early as January, we can expect festivals such as Super 0, Laneway, Future Music Festival Asia, Freqender, Illumi Nation and a new music and arts festival from Zouk – just to name the more music-centric ones – all to be held under the aegis of our nation’s grand big 50th birthday.

SOUNDS

On one hand, it’s heartening to see festival culture finally take off and deemed viable here, after witnessing several spectacular failed attempts. On the other hand, on this cut-throat island where only the fittest survive, fortune seems to favour those who truly understand the music market from the ground up, and have created brand equity from scratch.

FAITH IN STRANGERS ANDY STOTT (MODERN LOVE)

An aural mist enters the room, dolourous fog horns resonating from a faraway place come through, and you stir. A woman calls to you, inchoate, an appellation from the spirit world, then sudden booming basslines bomb you to wakefulness. The former’s “Time Away” and the latter’s “Violence”; shards of brillance from Andy Stott. Along with the siren (and former piano teacher), Alison Skidmore, the Manchester producer shreds through his early roots of dub and techno, taking their entrails to make moody tonal compositions that lug, lull and also, startle.

For the punters and the content providers, I dare say, party on.

From staging vendors to DJs, there will be more than enough jobs to go around, while for the music lover and party animal, relentless options to be at and be seen at. It seems like festivals tick all the right boxes for the Singapore dollar’s fickle want of the thematic, the limited once-only pop-up experience, plus the bells and whistles that say “not your regular night”. In terms of the music itself, there are always new micro-trends and genres to spot, bubbling up from the underground. Tropical beats, outsider house, the revival of EBM and ambient, and so on seem to be the heat of the moment. But the problem with chasing trends is that you are always exactly that: one step behind. And that when you are busy chasing the next big thing, you kind of miss the one that is being created right now. I won’t lie. As a person in the music industry, you have to keep yourself on-trend. You have to have your head above water in terms of knowing what’s going on and who’s doing what – not just locally but internationally. This is how you learn to adjust and readjust your positioning to stay relevant and in the game. However, as an artiste (and entertainer), I beg to play a different tune. I am all game for incorporating new sounds into my DJ sets, adding a splash of new and finding threads between the then and now. It’s a way to stay current yet not getting carried away by one. But I would also prefer to take the opinion that not only do trends come and go, they also come around in cycles. And if as a creator of things you are able to stick to what you are working on long and hard enough, the trend-hunters will some day come back again to scoop you right up. In any case, that is what I plan on doing this year. Working on music production, building electronics, pushing programmed glass water bottles and so on. Boring stuff really, nothing anyone would want to call out on as the next trend.

HOM E E VE RYWHE RE MEDICINE

(CAPTURED TRACKS)

Anal retentive, ordered folks will have an epileptic fit when listening to Home Everywhere. It’s messy and bedraggled: vocals are muffled, bleeps and bloops phasing in and out, guitars and drums entangling by happenstance. But this is exactly what shoegazey, industrial noise-pop sounds like, and hey, who else is doing this odd sh*t nowadays? Medicine reformed after two decades, and as a follow-up to last year’s To The Happy Few, it is a colourful haemorrhage that will even swamp ’n’ trump the younger bands.

PICKS OF THE CLARK Clark

(WARP) An eponymous seventh album after 13 years, Chris Clark’s latest is an incandescent reminder of why he is one of techno’s underappreciated geniuses. Be it the industrial “Winter Linn”, or the frittering fracas, “Banjo”, segueing into the odd dubby-thump of “Snowbird”, it’s 13 tracks of harsh, coruscating IDM.

BROKE WITH EXPENSIVE TASTE Azealia Banks

(PROSPECT PARK) The songs, the vids, the fashion shoots, the rap beefs, the label disputes: all boxes ticked for Azealia Banks to make a splash...two years ago. The hype’s dissipated, her debut’s finally birthed, and it’s an oddity — an eclectic showcase of Banks’ spitting and singing, across a gamut of house, indie-rock and bass music.

FLATLAND Objekt

(PAN) Hybridise an architect, a graphic designer and an electronic and information engineer (which he is) to make music and you get TJ Hertz AKA Objekt. Slicing and dicing, he dismantles mainstream electronic music so as to splice it back together as complex, slick constructs — cerebral club music for both body and mind.

RUN THE JEWELS 2

Run the Jewels

(MASS APPEAL) Jay Z and Kanye be watching that throne, ‘cos Killer Mike and El-P ain’t no prissy “N*ggas In Paris”, they’re brothers-inarms in dystopian USA. Their second team-up rope-binds old-school rap to new-school hip-hop, so fiery and tight that when “Oh My Darling Don’t Cry” steamrolls into “Blockbuster Night Part 1”, you just hafta give it up.

XEN

Arca

(MUTE) Whisk Rustie, Actress and Aphex Twin together – Venezuelan-born Alejandro Ghersi emerges as Arca, making a left-field IDM album named after his boy-girl alter-ego, Xen. Tense and tensile, sharp and blissed-out, it’s tough listening music that has even made FKA Twigs, Kanye West and Björk stand at attention.

MONEY SUCKS, FRIENDS RULE

Dillon Francis

(MAD DECENT) The party album of 2015 has arrived; the major label debut of Dillon Francis is so smacked up with moombahton, trap and everything but the kitchen sink, it induces migraines. Francis is Calvin Harris + Skrillex + Steve Aoki rolled into a singular monstrosity, one aiming for the basest of intentions – ringing registers.

RUINS

Grouper

(KRANKY) How bold, how bare-bones and beautiful: Liz Harris’ latest is a document of winter, an intimate portrait of the artiste as alone and lonely, and as she says, “living in the remains of love”. Recorded during a 2011 arts residency in Portugal, it features only her and a piano in a seemingly empty room; Ruins simply devastates.

ALONE FOR THE FIRST TIME Ryan Hemsworth

(LAST GANG) Culling underground sounds on a global scale from the intimacy of the bedroom – this is the modus operandi of Ryan Hemsworth. A quieter sophomore to his flashier, dancier debut, it encases collaborative pearls of assured, intimate synth works, the shiniest being the Kotomi and Doss collaboration, “Surrounded”.

Text Chris Ong Ujine Images Various Sources

POM POM Ariel Pink

(4AD) Get past the silly and kitschy pastiche nature of Ariel Pink’s work, and this 17-song album is a hamper of surf pop, lo-fi rock and ’70s soft rock. It zips (the catchy single, “Put Your Number In My Phone”) and it zaps, (the wiggy-cartoony “Dinosaur Carebears”), with Pink making sure to bend taste to his idiosyncratic pleasure.

HAERTS Haerts

(COLUMBIA) Haerts is a synth-pop band that occupies a front-passenger seat in the rally of bands (Haim, Chvrches, etc) embroiled in the current popularity race to emulate ’80s pop-rock. Front passenger because as earnest as Nini Fabi sounds, the songs are easy-listening in the most homely apple-pie way: warm, a little cloying, and never tart enough.

THE INEVITABLE END Röyksopp

(INTERSCOPE) Röyksopp says bye-bye...to the traditional album format; this is the duo’s final run at an album. Like them hard? Then head for “Monument” (featuring long-time collaborator, Robyn). Prefer them fluffy? Then “You Know I Have To Go” is it. And if you want them house-ing it, “Running To The Sea” is their game ender.

SEEDS

TV On The Radio

(HARVEST) With the passing of bassist Gerard Smith in 2011, what would TV On The Radio sound like now? Less funky, cleaned up, and perhaps a dialing-down towards accessibility by virtue of the fact that between loss and resolution is territory marked by uncertainty and compromise. In that, they triumph just by moving on.

BASTILLE

FRIDAY JANUARY 9 AT THE COLISEUM Erupting like the volcano that flattened Pompeii – well, minus the death and destruction – these Brit indie-poppers came outta nowhere with the chart-topping anthem that goes “EH/ EH OH/ EH OH”. Helmed by model-material dreamboat Dan Smith, Bastille also recently released a mixtape featuring contributing musicians like Haim, MNEK, GRADES and Angel Haze – ’cos everyone wants to be friends with Bastille! nowlive.sg

RESIDENT ADVISOR PRESENTS: MIDLAND B2B PAUL WOOLFORD SATURDAY JANUARY 10 AT KYO

SPIN

Judging from all the international support RA has pampered Kyo with, it was only a matter of time before the underground publication curated a gig of its own in the basement! Midland returns following his galvanising deep/tech-house EP, Duster, and collabs with Bicep, while Woolford makes his Singapore debut as he divulges some ‘erotic disclosure’ through decade-seasoned house and techno. Two industry-shapers back-to-back, we’re dying to see how this pans out! clubkyo.com

UJIKAJI PRESENTS: KATSURA YAMAUCHI, SZKIEVE, BALBALAB 38

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14 AT ARTISTRY

Those experimental cats behind Ujikaji Records are at it again, blending music and art with out-of-the-box showcases and releases for Awk Wah and The Observatory. Ujikaji bends realities yet again with an international selection – Japanese saxophonist Yamauchi-san and his avant-garde improv techniques, and Canada’s Szkieve who induces audial hypnosis with ambient droning. And if you can stomach all that, stick around for local collective BALBALAB and their electro-acoustic antics. ujikaji.net

CROSSING SEAS FEAT. ELEPHANT GYM, NAO, SPHAERAS TUESDAY JANUARY 20 AT BLU JAZ CAFE

Just how well do you know your math? And we’re not simply talking about your arithmetic and algebra! Ditching times-tables for erratic time signatures, these regional bands have been solving the equation of math-rock through disparate interpretations. Malaysia’s NAO adds elements of punk and psychedelia into the formula, Baybeats ’14 darlings Sphaeras summons firepower with post- and prog-rock variants, and you’ll even hear traces of bossa nova from Taiwan’s Elephant Gym. facebook.com/livepod

THE SOUND OF THE FIFTEENTH SEASON TOUR WITH SVEN VÄTH FRIDAY JANUARY 23 AT ZOUK

Bounce back to our previous issue and you’ll find a sentimental Essentials piece on Papa Sven about his Ibiza upbringing and his prodigious contributions to the German techno and tech-trance scene. So call it a twist of fate when the Cocoon label boss decided to drop down in promotion of his reputable annual series, integrating tracks from Moderat, Roman Flügel and Kölsch. It’s also his first gig here since hitting the big five-o! zoukclub.com

CHIODOS

GIGS WE DIG

THE BRONX FEAT. MIX MASTER MIKE SATURDAY JANUARY 17 AT CANVAS SINGAPORE To those of you still body movin’ and shaking your rump despite the passing of Adam Yauch, this is perhaps the closest you’re gonna get to a Beastie Boys tribute. Arguably the fourth Musketeer of the hysterical hip-hop unit – who’s promised to keep it on the down low in memoriam of Yauch – Mike’s always been the Beasties’ heart and soul with his staggering transitions and turntablism shenanigans. canvasvenue.sg

SUNDAY JANUARY 25 AT TAB Last year, fans hesitated to call the post-hardcore band’s bluff when they released their fourth album, Devil, on April Fools’ Day, for its assuring return of vocalist Craig Owens and drummer Derrick Frost was a promise too good to be true. But there’s no mistaking those screamo-strengthened yowls and battering percussions; this is a Chiodos that’s destructively back on-form and they want all you moshers to know it. upsurgeproductions.com

RE:GROOVE FEAT. DJ LADY FLIC SATURDAY JANUARY 25 AT KU DÉ TA

The seashore vibes of Potato Head Bali literally go sky high this month, as the Beach Club’s music director, DJ Lady Flic, swoops by for a set that’ll have you swinging through the skyline (not literally). Pose and carouse with scene elites, while cruising across the floor with nu-disco, Balearic, funkified soul and other tropical sprees that’ll make this party as ballin’ as Bali. kudeta.com

PARA//EL PRESENTS HOT SINCE 82

FRIDAY JANUARY 30 AT VELVET UNDERGROUND – DANCE

SLOW MAGIC

SUNDAY JANUARY 18 AT LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN & BAR Since we stumbled upon this foxy enigma’s chill-wave productions late last year, we’ve been meaning to unmask the mystery behind his brilliance. So thanks Moonbeats Asia (another new contender in town) for indulging our curiosities! We’ve stalked this adroit producer on YouTube, where he trumps the showmanship of bedroom producers a-many by mixing live drumming with technological abundance. Think a spacey Wicked Aura! facebook.com/moonbeatsasia

Talk about hardcore fanbases; Daley Padley’s devotees willingly got themselves blindfolded and kidnapped last year, after which they were escorted to a secret London locale for a private rave. (Un)fortunately in strict SG, that mad concept’s not gonna fly here, but we will be ‘trapped’ with Padley nonetheless with his housey reworks of Green Velvet and Rudimental, and the ’90s-hued club choon, “Somebody Everybody”. zoukclub.com

Text Kevin Ho Images Various Sources

FASHION SPACE TRIBE We’ve gotten a glimpse into the future of fashion and it’s looking unconventionally perfect – complete with lacquered headgear and holographic textiles. Turbo Yulia, a Russian-based label, is propelling itself forward with an avant-garde Fall/Winter collection that’s bright, bold and flamboyant. Inspired by a digital universe, Yulia incorporates her futuristic vision through the use of colours, shimmer, patterns, shapes and prints on jackets, pullovers and accessories. A visual explosion fit for the modern-day cosmic ranger, the syrupy-hued collection is just what we need to take on the new year with aplomb.

Text Liyana Meer Image Turbo Yulia

STORE-Y TELLIN’ BERLIN HOSPITAL

FEATURE

DARKLANDS

One part modern, two parts mystery – Darklands is a nomadic menswear pop-up store that uproots itself to a new location every 18 months or so. The reason for the constant moving? To consistently remain fresh for its customers. The latest incarnation, Darklands 4.0, housed in the Heidestrasse art gallery area, showcases the best of monochrome avant-garde threads – featuring new local designers and established names like Damir Doma, Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, and more. It’s been said that even Monsieur Karl Lagerfeld does his shopping at this guerilla store too. Well, if its good for the Kaiser, it is surely good for us.

Epitomising the style and energy of Belgian fashion, Hospital is a mix of urban and luxury fashion. Set in a cavernous space with seven-metre-high ceilings, the building used to contain the horse stables of the prestigious hippodrome complex in Antwerp. Belgian designers from Puresang, a creative design agency, used patterned tiles, raw brick walls, wooden tiles and reclaimed decorative glass panels to exude the industrial vibe for the space. The duplex store stocks a mix of luxe and street labels like D&G, Marc Jacobs and Paul & Joe, and also houses a courtyard restaurant and luxurious fashion-themed bedrooms, just in case you need a quick snooze to recharge after a long day of shopping.

FROM NEW YORK TO PARIS, VIA MILAN AND ALL THE OTHER FASHION CAPITALS IN BETWEEN, THE WORLD IS AWASH WITH EXCITING CONCEPT STORES. BREAKING THE MOULD WITH A RENEGADE FASHION SPIRIT BUILT ON ALL THINGS QUIRKY AND UNORTHODOX, WE’VE UNCOVERED SOME UNCONVENTIONAL HAVENS THAT ARE BRIMMING WITH FABULOUS MERCHANDISE AND COMPELLING RETAIL CONCEPTS. YOU KNOW THE DRILL – TIME TO BOOKMARK THIS PAGE FOR FUTURE SHOPPING REFERENCE.

BELGIUM HAPPY SHOP

If there’s one store in the world that everyone wants to have close to home, it’s the Happy Shop. A beacon of brightness amidst all the urban grit in the city, the cheery pavilion is a flexible retail and exhibition space that’s rigged to feel like a theatre set with its fly system. Racks, mannequins and objects are suspended from the ceilings, resulting in a configurable space that allows the transformation from shop to exhibition area, and back again. The men’s and women’s clothing and accessories store features an eclectic assortment with international designers such as Yohji Yamamoto and cult French label Kitsuné, as well as made-inBerlin sunglasses brand Mykita.

The original hipster stomping ground, RA is a striking boutique that stands head and shoulders above most. The reason: it’s a space that serves as a platform of support for emerging artists in Antwerp. The brainchild of two ex-Royal Fashion Academy students, the store comprises fashion retail, a bustling cafe and restaurant, an art gallery, and a curated bookstore. The building is dressed with installations by local and international artists, and the fashion retail floor is home to over 60 pret-a-porter labels, including bespoke fashion and accessories designers. Now this is the kind of place you never leave empty-handed.

CZECH REPUBLIC

HARD DE CORE

BOHO

Describing itself as the “non-boutique boutique” because of its unconventional use of retail space and unique product offerings, Boho, once a pop-up concept, has since become a permanent store in Vršovice, a cool pocket in Prague. The concept store stocks an eclectic mix of vintage apparels, fashion and interior decor accessories and its own in-house threads. Every week, Boho holds events and theme parties in addition to restaurant pop-ups and underground DJ sets, which is attended by cool folks in the art and fashion scene. Think of it as the hippest block party in town.

A vibrant space that inspires energetic confidence, the store’s fun interior speaks volumes of its unique offerings – products that you needn’t go elsewhere for. Hard De Core is a shop gallery and experimental showroom that showcases and proudly represents the works of the country’s independent designers and artists. Offering a thoughtful selection of clothing and home furnishing items, this indie-boutique conducts workshops hosted by its featured designers on the reg too.

RUSSIA KUZNETSKY MOST 20

Kuznetsky Most 20, or KM20, is every bit as fascinating as its name suggests. Located in a 19th century mansion in Moscow, the multi-label boutique is more than just a fashion store trying to be different. Aiming to cultivate a creative community that encourages interaction and conversation, ping-pong tables and video games are on the ready for patrons to have a go, and the space also serves as a gallery for artistic collaborations. Featuring an extensive mix of new and established brands like Acne, Hussein Chalayan and many more, KM20 has delighted many Muscovites and tourists alike.

Text Liyana Meer Images Various Resources

DEPST

Heavily inspired by the concept of an online-curated space, Depst holds a special place in the hearts of the Russian creative community – thanks to a curation of products that are hand-made and produced by local and international designers. Aside from operating a physical store, Depst also runs an online marketplace where people can buy and sell their wares (think Carousell) in a jiffy. Both the online and brick-and-mortar stores offer a diverse selection of clothes, home decor, furniture and toys, as well as eco-friendly products and limited edition contemporary art books.

A FUTURE IN

F A S H IO N

If you find yourself poring through glossy magazines, sketching clothes and accessories in your notebooks, or religiously tuning in to runway shows during the Fashion Week season, then you might want to consider a career in the great, big world of fashion. Underneath that veil of glamour and beautiful imagery, fashion is more than just clothes. There are many other facets in the industry including fashion design, marketing, branding, retail, and management; and at MDIS School of Fashion & Design, you’ll be introduced to a whole new world of creativity and possibility. With fully-equipped facilities housed within the Fashion Studio, students will be trained by a pool of highly qualified academics and experienced

professionals – all of whom are dedicated to be at the forefront of education through unparalleled teaching excellence. Embark on one of the most promising and fulfilling careers and develop a voice that can influence contemporary culture. To meet with the demands of the global fashion industry, the MDIS School of Fashion & Design also offers a pre-degree diploma programme which provides a solid foundation to the undergraduate programmes together with world-renowned university partner, Nottingham Trent University, UK. You’ll be equipped with the best understanding of the fashion industry at MDIS and with the tools and skills you’ve mastered, you’ll be all set to dazzle and shine.

The Courses BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONS) FASHION MARKETING AND BRANDING (AWARDED BY NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY, UK) BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONS) FASHION DESIGN (AWARDED BY NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY, UK) Any one of these qualifications: Two GCE ‘A’ Level credits or equivalent, relevant diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing, other relevant diplomas from recognised polytechnics or other Private Education Institutions, or other qualifications from professional institutes may be considered; plus, a developed and comprehensive creative portfolio (for the Fashion Design course only).

DIPLOMA IN FASHION DESIGN AND MARKETING (AWARDED BY MDIS) GCE ‘N’ Level, GCE ‘O’ Level or GCE ‘A’ Level credits from any discipline; related ITE qualifications from NITEC, COS or NTC; or other equivalent qualifications awarded by recognised institutions can be considered. For more information, phone: 6247 9111 / 6372 1000 email: etc@mdis.edu.sg facebook.com/mdis.sfd mdis.edu.sg

Management Development Institute of Singapore Reg. No. 201001793H 20 May 2014 to 19 May 2018 A member of the Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE)

Shine Bright The fashion mill produces many brilliant designers year after year but judging from the creativity of the students from MDIS, you’re going to be in for a little shake-up. Ahead, two promising young designers that we’ve got our eyes on. Frank Foo

Blending tableware, textures and metals, Frank Foo looked to bowls and plates for inspiration behind his collection, aptly titled ‘Pottery and Porcelain’. The young creative chose glossy lycra for his garments and uses off-the-wall detailing that reflects his technical approach to design. How did your graduation collection come about? One day as I was tidying up after dinner, I was stacking different types of bowls and plates on top of each other and became inspired by the different layers. I then went on to do more research on master-designed tableware and learnt that every set of tableware is different, so I added in different elements that I liked into my collection.

How was it like producing your first collection? It was tiring but fun at the same time. I’ve learnt a lot from putting this collection together and I get motivated by my classmates who are always putting in their best in their work. I’ve managed to solve all the difficulties I’ve faced along the way on my own. How has the programme experience at MDIS been for you? The lecturers at MDIS are all experts. They teach us beyond our textbooks by letting us learn through practice and by going for on-site visits to galleries to seek inspiration. The class environment is relaxed and easy-going and I’ve learnt so much from my lecturers. The MDIS School of Fashion and Design also encourages its students to join competitions that expose us to the different aspects of the fashion industry.

Kelly Goh Kelly is a modern and inventive designer with a strong view of what the independent woman wants to wear – and that’s a good thing. Her collection is quiet yet utterly feminine, with roses being the main inspiration. Lots of satin and chiffon adorn her beautiful creations; putting a powerful spin on your typical cocktail and eveningwear. Who did you design this collection for? I envision my pieces to be on a pure and spiritual woman who’s innocent at heart yet fearless at the same time. How did the floral theme come to play in your collection? I was very inspired by the petals from flowers and their layering; their

shape and how they open and bloom naturally. There are countless species of flowers in the world but I decided to focus on one of the most beautiful flowers – roses. What were some of the challenges you faced when coming up with the collection? The main obstacle I faced was to individually hand-sew my pieces. 80 per cent of my garments are hand-sewn and it takes a lot of time and energy. Sometimes I lose my patience and ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” But at the end of the day, I realise that fashion design is exactly what I want and love to do and that hurdles are unavoidable in the design field.

FOCUS LABEL

SOLID SPECS

SEIKO PROSPEX When it comes to sports, or any thrill-seeking endeavour for that matter, it’s all about getting higher, better, faster, and stronger. The same can easily be said for Seiko’s unflagging spirit of innovation in its timepieces. Therefore it’s no surprise that the tenor of sportsmanship has inspired Seiko’s team of true watchmakers to create brand new technologies, functions and systems to serve the needs of staunch sports-heads worldwide. Since debuting its first diving watch in 1965, Seiko has been exceeding the expectations of athletes whose sports require hardy watches with professional specifications. With its new Diver’s and Aviation watches, the Prospex collection brings together all of Seiko’s niche expertise as a statement of this long tradition. PROSPEX KINETIC GMT DIVER’S Despite being designed with practicality and precision in mind, this timekeeper’s chunky, eye-catching bezel has a unique flair that oozes avant-garde vogue. A modernised and stylish update of the legendary 1975 model, the Kinetic GMT Diver’s offers unparalleled practicality and precision – with a 200m-water resistance and a dial designed solely with underwater legibility in mind. Nifty details like 3-D hour markers, an anti-reflective coating and the secure operation of the uni-directional bezel make it a hardy and sensible choice for diving enthusiasts. The practicality of design extends to the straps, which is available as a steel bracelet or an equally flexible silicon strap. Since the watch runs on kinetic technology – a no-battery-charge system – it promises environmental friendliness, high performance and long-lasting convenience to all professional divers and recreational users alike.

PROSPEX AVIATION SOLAR CHRONOGRAPH Most would agree that piloting a craft across the sky is no mean feat, and aviation watches require a whole different set of specifications suited to the task. The Prospex Aviation Solar Chronograph is another modern interpretation that sets the standard in solar aviation horology. In 1972, Seiko pioneered the trigonometric slide rule that allows complex calculations of distance, fuel consumption and speed during flight, while measuring elapsed time for up to 60 minutes in 1/5 second increments – displaying superior accuracy with the stopwatch function. Incorporating technology to suit its needs, the Aviation Solar Chronograph, like its name suggests, is powered by light alone and can last approximately six months on a full charge, promising complete reliability even in the most adverse conditions. Dressed with a stainless steel band with a three-fold clasp and button release, the gunmetal silhouette is a handsome ticker that’s perfect for pilots. No matter where the adventure calls — the depths of the sea, or the heights of the sky — trust that Seiko’s got you covered. Built to perform and outlast, the Prospex series doles out some serious watches for serious sports. If nothing else, take it as a bad*ss chunk of hardware you’d want attached to your wrist.

The Seiko Prospex collection is available at Seiko boutiques, including #01-03 VivoCity and #01-29 JEM.

Text Sziying Khoo Images Seiko

INTO THE DARK

FOR THOSE WHO PRAY While most living beings crave the warmth of the sun, Avigail Talmor is one individual who prefers to lurk in the dark. Born from the deep abyss of contemporary design, Talmor’s accessories label, For Those Who Pray, exudes an alluring neo-gothic charm through its range of compelling statement jewellery. Bold and raw with an artisanal approach to craftsmanship, Talmor employs unorthodox leather techniques to enhance its organic texture and highlight the character of the pieces – sexy, fearless, and mysterious all at once. There’s no doubt – Talmor was born with art in her blood. The Israeli creative has an impressive background and track record in design, media art and technology, and visual communication, and just recently added yet another accolade to her already-glowing resume. Having graduated with a MFA in Visual Arts in Utrecht University, Netherlands, she received a degree in jewellery design and began work as a multi-disciplinary designer soon after. Her visually striking portfolio is focused on incorporating

experimental materials like metals, brass, leather and more. Her latest collection, ‘Dark Matter’, features necklaces, chokers and bracelets that take on organic and geometric shapes with leather stitch accents, fringes and metals in black leather. By combining a variety of elements and materials like polymer-clay and brass coating, all the pieces in the collection lean on timeless aesthetics and great craftsmanship. Cleverly transforming raw materials into works of art, Talmor is a true visionary when it comes to conceptual fashion accessories. Each piece is developed with an artisanal approach and integrates a wide range of techniques and construction, resulting in dark, avant-garde accoutrements unlike any other.

facebook.com/pages/for-those-who-pray

Text Liyana Meer Images Michael Topyol Text Liyana Mee r Images Michael Topyol

45 focus label

FOCUS LABEL

M O V I N G E M BA RK ON T HE NE W Y E A R WIT H A F RE S H WAR D ROB E TO PPE D W I T H T HAT K I L L A ’T U D E .

PHOTOGRAPHY ALVELYN ALKO PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT JOAN LIM ART DIRECTION JAZMIN KELLY SIX STYLING LIYANA MEER MAKEUP MICH MAKEOVER USING MAKE UP FOR EVER HAIR DEN NG / TURNSTYLES HAIR DESIGN MODELS LILY F / UPFRONT & PATRICK B / AVE

F O R W A R D PATRICK WEARS PONCHO SUNDAYS AT THREADBARE & SQUIRREL COTTON OVERSIZED TEE MASH-UP AT SUPERSPACE DENIM JEANS PULL & BEAR SNEAKERS JEREMY SCOTT X ADIDAS AT LEFTFOOT ENTREPOT LILY WEARS FAUX FUR JACKET REVASSEUR AT SUPERSPACE COTTON CUT-OUT BRALET THE EDITOR’S MARKET FRINGE PLEATHER PANTS AWOL AT W.E. SNEAKERS CONVERSE CORD NECKLACE MANDY WU AT THREADBARE & SQUIRREL

FAUX LEATHER JACKET II MONKII COTTON TOP WITH FRINGE REVASSEUR AT SUPERSPACE SPANDEX LEGGINGS YESAH X TEETEEHEEHEE AT ACTUALLY BOOTS DR. MARTENS CHAIN NECKLACE W.E.

FAUX LEATHER VEST DESOUL COTTON OVERSIZED SHIRT DANIEL PALILLO AT SUPERSPACE JERSEY HAREM PANTS KTZ AT LEFTFOOT ENTREPOT SNEAKERS JEREMY SCOTT X ADIDAS ORIGINALS LEATHER BRACELET DEPRESSION

COTTON OVERSIZED TEE DANIEL PALILLO AT SUPERSPACE COTTON SHIRT (WORN UNDERNEATH) STUSSY JERSEY SHORTS LATCH AT ACTUALLY BOOTS DR. MARTENS CROWN CAP REVASSEUR AT SUPERSPACE

TRANSPARENT BLOUSE SOURCED AT THREADBARE & SQUIRREL COTTON TOP (WORN UNDERNEATH) MINKPINK AT LAUREN JASMINE COTTON CROPPED TOP (WORN UNDERNEATH) SKIRT YESAH X TEETEEHEEHEE AT MARKET ACTUALLY UNIF AT EDITOR’S SPANDEX LEGGINGS AT ACTUALLY MESH TOPJOYRICH STYLE NANDA AT I.T SNEAKERS REEBOKAT ATACTUALLY LIMITED EDT COTTON PENCIL SKIRT JOYRICH CORD NECKLACE TAIKENSONZAI AT THREADBARE & SQUIRREL PLATFORM SNEAKERS YRU AT PVS LEATHER BRACELET DEPRESSION NECKLACES & BANGLES FOREVER 21 & 77TH STREET NAME PLATED CUFF STUSSY RING FEMME X

givenchy fall/winter 2014

philosophy fall/winter 2014

WARDROBE

TOO COOL TO CARE

BLENDING IN IS THE NEW STANDING OUT AND THIS ANTI-STYLE TREND ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE. GET ACQUAINTED WITH NORMCORE – A COMBINATION OF THE WORDS ‘NORMAL’ AND ‘HARDCORE’, IT EMBRACES A PHILOSOPHY OF STYLE THAT FORGOES THE DISTRACTING BELLS AND WHISTLES OF FASHION. CONTRARY TO BECOMING A MINIMALIST, ADOPTING THE NORMCORE LOOK IS ALL ABOUT HONEST, EFFORTLESS DRESSING – WITH PREDOMINANTLY MONOCHROME HUES AND SUBTLE DETAILS THAT EXUDE INNER CONFIDENCE. Text & Coordination Liyana Meer

acetate sunglasses, poa, le specs at the wyld shop

polyester mesh top, $73.90, dorothy perkins

viscose skirt, $39.90, zara

chiffon playsuit, $159, izzue at i.t

faux leather blazer, $149, topshop

metal necklace, $29, aldo

polyester blouse, $239, izzue at i.t

quilted skirt, poa, alice & olivia

leather cross body bag, poa, kate spade saturday

metal necklace, poa, cos

leather may jane shoes, poa, dr. martens

faux leather and wool dress, $109, zara

leather & wool clutch, poa, maison martin margiela

leather shoes, poa, dr. martens

leather joggers, poa, zadig & voltaire

acetate sunglassses, ÂŁ116.67, illesteva at mrporter.com

stainless steel watch, poa, nixon

knit pullover, poa, sport b

cotton shirt, $179, izzue at i.t

leather cap, us$69.95, grencoscience.com,

leather & silver cuff, poa, bottega veneta cotton faux leather t-shirt, $45.90, zara

polyurethane studded belt, $17.90, pull & bear leather lanyard, poa, cos

cotton trousers, $239, izzue at i.t

cotton shorts, $49.90, uniqlo

wool hat, poa, topman

leather-look duffel bag, poa, calvin klein

canvas backpack, poa, herschel at tangs playlab

acetate sunglasses, $24, asos.com

brass ballchain necklace, $46, cheap monday at zalora.sg

leather blazer, poa, philosophy

polyester blouse, $79.90, h&m

cotton-blend jersey sweatshirt, poa, acne

In the spirit of a brand new year, we could all use a minor wardrobe cleanse. While colour trends may ebb and flow, creams and nudes are neutral shades that flatter most and pair well with just about anything.

polyester skirt, $69.90, zara crepe tapered pants, us$1450, chloe at net-a-porter.com

polyurethane wedges, $89.90, pull&bear

fur bag, poa, bimba y lola

Text & Coordination Liyana Meer

MICRO TREND

GOING NUDE

polyester ankle boots, $79.90, bershka

REPORT

LET IT RIP

RIP CURL MY BIKINI TOUR 2014

While Rip Curl’s My Bikini Tour 2014 sounds like little more than beach babes parading the latest in swimwear, the award-winning global tour stands for anything but. Celebrating the iconic surf brand’s core philosophy of taking new challenges head-on and to “live the search”, the event empowers women by breaking down social norms, allowing them to participate in a sport usually reserved for athletic men. So when we were asked to jet-set to Hua Hin, Thailand, to be part of the one-day South-East Asian milestone, we knew we were doing much more than simply tagging along; we were joining a family with 45 years of history on a mission to change the landscape of watersports.

Only two-and-a-half hours out of Bangkok, the scenic resort town of Hua Hin provided the perfect backdrop to the day of activities ahead. But there were no complaints of sand in flip-flops, as the colossal Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle lent its twisting and turning grounds to host the occasion. Almost immediately, the dolled-up participants made a beeline to surf the Flow Rider, a rushing wave pool that even professional surfers have difficulty conquering. With the aid of the gnarly, tattooed Asia Flow Tour 2014 winner O Silva Somdokkeaw (who made flow-riding look like a walk in the park as he kick-flipped above raging waters), the bikini babes quickly learnt the investment value in waterproof makeup; and that standing on a boogie board against the current was no easy feat. Though one by one they bit the dust, persistence got them there in the end, as each girl overcame the challenge and rode the waves like seasoned surfers. Having shown that they had no fear of speed, the girls then took on the fear of heights, roaring down a towering water slide to soak less-courageous bystanders below. To reward the brave girls for embracing the challenges (and the good times), two winners were chosen to extend the enjoyment by joining us back on home turf at ZoukOut 2014.

In the midst of the fun and excitement, Rip Curl continued the spirit of breaking down boundaries by unveiling the SearchGPS watch, a game-changing innovation for surfers to track every wave surfed, top speed, length of a ride and session time. While it surely got the attention of professionals, there’s no doubt it caught the eye of the newly-initiated flow-riding girls, hungry to ride the adrenaline wave in ocean waters. And of course, for a brand that is dedicated to pushing the limits, it goes without saying that the Rip Curl team parties just as hard as they innovate. Transforming the water park into an aquatic playground party after sundown, 30 of Bangkok’s finest underground acts came together to perform on three stages throughout the park for Rip Curl presents Tempology 2014. With Text Trent Davis Images Rip Curl

artistes such as drum & bass legend DJ Dragon and pop sensation Gene Kasidit sending crowds into bouncing frenzies, the wet and wild revelry was a finale like no other; a fitting reward for accepting new experience, and a chance for the girls to finally let their hair down. Despite the day going as quickly as it had come, it wasn’t hard to feel like a part of the Rip Curl family. The girls certainly did, and it soon became abundantly clear as to why: being a Rip Curl Girl isn’t about the ability to effortlessly shred waves or laugh in the face of adversity. It’s about self-confidence, a willingness to take on new challenges, and overcoming limits. And that’s exactly what the girls of My Bikini did. We can only hope to see more women inspired by Rip Curl’s philosophy of riding the wave, both in and out of the water.

PROFILE

SUPER TROOPER 58

ORIGINALLY AN INNOVATIVE START-UP, BRITISH LIFESTYLE APPAREL BRAND SUPERDRY IS NOW A SMASH-HIT WORLDWIDE, THANKS TO ITS HIGH-QUALITY WARES THAT FUSE VINTAGE AMERICANA, JAPANESE-INSPIRED GRAPHICS AND IMPECCABLE ENGLISH TAILORING. WITH A NEWLY-OPENED BRICK-AND-MORTAR STORE ON OUR SHORES, WE CATCH UP WITH SUPERGROUP’S HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, GREG ROBERTS, TO DISCUSS TYPOGRAPHY, THE FUTURE AND ALL THINGS SUPER. Congrats on the opening of Superdry’s first flagship store here! What took you guys so long? Honestly, we’ve been looking at Singapore for a few years now. We’ve had opportunities to set up a store here earlier but we felt that we didn’t understand the market here well enough at that time. Now, with the right partnership with FJ Benjamin, we’ve found a fantastic location and we’re totally confident that we can deliver the brand’s message. Our new flagship store here has the biggest spread of demographics from locals to tourists – it’s exactly what we need to develop as a brand in Singapore. Who is the Superdry customer? We’re really democratic. We don’t target a specific group of consumers and the people who buy our products vary. The brand has a lifestyle DNA that caters to a wide demographic. Even the core markets in Europe and Asia are slightly different! Superdry has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a British brand with deep roots in Japanese culture. How has the brand evolved over the years? We’ve gotten a lot bigger [laughs]. We’re one of the fastest-growing brands in the world and we’ve evolved by developing our product to perfection. At Superdry, we don’t look at a specific trend but instead create a staple of products that reflects the origins of the brand. Founders James Holder and Julian Dunkerton started out

as a small brand of t-shirts and gradually added in products like sweatshirts, polo shirts and more. That’s how we buillt our brand over the years – we will produce something and then dominate that category. For example, when a customer is looking for a quality t-shirt, we aim to be the brand that checks off all the boxes; that’s our philosophy. What is it exactly about Japan that fascinates the brand? James has a genuine passion for Japan. Before Superdry, he spent a lot of time there and fell in love with the culture, billboards, imagery and branding, and you can see that coming through in our products. It’s an honest source of inspiration and it created something very unique when we rolled that inspiration up with a British twist. Is the Japanese lettering on your products stylised or does it actually mean something? Superdry wasn’t actually designed to be the international product that it’s become today. Superdry was designed as a product for a store and, aesthetically, James liked the way it looked with the letterings. But when you’re designing for a product in a store in England, there’s a level of ‘I don’t really care what it says’ so people buy them without knowing the meaning. However, I’m told that it somehow translates to something that’s extremely dry [laughs]. Somehow there’s an element of ‘lost in translation’.

Text Liyana Meer Images and Interview courtesy of FJ Benjamin

Many seem to think that the brand originated from Japan. How does Superdry communicate its origins to its customers? The store environment is not designed to tell people that we’re British. The brand was built without classic marketing but rather was built by the products, quality and branding. We do use Britain’s flags on our window displays but I do feel that it’s a journey that we need to go on now – to educate and show people a bit of our history and heritage, especially when we’re going more international and opening in so many different markets around the world. What plans do you have for the brand? I would really like to embark on an amazing collaboration with another British brand. It could be a music, fashion or even sports collaboration – we’re completely open. It’s important to show our British roots and the diversity of the brand at the same time. Where do you think Superdry will be in 10 years’ time? Superdry will become the complete outfitter. We’ll continue in the exact same vein in terms of how we’ve developed the brand thus far and we’ll look into expanding our product categories. At some point in the future, I expect that we’ll have extremely great business and be represented in all the big cities in the world.

Superdry is now open at #01-129 Vivo City.

PICK:

KAREN WALKER ‘SUPERSTAR’ COLLECTION

Things are getting a lil’ shady with Karen Walker’s six-piece capsule eyewear series. A gathering of her best silhouettes over the years, Walker redesigned all-time favourites such as Number One, Harvest and Northern Lights, and finished the chunky beauts with a choice of green or blue mirrored lenses. It may be the rainy season as we speak but if you haven’t got your sunny-day armour in check yet, you know where to look. Available at Define Happiness Sunglass Shop, Robinsons The Heeren and authorised retailers.

WHAT A SQUARE With the #normcore movement trending at the ’mo, it seems Hong Kong-based watchmaker Squarestreet has got the less-is-more look down pat. Its SQ03 Minuteman collection is beautifully crafted with hand-made Italian Mazzuchelli acetate and a stainless steel pressure case. Designed with superior form and function, the Minuteman beats with a Japanese-made Miyota Quartz movement that offers unparalled precision. Speaking softly yet distinctively with its minimal design, the ticker is available in deep black, tortoise, transparent grey, and horn, with a choice of white or black dial. $250, available at Front Row and Threadbare & Squirrel.

PRACTICAL STYLE Super(ga) Model

Constantly finding ways to reimagine and recreate, it’s no wonder that the Comme des Garçons brand has since amassed a great portfolio of notable industry collaborations; including these latest two.

COMME DES GARÇONS X BATA Bata Tennis gets the Comme dot treatment this season. Reinventing the Swiss brand’s classic tennis shoe silhouette, CDG puts its signature black polka dot print on white canvas, breathing new life to the footwear label. Available in two design styles, these quirky kicks will add a dose of personality to your daily ensembles. Available at #02-39/40 Hilton Hotel.

COMME TOGETHER

COMME DES GARÇONS X DISNEY’S FROZEN Do you wanna build a snowman? Ask Rei Kawabuko that and her answer would definitely be “yes”. Kawabuko’s London emporium will spotlight pieces she designed in collaboration with Disney’s hit movie, featuring images of characters from the film on men’s and women’s shirts, pajamas, silk scarves and cushions. doverstreetmarket.com

FLASH: FASHION

All round It-girl Suki Waterhouse is back for an encore as the ambassador of Italian sneaker brand, Superga, for its Fall/Winter 2014 collection. Renowned for her effervescent personality and whimsicality, the campaign sees Waterhouse rock a ’60s-inspired look – featuring the classic silhouette in metallic silver and autumnal green. Recently unveiled at the brand’s flagship store opening here, the collection features the Superga Cotu Classic 2750 on patented crocodile leather, suede leather, mirror, and glitter finishes. What else can we say? Lust-mode on. $89.90 to $109.90, available at #B2-04 Wheelock Place.

Designed by smart locals, Controlled Commodity is a thoughtful label that focuses on style and comfort. The brand is an exercise in pragmatic functionality, tinged with modern sensibility – comprising perfectly coloured and patterned shirts and tees for both genders. Expect a range of lightweight cotton baseball raglan shirts and basic t-shirts in a wide range of colourways; shirts with contrasting checkered print pockets for the boys; vintage-inspired prints on boat-neck blouses and cropped double-pocket shirts for the girls; making up the perfect wardrobe staples for effortless dressing. $18 to $79, available at selected retailers and controlledcommodity.com.

BLAZE A TRAIL

Welcome 2015 with these style walkers. CONVERSE X MISSONI In its ninth collaboration this season, Converse and knitwear legend Missoni give sneaker enthusiasts the best of both American and Italian fashion. The duo issues a new set of All Star Chuck Taylor ’70 by paying homage to Japanese ‘boro’ patchwork, lined with custom Missoni Mohair inside – featuring antique brass eyelets, rounded leather laces, suede toecaps and a lateral zipper that allows for fuss-free slip on and off. $369.90, available at Surrender, #02-31 Raffles Hotel Arcade.

REEBOK CLASSIC X LIMITED EDT PUMP CERTIFIED Every birthday warrants a celebration and boy did Reebok kick off its 25th with a bang. Teaming up with homegrown sneaker store Limited Edt, the duo revs up the Pump silhouette with inspiration from the ’80s, when spandex was all the rage. Using neoprene for the upper, the shoe fits like second skin and is decked in royal blue with accents of silver and orange. $269, available at all Limited Edt stores.

FLASH: FASHION

KICKIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL 60

Looking back to its archives, Dr. Martens rolls out the ‘Reinvented’ Collection this season, inspired by the early skinheads in the ’60s. Championing the working-class taste while keeping youth culture alive, the series includes classic leather silhouettes like the Applique Grip Shoe and Grasp Boot, that’s given a menacing edge with exposed metal toe caps combined with silver eyelets, white laces, black welt stitch and a subtle heel tag. Other new features in the collection include the crackle suede texture and iridescent snakeskin finish on the 8-Eye and 14-Eye boot for the ladies. $160 to $319, available at Dr. Martens.

JOIN THE DOTS

Dream Doll Barbie holds a special place in most girls’ hearts. The platinum blonde hair, the gorgeous outfits and of course, one handsome Ken – there’s just something about the covetable doll we heart. This season, super cool LA label Wildfox teams up with Mattel to create a lust-worthy collection titled ‘Dreamhouse’. Featuring 12 playful pieces, the series ranges from work-out staples and jumpers, to limited edition sunglasses that would be the perfect thing to wear while cruising around in a Corvette. Looks like life in plastic really is fantastic. selfridges.com

Just when we thought that Pharrell Williams couldn’t make us any happier, the musician and cultural forerunner teams up with adidas Originals to create an uplifting collaboration that’s all about the polka dot. As part of the Polka Dot Pack, two of the brand’s most celebrated design icons – the Stan Smith sneakers and Superstar Track Jacket – received a fun and youthful upgrade in a palette of yellow, blue and white, with tiny red spots. The kicks clad in leather, and the outerwear in satin. $169 and $179, the Stan Smith sneakers and Satin Superstar Track Jacket are available at adidas Originals.

Fashion’s Favourite Feline By now, it is common knowledge that Karl Lagerfeld’s kitty, Choupette, is more famous than most ordinary folks. And again, she is making waves with her sophomore fashion collection. This season, the charming feline reprises her role as designer and muse for the Kaiser’s Monster Choupette line of leather goods, sweatshirts, ballet slippers, and accessories. Making a colourful appearance as a cartoon character, Choupette also leaves her paw prints on each piece in the series – making it purr-fect for fans, collectors, and common people alike. karl.com

Text Liyana Meer Images Various Sources

MADE UP NUDE BEGINNINGS After the colour-intense holiday season, we say a beauty cleanse is in order. But while the au naturel makeup look calls for a less-is-more approach, it’s not about smothering the skin in a flat, beigey veil. Rather, the new nude ’do calls for strategic contour play to highlight and accentuate. Perfect skin with a light-handed concealer application, then apply sparingly a dewy foundation. Keep the eyes and lips matte – with sheer caramel or rose tones – for texture and contrast, then sculpt and define with an illuminating cream for an ethereal look that’s on-point.

Text Jazmin Kelly Six Image M.A.C Cosmetics for The Row FW14

REPAIR WORK YES, WE KNOW. IT’S TOUGH BEING AT THE CENTRE OF EVERY PARTY; AND BY NOW, YOU’RE PROBABLY ALL POOPED OUT FROM THE YEAR-END DEBAUCHERY. BUT FRET NOT; THESE HEAD-TO-TOE TREATS WILL WORK FAST TO HELP YOU REGAIN YOUR GLOW.

HAIR PHS ADV NUTRITION SCALP TONIC

FEATURE

ESSENTIAL NOURISHING BREAKAGE TREATMENT & MASK

If there’s one part of our skin we are guilty of neglecting, it’s most likely the scalp. While we put in so much effort to treat and pamper our locks, there’s nothing like going straight to the root of all our hair woes, literally. To give us a lesson in proper scalp care, PHS rolls out its advanced home maintenance series, including this tonic that nourishes the scalp so hair looks and feels healthier. Work it in on various spots to prime, protect, and prevent hair damage. POA (100ml), available at PHS Hair Science Labs and phshairscience.com/estore.

Bleach; highlight; colour; perm; straighten; and style. After all the 101 things you did to your tresses over the holidays, it’d be a miracle if your crowning glory hasn’t lost its lustre. Excessive chemical treatments and heat styling can cause some serious damage, leaving you with dry and unruly strands. To reverse the hairy issue, use this pair in tandem to nourish and hydrate. Enriched with shea butter and honey, they leave hair smoother, softer and more manageable in no time. $6.50 (180ml) and $9.90 (200ml), available at leading supermarkets and personal care stores.

FACE ORIGINS MAKE A DIFFERENCE NIGHT

We love products that work on their own while we indulge in a good night’s sleep, and this latest addition to the brand’s Make A Difference range is a keeper in our books. It delivers in three ways – its powerhouse blend of lychee seed extract, watermelon extract and rhodoscrosite creates a moisture reservoir to replenish and rehydrate; its algae extract locks in moisture at skin’s surface; and its echinacea extract repairs and renews cell functions. Plus, it boasts a gentle floral scent that is oh-so-comforting at bedtime. $78 (50ml), available at Origins counters.

INNISFREE ORCHID ENRICHED CREAM

Clean air, fresh seafood, excellent scenery and friendly townsfolk. There are many things we adore about Jeju Island, South Korea, but the one that tops our list is the native Jeju Orchid. Known for its tenacity to thrive even in the harshest elements, the anti-ageing and hydrating benefits of the flower can now be found in this cream – a watery smooth solution that promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores, tighten skin and improve overall skin tone. $43 (50ml), available at Innisfree.

BODY DR BELTER SAMTEA VELVET VEIL CARE OIL

L’OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER WHIPPED BODY CREAM

What do you get when you bring a biochemist and beauty therapist school owner together? An innovative skincare brand that combines scientific cosmetology with quality organic ingredients. Try this calming oil from its Samtea line, which uses marine active substances, silk powder, fruit and botanical extracts, herbs and biotechnical ingredients. To comfort tight and dry skin, drop a small amount into your bath, or apply after shower. This soothing formula can also be used as a massage oil for a relaxing treat. POA, available at belter-cosmetic.com.

Long-time fans of the brand’s shea butter series would know it for its velvety feel and immensely hydrating benefits. What makes it even better this time ’round, is a lighter consistency that’s perfect in sweltering climes. Expect a concentrated shea butter formula (10 per cent) that nourishes and comforts, with an airy texture that is akin to the lightness of mousse – which melts swiftly onto skin upon application and leaves it gently veiled in the same shea butter softness we’ve come to love. $43 (125ml), available at L’Occitane.

HANDS THIS WORKS PERFECT HANDS INTENSE MOISTURISER

LUSH TINY HANDS MASSAGE BAR

When we talk moisturisers, not all of us enjoy meddling with tubes and tubs. With this ’lil guy, you can get straight to the point whenever your paws need a quick hydration fix. It may resemble a kid’s toy, but it’s actually hand cream in a bar. Glide it over dry skin and cuticles and rub in. The creamy cocoa and shea butters, argan oil and aloe vera will ensure your hands feel smooth and soft, while the sweet vanilla and marigold scent is an instant mood-lifter. $16 (60g), available at LUSH.

One major caveat when it comes to hand creams is that when you go for a richly moisturising formula, it almost always takes a long time to be absorbed – leaving you with sticky hands that can’t get on with work. But this option here does not disappoint. Armed with coconut extract, hyaluronic acid and glycerine, the cream is non-greasy yet thoroughly hydrating, softening rough and flaky skin at once. Plus, we can’t get enough of its delightful rose scent, which lingers for a long time. $35 (75ml), available at Luxola.com.

FEET APIVITA CRACKED HEEL CREAM

Obviously all that boogieing on the dancefloor would take a toll. And if you’d lived in your stilettos throughout the holidays then your heels are probably in need of some TLC. Slather this rich formula onto dry, hardened skin and put on a pair of socks to turn it into an overnight feet mask. Its combination of salicyclic and fruit acids exfoliates rough skin, while olive and sunflower oils deeply moisturise. It also contains peppermint oil to help improve circulation and induce a calming slumber. €9.50 (75ml), available at Apivita.com

Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

HUMAN+KIND HAND+ELBOW+FOOT CREAM

Call us lazy, but sometimes we just need a one-for-all solution to pesky everyday problems. And when we’re dealing with parched hands, flaky elbows and rough soles all at the same time, you bet we’d be looking for a nifty miracle cure to address our issues. Enter this versatile, non-greasy skin saviour. It feels light on the skin and absorbs in a minute, yet is moisturising enough to soften and soothe even the driest spots – thanks to a blend of avocado oil, cocoa butter and centella. $12 (50ml), available at Superberry.me.

BRIGHTER GAZE AHEAD SOOTHING

THERE’S NO ROOM FOR SLUGGISH SKIN THIS NEW YEAR SO COUNT ON THESE EYE-OPENING TREATS TO GIVE YOUR PEEPERS THE FORWARD LEAP THEY NEED. THE BODY SHOP DROPS OF YOUTH EYE CONCENTRATE

First pump, then massage around eye contours the invigorating gel, using the roller-ball applicator. Enriched with community fair trade babassu oil and edelweiss plant stem cells, it refreshes and soothes to mimic the effects of a good night’s sleep. $49.90 (10ml), available at The Body Shop.

REPAIRING

FEATURE

Just the soft, indulgent touch we need after a spate of late nights. A quick-absorbing moisturiser – infused with anti-ageing proteins to lift, tone and brighten – its silky texture hydrates and firms without weighing skin down. $138 (15g), available at Chanel counters.

PUREHEAL’S GINSENG BERRY 80 EYE ESSENCE

A watery gel that absorbs in a minute, making it a perfect day-time option and perk-meup. Boasting 80 per cent ginseng fruit properties, this parabenfree formula – dispensed via a dropper applicator – nourishes to tighten, brighten, and hydrate problem skin. $78 (15ml), available at Sephora.

Upon application, the soothing herbal scent is relaxing, while the thick consistency feels like a soft winter quilt against parched skin. Thanks to the moisturising properties of peat extract, skin feels baby-soft yet firm. Definitely a treat for tired peepers. $71 (25ml), available at Belif.

SK-II STEMPOWER EYE CREAM

Velvety to the touch with a mild floral scent, the luxurious formula veils dehydrated skin in a comforting cocoon to revive and renew. Its potent blend of anti-ageing properties and the brand’s Pitera also help to brighten fatigued eyes. $144 (15g), available at SK-II counters.

LANEIGE TIME FREEZE EYE SERUM

Its pleasing fragrance and light texture makes it a great skin treat to wake up to. With a focus on reinforcing collagen production from within, it contains kelp extract to prevent photo damage and improves the look of dark circles. $69 (20ml), available at Laneige counters.

CLIV GINSENG BERRY PREMIUM EYE CREAM

A nourishing option that’s creamy and fragrant, it contains ginseng berry extract that’s said to renew and repair. Besides tightening and lifting saggy skin, the rich formula also helps to boost elasticity and lessen the severity of lines. $65 (30ml), available at Sasa.

Text Jazmin Kelly Six Image Various Sources

Featuring the brand’s signature active plant extracts, including damask rose, neroli, and tonka bean, this lightweight gel perks up tired eyes and boosts blood circulation. A swift massage with its cool metal roller-ball tip also helps to plump and refine. $25 (2.5ml), available at BHG Bishan and creme-simon.com.

ALGENIST COMPLETE EYE RENEWAL BALM

Creamy and extremely hydrating, this eye armour boasts an alguronic acid formulation that promises to reduce signs of ageing and lethargy. Not only does it help to tighten and firm, it also smoothes out fine lines for a younger-looking mien. $92 (15ml), available at Sephora.

KIEHL’S SUPER MULTI-CORRECTIVE EYE-OPENING SERUM

Comfortable to wear, yet boasting a potent blend of humectants like rhamnose and sodium hyaluronate. Its gentle texture melts into the skin effortlessly to bring about a firmer and lifted appearance. Eyes also look wider, thanks to the tiny pearlescent particles. $72 (15ml), available at Kiehl’s.

FRESH ROSE HYDRATING EYE GEL CREAM

Enhanced with cucumber extract to cool and rosewater to soothe, this protective gel promises continuous hydration of up to 30 hours. Refreshing and quickabsorbing, it contains humectants and anti-oxidants that revitalise and awaken the eye area effectively. $78 (15ml), available at Sephora.

CALMING

BELIF PEAT MIRACLE REVITAL EYE CREAM

Probably the closest one can get to ‘ironing’ out flaws. It comes with a nifty pointed tip that reaches into tiny corners to dispense a cooling gel-cream with light-diffusing particles that help to minimise the appearance of puffiness and lines. $45 (10ml), available at Benefit.

CREME SIMON BRIGHTENING DETOX MULTI-BENEFITS EYE TREATMENT GEL

PAMPERING

CHANEL LE LIFT EYE CREAM

BENEFIT PUFF OFF INSTANT EYE GEL

Minimal Impact

Mechanical Eye Pencil in Bronze, $9, NYX at Sephora A creamy formula that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drag on skin, the intense colour stays put all day.

ACCENTUATE KEY FEATURES WITH JUST THE RIGHT HINT OF WARMTH.

Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in N-40 Beige Peau, $43, YSL Beaute Lightweight and high-shine, this hybrid gloss delivers drama and longevity in a single layer. Peter Pilotto FW14 Beautifying Lip Smoother in 010 Sweet Caramel, poa, Catrice at selected Guardian stores Subtle colour with a flock applicator that disguises fine lines.

Style Eye-con No.7 Palette in The Dreamer, $90, Marc Jacobs Beauty at Sephora A sleek set of complementary essentials that every girl needs.

Nailkale Colour Range with UV Filter in Montpelier Walk, $27, Nails Inc at Sephora This vitamins-enriched formula delivers a chic pale nude in two coats.

Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment, $33, Fresh at Sephora A cult favourite that moisturises and soothes while providing a sweet hint of colour.

Rouge Dior in 317 Bar, $47, Dior Its silver shimmers give lips a cool, frosted finish that plumps â&#x20AC;&#x2122;em up.

3D eyeshadow in 04 Irresistible Caramel Cream, poa, Essence at selected Watsons stores High drama shimmer pigments that are soft, smooth and supremely easy to blend.

Matte Mascara in 02 Brown, $58, RMK Its water-resistant formula dresses up the eyes while pampering lashes with a royal jelly extract.

MADE UP TREND

stella mccartney fw14

Text & Coordination Jazmin Kelly Six

Naked Illuminated, $43, Urban Decay at Sephora Dust on this silky, super-fine powder on the face and body for a dose of radiance and glow.

RUN LOOSE Urban Decay’s Naked palettes have long been our go-to travel makeup of choice but when your luggage can only afford that bit of extra space, you should consider Naked On The Run, a new limited-edition, as your next holiday makeup essential. Within a gorgeous rose gold-adorned box lies six exclusive eyeshadows, a bronzer, a blush, a mascara, an eye pencil, and a lipgloss. While the colours fall a little on the dark side, we love the thoughtful inclusion of an oversized base eyeshadow (that stuff goes fast!) and the shimmery rose pink lippie that’s versatile for both day and night looks. $85, available at Sephora.

PICK:

FLASH: MADEUP

M.A.C ULTIMATE 66

What a stunner! Even if you’re not looking to add on to your makeup stash, the packaging alone from M.A.C Cosmetic’s Ultimate collection will compel you to hand over your credit card, stat. Pass the sleek geometric case, exclusively designed by Marcel Wanders, and you’ll get the finely-milled Sheer Mystery Powder, available in two shades. 10 new lippies also join in the game, each housed in a curvy chrome gunmetal case that screams sexy. From $41 (Ultimate Lipstick) to $83 (Sheer Mystery Powder), available at M.A.C Cosmetics.

TAKE A YARD Having just arrived on our shores a couple of months ago, Neal’s Yard Remedies has already won the hearts of fans with its stable of natural, organic skincare that heal and improve skin health with quality ingredients. Stepping up its game this season, the label offers a new anti-ageing serum from its highly popular Frankincense line – the Frankincense Intense Concentrate. Armed with a potent formula of gardenia plant stem cells, collagen and skin-loving peptides, the silky gel penetrates surface skin quickly on application to bring about a firmer and younger-looking mien. A must-have for any post-party babe looking for a fresh face to welcome the new year. $248 (30ml), available at Neal’s Yard Remedies, #01-75 Millenia Walk.

STRONG POINT Qiang, in this case, represents an ethnic tribe in China renowned for its expert craft in delicate embroidery art – a custom that’s been observed since the 1500s. But ‘qiang’, which stands for ‘strong’ in the Chinese language, is also an adjective we’d associate with Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oils. After all, these are the very products that pioneered the cleansing oil trend by delivering thorough purging of impurities and makeup, while keeping the skin’s natural balance – which makes this collab, in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year, a very timely and apt one. $125 (Eternal Youth – Anti/Oxi in green) and $160 (Source Of Life – Ultime8 in yellow), available at Shu Uemura.

GET RED-DY One word: spicy. For the camp who desires something a little wilder and bolder than The Body Shop’s White Musk staple, here is a scent that’ll take things over the edge. From the nose of master perfumer Corinne Cachento comes the cruelty-free Red Musk series, which tempts and seduces with a smouldering composition of spiced musk, pepper, cinnamon and tobacco. It is unconventionally feminine – with no floral notes in the mix – appealing truly to the strong lady on a passionate scent adventure. From $45.90 (perfume oil) to $89.90 (100ml EDP), available at The Body Shop.

KEEP CALM AND WEAR A MASK Admit it: the party season has just about worn out your skin and hair to a drabby mess. With its new Calm To Your Senses line, Origins promises to reverse the effects of styling stress by restoring your visage and mane to their former glory. Thanks to a blend of buckbean and St. Paul’s wort extracts, along with sodium hyaluronate and essential oils, the Stress-Relieving Face Mask helps support natural nighttime repair by boosting collagen production and moisture levels. The Comfort Conditioning Hair Mask, on the other hand, contains amaranth, safflower and essential oils, to nourish and thicken limp strands to unveil a head of smooth, manageable locks. $50 (150ml Hair Mask) and $63 (100ml Face Mask), available at Origins.

MINI BLEND TWO IN ONE With facial oils having trended for a good few years now, we’re guessing you’d have given them a shot by now. But if you haven’t, get started with Ettusais’ Duo Essence & Oil. A bi-phase thrist-quencher that hydrates and softens dry skin, it contains rose hip, olive, and sunflower oils to lock in moisture, and chamomile and rosemary extracts to nourish skin from within. Besides its pleasing natural rose fragrance, we also like that it can be used not only on the face, but also on dry cuticles, frizzy hair, and rough elbows. POA, available at Ettusais.

FACE OFF These days, everyone is fighting to launch the ‘best’ facial cleansing device but throw in a two-in-one function and you’ll have a winner with kiasu lazy folks like us. Intelligently leading the pack is Braun’s latest facial cleanser cum epilator, dubbed the Braun Face. Besides effectively ridding skin of dirt and grime with its deep-pore cleansing capabilities, it also comes equipped with a slim epilator head that removes unwanted fuzz swiftly and gently. $99, available at major electronic stores.

PERFUME GOLD The true embodiment of a glamorous party girl, it’s safe to say we haven’t come across a fragrance from Juicy Couture that we didn’t like. And its latest, the Viva La Juicy Gold Couture EDP, doesn’t disappoint. An update from its 2008 predecessor, the golden composition charms with an opening of luscious berries and a heart of Sambac jasmine and honeysuckle, making it sweet at first whiff and utterly irresistible. With a warm amber and sandalwood finish that’s accented by caramel and vanilla, we’ve got in our hands not just a looker in terms of packaging, but also a winner in the scent department. From $90 (30ml) to $151 (100ml), available at Sephora and major departmental stores.

Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

When Beauty Blender first greeted the world, it took over vanity counters by storm; complete with celebrity endorsements and insider testimonials, vouching for its efficacy. Now in its second wave, the well-loved original has spawned a little mini-me that promises the same precision to get in and around the tiniest nooks and crannies of your face. Standing at just 25 per cent of the original size, it acts as the perfect tool for concealer application – covering up blemishes and fixing makeup smudges while perfecting without being streaky. $27 (box of two), available at Sephora.

AFTER-PARTY ASSISTANCE ALL PARTIED OUT FROM THE HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS? THESE SIX ESSENTIALS WILL PUT YOU BACK TOGETHER FOR THE NEXT ROUND. CREATURE OF THE NIGHT

WAKE UP CALL

MAN UP

Even a relaxing shower after a night of devilish debauchery can be taxing when you’ve been burning the candle at both ends. L’Occitane offers a solution to reinvigorate you with its Aromachologie Revitalising Body Scrub. Combining sugar crystals, essential oils and lemon zest, the energising scrub gets rid of any trace of last night’s antics to freshen you up for the next party frontier. $19.90 (75ml), available exclusively at $58 (200g), available at L’Occitane.

MAN BEHIND THE MASK

HEADSTRONG

All the pulling and primping you’ve been doing with that sticky hair wax has its consequences. In the same way you piece yourself together after a big night, restore the hair on your head with Pantene Pro-V Hair Fall Control Hair Strength Tonic. The vitamin B-infused formula makes sure your hair stays on your head and not in your hands, while protecting it against split ends and breakage. The light tonic can also be layered with your usual styling products so as not to cramp your style. $7.95 (95ml), available at leading supermarkets and pharmacies.

FRESH EYES

You may own the night like a vampire, but mortality isn’t working in your favour. Algenist helps to level the playing field with its Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturiser, a hydrating cream that nourishes skin to rebuild firmness and elasticity. With ingredients such as alguronic acid, vitamin C and apple extract, the formula delays cell ageing and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and pores. But you’re still gonna have to ask Mr. Cullen for his sparkle secret. $127 (60ml), available at Sephora.

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then by now, your soul would probably look like it’s on its last legs. Call in a renovator to refurbish those weary, worn-out eyes with a deep moisturising eye treatment from Fresh. Utilising the antioxidant properties of Japanese noni fruit juice and black tea, the Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate repairs skin and prevents signs of ageing, while reducing dark circles and puffiness to restore youthful vitality. Anybody got Steve Buscemi’s number? $139 (15ml), available at Sephora.

It’s tough being a party animal, and there are days when you’ll want to hide your weathered face from prying eyes. Peter Thomas Roth presents a mask that you don’t need to hide behind; rather, it replenishes your skin for a glorious unveiling. The Radiance Oxygenating Masque packs enough whiteners, hydrators and anti-oxidants to transform tired faces into glowing, flawless complexions; while its FIFLOW formula plumps surface cells and stimulates cell metabolism and renewal.. $96 (100ml), available at Sephora.

DROPPING ACID

This acid won’t take you into outer space, but it’s a chemical hit that your body will actually thank you for. The Mandelic Acid Renewal Toner from skincare cosmetician For Beloved One contains DL-Mandelic acid, which gently exfoliates dead skin cells to improve complexion and restore you to radiance. The deep-sea revitalising formula will give your face a healthy glow that’ll convince your buds that you’ve come back from the dead (even if you still feel like Death itself). $49 (200ml), available at Sephora.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

NAVIGATE CLEAN SLATE There’s no better way to start the year than with real, fresh food. Foodology Fresh steps up to rethink the healthy eating philosophy by offering tantalising, wholesome meal options. The clean-eating joint offers a range of hot quiches, savoury muffins, and soups to complement its innovative salads and wraps. Try the boldly fragrant and robust Wild Mushroom soup that doesn’t scrimp on the shrooms; and the piquant, creamy Chilli Con Carne wrap that will blow the socks off even the most stubborn carnivore – and you better believe it ain’t comin’ out of no can. #01-02 URA Centre, 45 Maxwell Road, tel: 6223 9724

Text Trent Davis Image Foodology Fresh

NEW YEAR’S HI-RESOLUTION ENJOY MUSIC AS IT’S MEANT TO BE WITH AUDIO-TECHNICA’S MSR7 HEADPHONES

Nowadays, it’s all about Hi-Res. We demand clearer, smoother videos and crisper, more vibrant photos – so why we do put up with mediocre audio? You don’t need to be a producer to enjoy good quality music, and Audio-Technica believes everyone deserves a little more when it comes to listening pleasures. The audio expert’s latest headphone, the MSR7, offers a Hi-Res sound solution for music lovers and professionals alike, with more than half a decade of expertise packed into a classic and stylish over-the-ear design.

making lengthy journeys an effortless endeavour with back-to-back tunes in first-class quality.

Whether you like your music on the go or dedicate tune-time at home, the MSR7 provides superior comfort for all situations. With 40 years of experience in designing monitor headphones for music professionals that require hours-on-end use, Audio-Technica has perfected its formula for maximising comfort to reduce listener fatigue. The headphones sport soft memory-foam cushioning and ear-profiled grills to mirror the ears, putting them at ease for longer listening sessions and endless grooving. The highly flexible swivel design ensures mobility and instant adjustment,

Vibration is a speaker’s worst enemy, and Audio-Technica is ahead of the curve with the Dual-layer Air-Control Technology construction. The rigid aluminium and magnesium-layered housings reduce sound-tainting vibration. To give the acoustics an even greater dynamic lift, the MSR7 also features a Triple-venting acoustic airflow system to control the passage of air through specially-placed vents. No, we’re not talking about air-conditioning for your ear canals – it means bass-lovers get to enjoy extended mid to low frequencies, while the only buzzes and oscillations you’ll be hearing are those

Despite its 290-gram lightweight design, we wouldn’t expect anything less than premium sonic hardware to keep up with the next generation of Hi-Res audio formats. Featuring 45mm True Motion Hi-Res audio drivers, a precision diaphragm, and an extra lightweight voice-coil, the MSR7 minimises distortion to deliver smooth, rich and detailed audio – just as it should be.

coming straight from your ground-shaking tunes. While the convenience of Bluetooth is all the rage, anyone serious about music knows that you can’t beat good ol’ fashioned wiring. Packed with 1.2-metre and 3-metre cabling options so that your music is never too close or too far, the headphones also come equipped with a 1.2-metre iS cable with in-line controls and a microphone for smartphone fanatics – allowing users to switch seamlessly from talk to tunage without the need to slide screens. Available in three stylish and eye-catching colours – Black, Gun-Metal and Limited Edition Red – you won’t want a scratch on these puppies; which is why they come housed in a durable and robust carry case to keep them pristine and dust-free. It’s time to throw out those tinny earphones and rock your ears with the royal treatment.

$278 (Black and Gun-Metal) and $298 (Limited Edition Red), available at selected authorised retailers. audio-technica.com.sg .

ATH-MSR7 www.audio-tecnica.com.sg

Audio-Technica: Making music sound better since 1962

“I take orders from just one person: me.”

FEATURE

LIVE FAST 72

AS WITH EVERY NEW YEAR, WE ASPIRE TO LOSE THE OLD HABITS AND TAKE LIFE HEAD-ON IN A BLAZE OF GLORY. BUT REAL-LIFE ROLE MODELS CAN BE OH SO DISAPPOINTING; WHERE EVEN OUR MOST TREASURED HEROES DELVE INTO FRAUD, DECEPTION AND SCANDAL. FORGET THE FLAKES AND DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF FILM. HERE ARE NINE OF THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY FICTIONAL ICONS WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM THIS YEAR: TO LIVE LIFE IN THE FAST LANE.

“All I have in this world is my b*lls and my word, and I don’t break them for no one.”

“I feel the need…the need for speed!”

Han Solo Star Wars: Episode IV – VI (1977-1983) Being cool isn’t the way you dress or talk – it’s all about attitude. The devilishly charming smuggler from Corellia exudes confidence, and despite the fact that he’s constantly pitted against imperial fleets and masters of the Force, he doesn’t care for the odds and keeps his cool. Gangsters like Jabba The Hutt and Greedo don’t intimidate him, and he’ll shoot first and ask questions later. Like most cool dudes, Han rolls with a furry friend in a fast, custom (albeit, banged up) ride. So when an intergalactic princess tells you that she loves you, how should you respond? “I know”. Ice cold, baby.

Tony Montana Scarface (1983) You don’t need to be born with money to build your empire. Tony Montana certainly didn’t when he travelled the seas from Cuba to Miami in search of a better life. Working his way up from food-stand dishwasher to drug-mule and eventual crime lord, the hot-headed gangster quickly discovered that not everyone shared his loyalty and principled approach. Rather than betraying his own beliefs, he simply eliminates the ‘cockroaches’ that stand in his way – with fiery Cuban flair and profanity. Though his rise was soon followed by his fall, we can all live by his philosophy that, “The World Is Yours”, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less – even if it means dying for it.

Maverick Top Gun (1986) Sometimes, in order to grab the attention you deserve, you gotta break some rules – but you better make sure you can get away with it. There’s no one better at sweet-talking his superiors than Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. When it comes to flying F-14 tomcats, he’s the best of the best; and the troublemaker’s ingenious and gutsy flying tactics let him get away with just about everything. Though his big ego and recklessness force him to learn that there’s no ‘I’ in teamwork the hard way, the wily pilot demonstrates that you don’t become the best by being someone’s wingman – you gotta go right into the danger zone.

“If my answers frighten you, then you should cease asking scary questions.”

“Worth dying for. Worth killing for. Worth going to hell for. Amen.”

“I don’t carry a gun. I drive.”

Jules Winnfield Pulp Fiction (1994) Arguably one of the baddest mothers in the history of film, Jules Winnfield can be as cool as cucumber one moment, and a righteous persecutor the next. Together with his slick partner in crime, Vincent Vega, our favourite gangster from Inglewood has no qualms reciting psalms before smoking fools (but not before he digs into your breakfast). Violent tendencies aside, Jules doesn’t let his job get in the way of his spirituality. Though we’re not sure if he truly leaves the thug life behind him, his path to becoming a better man is one that we can all walk with him on. And he ain’t too timid to give a good foot massage either.

Marv Sin City (2005) and Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (2014) With a head as hard as granite and a lust for wailing on corrupt coppers, there’s no way we’d leave Marv off this list. The Sin City strip-club regular knows how to have a good time, whether it’s looking for a boozy bar fight or caressing blonde bombshells. Though he’d have no trouble pummelling a fella to a pulp for looking at him wrong, the brawlin’ brute knows how to treat a woman right and wouldn’t dream of harming her. On the contrary, when he learns of a lady being mistreated, he’ll make sure that the culprit is brought to ‘justice’ – and then some. The chivalrous knight in shining armour brings out the romantic in all of us, echoing the old saying that you should never judge a book by its cover. Take note, fellas.

Driver Drive (2011) So you’re the shy, quiet type? That’s okay, so is Driver – so shy, in fact, that we never even learnt his real name. What we do learn is that saying nothing at all sometimes says the most, and when you do finally break your silence, you know you’ll leave a lasting impression. Stunt driver by day, heist driver by night; the handsome, brooding loner is seemingly harmless until sh*t hits the fan. Anyone that takes on the mob for an unrequited love and isn’t afraid to get a little bit of brain on his boots – all the while in a totally b*tchin’ scorpion jacket – is all right in our books. There’s no need to talk the talk if you can walk the walk…or, er, drive the drive.

“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”

“Sometimes you gotta run before you can walk.”

“My life, old sport, my life…my life has got to be like this. It’s got to keep going up.”

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

Tyler Durden Fight Club (1999) While we may not all suffer from split-personality disorders, we can relate to the idea of a having wild alter ego like the self-destructive minimalist Tyler Durden. It’s not hard to identify with Fight Club’s humble narrator, who bases his life on the things he owns. It’s not until he rids himself of his safe, creature comforts is he able to truly appreciate the power he wields, albeit as a different entity. The charisma, the confidence, the wild lust for life was within him all along. We’re not advocating subconsciously burning down your apartment and starting a violent revolution, but perhaps letting go of safe choices and embracing risk will do ya some good. You might just discover that you weren’t as boring as you thought.

Tony Stark Iron Man and The Avengers (2008 – TBA) So you’re not a born genius with a multi-billion dollar enterprise – big deal! Tony Stark wasn’t always a metalmarauding superhero either, but you better believe he owned the role when he had to blast his way out of terrorist captivity in Afghanistan. But what makes the man when he’s not in the suit? Confidence – and a good dose of narcissism. The cheeky playboy is a hero who isn’t afraid to show off his true colours – and why would you when you’ve got tailored suits, designer shades and flashy rides to flaunt? Saving the world isn’t a walk in the park, so take a page from the Iron Man’s book and live lavishly in your precious downtime. Life’s too short to be a gloomy Bruce Wayne.

Jay Gatsby The Great Gastby (1974 and 2013) Rich, influential, and host of the most bangin’ house parties, Jay Gatsby is a lad that lives unashamedly fast. The dapper gentleman is an embodiment of the American Dream, going from rags to swag with nothing more than ambition (and knowing how to make a quick buck with bootleggers). While we can dream of making it big and becoming the most talked-about in town, the most important lesson from Fitzgerald’s tragic protagonist is that no matter how much money you throw into reinventing yourself, there’s no escaping your past (or lack of one). Capricious Daisys may love you and leave you, so you’re better off being ‘you’. Embrace it, don’t waste it.

WORK WISER

GEAR

POST-IT PLUS

If you’re already the type of person who has Post-it notes serving as makeshift wallpaper, chances are your organisation game is already strong; that is, until it reaches the point when your entire workspace is overrun by the handy coloured squares. Post-it Plus makes it easy to get organised again with its neat little app, allowing sticky note lovers to snap a photo of their notes, and then arrange them digitally on a smart device. Not only does it put all of your note-to-self reminders in the palm of your hand, it also allows for sharing with other users, making it the perfect platform for brainstorm and storyboard sessions. We may be in the thick of the digital age, but it looks like our trusty Post-its are sticking around for a while longer. Free, available on iOS.

TRELLO

We all love a good list (we’re talking to you, Buzzfeed junkies), but once the tasks in our own to-do lists start racking up, we love ignoring them even more. Described as Pinterest for productivity, Trello offers eye-candy for those that demand visual appeal to get things done. Artsy design students and straight-shooting office-dwellers alike will find it hard not to love its streamlined ‘card’ approach to graphic workflow. The app goes beyond your own beautified chores to getting the rest of your team involved too, allowing other users to join projects and contribute. We suspect it’ll only be a matter of time until you’re habitually checking up on your Trello feed in the same way that you would those other social media time-killers. Free, available on web desktop, iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Kindle.

MICROSOFT OFFICE MOBILE

It might seem like a no-brainer, but we bet there’re only a handful of you that have thought to install Office apps onto your smart devices. Admittedly, Microsoft hasn’t made it easy for mobile users in the past, but the software giant now offers its essentials – Word, Excel and Powerpoint – for all mobile platforms, free of charge. The sleek work suite allows you to take your work wherever you go (just not at the dinner table, please), and brings a whole new level of convenience with its integrated access to create, edit and save documents on Dropbox and OneDrive. While iOS-devotees don’t get the same all-in-one app treatment as other platforms, it means that smart device users of any inclination can say goodbye to self-addressed emails and flash-drives. Free, available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone.

SUNRISE CALENDAR

You’re probably wondering, “How interesting could a calendar app be?” Well, for starters, Sunrise’s chic and vibrant interface offers a modern look to a dry subject, which is no easy feat. Able to sync Google, iCloud, Exchange, Evernote and Facebook calendars into one real-time portal cuts out the clutter and turns your schedule into a social experience. The lightning-fast event editing and nifty drag-and-drop mechanisms make managing your calendar a breeze, while its integration with Google Maps allows you to seamlessly find your way to appointments without shuffling through windows. Its LinkedIn access also allows you to read up on important clients (and see what they look like) before meetings, which will make those million-dollar deals a whole lot smoother. Free, available on web desktop, Mac, iOS and Android.

WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON DRAWING TO A CLOSE, IT’S TIME TO RETURN TO THE REAL WORLD AND GET BACK TO THE GRIND. BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT PLAYTIME IS OVER, SO LONG AS YOU KNOW HOW TO LEVEL-UP YOUR ORGANISATION SKILLS. THESE EIGHT APPS WILL HELP YOU GET IT TOGETHER BETTER THAN YOU EVER DID BEFORE.

ETERNITY TIME LOG

MEGA

MAILBOX

MYSCRIPT CALCULATOR

This one’s for all you power-procrastinators out there. While there are loads of planners out there, not many of them actually tell you if you’re any good at planning. Eternity Time Log breaks the mould and makes you accountable for your time, clocking you in as you carry out your tasks, leaving no excuse to ask where the day went. Not only does it remind you when you need to hit the books, it’ll also record how long it takes for you to finish the task. Of course, all this information is much easier to take in when it’s presented as a delicious pie chart. Soon you’ll realise the amount of time you kill watching cat videos and, hopefully, put your productivity into overdrive to make more out of your downtime. Free (Lite version), $7.99 (Full version), available on iOS.

Just because you’ve put up with the same mediocre mail app all this time doesn’t mean it’s too late for a change. From the same folks that brought us Dropbox, Mailbox similarly sets out to make our lives easier. The simple application combines all of your mailboxes (well, almost) into a chat-like interface, bringing your emails in line with other messaging services. While it may sound little more than a gimmick, compiled conversations make a world of difference when scrolling through lengthy email communications. Me-time advocates are sure to be pleased with its ‘snooze’ feature, which allows users to put off emails ‘til later to focus on what matters most. The intuitive app then learns from your swipes and snoozes to automate them in future, saving you valuable time. Free, available on Mac, iOS and Android.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

If celebrities can have their private material stolen off the cloud, how are you gonna protect your nudes – we mean, ‘documents’ – from the hands of cyber thieves? That’s where Mega steps in. Offering an alternative to the plethora of cloud storage services, the former Megaupload freedom fighters come back strong with a simple yet practical approach to file storage. For lo-res loathers that insist on storing and sharing files securely, the app allows for mammoth projects to be kept safe on its servers, while allowing fast and easy access to files straight from your smart device in a simple, sleek interface. Just try to keep the fine folks at Mega out of trouble this time by steering clear of the pirated material. Free, available on iOS and Android.

We’re sure this one’s got the advanced mathematics students excited; but you don’t need to be an algebra whiz to be keen on the MyScript Calculator app. The premise is simple, but the results will blow your socks off. Simply scribble in the arithmetic you want solved (bet you feel silly for scoffing at stylus owners now, huh), and voila – the app will crunch the numbers for you. Read ’em and weep, Texas graphic calculators! While its application may be limited to arithmetic and physics scholars, you never know when you might be tasked with solving the speed of light. But make sure your handwriting is legible, or you may end up with some funky equations that’ll earn you a big fat ‘F’. Free, available on iOS and Android.

CAFFEINE CORPS WITH NEW CAFES SEEMINGLY POPPING UP ON EVERY STREET CORNER THESE DAYS, IT’S HARD TO KNOW WHERE TO TURN FOR THE RIGHT MORNING PICK-ME-UP. TIRED OF SYRUP-LADEN BLENDS, THESE COFFEE CONNOISSEURS OFFER HAVENS FOR THE ARTISANAL CAFFEINE ADDICT, AND THEIR PASSION IS EVIDENT IN EACH DROP OF EXOTIC BLACK GOLD. KICK-START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A FRESH BREW FROM THESE FOUR COFFEE SHOPS THAT’RE BRINGIN’ IT BACK TO BLACK.

GRUB

THE TINY ROASTER

Tucked away in a neighbourhood alcove, these independent brewers have set up a cosy cafe environment that’ll make you feel like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s kitchen for a cuppa. As the name would suggest, this coffee shop does its roasting in-house, allowing for experimentation and development of its own flavour profiles. With a sole focus on brews and no espresso in sight, the menu offers a robust Guatemala Santa Rica single origin ($6) that boasts notes of chocolate and toffee, alongside a lighter, fruitier single origin from Panama Hartmann Estate ($6) that echoes hints of sliced apples and maple syrup. Cold press coffees are also available in-house or for takeaway, with the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe ($4.50) standing out with the sweet fruitiness of a sticky date pudding. 612 Clementi West Street 1, #01-288B thetinyroaster.com

PACAMARA BOUTIQUE COFFEE ROASTERS

The boutique coffee aficionados join the coffee craze of the trendy Thomson neighbourhood with a bold menu of exotic beans. With the same ambition that they bring in attempt to elevate cafe cuisine, coffee receives the same speciality treatment from a team that is as passionate about tradition as they are experimentation. As if to replicate the calm and cool feel of sitting at a pub counter, caffeine junkies will be delighted to perch at the barista’s bar as they are guided through a menu of speciality filter coffees. While you could spend all day sippin’ on a light, grapefruit and currant-concentrated Rwanda Mushonyi Lake Kivu ($6), a dark and robust Thai Doi Chang ($6) brewed in a surging Steampunk offers a nuttier hit with floral elements. 185 Upper Thomson Road facebook.com/pacamarasg

THE NEW BLACK

The New Black is best described as the F1 Ferrari of Singapore’s growing cafe scene. With top-of-the-line hardware and chic decor that resembles a graphic designer’s heaven, this chemistry lab for coffee engineers its brew with accuracy and precision. Of the wide range of independent roasters, George Howell’s Guatemalan ‘La Bendición’ ($8) is a balanced brew with notes of milk chocolate, raisin and sweet lime that is best enjoyed black; while the Costa Rican ‘La Loma’ ($7) from Melbourne’s Small Batch will surprise at first with a hit of sour green apple, before developing a sweet caramel finish. For the adventurous, a half-and-half of Workshop’s ‘Cult Of Done’ ($9) will allow exploration of bold fig and raisin in an espresso shot, and sweeter notes with milk. 1 Upper Circular Road thenewblack.asia

THREE CUPS COFFEE CO.

In the heart of the CBD, these coffee enthusiasts provide a warm, homely oasis for shoppers and busy executives to kick back and relax. While accommodating to the bustling rush with quick espressos and food-to-go, the baristas’ passion is in patient brewing. A 15-minute wait is a small price to pay for an astronomical Ethiopian Konga ($6) brewed in a V60 Aeropress, which assists to extract its fruity, floral bouquet. For eager learners, the Cold Brew Experience ($8) allows patrons to enjoy a bright and fruity Kenyan single origin, exploring the changing palette with the addition of milk and soymilk. And because coffee is like fine wine, Coffee Jamming appreciation workshops are held regularly for those wanting a hands-on experience with the beans. #04-31 One Raffles Place threecups.sg

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

STORM AHEAD

Clouds form when the atmosphere is saturated with water vapour. Just as Orchard Road has become saturated with towering, multi-tiered shopping malls, we too now get a Cloud of our own. Nestled in the former skeletons of The Mansion and That CD Shop, the two-storey nightlife hub rises like a phoenix from the ashes of a defunct retail concept, and resurrects the party scene in Singapore’s shopping town. There’s always a danger associated with trying to be a jack-of-all-trades. The thought of a venue operating as a bar, bistro and nightclub may lead one to assume that the owners are confused with which direction they want to go. On the contrary, Cloud Singapore manages to pull off all three by tackling each distinct element without compromise – resulting in a centre for multi-faceted social activity. The street-level bar-bistro offers an inviting environment to wine and dine, for both the daytime and late-night crowds. Decked out with pop art decor, the bistro serves up a menu of gourmet platters and casual culinary concepts that cater to epicures any time of the day. Yet, it is also careful not to neglect the fan-fare with an all-day breakfast that will pique the interest of brunch enthusiasts. Cloud Singapore applies this same ‘all-for-one’ philosophy to its bar menu, synthesising sweetly addictive cocktails while pandering to purists with its expansive liquor selection. Manly men won’t have any trouble guzzling a feminine,

floral Nebula, while the spectacle of a Stratus literally making it rain will undoubtedly result in a frenzy of Instagram activity. It’s no wonder breakfast is available until the wee hours – the concoctions are so easy to knock back that you’ll need it in order to pre-empt a whirring hangover. After a casual primer, you’re only a flight of stairs away from the super-swanky Ultra Lounge: a complete 180 from the preceding bar-bistro, the laser-lit room offers an intimate backdrop with luxurious leather. Before long, the glitz and glamour of the chill-out lounge opens up into a fist-pumping dance floor as DJ Doze takes to the decks with blistering hip-hop and electro-house cuts. While the establishment stays true to its aspirations to deliver top-notch tunage, it comes as no surprise that it also hopes to cover a wider spectrum of genres in future developments. Though underground junkies may feel like they’ve been left in the lurch, it’s abundantly clear that Cloud Singapore has no time for pretense. Instead, it stands as an after-hours bastion for those nauseated by Orchard Road’s retail therapy. Over-ambitious? Maybe; but we’re ascending to cloud nine the whole way with them.

#01-01 Pacific Plaza. Visit cloudsg.sg or facebook.com/cloudsingapore1 for more information and event updates.

Text Trent Davis Images Cloud SIngapore

BAR-STOP

CLOUD SINGAPORE

ARTY

DREAMS OF DESIRE FU LEI 78

BORN AT THE DAWN OF THE CHINESE CULTURAL REVOLUTION, VISUAL ARTIST FU LEI HAS SEEN THE TUMULTUOUS AND RADICAL CHANGE OF CHINA’S CULTURAL AND POLITICAL LANDSCAPE, FROM CALAMITY TO PROSPERITY. MOTIVATED BY CHINA’S NEWFOUND AFFLUENCE, THE BAROQUE-REVIVALIST’S ESCAPIST SCENES CAPTURE THE MODERN WORLD’S PROPENSITY FOR EXCESS AND DESIRE. WHILE THE ARTIST MAINTAINS BEAUTY IN HIS PORTRAYALS OF VICE, IT’S CLEAR THAT EVEN FU IS UNSETTLED WITH THE TRAJECTORY OF OUR IMPULSES.

What is the idea behind ‘Dreams of Desire’? The theme behind my artwork has always been about desire and excess. That’s why the humans are all very big and fat. From one figure, I added another; and then I started throwing in a lot of different animals and objects. This symbolises desire in its entirety. Everybody has desire, whether you’re a human, an animal, or an object. Even cockroaches and flowers desire something. Desire is equal. Why paint in the baroque style? When I started learning how to paint and draw, I was exposed to a lot of classical styles. I prefer this style because it speaks to me more than anything else. I tried to refer to contemporary and abstract art, but I enjoy baroque the most. To express my ideas and philosophies, I must use classical styles. I enjoy it so much, and I would like to have my own interpretation of it. The classical style is very literal; if you see a chicken, then it’s a chicken. But I do it in a way that forces you to put it together. It’s the concept that is abstract. Many of your subjects are depicted with ropes tied around their ankles, sometimes tied to fixtures and other times untied. Does this signify being bound or being free?

It represents the grey area between being free and being trapped – that’s why there are both iterations. The ropes represent control and the relationship of being controlled, or controlling others. As with interpersonal relationships or being controlled by society, it discusses the process of breaking free. Having opened one of the first art studios in Beijing’s 798 District, what are your thoughts on its transformation into a lavish, excessive locale? It’s been more than 10 years since I was based there and, as an artist, it’s definitely not a good change. It’s regulated by the government, so there’s nothing I can do about it. A lot of artists used to be based there, but a lot of them felt uncomfortable about the changes, so many of them moved. It has become a marketplace for tourists and art collectors. It’s disruptive to their work, the way the place is commercialised. All of China has become commercialised – you can’t control it. If commercialism is disruptive, what does an artist need to be able to be inspired to create? There are two types of inspiration. You find inspiration from what happens in your daily life, and then you also find inspiration within yourself – as an artist. There are some artists in China that choose to observe others, rather than Text Trent Davis Images Art Plural Gallery

observe themselves. Of course, this is one way to be inspired; but for contemporary artists, it is more important to observe what’s inside of you and what you experience for yourself. In today’s world,we have almost everything available at our fingertips. What are your thoughts on technology fueling excessive behavior through instant gratification? The advancement of technology is the result of desire. There isn’t really a practical need to have everything instantly. Now we use emails instead of snail-mail; so when you receive snail-mail, you feel exceptionally touched. We should let nature take its course and go with the flow, without disrupting the peace. Mobile phones disrupt interpersonal relationships, because instead of having real conversations, we have virtual conversations. That’s not going with the flow. There’s a philosophy in China: you don’t do anything, but you’re doing everything. Like a cup of water – if the cup is round, the water will be round in shape; if the cup is rectangular, then it will become rectangular. But no matter how you tilt the water, the level will always be flat because it doesn’t want to go against nature. So just let what happens happen.

PICK:

Absolut-Ly Dandy

VANMOOF ELECTRIFIED

In many ways, Absolut’s countless iterations of its iconic bottle have become artworks in themselves. This time ’round, the bottle gets a splash of dandy for the Andy Warhol Edition, transferring the pop-art maestro’s original 1986 Absolut painting onto the face of the bottle. The collaboration pays homage to Warhol’s love for the flacon’s artfulness, which laid the foundations for Absolut’s seminal involvement with the art world. With only 2,000 units available here, you know what comes next if you snooze. Available at selected outlets.

GAME OF TONES Headsets to get your game on.

ALL ABOUT THE ARTS Razer Kraken

SteelSeries 9H Na’Vi

HyperX Cloud

While the Razer Kraken has long served gaming greats for the PC platform, the beast is now unleashed on the Xbox One for an optimised gaming experience, allowing console fans to enjoy clear high and mid tones, and deep bass through the powerful 40mm neodymium magnet drivers. The comfy, immersive headset packs an audio control unit to fit your Xbox controller for easy-to-reach multimedia functions, and a uni-directional microphone to give your voice crystal clear audio translation; so you’ll have no disruptions whilst leading your squad to glorious victory. $169, available at razerzone.com.

Teaming up with world champion gaming organisation Natus Vincere, AKA Na’Vi, SteelSeries delivers the 9H Na’Vi Edition headset, adorned in the team’s colours of black and yellow. Boasting powerful Dolby virtual 7.1 surround sound, the headset offers an immersive experience with passive noise-blocking to put you in the thick of the action. Featuring SteelSeries’ next generation audio drivers, the comfortable double-enclosed earcups provide directional sound and high-frequency detail and impact to weed out the noobs, getting you that little bit closer to pro status. €169.99, available at steelseries.com.

Optimised for PC, PS4 and Mac, here is an affordable pro-gaming headset that offers luxurious comfort with its super-soft padded headband, memory foam ear cushions and leatherette-padded cups. And don’t worry about enemies sneaking up on you for the easy kill – the crystal clear tones and enhanced bass-reproduction delivered by its Hi-Fi-capable 53mm drivers means you’ll hear even the quietest footsteps. After you’ve had your gaming fill, the detachable microphone allows you to enjoy other aural adventures outside of the arena. £79.99, available at amazon.co.uk.

To coincide with the nine-day Singapore Art Week festival, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) and SAM At 8Q will be presenting an array of contemporary art occasions, including film documentaries, talks with artists, and an artisan market. Be sure to boogie down to four nights of homegrown music in the museums’ 160-yearold courtyards for the Late Nights at SAM sessions; and don’t miss Signature Art Prize 2014 Finalist Melati Suryodarmo’s acclaimed 12-hour performance, I’m a Ghost in My Own House. Singapore Art Week runs from January 16 to 25, with extended opening hours from 10am to 9pm from January 20 to 24. For more information and event details, visit singaporeartmuseum.sg.

FLASH: NAVIGATE

With everything else being upgraded to ‘smart’ status, it was only a matter a time before we had ‘smart’ commutes too. Dutch innovator VANMOOF pimps up the two-wheel ride to bring us the world’s first intelligent bicycle. Combining GPS navigation, smart power control and electric motivation, VANMOOF Electrified eases the cycling load by measuring the rider’s pedalling output and seamlessly adjusting its motor output accordingly, while keeping aesthetics cool with a discrete aluminium frame and Philips lighting. Perhaps motivated by widespread bike theft in Amsterdam, it also includes anti-theft GPS tracking feature, allowing owners to find and recover the bicycle if stolen. Available at selected outlets.

Meating Point You don’t have to trek to a furniture store to get a good meatball fix. Club Meatballs shakes it up with a simple menu that could take you seconds or hours to mull over – thanks to the delectable choice of sauces and sides on offer. The good news is that there’s no wrong choice – an Iberico Pork and Fennel or Chicken and Cumin meatball is as appetising with a tangy tomato and basil sauce as it is with aromatic truffled mushroom. But before you rush into experimentation, you won’t want to miss a couple of juicy Wagyu beef, gorgonzola and onion marmalade sliders alongside a tart Gin Basil Smash to wash it down. #01-35 China Square Central, tel: 6222 8660.

PERMANENT PANTONE

HIPPEST HOPS

While there are those of you who love knocking back a few cold ones, the love that the folks at Nickeldime Drafthouse have for beer is unparalleled. So much so that almost every item on the menu (including food) incorporates beer in one way or another. Each delectable dish goes the extra mile with its use of the aromatic ales, like the extra-crispy ale-soaked snapper fish and chips ($16) or the rich and hearty spaghetti with stout-braised beef ragout ($13). And it goes without saying that the warm and friendly staff will jump at the opportunity to tell you everything they know about their special selection of international and seasonal boutique brews. 273 Thomson Road, #01-06, tel: 6256 0261.

STEADY AIM FLASH: NAVIGATE

Lock in your focus with these sharp shooters.

Marking the fifth installment of the PantoneMyArt exhibition, the highly successful series now puts the spotlight on those that literally make their mark on others for a living. Shifting from skin to paper, Tattoo In Colour brings 10 of Singapore’s top tattoo artists together to create a series of introspective artworks, each using a predominant Pantone colour of their choice. Despite all working within the same field, the artworks couldn’t be more diverse and distinct. With inspiration stemming from past tattoo designs and personal musings, the series conveys each artist’s personal style and self-expression to expand the cultural and traditional narrative of body art. Open to the public from January 15 to March 30, at TCC ‘The Gallery’, 51 Circular Road. For more information, visit theconnoisseurconcerto.com.

Objects of Desire

With an aim to turn mundanity on its head with its multisensory retail experience, The Workshop by McNally & Co., a pop-up store at LASALLE College of the Arts, offers a playground for young local artists to explore objects of desire, while sourcing inspiration to create their own. Driven by local industry successes and the art college’s own student cohort, the exhibition will run a limited four days, during which visitors can purchase its unique wares. Guests are in for a treat on opening night with an exclusive showcase of local craftsmanship, including collections by avant-gardists Squelch Zines, Master Wong, and Kuin Studio. Workshop by McNally & Co. opens on January 9 to February 22 at LASALLE College of the Arts. Items for sale available on January 9 (6.30pm to 9.30pm), January 16, 17, and 23 (12pm to 4pm). For more information, visit facebook.com/ wmcnallynco.

SONY a7 II

HTC RE

Continuing the tradition of the a7 series’ compact and light interchangeable-lens models, the mark II features a 24.3-megapixel, 35mm Exmor sensor, and offers the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera to include optical five-axis image stabilisation. Translation: beautiful images in low light with a wide field of view, without having to worry about motion blur or the heaviness of a DSLR – making it a perfect companion for documenting your travels with plenty of options for lens-customisation. $2,149 (body only) and $2,549 (with SEL2870 lens), available at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected authorised dealers.

Released alongside the muchanticipated Desire EYE, the RE camera is your smartphone’s best friend. Concerned with the amount of time we spend behind our phones trying to capture moments but not living them, the RE allows you to shoot your snap-worthy moments with a 16-megapixel, 146-degree wide-angle lens, without the need to stare at a screen. Things get really creative when the camera is paired with the RE smartphone app, which turns your display into a viewfinder, allowing for shamelessly good selfies (minus the selfie-stick cameo too). $348, available at selected retailers.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

RED, WHITE & VICE - A VICE X'MAS AT VICE CHRISTMAS CHAOS ALL AROUND

ZSS PRESENTS GARETH EMERY AT ZOUK LIGHTS, THUNDER, ACTION!

IT'S THE SHIP SHENANIGANS AHOY

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SUMMIT LAUNCH PARTY WITH PETE TONG AT ATTICA IT'S ALL GONE

KYO001 RELEASE PARTY WITH OXIA & MANIK AT KYO DEBUT ALBUM...SUCCESS!

10/10, SUPER, FAMOUS & INFAMOUS AT F CLUB GRAB THAT FAB

Introducing

Raspberry Truffle Mocha

Chestnut Praline Latte

Finished with raspberry whipped cream and espresso truffle sauce.

Topped with crunchy pralines and roasted chestnut drizzle.

Crafted with so much passion, even our drinks are blushing.

CMY

Available from 6 Jan at your nearest Starbucks for a limited time only. www.facebook.com/StarbucksSingapore

WAX ON WAX OFF FEATURING SAMPOLOGY AT LOOF SO MUCH VINYL. SO MUCH HAIR.

2014-Juice Ad-Gift Voucher.pdf

17/12/14

2:18 pm

SHOP AT THESE

STOCKISTS II MONKII FAR EAST PLAZA, #03-95A

THE EDITOR’S MARKET CATHAY CINELEISURE, #03-04/06A

ACTUALLY ORCHARD GATEWAY, #03-18

THE WYLD SHOP CLIFFORD CENTRE, #01-12B

ALDO ION ORCHARD, #B2-02 BERSHKA ION ORCHARD, #B2-09/10/11 COS ION ORCHARD, #03-23/23A DOROTHY PERKINS WISMA ATRIA, #01-27/28 DR. MARTENS WHEELOCK PLACE, #02-17A H&M ORCHARD BUILDING I.T ORCHARD GATEWAY, #B1-13, #01-18, #02-24 LAUREN JASMINE WHEELOCK PLACE, #B1-06

THREADBARE & SQUIRREL 660 NORTH BRIDGE ROAD TOPMAN/TOPSHOP KNIGHTSBRIDGE, #01-05/06 WAREHOUSE ION ORCHARD, #B1-15 W.E. 313@SOMERSET, #03-01 ZARA LIAT TOWERS

CLUBS, PUBS & BARS 1-ALTITUDE

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

ACID BAR

ICE COLD BEER

Level 63, 1 Raffles Place T: 6438 0410 Music: Chill-out 180 Orchard Road, Peranakan Place T: 6738 8828 www.peranakanplace.com Music: Live acoustic

ALLEY BAR

180 Orchard Road, Peranakan Place T: 6738 8818 www.peranakanplace.com Music: Nu-groove, lounge, acid jazz and funk

AQUANOVA

The Cannery Clarke Quay, Block C, #01–03, T: 6305 6733 www.aquanova.sg Music: Live

ATTICA & ATTICA TOO

3A River Valley Road, #01-03 Clarke Quay T: 6333 9973 www.attica.com.sg Music: Classic dance anthems, R&B and hip-hop

AVALON

Marina Bay Sands Floating Pavilion T: 6688 7448 www.avalon.sg Music: Dance

THE ARENA

3B River Valley Road, #01-08, Clarke Quay T: 6338 3158 www.thearenalive.com.sg Music: Live music

BARRACKS & TIPPLING CLUB 8D Dempsey Rd T: 6475 2217 www.dempseyhouse.com

BAR COCOON

3A, Merchant’s Court, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd, #01-02 T: 6557 6268 Music: Eclectic, new-wave, electro, uplifting house, big tunes & deep house

BAR OPIUME

TO CHECK OUT

50 Cuscaden Road T: 6235 5232 www.hardrock.com.sg Music: Live acoustic and rock 9 Emerald Hill Road T: 6735 9929 50 Stamford Road Singapore Management University Lee Kong Chian School of Business #01-01 T: 6837 3585 www.emeraldhillgroup.com Music: Classic, alternative and adult contemporary rock

INK CLUB BAR

Raffles The Plaza 80 Bras Basah Road T: 6431 5315 www.inkclubbar.com Music: Sexy funky house

J BAR

QUE PASA

7 Emerald Hill Road T: 6235 6626 www.emeraldhillgroup.com Music: Modern & traditional jazz guitar instrumental & acid jazz with female vocals

THE RABBIT HOLE

3C Harding Road T: 6473 9965 www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg

ROYAL ROOM MINK

7, Raffles Boulevard, Pan Pacific Hotel Music: R&b and hip-hop

SUPRETTE

383 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209001 www.suprette.com Music: Top 50’s, R&B

M-Hotel, 81 Anson Road, Level 9 T: 6500 6119 www.millenniumhotels.com.sg Music: Live acoustic, pop, rock, R&B, jazz, contemporary

STELLAR BAR

JIGGER & PONY

442 Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel T: 6493 6952 Music: Live music

101 Amoy Street T: 62239101 www.jiggerandpony.com

KU DÈ TA

1, Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands Skypark T: 6688 7688 www.kudeta.com.sg

KYO

133 Cecil Street, Keck Seng Tower, #B1-02 Music: Dance Anthems, Hip-hop/ r&b, House, Tech-house, Techno

LANTERN

The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 1 Fullerton Road T: 6597 5299 Music: Live cuban band nightly

LOOF

331 North Bridge Road, Odeon Towers (extension rooftop), #03-07 T: 6338 8035 www.loof.com.sg Music: Eclectic, chill-out

9 Emerald Hill Road T: 6735 9929 www.emeraldhillgroup.com Music: Classic rock

TAB

TAKÉ

3 Nanson Road, Studio M Hotel T: 6808 8888 Music: Live music on Fridays and Saturdays

THE CUFFLINK CLUB

6 Jiak Chuan Road 089262 T: 9694 9623 www.thecufflinkclub.com

THE LIBRARY

47 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089151 T: 6221 8338 Music: Chill-out

THE MAD MEN ATTIC BAR 11 North Canal Road,#03-02, Singapore 048826 T: 6222 3529 Music: Live music

THE VAULT

1, Empress Place, ACM T: 6323 1043 www.indochine.com.sg Music: Rosanna & Her Jazz Players, Mon - Sat from 9.30pm

THE MANSION

LEFTFOOT ENTREPOT THE CATHAY, #01-19/20 LIMITED EDT VAULT 313@SOMERSET, #04-13

BLUJAZ CAFÉ

11 Bali Lane T: 6292 3800 www.blujaz.net Music: Live jazz, funk, boogie

The Cannery Clarke Quay, 01-10 Block C T: 6305 6726 www.mulliganspubs.com Music: Live Music

45 Armenian Street (The Substation Garden) T: 6338 8277 www.timbre.com.sg Music: EIC, Ngak & Jack, Timmy and Alemay Fernandez

THE BUTTER FACTORY

NEW ASIA BAR

WALA WALA CAFÉ

NIGHT&DAY

WAVEHOUSE

MISS SELFRIDGE WISMA ATRIA, #01-27/28 NIXON ION ORCHARD, #B3-13

One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, T: 6333 8243 www.thebutterfactory.com Music (Fash): Eclectic-Indie, electro Music (Bump): Hip-hop, R&B

PULL & BEAR ION ORCHARD, #B2-08

COASTES

ROCKSTAR BY SOON LEE CATHAY CINELEISURE, #03-08

DREAM

SECTS SHOP ORCHARD GATEWAY, #04-14

EM BY THE RIVER

STUSSY 313@SOMERSET, #04-30 SUPERSPACE ORCHARD GATEWAY, #02-18 STRADIVARIUS ION ORCHARD, #B2-15

50 Siloso Beach Walk #01-05 T: 6274 9663 Block C, The Cannery Clarke Quay T: 6305 6768 Music: Hip-hop, R&B, electro 1 Nanson Road, #01-05 Gallery Hotel T: 6836 9691 www.em-n-em.com Music: Weekdays- Down Tempo, Bar Sounds, Weekends- Bar Sounds, Soulful and Deep House

EM STUDIO

1 Nanson Road Gallery Hotel #02-05 T: 6836 9691 www.em-n-em.com Music: All genres of house

FABRIKA

Klapsons The Boutique Hotel, 15 Hoe Chiang Road, 17th Floor Sky Terrace T: 6521 9029

FENIX ROOM

3C River Valley Road T: 6305 6768 Music: EDM, hip-hop, indie

Looking for ? juice.com.sg/find-juice

Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road #01-01 - T: 6234 2276 Music: Soul, lounge, hip-hop

MULLIGAN’S

Level 71 Swissotel The Stamford T: 6431 6156 www.equinoxcomplex.com Music: Top 40s & R&B 139 Selegie Road, Singapore 188309 T: 6884 5523 www.nightandday.sg Music: Live music

NO.5 EMERALD HILL COCKTAIL BAR

5 Emerald Hill Road T: 6732 0818 www.emeraldhillgroup.com Music: Acid jazz, blues, R&B and classic charts’ hits

OVEREASY

1 Fullerton Road, #01-06, One Fullerton T: 6423 0701 www.overeasy.com.sg

PLAYHOUSE

3, River Valley Road Music: Hip-hop, R&B, electro

POST BAR

The Fullerton Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square T: 6877 8135 Music: New age and chill-out

POWERHOUSE GALLERY BAR BELLINI ROOM

St. James Power Station 3 Sentosa Gateway #01-01 T: 6270 7676 www.powerhouse.sg Music: Pop, house (Powerhouse), Disco, funk (Gallery bar), Jazz (Bellini room)

23 Circular Road, Singapore 049379 T: 6222 5001 www.thevault.com.sg

TIMBRÉ MUSIC BISTRO

31 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village T: 6462 4288 Music: Live band plays nightly from 9pm onwards 36 Siloso Beach Walk T: 6377 3113 www.wavehousesentosa.com

WOOBAR

W Singapore Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way www.wsingaporesentosacove.com/ indulge

YING YANG

28 Ann Siang Road, The Club Hotel T: 8518 3156 www.yingyang.sg Music: Bar grooves & house

ZOUK PHUTURE VELVET UNDERGROUND WINEBAR

17 Jiak Kim Street T: 6738 2988 www.zoukclub.com Music: Techno, electro (Zouk), hip-hop, R&B (Phuture), deep house, soul (Velvet Underground), downtempo (Winebar)

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FAST FOOD C H A IN S WE WA N T H E R E

IF YOU CAN IMAGINE HOMER SIMPSON’S ICONIC DROOL, THEN YOU’VE GOT A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF WHAT WE SOUND LIKE HERE AT HQ WHEN WE DREAM OF THESE FOREIGN FAST FOOD JOINTS. FOR SUPPOSED ‘FAST FOOD’, THESE 10 CHAINS ARE SURE TAKING THEIR TIME TO HIT OUR SHORES! WHAT GIVES?

FINAL WORD

IN-N-OUT BURGER (U.S.A) What other burger chain lets you order your burger “medium-rare”, or your fries “well-done”? Forget New Year’s diets, we want a four-patty cheeseburger with a helping of cheese-smothered fries. ‘Animal Style’: that’s In-N-Out lingo for extra everything. But hey, at least none of it is frozen – that means it’s healthy…right?

TEREMOK (RUSSIA) Starting out as kiosks in the Kremlin, the franchise is now famed for its takeaway crepes (called blini), which you can stuff shamelessly with savoury ingredients like mushrooms, salmon and even caviar; and also sweet fillings like berries and chocolate. Talk about a snack we’d love to ‘putin’ our bellies.

A&W (U.S.A) Bring A&W back! All those who grew up in the ’90s can relate to this emotional appeal. The fun curly fries, thirst-quenching root beer floats, juicy coney dogs and crisp-yet-soggy ice-cream waffles are the boon of our youth and we’d do (almost) anything to have all that delish goodness back. LOTTERIA (JAPAN) Good burgers are a dime a dozen. But mouthwateringly succulent, knockyou-off-your-feet iterations? They hail from Tokyo. Enter Lotteria – a magical, meaty land of patties including beef bulgogi, chicken and shrimp slapped with generous amounts of mayo, tartar sauce, shredded tomatoes, pickles, and every other topping you can imagine. Oh the things we’ll do to sink our teeth into some juicy buns!

TEMPURA TENDON TENYA (JAPAN) Why should our Japanese fast-food choices be limited to yakitori bentos, gyu-dons and clumsily-wrapped onigiris (gah the frustration!!) anyway? We want us some deep-fried, battered tempura in a rice bowl that’s not drowned in sauce, lightly crispy, and costing as little as six bucks. Itadakimasu!

NORDSEE (GERMANY) So that’s where the Berliners go after their nights-out in Berghain and Watergate! Forget pork kunckles, this seafood joint cures hangovers and walks of shame with baked Alaskan pollack, cape-hake fillets and even sushi. Fish and chips at 5am never sounded so d*mn good. TACO BELL (U.S.A) Look, Taco Bell. We’ll forgive you for abandoning our shores and depriving us of your Tex-Mex goodies if you just come back. We won’t argue over whose fault it was; we’ll just start over. Bring us your crispy Fresco tacos and your melting breakfast burritos, and we’ll call it even-steven.

Text Kevin Ho, Liyana Meer & Trent Davis Images Various Sources

SHAKE SHACK (U.S.A) Some burger joints bring in Angus beef on special occasions; Shake Shack mandates that only 100 per cent all-natural Angus beef makes it into their burgers straight from the get-go. Not to mention malted shakes, crinkle cut fries dripping in cheese, and relish-topped hotdogs. Heck, even four-legged friends get to chow down! GIRAFFAS (BRAZIL) Brazilians know how to have a party in their tummies as well with generous sides of rice and beans, served with carnivorous choices of flame-grilled burgers and picanha steaks. It’s no wonder they have so much energy for their Mardi Gras; we sure could use some too!

PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA (U.S.A) Whether you prefer thin-crust or cheese-crust, extra toppings or more cheese, you’ll find it here at Papa John’s Pizza. Sure, there’s no fight against the Italians for pizzas but this American joint serves up equally delectable slices. Not forgetting the cinnamon sweetsticks that’ll make everything in the world right again.