The key to survival has always been adaptability, a skill that applies even to the arts. And especially in the midst of a pandemic, it is all one can do to adapt, innovate and transform, for the sake of survival, something RuanAtWorkz Musical Arts (R.A.W.) embodies in both its goals and execution of their art. Founded by ruan player and composer Neil Chua, RuanAtWorkz was … Continue reading Review: Night Walker by RuanatWorkz
Following up from her previous single, ‘do I, do I’, inch puts her dancing shoes aside for a more sombre affair in her new single ‘trees’. Out on 13th August 2021, ‘trees’, the second track from her upcoming 2-part EP childish, will be followed by a Mandarin version, released a week after on 20th August 2021. ‘trees’ is a powerful ode to nature. Inspired by inch’s personal experience during lockdown, the single, a … Continue reading Music Is: inch releases new single ‘trees’
Every August, as National Day draws ever closer, the airwaves are constantly filled with theme songs of years past. While it’s easy to be a sourpuss and dismiss the celebratory mood, one always has to remember the symbolic importance of National Day as a representation of strength, resilience, and independence of our island nation. Theme songs, more importantly, are meant to act as a timestamp … Continue reading In Our Words: NDP 2021 theme song The Road Ahead
Graduates of Berklee College of Music have almost always gone on to do great things, whether it’s working for some of the biggest global brands, to pushing themselves artistically, and working alongside some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists. But even with their prestige, few might ever imagine scoring a gig that sees them doing a national project. For composer and producer Evan Low, that’s … Continue reading The Road Ahead: A National Day Interview with NDP 2021 theme song co-producer Evan Low
Let your imagination run free as art takes over. The Belle Epoque referred to a Golden Age in European history which focused on operatic art forms, along with cabaret. Despite sharing a name with this period however, local performing arts company Bellepoque goes a step further, taking the spirit of the era and updating it for contemporary times with their willingness to combine various art … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Resonances – A Double Bill by Bellepoque
Three Malaysian musicians in different parts of the world, digitally united. Besides inviting international artists to showcase work, the annual George Town Festival is also an opportunity to celebrate and spotlight local talent. And what better way to do that than to highlight the local artists that have found international success? Thanks to the internet, George Town Festival has united pianist Chow Jun Yi, ruan … Continue reading Review: “Immerse” Concert (George Town Festival 2021)
They say the classics never go out of style. “Hopelessly Devoted To You” is a perfect example of that. Since the 1980s, no amount of lovelorn Olivia Newton-John would-bes could diminish its charm. In fact, its recent revival as a TikTok viral hit only shows how its core resonates beyond generations. Looking back at the past can also spark new creativity. It provided a new idea … Continue reading Music Is: Aisyah Aziz and YAØ cover Grease’s ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’
Mila Ascending is The Steve McQueen’s first single release from their much awaited fifth studio album The Observer. The mercurial band went directly from touring Japan and the Asian Festival circuit into the studio to record this collection of new music which simultaneously invokes alternative R&B, chill-pop, 60’s Motown and nu-soul. The McQueens celebrate their 8th year on the road with this release of coy … Continue reading Music Is: The Steve McQueens release new single ‘Mila Ascending’
Filipino singer-songwriter and producer Fern. has finally dropped his new single “Kagandahan,” a minimalist pop tune that tackles the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by beauty, and how people are afraid of it going away. Released under Island Records Philippines, Fern.’s latest jam is essentially stripped-down to the core, with its message offering a quiet, meditative space that doesn’t lose sight of what truly matters—even … Continue reading Music Is: Fern. releases first Tagalog single “Kagandahan”
Filipina singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis has released her fourth studio album, Scenes From Inside on 16th July via 12 Stone Records and Sony Music Philippines. Delivering intricately produced pop-rock gems with melodic sweetness, the 9-track release is a testament to Almalbis’ consistency as an artist who never gets tired of leveling up her craft and expanding her vision with newfound inspiration. “Recording is truly one of … Continue reading Music Is: Filipina singer Barbie Almabis drops fourth album ‘Scenes Inside’
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