Lion City Rock

Ep137: Sound Advice with Mark Jason

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:18:07 +0000

Who's the most important person when it comes to a live performance? No, not the singer. Not the band manager. Not even the guy who removes all the blue M&Ms.

If you're in a band about to do a show, the sound engineer or sound tech is the person you want on your side. They can make you sound great on the night. (And vice versa if you're being a turd to them.)

Like our guest, Mark Jason. Mark has helmed the soundboard at pubs of past and present, including Balaclava, Wala Wala, and Blackbird. You've also probably heard his handiwork at many events, including this year's BigO 40 festival and the SG50 show at the National Stadium.

But why did he become a sound engineer? What were his most memorable gigs he's worked on? And what does a sound tech do, anyway?

In this episode, he answers all those questions, and as a bonus, reveals how you can get on the good graces of your sound tech (note: adult beverages may be involved).

*this episode was recorded in August 2025

"Screen Scars" performed by K. Mat. All other live audio was recorded at Blackbird.

******

LINKS

Follow Mark Jason here: Instagram

Follow Writers' Hall and Blackbird

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Update: The Lion City Rock Playlist (new tracks from Shye, Dru Chen, Namie and more!)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Like, share and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a 5-star rating and review – it really helps others discover some good ol' Lion City Rock!

Ep136: Jazz Odyssey with Namie

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:00:47 +0000

What is it like being an experimental jazz singer-songwriter in the Lion City? How does one navigate a musical niche in a space like Singapore? How easy is it to explore out-of-the-box musical inspirations in a place where traditional forms seem to be favoured more?

Namie Rasman, lead singer of Namie & The Waves and a jazz singer in her own right, takes the hot seat to answer these questions and share her jazz odyssey. (PS: Namie & The Waves' new EP, Tides, is expected to drop later this year.)

*this episode was recorded in May 2025

"Screen Scars" performed by K. Mat. "Postcards" performed by AWOL. "The Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. "Gone", "Wander", "Queenfisher", "What's The Beauty" performed by Namie & The Waves.

******

LINKS

Follow Namie here: Instagram

Follow Namie & The Waves here: Instagram

Listen to Namie & The Waves here: Spotify / Apple Music

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Update: The Lion City Rock Playlist (new tracks from Shye, Dru Chen, Namie and more!)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep135: Ketchup II – Bigger, Longer, Stronger

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:26:57 +0000

With nightlife and entertainment spots closing over the past few weeks – Projector, Vertigo26, and for one hot minute, even Wala Wala – Kevin and Chris ask the hard question: How can dis be allow?

In this special extended episode, the TCSS returns – iykyk – as they also unpick the "now you can drink alcohol in pubs until 4am" scheme (but only in selected areas, T&Cs apply) and pick their choice gigs that you can spend your Culture Pass on.

"Screen Scars" performed by K. Mat. "Postcards" performed by AWOL. "The Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. "You're The Boy" performed by Shirley Nair & The Silver Strings. "Let 'Em Come" performed by Mike and Herb & The Silver Strings. "Angel In The Night" performed by Lovehunters.

******

LINKS

Get tickets for Silver Strings: WhatsApp Audie Ng at 9818 4198

Get tickets for Concert Lovehunters Renaissance

Get tickets for Sing60

Get tickets for Welcome To The Machine's The Wall

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Update: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep134: Shining On with WTTM

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:56:48 +0000

What do echoes, money, dogs and time have in common? What's the dark side of tribute bands? And how much stroking is necessary before a podcast episode can actually begin?

Laurence and Noel of Welcome To The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute band from Singapore, answer those questions and more. Their new show, a complete performance of Pink Floyd's landmark album, The Wall, is a cross between a musical and a rock gig. But more importantly, it answers the age-old question: which one's Pink?

"The Wall", "Time", "Comfortably Numb" & "Coming Back To Life" performed by Welcome To The Machine.

******

LINKS

Welcome To The Machine: Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube

Get tickets for The Wall

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Oh, and Kevin wrote a song for National Day too! Listen here

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep133: First Beliefs with Dominic Chin

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 04:05:36 +0000

Dominic Chin has been singing ever since he was in his teens. His first original song, "You First Believed" – a tribute to Singapore's founding father and first Prime Minister, went viral. Now, 11 years later, he's back with a new single, "Needy" and plans for a new album drop at the end of the year. In between, he's performed thousands of shows – on his own and with the MDC – as well as collabed with some of the coolest name in the scene, including Jean Seizure, lamin and Marian Carmel. Oh, and he's co-written a song for National Day, called For Singapore, along with RINES and Gail Belmonte.

So what was that music journey like? How is songwriting helping cope with mental health? And what did LKY have to say about that song dedicated to him?

Recorded in May 2025. "Screen Scars" by K.Mat. "You First Believed", "Needy" & "Cry" by Dominic Chin. "You Do You" by Dominic Chin & lamin. "CLSE2U (Re-License To Cry version)" by Dominic Chin and Jean Seizure. "Here (Re-License To Cry version)" by Dominic Chin and Gail Belmonte.

******

LINKS

Dominic Chin: YouTube / Instagram / Spotify

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Oh, and Kevin wrote a song for National Day too! Listen here

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Happy SG60!

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:00:11 +0000

Can you believe that it was 60 years ago when Naomi and The Boys released their megahit, "Happy Happy Birthday Baby"? That same year, the Lion City decided to make its way in the world by itself! Coincidence? Maybe.

But to mark SG60, we decided to do what all Singaporeans do best: go makan chicken rice – what else?

Oh, and Kevin wrote a song for National Day too! Listen here

"I Love Singapore" performed by The Fast Colors.

******

LINKS

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep132: The One with Leslie Low

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:16:15 +0000

It's been a long time coming, but we finally did it! We have Leslie Low on the show! Sure, it took us the better part of three years – specifically three years, seven months and 3 days – but hey, who's counting?

Leslie one of Singapore's finest songwriters, and if there ever is a Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame for Singapore musicians, he should be in it! So we got him to answer all our crucial questions:

How did he get started all those years ago?

What did author Don Bosco and Lion City icon Chris Ho do to shape his music journey?

And who's going for his gig on 10 Aug, 5pm at the Esplanade Recital Studio? (tickets going fast, don't say we never say - link below)

"Screen Scars" by K,Mat, remixed by Chris. "Jump Back", "Daddy In The Lift" by Leslie Low. "Circling Square" by Humpback Oak. "How's Life" by The Observatory. Special thanks to The Substation for arranging this and to Bad Habits for hosting us.

******

LINKS

Get tickets for Passing: Leslie Low in Concert

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Let us know what you like (or don't like!) so we can improve it. Also, we can do much more if you drop a donation in the link provided. Every little bit helps. Thank you very much for all your support! We appreciate you!

Ep131: The LCR Ketchup Episode

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 03:04:09 +0000

WE'RE BACK! Welcome to the new phase Lion City Rock, which is... pretty much like the old phase Lion City Rock, if we're being honest – but with more sprinkles!

We've quite a few things in the pipeline, though, and we're going to do our best to make sure they all come to pass. Just what are they all about? Listen to find out, lah...

"Nothing Is Real" and "Screen Scars" by K,Mat; "Finer Life (Cover)" by The Fast Colors. Episode image done by Olly Maguire.

******

LINKS

Get tickets for Passing: Leslie Low in Concert

Find out about Rockoustika

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would you like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Passing: Leslie Low in Concert for The Substation's 35th Year

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 03:30:24 +0000

DID YOU KNOW that Leslie Low's music journey kinda sorta began at the same time as one of Singapore's influential arts companies, The Substation? Well, we didn't – until we were asked to support this cool event on 10 Aug, 5pm at the Esplanade Recital Studio.

Passing is a lyrical and sonic journey through Leslie's indie-pop and soft rock reflections as an artist growing up, living in, and experiencing Singapore. He has handpicked personal favourites from his solo repertoire, and will be backed by Sean Lam (Concave Scream, Hanging Up the Moon) and Alexius Cai (Piblokto).

This is part of The Substation's programme, Gathering Ground 2025, and follows recent collaborations to celebrate the music of Singaporean artists, many of whom began their formative years at the old Substation Garden or Guinness Theatre – including Leslie!

Get your tickets from Eventbrite here

"Finer Life" performed by The Fast Colors

Ep130: BigO 4-0 (a review part 2)

Mon, 05 May 2025 04:05:09 +0000

Was there a better way to spend a Sunday than having your eardrums blasted and your face melted by some of the biggest bands of the 1990s? Well, if you're not into that sorta thing, then yes, probably.

But for us at the Lion City Rock pod, Day 2 of the BigO 4-0 show brought the house down as six bands took the stage at The Blackbird! Disko Biscuit, The Oddfellows, Rudra, Astreal, The Pinholes and Opposition Party brought the two-day celebration of BigO magazine's 40th anniversary to a close the only way they knew how - with amps turned up to 11!

*audio quality inherent at source

Photo by Opposition Party

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. Audio snippets recorded at The Blackbird on 12 & 13 April. Additional recording from Room 526.

******

LINKS

Our Lion City Rock videos with the BigO 4-0 bands

Read Kevin's Digging Up Singapore's Indie Roots on Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

What would like us to talk about? Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep129: BigO 4-0 (a review)

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:03:41 +0000

As crowds throng the spaces to listen to political candidates wax lyrical about how they plan to improve Singapore, the LCR team look back on two days in April when crowds thronged The Blackbird Singapore to listen to veteran indie rockers who came together to wax lyrical about the 40th anniversary of BigO magazine, the pre-eminent champion of local indie music back in the late '80s and throughout the 1990s.

What made the grade? What were the big surprises? And who were the candidates - er, sorry, Lion City Rockers - who rocked our boat? There's no commentary about GST, but plenty of talk about GSE!

*audio quality inherent at source

Photo by Little Ong

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. Audio snippets recorded at The Blackbird on 12 & 13 April.

******

LINKS

Read Kevin's Digging Up Singapore's Indie Roots on Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep128: Surath and Joanna (The Blackbird, Reverie)

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:05:32 +0000

Where can you go to hear a live band play Steely Dan's "Reelin' In The Years" or the 11-minute opus that is the live version of "Sultans Of Swing", complete with sax solo? Well, The Blackbird at Gillman Barracks, that's where.

The Blackbird's resident band, Reverie, plays songs that aren't always on your Spotify Top 10; instead, revelling in dishing out rarer tracks that you don't always hear on Singapore's live music circuit.

But Reverie has a bigger stake in The Blackbird than you think: Singer & guitarist Surath helms the venue, while multi-instrumentalist Joanna helps coordinate events held there, including the recent She Shines music event, and BigO's 40th anniversary show.

With Blackbird's 2nd birthday coming up, the two of them share the highs and lows of being in a cover band and running a live music venue.

*audio quality inherent at source

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh.

******

LINKS

Follow The Blackbird: Instagram

Read Kevin's Digging Up Singapore's Indie Roots on Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep127: It's The Oddfellows! (BigO 40 Special)

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:51:35 +0000

What a show we have for you! Yes, you and only you! Our featured guests on the podcast are none other than The Oddfellows!

They helped spearhead the Singapore indie scene in the late 1980s and have garnered much acclaim and accolades through the years. But what exactly are they doing now?

Well, they're part of BigO 4-O: 40 Years Of Counter-Culture, the music fest on 12-13 April at The Blackbird to celebrate BigO Magazine's 40th anniversary.

For those who don't know, BigO was the music magazine of the 1990s and the music fest line-up features bands from that era. For this special Lion City Rock episode, The Oddfellows look back at their beginnings and what BigO meant to them.

*audio quality inherent at source

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. Excerpts from "Your Smiling Face (1988 version)", "So Happy (live)" and "Silent Worlds" performed by The Oddfellows. "So Happy (DJ C_h_a_o_s Mix)" by DJ DJ C_h_a_o_s

******

LINKS

Get your tickets for BigO 4-O: 40 Years of Counter Culture

Watch the other BigO Special interviews

Follow The Oddfellows: Instagram / Facebook / Bandcamp / Spotify

Related episodes with Patrick Chng: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4

Read Kevin's Digging Up Singapore's Indie Roots on Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Like, share and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a 5-star rating and review – it really helps others search for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

Ep126: The Great Spy Experiment (BigO 40 Special)

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:15:00 +0000

We're continuing our Lion City Rock x BigO 4-O series for the 40 Years Of Counter-Culture music festival, which will be held on 12-13 April at The Blackbird to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BigO Magazine, one of the cornerstones of Singapore's indie music scene of the 1990s.

The line-up features The Mother, Typewriter, Obstacle Upsurge, Force Vomit, Plainsunset, Opposition Party, Disko Biscuit, The Oddfellows, Rudra, The Pinholes, Astreal and our guests for this episode: The Great Spy Experiment!

They're probably one of Singapore's best live bands of all time, and in this episode, the band talks about the challenges and opportunities that have shaped them to be who they are.

*audio quality inherent at source

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh; excerpt from "Unity Song" performed by The Fast Colors. Excerpts from "Siti in the City", "Class 'A' Love Affair", Wasted" and "In The Sun" performed by Great Spy Experiment

******

LINKS

Get your tickets for BigO 4-O: 40 Years of Counter Culture

Follow The Great Spy Experiment: Instagram / Facebook / Bandcamp / Spotify

Related episode: It's Saiful Idris

Read Kevin's Digging Up Singapore's Indie Roots on Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Read less

Ep125: Disko Biscuit (BigO special episode!)

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:10:28 +0000

It's the first of our Lion City Rock x BigO 4-O episodes for the 40 Years Of Counter-Culture music festival. Happening on 12-13 April at The Blackbird, it's two days of music remembering and celebrating one of the cornerstones of Singapore's indie music scene of the 1990s: BigO Magazine.

Bands performing include The Mother, Typewriter, Obstacle Upsurge, Force Vomit, Great Spy Experiment, Plainsunset, Opposition Party, The Oddfellows, Rudra, The Pinholes, Astreal and our guests for this episode: Disko Biscuit!

One of Singapore's earliest shoegaze bands, Disko Biscuit, has been returning to the scene in recent years, and in this episode, they talk about their origins, their future and what BigO Magazine means to them.

*audio quality inherent at source

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh; excerpt from "Unity Song" performed by The Fast Colors. Excerpts from "Guardian Angels", "Circle Jerks", "Ethereal Walk" and "Gelombang Hati Dunia" performed by Disko Biscuit

******

LINKS

Get your tickets for BigO 4-O: 40 Years of Counter Culture

Follow Disko Biscuit: Instagram

Read Kevin's Digging Up Singapore's Indie Roots on Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read Chris' Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

******

Ep124: We Can't Believe It's Astreal!

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:11:03 +0000

IT'S FINALLY HERE: Our monumental mega-episode with ASTREAL!

As one of the key shoegaze bands here in the Lion City over the past three decades, Astreal has been going through thick and thin, releasing three albums and performing at every major gig you can think of.

Ginette Chittick (bass/vocals) and Muhammad Alkhatib (guitars) share the ups and downs of Astreal's musical journey: What was it like for Ginette to join just before the launch of their debut album, which the band had already recorded with another singer? How do they feel about the music scene today? And will it really take 10 years to produce another album?

Also: Remember to get your tickets for the BIGO 4-O: 40 Years of Counter Culture festival on 12-13 April, from noon onwards at The Blackbird. Tickets are selling fast so don't say we bojio!

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh; excerpts from "Snowflake", "Blush Response", "Our Time Is Now", "Colossal" and "June 12" performed by Astreal

******

LINKS

Get your tickets for BigO 4-O: 40 Years of Counter Culture

Follow Astreal: Instagram

Related episodes: Ginette Was A Punk Rocker

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

******

Ep123: No Excuse For Sexism Review

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:05:21 +0000

Happy International Women's Day!

To mark the occasion, we're looking back at an album that made a splash back in the day: No Excuse For Sexism.

Released in 1998, it was the first album to feature an all-female line-up, with all-female or female-fronted bands: Clothes Peg, Flying Pills, Sideshow Judy, Psycho Sonique and Astreal.

How does the album hold up after all these years? Was it an accurate example of what our female indie musicians had to offer? And where are Flying Pills and Clothes Peg today? (No, really - give us a shout if you know)

"Lion City Rock Theme" performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh; excerpts from "No Excuse For Sexism" performed by Clothes Peg, Flying Pills, Sideshow Judy, Psycho Sonique and Astreal

******

LINKS

Get your tickets for No Finer Time To Be Alive

Get your tickets for BigO 4-O: 40 Years of Counter Culture

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

******

Read less

Ep122: Robin (KiDG) and Joe (Ng)

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:45:43 +0000

We're honoured to be part of No Finer Time To Be Alive, a music event on 15 March 2025, 6pm at Vertigo26 where The Substation will kickstart celebrations for its 35th anniversary.

To share more about this lively do is the lively duo behind it all, DJ KiDG, aka Robin Chua and award-winning composer Joe Ng. The gig will feature iconic Singaporean music curated and mixed live by KiDG, and you get to journey through Singapore’s music history, with tracks from legends of yesteryear like Zircon Lounge and The Quests to today's musicmakers like Subsonic Eye and more.

PLUS: You'll enjoy special cocktails inspired by local indie classics, happy hour drinks all night, and a refreshed menu.

Get your tickets on Eventbrite - ticket proceeds support The Substation’s mission to champion independent artists.

Excerpts from "Radio Station" and "So Happy" performed by The Fast Colors; excerpts from "The Return of Mona Koh" performed by Force Vomit; excerpt from "The Girl From Katong" performed by Seranaide

******

LINKS

Get your tickets for No Finer Time To Be Alive

Follow The Substation: Instagram

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

******

Read less

Rewind Episode: Yuni & Kim of The Substation

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 01:42:23 +0000

We're honoured to be part of No Finer Time To Be Alive, a music event on 15 March 2025, 6pm at Vertigo26 where The Substation will kickstart celebrations for its 35th anniversary.

Featuring iconic Singaporean music curated and mixed live by DJ KiDG (Robin Chua), the five-hour non-stop set will take you through Singapore’s music history, with tracks from legends like Zircon Lounge and The Quests to Astreal, Humpback Oak, Plainsunset, Sobs, Subsonic Eye and more.

PLUS: You'll enjoy special cocktails inspired by local indie classics, happy hour drinks all night, and a refreshed menu.

Get your tickets on Eventbrite - ticket proceeds support The Substation’s mission to champion independent artists.

In the meantime, here's our rewind episode from Nov '24, featuring The Substation's Kim and Yuni, as they shared about the Sub's programmes. (PS: audio quality inherent at source)

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpt from "Finer Life" performed by The Fast Colours

******

LINKS

Get your tickets for No Finer Time To Be Alive

Follow The Substation: Instagram

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

******

Ep121: Taledrops

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 15:39:19 +0000

It's a tale of Taledrops this week! One of Singapore's freshest bands has been rocking the Lion City with their very own "Drama Rock".

In this episode, the female fivesome—Shan, Jingmin, Kiara, Zee, and Pearly—spill the beans on their journey. They reveal what made them form a band, how the name Taledrops came about, who the worst timekeeper in the band is, and when their new EP will be released (like, for real).

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts from "Kafka" and "Surrender" performed by Taledrops

******

LINKS

Follow Taledrops: Instagram / YouTube / Bandcamp / Spotify

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

******

Ep120: Live At The Green Room Review

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 15:00:04 +0000

We travel back to 1998 to see, or rather, hear, what happened on 15 December of that year at the Green Room, a studio run by veteran Lion City Rocker Tony Goh. The result was an album recorded live and distributed by BigO magazine, featuring music by four young bands: Electric Co. (later to evolve into Electrico), Shereene's Closet, Steel Blue Skies (started by Lilac Saint's guitarist Bhaskar), and Satellite Blue (a trio with a lead violin!).

Along the way, Kevin and Chris also ponder crowdkiller behaviour at gigs, who Parousia and Elmo are, and what it will take to get the Lion City Rocker Substack off the ground?

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts from "Live At The Green Room" performed by Electric Co., Shereene's Closet, Steel Blue Skies & Satellite Blue; "Never Liked The Beatles" performed by Popland

******

LINKS

Listen: Live At The Green Room on YouTube

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review)

Read Kevin's Power of Pop Substack / Bizarro World

******

Read less

Ep119: Sanny Veloo's Brighter Tomorrow

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 03:39:22 +0000

Friend Of The Pod Sanny Velloo is back to share more of his continuing journey as a solo musician. Fresh from launching his latest single, "A Brighter Tomorrow", Sanny shares what it has been like going solo, what his new album is about, and the chances of becoming the world's only Rock 'n' Roll Guru!

*This episode was recorded in Dec 2024

Feel free to contact Lion City Rock, give us a shout on our social media, or even email us using the links below.

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts from "Warning Signs (live version)", "A Brighter Tomorrow" and "I Don't Believe The Truth (acoustic version)" performed by Sanny Veloo; excerpt from "The Return of Spring" performed by The Quests

******

LINKS

Follow Sanny Veloo: Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Website

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Bellied Star review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

******

Ep118: New Year, New Ideas

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 16:23:17 +0000

It's our AAR episode! And then some!

In 2024, we had over 2,000 downloads from more than 40 countries! That's not something we thought we'd ever achieve and we don't take it lightly! Thank you listeners for making it all worthwhile!

But we aren't just patting ourselves on the back for a job well done in 2024. We're also on the lookout for new ideas, topics, and music to feature in 2025 on the only podcast about Singapore's pop music scene you'll ever need.

Feel free to contact us, give us a shout on our social media, or even email us using the links below.

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts from "Tear Down These Walls" and "Nova" performed by AWOL.

******

LINKS

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Bellied Star review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

******

Ep117: 2024 Wrapped (feat. Shye)

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 08:16:37 +0000

Oh, what a year it has been! As we say goodbye to 2024, we thought we'd reflect on the year with our top five fave moments on the pod. Unsurprisingly - or perhaps, surprisingly - Chris and Kevin had four same items out of the five on their list. But what was the different one?

PLUS! A special appearance by Shye!

PLUS PLUS! Our wishes for 2025!

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts of "The Sun Will Cry" performed by Shye; excerpts from "If You Mind" performed by Bellied Star; excerpt from "Shanty" performed by The Quests; excerpt from "Auld Lang Syne" performed by Chris Toh.

******

LINKS

Follow Shye: Instagram / YouTube

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Email us: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Bellied Star review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Related episodes:

Rising Star: Shye

******

Ep116: The Return of Isaac Chiew

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:56:50 +0000

You know it's a fun day when Friend of the Pod Isaac Chiew returns to share more thoughts about the Lion City's music scene.

How have his experiences working with record labels and youth organisations shaped his mindset? Which Lion City Rockers rock his boat? And when will his band, Cactus Cactus, drop their new album?

The answers to all this and more are right here! In this episode! Really!

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts of "Cloud City", "Hammer" & "Life Is Short, Be Kind To Yourself", performed by Cactus Cactus.

******

LINKS

Follow Isaac: Instagram / Facebook

Follow Cactus Cactus: Instagram / YouTube

Get tickets for Big Duck's Grrrls! To The Front

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Drop us a line: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Bellied Star review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Related episodes:

Powering Passion with Isaac Chiew

******

Ep115: Busking with Pat Chng

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 06:41:18 +0000

We’re so happy to have friend of the pod Patrick Chng, back for another episode!

This time, the Oddfather of Singapore Indie Music spills the beans about his new journey into the world busking in the Lion City.

What does it take to be a busker in Singapore? Where are all the hot busking spots? And is it really true that all buskers MUST learn to play John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’?

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts of "Unity Song" & "Two Trains", performed by The Oddfellows. "Senseless" performed by AWOL

******

LINKS

Follow The Oddfellows: Instagram / YouTube

Get tickets for Sanny Veloo's show featuring The Oddfellows, and other guests

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Drop us a line: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Bellied Star review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Related episodes:

30 Years Of Teenage Head Part 1 | Part 2

The Long and Winding Chat with Pat Chng

******

Ep114: Iman's League

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:20:00 +0000

It's punk rock like you've never heard it before! With fans from all over the region, power trio Iman's League have been rocking the stage with their high-energy performances and ballsy bangers.

Iman, Bat and Lal got on the pod to share their thoughts about the best and worst gigs, what peeves them most, and where Iman's League will be in 2025! (Europe, anyone?)

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts of "Hati", "Lisa", "Forever In 7th" and "Hey Hey Hey" performed by Iman's League

******

LINKS

Follow Iman's League: Instagram / Facebook

Listen to Iman's League: Bandcamp / Spotify

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Drop us a line: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Bellied Star review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Listen: Kevin Mathews' music

Check out our related episodes:

1960s Icon: Henry Chua of The Quests

OG Teen Idols of SG: The Crescendos

Remembering Naomi & The Boys

******

Ep113: The Story of Shanty with Henry Chua and Wee Guan (The Quests)

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 15:41:54 +0000

IT'S ANOTHER BUMPER EPISODE!

Lion City Rock legends Henry Chua and Wee Guan tell us the story of "Shanty", the song that changed the Singapore music landscape. Written by Henry and recorded by The Quests, it was released in Oct 1964 and became the first original composition by a Singapore band to reach No.1 – for 12 weeks! – knocking off The Beatles along the way.

Sixty years later, you can still find people covering the song.

So what do they really think of the song now? How did fame change the band? Why couldn't they go bowling anymore? What made Hong Kong audiences boo them at first? And why were the military police chasing them all over Malaysia?

All the answers to these questions and more in this episode!

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts of "Shanty", "Gallopin'" and "Memories" performed by The Quests; excerpt from "Shake, Shake, Shake" performed by Rita Chao and The Quests

******

LINKS

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Drop us a line: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Chris' Bellied Star review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Listen: Kevin Mathews' music

Check out our related episodes:

1960s Icon: Henry Chua of The Quests

OG Teen Idols of SG: The Crescendos

Remembering Naomi & The Boys

******

Ep112: 1964 - 60 Years of Rock & Roll (Part 2)

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:00:16 +0000

It's Part 2 of 60 years of maximum rock and roll!

In July, The Beatles caused a minor riot as 3,000 teens flock to the airport to see the Fab Four's... plane.

In Oct 1964, The Quests reached #1 with "Shanty", knocking The Beatles off the top spot!

That same month, local and international bands took part in a charity concert, called the 8.30 Special, for the benefit of the victims and their families of the race riots that occurred in July and Sept that year.

As the year comes to a close, the future looks bright for the local music scene, with bands and singers like The Checkmates, Shirley Nair, The Silver Strings, The Cyclones, Andy Young, The Trailers, The Thunderbirds, Veronica Young, Naomi and The Boys, Vernon Cornelius making headway.

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts of "The Boy Next Door" performed by The Crescendos; "Shanty" , "Gallopin'" and "A World Of Tomorrows" excerpts performed by The Quests

******

LINKS

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Drop us a line: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Check out our related episodes:

1965 - The Year That Rocked: Part 1 / Part 2

OG Teen Idols of SG: The Crescendos

1960s Icon: Henry Chua of The Quests

Remembering Naomi & The Boys

Selling The Dream: Richard Khan of October Cherries

Last Dog Standing: Lim Kiang of Straydogs

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Chris' Substack review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Listen: Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep111: 1964 - 60 Years of Rock 'n' Roll

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 17:11:53 +0000

Can you imagine when Singapore wasn't Singapore, but Malaysia? We can't – but luckily, we read history books.

In 1964, the Lion City hadn't achieved independence. The geo-political and socio-economic landscapes were still on shaky ground.

But the pop scene was already making inroads. The Crescendos were consolidating their position as the top vocal group in the region, while The Quests were only months away from unleashing their magnum opus, "Shanty".

Meanwhile, the clubs and tea dances were filled with teens wanting to hear musicians like Wilson David, The Checkmates, Julie Sudiro, The Cyclones, The Silver Strings, Shirley Nair, Veronica Young, The Trailers, The Boys and more belt out the latest hits.

Find out more as we revisit 1964 to celebrate 60 years of maximum rock and roll!

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; excerpts of "Waktu Fajar", "Bengawan Solo" and "In The Good Old Summertime" performed by The Crescendos; "Shanty (1966 version)" excerpt performed by The Quests; "The Dew" performed by The Fast Colors

******

LINKS

Follow Lion City Rock: Facebook / Instagram

Drop us a line: lioncityrocksg@gmail.com

Check out our episode on 1965: Part 1 / Part 2

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Chris' Substack review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Listen: Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep110: Dawn Parry and Joe Eades

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:32:14 +0000

"It's a new dawn comin' round..." And she's right here on our podcast!

Our guests are Dawn Parry, host and presenter on newdawn.fm, and Joe Eades, the A&R Coordinator of Jukebox Judgement, a show where some of the top producers in the world give their reviews about new music from around the world.

Back in February, Singapore was the first Southeast Asian country they featured on Jukebox Judgement and they're all set for the next batch of Lion City rockers (episode drops 1 Nov, 3pm SG time).

They both share what they like about the sweet sounds of Singapore, among other things, like...

... how Dawn's mum was a bonafide pop star here in SG back in the 1960s

... who The Killers' producer Craig Leon's fave Lion City rockers are

... and what makes a pop song pop? (clue: it's all in the first 30 seconds)

*recorded 09 Oct '24

The second Jukebox Judgement featuring Singapore on 1 Nov, 3pm (SGT)

"Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; "Someday" and "Silent Voices" performed by AWOL; "The First" performed by Ultra Mega Cat Attack; "Blood On The Disco Floor" performed by Intermission; "If You Mind" performed by Bellied Star; "Camera" performed by Chippunks

Recording from Molly Malone's courtesy of Tommy Dean

******

LINKS

Follow newdawn.fm: Facebook, website

Jukebox Judgement SG episode 2 on newdawn.fm

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Chris' Substack review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Listen: Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep109: Yuni & Kim of The Substation

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 09:20:43 +0000

Back in the 1990s, The Substation was The Place To Be for many musicians, artists, actors, filmmakers, performers and well, just about anyone who was into the arts. But while the building may be gone, it's thanks to people like Yuni Hadi and Kim Dy-Liacco who ensure that The Substation is still A Home For The Arts.

They share what The Substation is up to and how they continue championing artists in the Lion City and offer tips on what artists can do (psst: just drop them a DM, apparently)

Psst! Look out for our Lion City Rock x Substation giveaway next month!

"Merry-Go-Round" by Ilona Harpaz; "Lion City Rock theme" performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh; "Someday", "Still Building" and "Silent Voices" performed by AWOL

******

LINKS

Follow The Substation: Facebook, website & Instagram

Find out more about Gathering Ground

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Read: Full Sput Ahead! (Chris' Substack review)

Read: Power of Pop Substack

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen: Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep108: Tan Peng Sing (Club Mild)

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 09:07:31 +0000

How can young musicians develop their brand? Should we follow what's trending in the music scene? What does it mean to "make it" as a musician? Find out the answers to these questions and more with our guest, Club Mild guitarist Tan Peng Sing.

Peng Sing has worn many musical hats – not only is he a musician and a champion of local music, he was the music director on radio, the founder of the record label Where Are The Fruits, and now, if we read his LinkedIn profile right, he's the Senior Manager, Performing Arts (Music) at the National Arts Council. So he knows a thing or two about the music biz.

It's an episode you don't want to miss! (and you'll want to share this with your friends too!)

******

LINKS

Follow Club Mild: linktree, website & Instagram

Follow Peng Seng

Listen: The Lion City Rock Playlist

Full Sput Ahead! (Substack review by Chris)

Power of Pop Substack

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen: Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep107: Benny's

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:15:00 +0000

We're sorry this is so late. The past few weeks have been strange at the Lion City Rock pod. But we're back with this new episode featuring a chat with young singer-songwriter, Benny's.

A true music fan, Benny's wears her musical heart on her sleeve and her songs reflect her thoughts about life, the universe, and well, just about everything.

Benny's attracted attention sometime back when concertgoers took to social media after her performance at the Esplanade was interrupted by an unexpected guest. Since that incident though, she has been quietly putting together a new swathe of songs which hopefully will be out soon! (Well, she said September, but she also admitted that her timelines were quite fluid. We wait with bated breath.)

*recorded end-May 2024

******

LINKS

Benny's IG

The Lion City Rock Playlist

Full Sput Ahead! (review by Chris)

Power of Pop Substack

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a 5-star rating and review – it really helps others search for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

Ep106: Josh & Leonard of Tumbleweed Studios

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:28:27 +0000

It's the return of Leo! Yup, Leonard Soosay is back! This time, he's joined by Josh Wei to talk more about their plans for 'Weed - Tumbleweed Studios, that is.

The pair started Tumbleweed (conveniently located at The Esplanade) because they felt younger musicians needed a conveniently located jamming studio that's also affordable. And did we say it's conveniently located?

*recorded at Tumbleweed Studios in June

**also, check out our Lion City Rock playlist, which we want to be an introduction to the wide world of pop music from and made in Singapore –and tell us what other tracks we should add to the list

***also also, check out Chris' review of Bellied Star's debut album, Sput (warning: much gushing to be expected)

******

LINKS

Leonard Soosay episode

The Lion City Rock Playlist

Full Sput Ahead! (review by Chris)

Power of Pop Substack

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep105: The Great Catch-up Episode

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:09:10 +0000

Chris and Kevin took time to catch up in this episode where they talk about the LCR schedule, money money money, our guitar-toting PM, Chris' new anime fetish – Bocchi The Rock!, and Kevin stacking up his Substack. They prattled on for so long we just had to cut it sho-

******

LINKS

The Lion City Rock Playlist

Power of Pop Substack

Bocchi The Rock! trailer 1/ trailer 2

Bellied Star Spotify

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep104: Bellied Star

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:27:02 +0000

It's all about Star power! Bellied Star, that is. Young rockers Audrey, Ethan, Marco and Mitch have been making a splash on the scene in the last 18 months with their exuberant rock and energetic live performances. With their debut album, SPUT, just out, Bellied Star is keeping the Lion City rockin' with songs like 'Skinning', 'If You Mind' and 'Perpetual Notion'.

Hot take: If Bellied Star is the future of Singapore rock, we're in good hands.

*recorded May 2024

******

LINKS

Get tickets for Bellied Star's album launch

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep103: Art Fazil (he's back!)

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 09:07:58 +0000

We're a few weeks late with this one, but hey, that's Life. Our guest is returning friend of the pod, Art Fazil, who's back to share more about what's been happening in his life, the Ramadan Moon album he recorded earlier this year, and what it takes for the Singapore scene to get off the ground. Again.

*this episode was recorded mid-May

******

LINKS

Art Fazil

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep102: Orchard Road Special ft. Li Lin Wee, Shaiful Risan & KK Liew

Mon, 20 May 2024 15:04:39 +0000

Orchard Road – Singapore's most famous road! – is more than just a shopping belt. Back in the 1960s, it was the home of tea dance venues like the famous Golden Venus. In the 1980s, shopping malls like Far East Plaza and Centrepoint were hubs for scores of teens. And for four years running, Orchard Road was the site of Singapore's biggest street party, Swing Singapore!

Those are the stories we know. But there's more to this stretch of Singapore than meets the eye.

In this special episode – in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest 2024 – we join guests Shaiful Risan, Li Lin Wee and KK Liew to learn more stories and recollections of Orchard Road, from breakdance battles in car parks to David Bowie's escalator escapade!

Special thanks to the Singapore HeritageFest 2024 and KK Liew for arranging this! We appreciate you!

******

LINKS

Shaiful Risan

Li Lin Wee

KK Liew

Singapore HeritageFest 2024

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep101: Time of Rebirth (a review)

Sat, 11 May 2024 15:09:46 +0000

When The Observatory's debut album, Time Of Rebirth, was released in 2004, it was an eye-opening (ear-opening?) experience for listeners. Filled with rhythms and grooves, along with a smattering of the experimentation that the band would go on to do, it was lauded by critics. It was even picked as an album of the year by the media - well, one media outlet. But now, 20 years later, does the album stand up to the test of time? Kevin and Chris share their observations about this classic Observatory offering.

*Recorded in March 2024.

******

LINKS

Shazza's music

Shazza's vids

Follow Shazza and check out her gigs

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

We're looking for ways to improve our podcast. Let us know what you like (or don't like!) so we can make it better. Also, if you drop a donation in the link provided we can do much more. Every little bit helps. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep100: Shazza

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:20:00 +0000

Who's that girl who blew up the Internet singing with Crash Adams? Why, that's Shazza, our Lion City Rock guest today!

The singer has been making waves in recent times, and she shares all about her music journey so far: dropping her debut album last year, appearing on the Times Square billboard, and getting more than 20mil views online for her collab with Crash Adams.

And to think the only questions we prepared were "what's your preferred breakfast?" and "what's your favourite colour?"

******

LINKS

Shazza's music

Shazza's vids

Follow Shazza and check out her gigs

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep99: Steve Ferzacca

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 02:55:53 +0000

Anthropologist and author of Sonic City Steve Ferzacca joins us this week to talk about his book and why a Canadian academic (that's Steve, btw) ended up writing about the Singapore music scene. Along the way, he shares his memories of the late Jimmy Appudurai-Chua; gigging with a Straydog in Vietnam; and what money has to do with making music and getting it heard (apparently, a lot!)

******

LINKS

Get Sonic City: Making Rock Music And Urban Life In Singapore

Borrow the book

Chatting with Straydogs' Lim Kiang

Our tribute to Jimmy Appudurai-Chua episode

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep98: Coming Up Roses

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:55:31 +0000

Everything is Coming Up Roses this week! The band have been busy over the past 12 months: they released a single, 'Utopia Reimagined: These Corners', saw personnel changes, did several gigs to hone their chops, and put together a new eponymous EP, which will drop on 5 April (or has dropped already, depending on when you hear this!). Singer and bassist Emily and guitarist Darius break down the new songs and share what else is coming up on their horizon.

******

LINKS

Listen to Coming Up Roses

Follow Coming Up Roses: IG / TikTok

Conversations with Coming Up Roses (2022)

Coming Up Roses at Alex Blake Charlie (2023)

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

******

Ep97: What's Your Story (a review)

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 01:50:00 +0000

Back in 1994, Padres, a Singapore indie band - or you could call them a supergroup - released their debut EP, What's Your Story? It was a collection of thoughts about life and love and everything else the youth of Singapore were going through - but with electric guitars, bass and drums. But who were Padres? And what's their story? Only one way to find out...

******

LINKS

Listen to Padres' What's Your Story & more

Conversations with Joe Ng (Pt 1)

Conversations with Joe Ng (Pt 2)

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

We're looking for ways to improve our podcast. Let us know what you like (or don't like!) to that we can make it a better one. Also, if you drop a donation in the link provided we can do so much more. Every little bit helps. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep96: Lim Yu Beng

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 04:56:31 +0000

Best known as an actor and theatre practitioner, Lim Yu Beng embarking on a new journey as a singer He chats about his debut album, Notes To Self and why he's made the leap into the world of music. Along the way, he also talks about...

Why having good friends who support you is important

Appearing in Zack Synder's Rebel Moon

How not to get caught while singing in the stairwells

PLUS! Lim Yu Beng's Music Recommendations:

Art Fazil

Alemay Fernandez

Haneri

******

LINKS

Listen to Lim Yu Beng’s Notes To Self

Follow Lim Yu Beng: Instagram / Website

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook / Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Ep95: Must we always mention "original music"?

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 01:33:18 +0000

It's a new year and a new series! Kevin and Chris are back with more about what makes the Lion City rock.

Recently, there were several entries in the All Things New concert series that emphasised musicians playing original music. But why does it matter? What kind of music do audiences expect? And why is it only seen for music gigs and not others, such as stand-up comedy?

PLUS! Lion City Rock Recommendation: Lim Yu Beng’s Notes To Self

******

LINKS

Follow Lion City Rock's Facebook and Instagram

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Ep94: The Year End Episode

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:07:46 +0000

Goodbye '23, Hello '24! It's the end of the year as we know it, and we feel... well, this is the episode where we tell you what we thought of 2023. Thanks for making this year such a memorable one!

******

LINKS

Follow Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram

Listen to 4Christmas and Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Ep93: RINES

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 03:22:14 +0000

It's Christmas, baby! And guess who we have as our Lion City Rock holiday guest? It's RINES, baby! This singer started spreading her wings in recent times with releases like 'Little Bird', 'When You Fall' and 'Clown', but the relative newcomer is an ol' sweet soul when it comes to music. She was bitten by the music bug years and years ago, running around her father's CD shop when she was young. By the time she started singing in pubs, RINES had already imbued a variety of musical styles - and her music reflects her many facets. She's definitely one to put on your playlist before the year is out!

******

LINKS

Follow RINES

Listen to RINES' music

Listen to 4Christmas and Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

We're looking for ways to improve our podcast. Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also, if you drop a donation in the link provided we can get better equipment and do so much more! It doesn't have to be much. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep92: Inch Chua

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 04:08:51 +0000

From her early days as the lead singer of Allura to a fruitful solo career, Inch Chua hasn't been afraid to shake things up - whether as a musician, an actor, or even a chef (who else would name a dish Sting Tang Tong?). She shares her thoughts about her journey as a creative, what it means to be part of a scene going through its peaks and troughs, and why she has so many things on her metaphorical plate at the moment.

(Please excuse the audio quality. This chat was recorded backstage at the Axean Music Festival, and we had lo-fi recorders. Of course, you can always donate to our pod so that we can get better equipment to do these chats! See the link below)

******

LINKS

Follow Inch

Listen to Inch's music

Listen to 4Christmas and Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

We're looking for ways to improve our podcast. Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also, if you drop a donation in the link provided we can get better equipment and do so much more! It doesn't have to be much. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep91: Jean Seizure

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 05:13:51 +0000

Jean Seizure has been in the public eye as a child actor, but since has since become one of Singapore's notable singer-songwriters! 2023 has been quite the year for Jean - she recently capped of the year with an award for being one in the Top 5 "Rising 65" chart on Spotify (for the track 'Tell Me'), and she has been creating content for platforms like TikTok et al. Is this a new wave for Jean Seizure? Listen to the episode to find out!

******

LINKS

Follow Jean Seizure

Listen to Jean Seizure's music

Listen to 4Christmas and Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

We're looking for ways to improve our podcast. Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also, if you drop a donation in the link provided we can get better equipment and do so much more! It doesn't have to be much. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep90: ABANGSAPAU

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 10:11:44 +0000

When it comes to the Lion City's hip-hop scene, someone who's making a wave in recent years is ABANGSAPAU. He's one of the new breed of rappers that have inspired the young(er) generation of music fans in Singapore. In this special chat, he talks about his love for rap, and how one fateful gig changed his life forever.

Kevin's and Chris' rant and raves this week include, commercialising X'mas, why they both could be stans of ABANGSAPAU and Kevin's new mix of an old Yuletide track, 4Christmas.

******

LINKS

Follow ABANGSAPAU

Follow New Mongrels

Listen to ABANGSAPAU's tracks

Listen to 4Christmas and Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a rating and review – it really helps others search for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

We're looking for ways to improve our podcast. Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also, if you drop a donation in the link provided we can get better equipment and do so much more! It doesn't have to be much. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep89: The Axean review (feat. Bas Linders)

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 12:28:47 +0000

The Axean Festival last month featured 50 music artistes taking the opportunity to strut their stuff for the audiences at the Goodman Arts Centre, but did it achieve its goals? We don't know, we didn't organise it.

But we can tell you what we liked and didn't like. Especially since we have our favourite gig guy Bas Linders in this episode to share his views. Meanwhile, Chris and Kevin wonder if such events are a good idea – and what could be done to make them better. Should the bands get together and use this as a platform to tour regionally? Are crowds here interested in bands from our neighbouring countries? And how do you REALLY pronounce "Axean"?

Special appearance: Rebel Moon's Lim Yu Beng as "concertgoer who gives soundbite".

******

LINKS

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

We're looking for ways to improve our podcast. Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also, if you drop a donation in the link provided we can get better equipment and do so much more! It doesn't have to be much. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep88: J.M3 (feat. Lennat!)

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:39:59 +0000

THIS WEEK: It's the incredible tale of J.M3! Recorded in early October, we sat down with the Singapore hip-hop artiste who has been making waves not just in the Lion City but in the region and beyond. Her hit 'Hot Sauce' has been featured in the US TV series, Kung Fu; 'Tap Out' was in the movie, Joy Ride (starring Everything Everywhere All At Once actress Stephanie Hsu), and she has even got her music on video games!

So how did J.M3 (aka Jamie) get her start? She shares how she went from dancing to rapping, why she chose that moniker and what drives her to succeed. This girl is going places, and it's not least thanks to Lennat Mak, erstwhile drummer of Obedient Wives Club (and featured voice!) who takes care of bizness for J.M3.

(*bloopers: please forgive us - we called the video game Affyn, but the full name is Affyn - Buddy Arena. We also called her EP Athena 180 when it's actually 180 Athena)

******

LINKS

Follow J.M3

Watch J.M3's MVs

Listen to J.M3's music

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

*Please forgive the sound quality. This was recorded in a rather noisy environment. But if you drop a donation in the link provided we can get better equipment! It doesn't have to be much. Thank you very much for all your support! We really appreciate you!

Ep87: Aeriqah

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 06:55:00 +0000

Meet Aeriqah, a musician whose introspective tunes have captured the hearts of fans both in Singapore and overseas. How else can you explain her picking up the Best Duet (Viewers Choice) prize at this year's California Music Video Awards for her song 'Maybe', a duet featuring Umar Sirhan?

From forming a circle of like-minded friends in the music scene - including the likes of RENE and Jean Seizure - to becoming one of the Lion City's rising stars, the singer-songwriter has grown into her own, with ballads reflecting her innermost thoughts and emotions. Her new EP, House Parties, is the latest in a string of releases that show the musician at her best. Check out her story in this episode...

******

LINKS

Check out Aeriqah's House Parties

Watch the award-winning music video for 'Maybe'

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Drop a donation in the link provided to help pay for this podcast. It doesn't have to be much, but pay cos you want to help us keep this podcast going! We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Pic: Sameh Wahba

Ep86: Lim Kiang

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Ti-i-i-ime seems to be on Lim Kiang's side. As a founding member of Straydogs, he was responsible for helping to shape the sound of Singapore's Sixties, thanks to songs like 'Freedom', 'Mum's Too Pampering', 'Cold Morning' and 'Repent'. The band captured the harder rhythms that earlier bands like The Quests and The Crescendos lacked. Now, nearly 60 years later, Lim Kiang shares what it's like to still rock out with Welcome To The Machine, arguably Asia's only Pink Floyd tribute band. Not bad for someone who picked up the bass not knowing anything more than four chords!

******

LINKS

Listen to Lim Kiang's album, Last Dog Standing

Get tickets to see Welcome To The Machine's Dark Side of the Rainbow

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Drop a donation in the link provided to help pay for this podcast. It doesn't have to be much, but pay cos you want to help us keep this podcast going! We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Pic: Stanley Yeo

Ep85: Joe Ng (Pt. 2)

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:03:44 +0000

It may not seem like it, but our guest Joe Ng has probably worked on more movies than, er, Fann Wong, Chin Han and Tan Kheng Hua combined! (*We could be wrong - maths is not our strength.)

But let's tick off those that we know: Confinement, The Maid, Gone Shopping, One Leg Kicking, Eating Air, Rule #1, Zombiepura, Unlucky Plaza, Bait, Battle Of The Damned, Sex.Violence.FamilyValues., Republic of Food, G Saat... you know what, you can check out his IMDB page yourself.

Anyway, in this concluding episode of our chat with Joe, he talks about what it REALLY is like to have a career in the movies.

******

LINKS

Listen to Joe Ng's music

Get tickets to see Confinement featuring Joe's music

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Drop a donation in the link provided to help pay for this podcast. It doesn't have to be much, but pay cos you want to help us keep this podcast going! We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Ep84: Joe Ng (Pt. 1)

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

"Hey Joe, where you gonna go..." well, if it's Joe Ng, then he went from fronting synth-pop duo Corporate Toil to promoting bands as a record executive to becoming an award-winning music composer for film. But just how did he do it?

Find out what he really thinks of...

working with Richard Claydermann
being the co-star of Mee Pok Man
having a band name like "Joe Ng and Friends"

******

LINKS

Listen to Joe Ng's music

Get tickets to see Confinement featuring Joe's music

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music

Listen to KayMac Music

Listen to Rondo Vitale

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Drop a donation in the link provided to help pay for this podcast. It doesn't have to be much, but pay cos you want to help us keep this podcast going! We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Ep83: Shye

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:08:05 +0000

You'd have to be living under a rock not to know about Shye. She's one of the hottest names in the Lion City these days and no wonder: In the past five years, Shye has released 4 EPs, 1 album, received a slew of awards, gigged around the world, and played support acts for some big names in music-dom (most recently for Grammy winner Daniel Caesar). And she's only barely 21! It seems like there's nothing she can do that can't be done. In this episode, she talks about...

... that billboard in Times Square (that's New York!)

... whether she is really shy (spoilers: yes)

... what she really thinks of her fans

Catch her next gig at the Axean Festival 2023

******

LINKS

Listen to Shye's new EP, 9Lives

Get tickets and line-up for the Axean Festival 2023

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

The Watchmen: Alpha

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Drop a donation in the link provided to help pay for this podcast. It doesn't have to be much, but pay cos you want to help us keep this podcast going! We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Ep82: Axean Festival 2023

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Wanna know what the sound of 50 bands from the region (and then some!) is like? Then head to the Axean Festival 2023 on 28-29 Oct, 2-10.30pm. This multi-genre showcase will feature rising music stars from countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia and more!

To tell us more about it is Piyapong "Py" Muenprasertdee, one of the co-founders of the festival. He gives a little insight into what you can expect at this year's edition and why they're adopting a "pay cos you want" ticketing system. (So... technically, it could be a free festival?)

******

LINKS

Get tickets and line-up for the Axean Festival 2023

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

The Watchmen: Alpha

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on the Lion City Rock Facebook and Instagram pages.

Drop a donation in the link provided to help pay for this podcast. It doesn't have to be much, but pay cos you want to help us keep this podcast going! We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Rewind Episode - Saiful Idris

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0000

After a years-long absence, one of our favourite live bands, Great Spy Experiment, returns to the stage this weekend at the 2023 Baybeats festival!

So to help you prep for the gig, why not check out this previous chat with the GSE's lead singer, Saiful Idris, as he shares how the band became one of Singapore's most exciting live bands of the 2000s.

******

LINKS

Our review of Great Spy's The Flower Show Riots

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

The Watchmen: Alpha

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Drop a donation down in the link provided to support this podcast. It doesn't have to be a lot, just enough to buy a kopi-o kosong is all we ask. We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Ep81: Zircon Lounge's Regal Vigor

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 04:14:45 +0000

It's been two years since Chris Ho left this world to join the great gig in the sky, but his legacy still remains, in the form of his music. Kevin and Chris hit the rewind button on his debut offering, Regal Vigor, recorded with his band, Zircon Lounge.

Does it actually live up to its reputation as THE alternative album that started it all? Tell us what you think!

Pix: Singapore Storeroom

******

LINKS

Check out Regal Vigor

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

The Watchmen: Alpha

******

Let us know your thoughts by commenting on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Help to support this podcast by leaving a donation in the link below. It doesn't have to be a lot, just enough to buy a kopi-o kosong is all we ask. We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Ep80: Lion City Rock turns two!

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:33:21 +0000

Can you believe this podcast is Two Years Old? We certainly can't. That's because our memories aren't what they used to be. Nevertheless, we decided to recall the highlights of Year Two in the life of Lion City Rock and ask ourselves these questions:

What were the biggest learnings we had? (OK, we had more questions but we could only get to this one...) But hey, we never let an occasion like this go to waste, so join the conversation as we look back at the year that was...

******

LINKS

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

The Watchmen: Alpha

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

If you would like to support us, please drop a donation down in the link provided. It doesn't have to be a lot, just enough for a kopi-o kosong is all we ask of you. We really appreciate you! Thank you very much!

Ep79: Bumper episode with Krysta Joy

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:33:53 +0000

It's a fantastic bumper episode featuring musician and Saylah Studios founder Krysta Joy! When it comes to music, she's a real trooper in every sense of the word: whether it's making sure she can spend time to write one song a day, or helping others achieve their goals (musical or otherwise).

Her tale is an inspiring one, and it's right here on Lion City Rock!

******

Links

Listen to Krysta Joy's music

Check out SayLah Studios

Listen to Kevin Mathews' music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

The Watchmen: Alpha

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep78: Gone, but not forgotten - Jimmy Appudurai-Chua & Peter Thomas

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 05:36:12 +0000

Here's our humble tribute of sorts as we look at the music journeys of two pioneer musicians who recently left this realm to join the great gig in the sky: Jimmy Appudurai-Chua (Meltones, Straydogs) and Peter Thomas (Naomi & The Boys). Both were instrumental in shaping the Singapore music scene of the Sixties and though they're gone, the legacy will not be forgotten.

******

Links

Listen to the Straydogs' Freedom and Cold Morning (featuring Jimmy on guitar)

Watch excerpt from Jimmy's gig at Artistry

Ronald Ho's tribute to Jimmy

Plymouth Herald 2020 interview with Jimmy

Listen to Naomi & The Boys' As Life Goes On (co-written by Peter Thomas)

Singapore60sMusic piece on Peter Thomas

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a rating and review – it really helps others when they're searching for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

If you would like to support us, please drop a donation down in the link provided. It doesn't have to be a lot, just enough for a kopi-o kosong is fine! We really appreciate all your help! Thank you very much!

Ep77: New School Rock III (Part 2)

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:29:38 +0000

We continue our re-listening party with the bands featured in New School Rock III (pronounced "three" ... or "ai ai ai"), the compilation album that was given free with BigO magazine. This time round Kevin and Chris share their thoughts about Pillars of Faith, Swirling Madness, Rocket Scientists and Watchmen - with a bonus tacked at the end too!

******

Links

Listen to New School Rock III

Listen to Kevin's music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep76: New School Rock III (Pt 1)

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:52:34 +0000

In 1993, BigO magazine released New School Rock III, the third volume in their music compilation series. Comprising 17 songs (including one hidden track) from bands like ESP, Band of Slaves, Silent Sorrow and more, this album was a microcosm of the music scene at the time. Or was it? Thirty years after its release, Chris and Kevin hit the playback button and give their reaction to the compilation. ("Ooh!" "Wah!" "Eh?")

******

Listen to Kevin's music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rewind Episode - Pain-Stained Morning

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Singer-songwriter Leslie Low (Humpback Oak, The Observatory) has come a long way since he started making music as a teen with Twang Bar Kings. He'll be doing live performances of his music journey at The Esplanade Concourse on 17 and 18 Aug (see link below). This rewind episode sees Kevin and Chris review one of the key offerings in the Lion City's music canon: Pain-Stained Morning the debut album by Humpback Oak, Leslie's band back in the 1990s.

******

Links

Leslie Low's Esplanade gig

Pain-Stained Morning on YouTube.

Leslie Low's solo music on S potify and Bandcamp.

Leslie Low on Instagram

Also, listen to Kevin's music:

KayMac

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep75: Big Bumper Episode with Sanny Veloo!

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 03:38:42 +0000

We’re back with a SPECIAL EPISODE featuring the one and only Sanny Veloo (Boredphucks, The Suns, EMPRA). He's been making music not only in the Lion City but also Down Under, with fans from all over the world. The vocalist and guitarist takes a walk down memory lane and recounts how Boredphucks got banned in da Singapura, how they rose again as The Suns, the tragic death of drummer Wayne Thunder, Sanny's own resurgence with EMPRA and how that affected his decision to go solo.

Along the way, Sanny gives us not one, but TWO acoustic performances (did someone say “World Premiere”?) and we also examine…

… the consequences of slagging off the Backstreet Boys

… the life-changing things that happen in biker bars

… and why hasn’t anyone done a biopic of his life yet? (casting requirement: “handsome Indian actors who can sing”)

******

Get more info about Sanny Veloo

Listen to KayMac's music

Groove with Rondo Vitale

Get Kevin's Time Flies album

New remixes for My One And Only

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rewind Episode - Force Vomit

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Force Vomit, the band that gave the world songs like "Siti" and "Spaceman Over Malaysia". With new reissues of their hit album, Give It Up For The Trust Fund Rockers, there's no better time to get into the punk-power-pop-surf these guys produced. But just how did friends from school who liked music become returning fixtures in the Lion City's music calendar? Listen to this classic chat with founders Dino and Alvin to find out

******

Check out Force Vomit's music

20th anniversary album reissue of Give It Up For The Trust Fund Rockers

Listen to KayMac's music

Groove with Rondo Vitale

Get Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Thank you for listening, but if you would like to help us materially, do drop a donation down in the link provided. It doesn't have to be a lot, just enough for a kopi-o kosong is fine! We really appreciate all your support! Thank you very much!

Rewind Episode - The Analog Girl

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

If you were at Guan Chuan Street @ Tiong Bahru last night (21 July 2023), you would have been awash with the sounds of The Analog Girl, who reworked her tracks for the Your Neighbourhood Artist Exhibition 3. It's not the first time she has let her music set the scene for various art forms. Her latest projects include remixing Roberto Montoya's "Polybius" and doing the vocals for There Is Another System's new track, "No One Is Coming For Us", which drops 4 Aug. But hear all about her music journey in this classic conversation from Lion City Rock Year One.

******

Links

The Analog Girl's music

KayMac's music

Rondo Vitale tracks

Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rewind Episode - Vijesh of Wormrot

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Wormrot's Singapore gig in September - as part of the Burning Desire Asia Tour - is as highly anticipated by their fans as Tay-Tay's is by her fans or Coldplay's by their fans, but Wormrot has the distinction of being the one who was featured on Lion City Rock!

We spoke to drummer Vijesh back when the band was putting the final touches to their latest album, Hiss. Hear about the highs and lows of being in one of Singapore's hardest rockin' and hardest-working bands! Hiss was voted by Rolling Stone as one of the Top 10 Best Metal Albums and peaked at #2 on the BBC's Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart.

Their Burning Desire Asia Tour sees them covering dates in Asia, New Zealand and Australia, so if you're in the area, don't miss their gigs!

******

Check out Hiss by Wormrot

Get tickets for their tour

Listen to KayMac's music

Groove with Rondo Vitale

Get Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. Give us a rating and review – it really helps others when they're searching for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rewind Episode - Dru Chen

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Not many people know this, but though Dru Chen's latest release, Slower Life, may only be a few weeks old, the idea for it was birthed when he first appeared on Lion City Rock ("that's not true" - ed. "That's our story and we're sticking to it!" - Chris)

Find out what Dru said about the album in this rewind episode, and hear about his music journey, from learning to play and his early influences to blagging his way into joining a band, before finally emerging as a solo artist in his own right.

******

Links

Listen to Dru Chen's Slower Life album

Listen to KayMac's music

Groove with Rondo Vitale

Get Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep74: The long and winding chat with Patrick Chng

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Our very first guest returns for a chat! Patrick Chng (The Oddfellows, Typewriter) is back to answer questions about how the Lion City is rockin' these days:

... we've had the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age of local music – is it time for the Ironic Age?

... the underground live scene today recalls the live scene from 30 years ago, with pockets of gigs all over the island (if you know where to look), but is this sustainable?

... and will Pat survive the home improvement renovations?

******

Links

Check out The Oddfellows and Patrick's recommendations: Cactus Cactus, Curb, Microchip Terror

Listen to KayMac's music

Groove with Rondo Vitale

Get Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rewind Episode - Ginette Chittick

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 02:30:00 +0000

This rewind episode features one of our earliest guests: Ginette Chittick, whom we think is an artist in every sense of the word.

She joined the all-girl punk band Psycho Sonique without really how to play bass. But isn't what punk is all about? Psycho Sonique was a key band of Singapore's then-fledgling indie scene in the 1990s, and they made young hormonal teens drool with their spitfire shows on stages in Singapore and Malaysia.

Their performances, along with an EP, We Can Do It, showcased a "just do it" attitude better than any shoe with a swoosh. Ginette later joined Astreal, a band whose ethereal music was a full one-eighty from the frenzied sounds of Psycho Sonique. Since then, she has done everything and anything: from starting her own fashion label to publishing a zine; to becoming an educator, working with textile art, and spinning tracks as a DJ, most recently at the Daydream Nation gig earlier in June '23.

Is there nothing she won't do? Well...

******

Links

Check out Ginette's music with Psycho Sonique and Astreal

Listen to KayMac's music

Groove with Rondo Vitale

Get Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep73: Looking back at Red Hot & Skin (disc 2)

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 09:34:02 +0000

Kevin and Chris conclude their journey through Red Hot & Skin, the double-album that was released to create more awareness about Aids. While the premise for the album is a good one, does the "rojak-ness" of the tracks (yes, that's the technical term) put a spanner in the works? Along the way, they ponder Singapore's alternative music scene (Chris: "alternative to what?") and whether this album stands the test of time.

******

Links

KayMac's music

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep72: Looking back at Red Hot & Skin (Pt 1)

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 11:41:10 +0000

In 1993, one album tried to encapsulate the wide world of music from the Lion City: Red Hot & Skin, the double-CD various artistes compilation album by Pony Canyon. Comprising 30 songs by 22 artistes, it was a genre-bending collection of songs that went from outrageous to meh. Kevin and Chris hit rewind on this album and along the way, they ask all-important questions like:

Why do people say AI is stealing but they don't mind buying cover versions?
Who thought adding a Bel Biv Devoe beat automatically made a 70s classic "modern"?
How is Maizurah linked to Alyssa Milano?

******

Links

KayMac's music

Rondo Vitale

Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep71: Got gig? (with Bas Linders)

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 17:00:11 +0000

If you love going to gigs, you've probably seen our guest, Bas Linders, who has been checking every single concert on our shores (so it seems) ever since he landed on our shores all those years ago. He shares why he is a fan of local music, even as Kevin and Chris grill him about why he's always the tallest guy in the room.

******

Links

Check out the Lo-Cal chat for SG gigs

KayMac's music

Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep70: Looking back at Flower Show Riots

Sun, 28 May 2023 07:18:30 +0000

This week, Kevin and Chris go back in time as they react to Flower Show Riots, the debut album by Great Spy Experiment. It received rave reviews when it was first released, but what do they think of it now? Along the way, they also discuss hard-hitting issues like: What if Siti in Siti In The City was related somehow to Siti in the Force Vomit song? And what would the album sound like if Chris had his way?

******

Links

KayMac's music

Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rewind Episode - Isaac Chiew of Cactus Cactus

Fri, 19 May 2023 16:30:00 +0000

Rock trio Cactus Cactus dropped their new EP, Life Is Short, this weekend, so we thought we'd revisit our conversation with singer Isaac Chiew, who's surely one of the brighter sparks in the music scene today.

*****

This podcast series isn't only about musos of the past – this week, we talk to young Isaac Chiew, a music lover and musician who's taking things into his own hands with his band Cactus Cactus and his company, Big Duck Music. How did he get started? What made him decide to stage Naybeats – his version of Baybeats? And why did he risk getting charged by his army commander just so he could do a gig?

*****

Links

Life Is Short EP

Get tickets for their EP launch on 28 May

Cactus Cactus

Isaac’s company, Big Duck Music

KayMac's music

Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep69: We chat with Cosmic Armchair's Ben Ang

Sat, 13 May 2023 12:43:41 +0000

Our special guest this week has a resume that's as impressive as it is long: he's one-half of the electronic music duo, Cosmic Armchair; he's the Abyss Simian; he's the principal tutor at the NUS' Electronic Music Lab; he's also a certified Ableton tutor; he's a devoted dad; he's a loving husband; he's... Ben Ang!

Join Kevin and Chris as they delve into electronic music with Ben, and discover why, for Ben, Music really is Life.

******

Links

Cosmic Armchair's website

Ben Ang's website

Cosmic Armchair's videos

Electronic Music Lab

KayMac's music

Kevin's Time Flies album

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Rewind Episode - RENE

Sat, 06 May 2023 01:26:46 +0000

In this rewind episode, we look back in on our conversation with singer-songwriter RENE, who has a new EP out: Slipped Through My Fingers.

RENE started piano lessons when she was only four, and since then, she has taken on the world with her unique blend of pop-punk. Even the pandemic didn't stop her musical journey. In 2021, she released her debut EP, Something To Hide, and rocked the Baybeats stage at the end of the year. Here, she shares...

...about her time in The Lonely Hearts Club Band (yes, it was a thing)

...how she develops her songs and why she hates people pigeonholing her music into "genres"

...the biggest lessons she's learnt along the way

(original airdate: 25.2.22)

******

Links

Listen to RENE's Slipped Through My Fingers

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep68: Looking back at Bumfuzzle

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 06:36:38 +0000

Back in 2013, Inch Chua released her groundbreaking album, Bumfuzzle – an artistic sonic adventure that captured the imagination. To mark its 10th anniversary, Kevin and Chris dive into the tracks as they ponder...

... why Chris gave this album a five-star review

... whether an arts education is necessary to enjoy albums like this

... why nobody has used this album for a soundtrack

... if Bumfuzzle should be in the Singapore Album Hall of Fame

... and the return of the KayMac ("the KayMac is back, baby!")

******

Links

Listen to Bumfuzzle

Buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

Check out KayMac's new single Analog Boy

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep67: 30 Years of Democracy & Midnight In June (Pt 2)

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:09:38 +0000

In this concluding segment of our discussion on the 30th anniversary of Democracy and Midnight In June, Kevin and Chris recall what was going on in the scene when they were making and promoting these albums.

Along they way, they answer some hard-hitting questions like: Why was Kevin called Singapore's premier protest singer? Why did AWOL call their engineer "Passport"? And what did the band do when the audience was told by the authorities not to dance during the gig? (answer: they did nothing cos they were wussies)

******

Links

Buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

Check out KayMac's new single Analog Boy

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep66: Looking back at OWC's Murder Kill Baby

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:02:07 +0000

In 2013, rock quintet Obedient Wives Club (OWC) released their sophomore EP, Murder Kill Baby to much acclaim. In the space of a couple of years, the band - Keith (guitars), Yinqi (vocals), Lennat (drums), Cherie (guitars, vocals) and Sulaiman (bass) - had become the talk of the town.

On the anniversary of Murder Kill Baby, Keith and Yinqi look back at the birth of the band, dealing with uninterested audiences, achieving their dream of playing at Laneway, while still getting everything to come together in a brilliant blend of rhythm and melody.

******

Links

Listen to Obedient Wives Club's Murder Kill Baby

Don't forget to buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Thank you for listening, but if you would like to help us materially, do drop a donation in the link provided. It doesn't have to be a lot, just enough for a kopi-o kosong is fine! We really appreciate all your support! Thank you very much!

Ep65: 30 years of Democracy and Midnight In June (Pt 1)

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:29:34 +0000

It's the 30th anniversary of Democracy and Midnight In June, two local albums that made a splash in the scene back in 1993.

Democracy, by Kevin's band, Watchmen, was the result of years of songwriting, demos and braving challenges that were thrown in their path. Midnight In June, by Chris' band AWOL (Artists Without Official Licence), came about after they won the New School Rock/Commitments band competition.

In this first part, Kevin and Chris share their experiences on the road to Democracy and Midnight In June. How did award-winning filmmaker Eric Khoo play a part in both their albums? Why did AWOL not know they were taking part in a battle of the bands? And what was the band brouhaha over Democracy? All this and more on Lion City Rock!

******

Links

Buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep64: Famous or Forgotten Music with Jake Kussmaul

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 01:37:34 +0000

What does a millennial from Florida know about Singapore's pop music scene? Kevin and Chris find out with Jake Kussmaul, whose YouTube channel Famous Or Forgotten Music has been giving shoutouts to Singapore musicians past and present.

These include The Quests, Concave Scream, The Oddfellows, The Padres, Chris Ho and Jake has been collecting SG music for years, and he shares why he has a particular love for music from the Lion City!

We also discuss ...

... how music helped Jake cope with cerebral palsy

... how a musical journey helps you cross the globe without leaving your hometown

... and if your music is pirated – doesn't that mean it's super popular?

******

Links

Check out Famous Or Forgotten Music

Buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

While we love doing this podcast, it don't come easy – or cheaply. If you would like to help us, do drop a donation in the link provided (don't have to be a lot, enough for a kopi-o is fine!) We really appreciate all your support! Thank you very much!

Ep63: We review Alex Blake Charlie, Class Acts & more!

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:21:22 +0000

It's a special review episode! Kevin and Chris share their thoughts about things they saw and did in the last few weeks. They spill the tea about...

what surprised Kevin at the Arctic Monkeys concert?
what made Chris tear up during the screening of Class Acts, the documentary about the Singapore pop culture scene?
what did the guys find out about the "Blake" in the Alex Blake Charlie Sessions? (*spoiler alert!)
what's coming up for Coming Up Roses?

******

Links

Buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

Get tickets to Class Acts here

Check out Utopia Remembered: These Corners and mo' Coming Up Roses music on Bandcamp and Spotify

Check out Remember A Stranger and mo' motifs music on Bandcamp & Spotify

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

While we love doing this podcast, it don't come easy, or cheaply. If you would like to help us continue to make Lion City Rock happen in a material sense, do drop us a donation in the link provided (any amount is fine!) We really appreciate all the support you can give! Thank you!

EP62: Meet the young turks... it's motifs!

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 13:37:20 +0000

"Young hearts be free tonight... time is on your side". Formed in 2019, motifs made waves in 2022 with their sparkling performance at Baybeats. Remarkably, that was only their third live appearance!

Almost as quickly as they formed though, the pandemic put the brakes on the band's aspirations; but in late 2021, they got going again – with a new drummer, no less – and a year later, they released their debut album, Remember A Stranger.

As a lauded young band from the Lion City, motifs seem to have a bright road ahead to tread. But why did a group of millennials and Gen Zers take on a decidedly Gen X genre like shoegaze? Join motifs' Els, JJ and Jolin (with a cameo from Paul) as they answer those questions and more...

******

Links

Buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

Follow motifs on their socials: Facebook & Instagram

Check out Remember A Stranger and mo' motifs music on Bandcamp & Spotify

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ep61: Creative coupling with Rae and Cravis

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 01:48:42 +0000

Meet Rae and Cravis, two young people from different backgrounds who met in the Music and Drama Company and began their life journey together. Rae currently hosts the show, Backstage Pass with MDC, which features Singapore's hot young music talents; while Cravis works with musicians and is a dancer too.

If you think about it, they, it seems, have done everything, everywhere and (nearly) all at once: Rae has been on TV, on the radio, presenting and performing on stage; while Cravis has been performing with musicians both here and from overseas (most recently with France's Maya Diegel). But surprisingly, they haven't released any music together... yet. So we had to ask: Why leh?

******

Links

Buy Kevin's new album Time Flies here

Cravis' concert performance with Maya Diegel

Cravis' music and beats on Soundcloud and on Spotify

Rae featured on Homegrown

Rae presents Backstage Pass with MDC: Season 3 / Season 4

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages. While we love doing this podcast, it don't always come easy, or cheaply. If you would like to help us do better and continue to make Lion City Rock happen in a material sense, do drop us a donation in the link provided (any amount is fine!) We really appreciate all the support you can give! Thank you!

Ep60: Selling the Dream with Richard Khan (The October Cherries)

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 07:21:46 +0000

When it comes to groundbreaking Singapore bands of the 1960s, we always cite The Crescendos or The Quests. But The October Cherries have often flown under the radar, much to Kevin's chagrin.

The October Cherries' drummer Richard Khan joins Kevin and Chris to share his experiences, from joining them after a chance meeting to getting stuck in Belgium to making it big with World Hits, and reveals...

...what happens when you don't appease fans in Asia

...how they ended up staying in a lady's house for four years

...and why the Truck album sounds the way it is

******

Links

Buy Kevin's new album, Time Flies here

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages. We appreciate you helping us continue to make Lion City Rock happen! Drop us a donation (click the link provided)

Ep59: We look back at B-Quartet's seminal debut album

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:30:00 +0000

Tomorrow Is Our Permanent Address may be a line from e e cummings, but B-Quartet's debut album is one of Kevin's and Chris' favourite albums of all time. At least Top 3. Definitely in their Top 10.

The guys hit rewind on an album that is a no-holds-barred exploration of sonic landscapes – sometimes sharp as a razor, sometimes soft as a pillow, or sometimes, mellow like a, er, mellow thing.

But how did the band come to B? And why does this quartet have six members? All these questions and more are answered in this episode. Or maybe not.

******

Links

Listen to Tomorrow Is Our Permanent Address here

Pre-order Kevin's new album, Time Flies here

******

Let us know what you like or don't like by leaving a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages. We appreciate you helping us continue to make Lion City Rock! Drop us a donation in the link provided.

Ep58: Revisiting 1995 (Part 2)

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 04:40:00 +0000

Kevin and Chris finish their excursion into 1995 as they look at the year's most important music-related moments, including...

...the rise and rise of Kit Chan and The Lizards' Convention

...how Zouk got its groove back despite being closed after a drugs bust

...why a 38-year-old businessman wanted Anita Sarawak's bustier

...and why Kevin can't remember ever going to dance club Moondance or Pepper's, the Beatles-themed restaurant that maybe-but-not-quite-probably-didn't happen in Singapore

******

Links

Pre-order Kevin's new album, Time Flies here

******

Ep57: Revisiting 1995 (Part 1)

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:07:32 +0000

Chris thinks 1995 was, musically, a special year for the Lion City. With more media coverage, more gigs, and more music, 1995 looked poised to be even better than the years prior. But was it really?

In Part 1, Kevin and Chris look at what made 1995 special:

Was it that local bands started opening for acts like Sheryl Crow and Bon Jovi?
Was it that R.E.M. used the Singapore show for their Star 69 music video?
Or was it that Mark and Don Richmond did a rap for the Perfect 10 Local Music Awards?

******

Ep56: The last chat of 2022 with Nelson Tan

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0000

Welcome to the final episode of 2022! Our guest stepped in at the beginning of the year to fill in the bass slot for The Fast Colors, so we thought it fitting that he'd step in to help us close the year as well: it's the marvellous multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Nelson Tan!

Fun fact: he used to be a Singapore Idol contestant! Another fun fact: he's the bassist for the instrumental rock band In Each Hand A Cutlass. Plus, he's recorded in Mandarin, Malay and English and is a fixture on the Singapore nightlife scene. So what does it really take to be a gigging musician here in Singapore? Join Nelson, Kevin and Chris as they figure how the Lion City rocks.

Links

Check out Nelson's music on YouTube

Follow Nelson on Instagram

More about Nelson on his Website

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave us a rating and review – it really helps others when they're searching for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

We appreciate your help so that we can keep making Lion City Rock! Drop us a donation in the link.

Ep55: Lilac Saints say Halo again!

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 03:50:00 +0000

Rock never die! Just ask alt-rockers Lilac Saints, who've released a "best of" compilation called Halo Again, and are set to take the stage in Jan 2023 – more than 30 years after they banded together. The five guys have been friends since Sec 1 and although they've been through ups and downs, it's clear their friendship goes a long way.

Kevin and Chris catch up with drummer Desmond, guitarist Bhaskar and singer Ric in this no-holds-barred episode, where they discuss...

... whether doing original music is better because no one knows when you've made a mistake (Really? Surely not!)

... their song Gina – was really written about Kevin's wife (Coincidence? Surely not!)

... the possibility of their kids becoming Lilac Saints Redux (Impossible? Surely not!)

Links

Spotify

Instagram

Facebook

Book tickets for their show on 6 Jan, 2023

******

We need your help to keep making Lion City Rock! Drop us a donation in the link. We really appreciate it!

Ep54: Surprise, Surprise - it's all about Truck

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +0000

START YOUR ENGINES, it's TRUCK! Kevin and Chris react to this rarity in the Lion City's discography: Truck's one and only album, Surprise! Surprise!

Truck who, you say? Truck was a spin-off – and one-off – band, made up of October Cherries' members Jay Shotam, Benny Siew and Richard Khan. Surprise! Surprise! was, in essence, a reworking of the October Cherries' album, Dreamseller. But with added keyboards and synths. Does this album of psychedelic-esque songs work? Why are the vocals like that? Find out in this episode!

*Please forgive the sound – audio distortion inherent at source.

Links

Get in touch and get updates about Lion City Rock on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages

Check out Truck's tracks

Surprise Surprise

Broken Chair

One Fine Day

******

We need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep53: 30 Years of Rudra

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Join Kevin and Chris for a chat with the world's pioneering Vedic metal band – Rudra!

Formed in 1992, the guys from Rudra – Kathir, Shiva, Vinod and Devan – have been rocking the world with their music, from Singapore to India to the US and beyond. The band share their musical journey and why...

... they decided early on to play "Vedic metal"

... hecklers don't bother them anymore

... and why Vinod will never delete that NSFW fan pic

Rudra's new album of originals, Eight Mahavidyas, will be out on 22 Dec.

Links

Get in touch and get updates about Lion City Rock on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages

Rudra's website

Follow Rudra on Instagram and Facebook

Check out Rudra's videos on YouTube

******

We need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep52: Remembering Naomi & The Boys

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 03:00:09 +0000

Although they had personnel changes through the years, Naomi And The Boys would be best remembered for its classic line-up of Naomi Suriya, her brother Robert, Moses Tay, Alphonso Soosay and Peter Thomas.

Naomi And The Boys had hits with Happy Happy Birthday Baby, It's All Over, I Know and many more, and Robert proved himself to be a prolific composer, writing most of the band's songs. Kevin and Chris look back at the band that, together with The Crescendos and The Quests, made up the "Big Three" of Singapore 60s music.

Links

Get in touch and get updates about Lion City Rock on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages

Happy Happy Birthday Baby

It's All Over

I Know

The Best of Naomi (album, released 1968)

Someone uploaded the Naomi-led songs featured in Remembering... Naomi and the Boys' here

Read Robert Suriya's interview with Andy Young on the Singapore 60s blog

Read drummer Alphonso Soosay's recollection about his time with Naomi & The Boys here (from Andy Young's Singapore 60s blog)

Alphonso also wrote another article for Singapore Memory Project here

******

We need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep51: Six degrees of separation: The Beatles' Singapore story

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 18:06:31 +0000

It's 1964, and The Beatles are here in Singapore! They were on the way back to the UK after their Australia and New Zealand tour. Although their stopover was only 55 minutes long, they planned a meet-and-greet with fans. But 3,000 of them stormed the VIP area, so that event was cancelled. Once the plane refuelled, the Beatles went on their way.

But there's more to the Beatles' Singapore story than that. And Kevin and Chris explore how Fab Four touched the Lion City's music scene. For example, did you know that ...

... there are issued-only-in-Singapore Beatles albums and EPs somewhere out there?

... John Lennon once visited Golden Mile Complex?

... The Thunderbirds and The Quests had minor hits with Beatles covers?

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment or review, and get updates on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Leave us a rating and review – it really helps others when they're searching for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

We need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep50: We look back at Banned In Da Singapura

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:30:00 +0000

Hey hey hey! It's another playback session as Kevin and Chris look back at Banned In Da Singapura by rock trio Boredphucks. Comprising Sanny Singer (vocals, guitar), JBoss (bass) and Wayne Thunder (drums) the album was a response to having the unique distinction of being the only Singapore band to be banned from performing in the Lion City (we think).

Banned In Da Singapura is a landmark album that's filled with some great rock 'n' roll music as well as some funny skits interspersed among the songs. But the band would leave Singapore soon after and relocate to Australia, where they shone as The Suns, making a name for themselves in the live circuit there.

Links:

Check out Banned In Da Singapura and other Boredphucks tunes on Spotify or YouTube.

******

Leave us a rating and review – it really helps others when they're searching for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

We need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep49: Writing about music with editor Andy Chen

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:26:01 +0000

Our guest this week is Andy Chen (no, not that one!), the co-editor of No Finer Time To Be Alive, the only book that documents the indie years of Singapore music.

What did it take to put that book together? Will there be a sequel? Why isn't there more being done to archive Singapore's pop culture? And guess what Chris and Kevin will be ranting about this time?

The answers to all these and more in this episode of Lion City Rock!

******

Leave us a rating and review – it really helps others when they're searching for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

We need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep48: We look back at Concave Scream's Erratic

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

1, 2, 3, 4! Kevin and Chris hit the rewind button on another iconic album from the 1990s – Concave Scream's Erratic! Released in 1997, Erratic spawned one of the biggest hits of the decade, Driven, and gave the band mainstream success.

Formed by Sean (vocals, guitar), Pann (guitar), Victor (bass) and Dean (drums), Concave Scream were one of the bright sparks of the Singapore music scene in the late-1990s, showcasing a wide range of musical tastes and styles, while still keeping a very distinctive sound that is undeniably theirs.

Kevin and Chris reveal their favourite tracks on Erratic, discuss what makes the album tick, and ponder that age-old question posed by the media back then: is Concave Scream really U2-lite?

Links:

Listen to Concave Scream's big hit, Driven – and here's Jasmine Sokko and Amanda Ling's version. Also check out Gone and Fade, both from Erratic.

Check out Sean Lam's Hanging Up The Moon on Spotify.

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps others search for some good ol' Lion City Rock!

We need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep47: We visit the Home Grooves exhibit (first-time reaction)

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:44:08 +0000

Kevin and Chris take a look at the Home Grooves exhibit about live music venues in Singapore – now going on at Esplanade-Theatres On The Bay – and give their unexpurgated review.

What did they like? What didn't they like? Could it have been better? Or is this better than nothing? What is Kevin's idea of a good local music exhibition? And why is Chris living in fantasy land?

All this and more in this episode of Lion City Rock!

******

Do Like, Follow and Subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment or review, and get updates on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Leave us a five-star rating wherever you can – it really helps! We're trying to grow our podcast but we need your help: you can help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, by leaving us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

------

Music: Lion City Rock Theme written by Kevin Mathews, performer by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. Tear Down These Walls written by Chris Toh/AWOL, performed by AWOL.

Ep46: The Good, The Bad & The Weirdest Gigs

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 22:00:00 +0000

With Singapore opening up it's doors to concerts once again, it's the right time for Kevin and Chris take a look at their favourite, worst and weirdest gigs they've ever been to.

Who had the best production value? Which band bored Kevin to tears? Which gig did Chris walk out of halfway through? Where was the weirdest place they've ever gigged in? All this and more in this week's episode!

******

Ep45: The Continuing Convo with Chang Kang of Typewriter (pt.2)

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0000

GUESS WHAT? It's our continuing chat with Chang Kang, the lead singer of Typewriter AND an award-winning filmmaker in his own right!

This time, we discuss...

... whether having a music background helps when making movies

... how to convince a band that a video with them slow jogging is the right choice...

... and if Singaporean musos should sing in a Western accent

All this and more on #LionCityRock!

Links

Watch the M1 ad

Watch It's Not Easy

Typewriter tunes: Bandcamp & Spotify

******

Ep44: We are One! feat. Chang Kang of Typewriter (pt.1)

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 08:20:00 +0000

Can you believe it's been 1 year since we embarked on this journey with Lion City Rock? We're still pinching ourselves (not too hard though).

To mark this anniversary, we have a special guest: Chang Kang, who sings and plays the guitar for the band, Typewriter; and is also a respected award-winning filmmaker and photographer. His music journey began in school with his band, The Ordinary People and he has since gone on to bigger and better things, including directing (arguably) the most famous telecom ad ever for M1; performing in Liverpool at the Cavern Club, and directing the video for The Oddfellows' song, It's Not Easy.

Links

Watch the M1 ad

Watch It's Not Easy

Typewriter tunes: Bandcamp & Spotify

******

Ep43: Mee Pok Man, 12 Storeys and more movie music

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:41:23 +0000

Remember movie soundtrack albums? We do! Kevin and Chris look back at the Mee Pok Man and 12 Storeys original motion picture soundtracks –– the two albums that kickstarted a wave of local music soundtracks in the 1990s.

Along the way, they also uncover mysteries like...

...how many times has Kevin's song, My One And Only been used in a soundtrack?

...why can't Singapore music be heard in more movies or TV series?

...what happens when you allow Kevin and Chris to go off-book and on a tangent?

Links:

Check out these songs from the movie,12 Storeys:

My Life

My One and Only

If I Am Weak

Goodil

Breach

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We're trying to grow our podcast but we need your help: if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation in the link. Every little bit helps!

Ep42: A look back at Humpback Oak's Pain-Stained Morning

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

LOOK OUT! It's Lion City Rock! Join Kevin and Chris as they look back on one iconic album of the 1990s: Humpback Oak's Pain-Stained Morning.

The album was a breakthrough for Humpback Oak, boosted by songs like Finer Life, Deep Door Down and Circling Square, and helped establish lead singer Leslie Low as one of the finest songsmiths from the Lion City. Kevin and Chris reveal their favourite tracks from Pain-Stained Morning; discuss the supposed controversy surrounding the album; theorise about its bleak cover and reconsider renaming these re-listening sessions the Talk Cock Appreciation Klub. (Thoughts, anyone?)

Links:

Check out Pain-Stained Morning on YouTube.

Check out Leslie Low's music on S potify and Bandcamp. Follow Leslie Low on Instagram

******

Ep41: Everything Is Coming Up Roses!

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In a space of four months, power trio Coming Up Roses released their latest EP, Everything Is, went to Canada and Indonesia, played their last show in Singapore for the foreseeable future, and are "opening a new office" in the UK.

Comprising Emily Sera, Darius Oon and Lorenzo Mailum, Coming Up Roses has made a splash with songs like Waters, Glass Stained Eyes, Slingshots and Lies, wowing their audiences with their energetic live shows everywhere they go.

But now they're at a crossroads: Emily and Darius are heading to the UK, while Lorenzo is pursuing his studies in Singapore. What will the future bring? Find out in this episode!

Links: Check out Coming Up Roses on...

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! If you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation. Every little bit helps!

Ep40: The Best Of Music Compilations

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Music compilations or playlists, as they're called these days, aren't just a great way to have your favourite tracks altogether.

Singapore's music compilations offer a unique look at the musical heritage and history of the Lion City. From the 1980s Class Acts albums to the 1990s New School Rock series, from 2009's 100 Singapore '60s to 2015's State Of Rock, you can learn much about what Singapore liked just from the music featured in these collections.

Because these compilations were put together by humans and not algorithms, they were less of an echo chamber and you'd often be surprised by music you never knew you liked!

Links:

New School Rock EP

New School Rock II

Red Hot & Skin

100 Singapore '60s

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! If you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock, drop us a donation. Every little bit helps!

Ep39: 1965 - The Year The Lion City Rocked (Pt2)

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In Part 2, Kevin and Chris continue their trek through 1965 to see what were the major happenings in that pivotal year: What was up with the idea to have pop bands perform before a movie started? Who were The Teenage Comets and why hasn't anyone done a biopic about them? And why was Gina Lollobrigida making a live appearance at the Lido Cinema?

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment or review, and get updates on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We also accept donations if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock.

Ep38: 1965 - The Year The Lion City Rocked (Pt1)

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Since it's National Day, we thought we'd look back to the year when all began: 1965.

Singapore has split from the Malaysian Federation amid uncertainty about what lies ahead. But what is certain is that the local music scene never looked brighter. The success of groups like The Crescendos and The Quests has inspired many singers and musicians to come forth. Shirley Nair, Veronica Young, Naomi & The Boys, The Cyclones, The Checkmates, The Silver Strings, The Trailers, The Thunderbirds, The Angels, The Teen Comets, The Dukes, the list is seemingly endless.

In Part 1, Kevin and Chris see what was happening in that pivotal year: Who were "The Big Three" of the music scene? Why was The Rolling Stones concert at the Singapore Badminton Hall such a big deal? And who really put the bop in the bop-shoo-bop-shoo-bop?

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We also accept donations if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock.

The Lion City Rock new season trailer

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

MARK THE DATE! (That's 9 Aug 2022, in case you missed it)

The Lion City Rock podcast returns for another season of peeling back the layers on our local music scene. It's new content with a new format, but still giving the same Lion City Rockin' goodness!

We check out key dates, events and releases in Singapore's musical history and do a deep dive into the wonderful world of Lion City Rock.

In the meantime, bone up on Seasons 1 and 2 available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, RedCircle and wherever you get your podcasts!

Get more updates on The Fast Colors page!

Ep37: What's next for Lion City Rock?

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In this explosive SEASON FINALE, Kevin and Chris sift through the season, handpicking their favourite bits and rambling on about where the Lion City's music scene is these days.

They also discuss what could be in store for the next season: Should Kevin do a special dance for Lion City Rock TikTok? Should Chris do a series of dad jokes? Or should they have a rant 'n' rave series just because they can?

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We also accept donations if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock.

Lion City Rock Theme written by Kevin Mathews; performed by Kevin Mathews & Chris Toh. Winter Of Me, Tearing Of The Heart and Postcards written by Chris Toh, performed by AWOL.

Ep36: The Ace of Bass: It's Joan Chew (Part 2)

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

It's Part Two of our chat with Joan Chew, bassist of Lez Zeppelin, the all-female rock band that plays Led Zeppelin music 24/7.

Can you really trust Craigslist to get a gig? How many Spinal Tap moments can you get in Lez Zeppelin? And why is Nite Bob such an institution? Joan shares what it took to move from the Lion City to the Big Apple, and more.

******

Check out Lez Zeppelin's videos here and see what they're up to on Instagram and Facebook.

Check out what Joan Chew gets up to here.

📷: Terrell Stewart

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment/review, and get updates on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We also accept donations if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock.

Lion City Rock Theme written by Kevin Mathews. All other music with special permission from Joan Chew.

Ep35: The Ace of Bass: It's Joan Chew! (Part 1)

Fri, 27 May 2022 11:55:00 +0000

Nowadays Joan Chew is rockin' crowds in the US as the bassist of Lez Zeppelin, the all-female rock band that performs the music of Messrs Plant, Page, Jones and Bonham.

But did you know that she started out playing violin in a string quartet at the Intercontinental Hotel right here in the Lion City?

In this first of a two-parter, we trace her musical beginnings and how that helped get her ready to face the wide world of music.

******

Check out Lez Zeppelin's videos here and see what they're up to on Instagram and Facebook.

Check out what Joan Chew gets up to here.

📷: Mike Stone

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We also accept donations if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock rock.

Lion City Rock Theme written by Kevin Mathews. Special thanks to Joan Chew and Lez Zeppelin for permission to use their recordings.

Ep34: Going a cappella with Amanda Ong!

Sat, 21 May 2022 00:30:00 +0000

Meet Amanda Ong, a singer whose preference for a cappella music – performance of a polyphonic (multipart) musical work by unaccompanied voices – means she has all but stripped away any musical accompaniment in her recent recordings.

But what does it take to be an a cappella singer in Singapore? Where can one readily find venues that will showcase such music? And will Benjamin Kheng really collab with Amanda?

The answers to these questions and more in this week's episode!

******

Check out Amanda's music here

Check out New Recording 47's music here

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We also accept donations if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock, well, rock.

Lion City Rock Theme written by Kevin Mathews. Special thanks to Amanda Ong for permission to use her songs.

Ep33: Hougang homeboy: It's Houg!

Fri, 13 May 2022 22:00:00 +0000

How did Houg go from carting passengers in private hire cars to carting keyboards for gigs? Why is he his harshest critic? Why shouldn't you be afraid to ask for help? And how did a taxi driver help kickstart Houg's personal musical voyage overseas?

We were excited to chat with Houg because he is one of Singapore's most exciting chillwave musicians today. He has gone from strength to strength, culminating in his latest album, The Biting Tempo, which was released earlier this year.

******

Check out Houg's music videos here, and buy The Biting Tempo here. Follow Houg on Instagram here

******

Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot! We also accept donations if you want to help us keep making Lion City Rock, well, rock.

Lion City Rock Theme written by Kevin Mathews. Special thanks to Houg and his management for permission to use his songs.

Ep32: Meet the new breed: It's Causeway Youth!

Fri, 06 May 2022 22:00:00 +0000

When Jazreel met Esther in school, it was a sure sign that they would start a band called Causeway Youth. At least, that's how we see it. But their journey has faced obstacles and challenges, such as naysayers who think their band has no direction. But time and time again, the girls have faced down their adversaries and cleared the challenges in their path.

They share...

...what it's like to perform at the Geylang Serai pasar malam

...how to deal with mentors who don't quite come up to snuff

...whether or not they'll take a stab at going Mando (pop, that is)

******

Listen to Causeway Youth here and check out their music videos here. Follow the band on their socials here.

******

Thank you very much for listening! Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot!

Ep31: Movies and music with Eric Khoo!

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:30:00 +0000

Filmmaker Eric Khoo needs no introduction right? He's best known for films like Mee Pok Man, 12 Storeys, Be With Me, My Magic, Ramen Teh and more, but did you know he cut his teeth making music videos? Find out how his love for music affects the way he creates his acclaimed films.

******

Check out Eric's Zhao Wei Films here.

Watch Eric's music videos for The Oddfellows' Lost My Head, She's So Innocent and Your Smiling Face, as well as The Padres' Radio Station, Angel and Freakout Frequency, and CU1359's Loving Laurie.

Watch the documentary, New School Rock, by Nazir Hussain, Eric Khoo and Rosarif Rasip.

******

Thank you very much for listening! Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot!

Ep30: Behind Snakeweed with Leonard Soosay!

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:30:00 +0000

It's a long 'un, but a goodie! Producer extraordinaire Leonard Soosay has twiddled the knobs for both in the studio and at gigs for JJ Lin & Gentle Bones & Charlie Lim & INCH & Narelle & Neural Vibe & Ossuary & Electrico & Force Vomit & Great Spy Experiment & The Boredphucks & Caracal & Pleasantry and well... just about everybody.

How did he and Snakeweed Studios come to be this juggernaut of the local music scene? Listen and find out.

******

Check out Snakeweed Studios here.

Watch the new Snakeweed Sessions videos here. Check out Snakeweed's previous videos.

******

Thank you very much for listening! Leave us a rating wherever you can – it really helps a lot!

Ep29: Walk on the M1ld side with David Siow!

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

A major part of David Siow's musical journey includes producing music – as a member of bands TakeTwo and M1ldl1fe, and solo as DSML. But he also hopes to get Singapore music beyond our borders. How can the Lion City's music make a bigger mark on the world stage? Answers in this episode!

******

Listen to David's music as DSML and with M1LDL1FE

******

Leave a rating when you can and thank you very much for listening and for all your support!

Ep28: It's Bakers In Space!

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

They don't bake. Nor have they done interstellar travel. But they do know how to cook up a musical storm in any space. With their new EP – Magma – Bakers In Space show why they're the hot new thing when it comes to Singa-pop!

This band of brothers has gone through everything together since they started out as an Arctic Monkeys covers band, and they're not planning to stop any time soon.

******

Follow Bakers In Space on Instagram, and check out their music on YouTube and Spotify.

******

Leave a rating when you can and thank you very much for listening and for all your support!

Ep27: Man behind the music: It's Dean Augustine!

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

This week on Lion City Rock...

We know the music made by musicians, but who helps musicians make a living with their music? It's the people who make up the "business" half of the music business. They help open doors for new musicians to perform and get their music heard to a potentially worldwide audience.

These are people like Dean Augustine, the head of Cross Ratio Entertainment. He started out as a shelf-stacker at Tower Records, before eventually becoming a managing director at Japanese music label S2S, and later, the founder of Cross Ratio Entertainment. These days, he's working with the likes of Tay Kewei, MICappella, Alfred Sim, Gentle Bones, Ling Kai and more.

But what does it take to manage the careers of musicians? Dean shares his own experiences in this nearly no-holds-barred chat.

******

Find out more about Dean Augustine's Cross Ratio Entertainment here.

******

Leave a rating when you can and thank you very much for listening and for all your support!

Ep26: Rocking on with Eza!

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Coming to you live - but recorded - from New Zealand ... it's Eza! Although he may not have excelled in school when he was a kid, Isa Seow, better known to the music world as Eza, found that he excelled in crafting songs.

The multi-instrumentalist signed with Pony Canyon as a teenager in Singapore and produced recordings that were just as good as any out there. He was featured in the New School Rock II compilation, put out an album, Candy Whiskey, and then... had to do National Service.

But he always had music in his heart, even when he was "picking up leaves in Pulau Tekong", pursuing his credentials at Havard and Cambridge, or getting involved in the United Nations Development Programme or the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

He shares his thoughts about what it means to always have the music in him – even though Life has given him another path to follow.

******

Listen to Eza's music here.

******

Leave a rating when you can and thank you very much for listening and for all your support!

Ep25: Turning it up to 11 with Wormrot!

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Formed in 2007, Wormrot is Singapore's offering to the world of grindcore. They have been described as one of the top 10 grindcore bands in the world, and have three albums to their name (with another on the way). They also became the first Singaporean band to perform at the Glastonbury Festival.

In this episode, drummer Vijesh shares his Wormrot journey and answers our pressing questions:

What was it like playing Glastonbury? Can grindcore be meditative? Just how many Spinal Tap moments can a band have on tour?

If you don't know what grindcore is, or if you want to know what the fuss is all about, this is the episode for you. You're welcome.

******

Follow Wormot on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get updates

Check out Wormrot's music and buy their merch from Earache Records.

******

Leave a rating when you can and thank you very much for listening and for all your support!

Ep24: OG Teen Idols of SG: The Crescendos!

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Before there were Singapore Idols like Taufik Batisah, Sezairi Sezali or even Stef Sun, JJ Lin or Kit Chan, there were The Crescendos – Singapore's OG teen idols!

They were discovered when they were taking part in the 1962 Talentime competition, and even though they didn't win, they achieved several firsts:

They were the first local artists to be signed to an international record label, Philips. They became the first local pop stars when their debut single, a cover of Connie Francis' Mr Twister b/w Frankie, blew up sold 12,000 copies, outselling the original in Singapore, and became the first Singapore group to break the Top 10 hit on Philips' international charts.

In this episode, founding members of The Crescendos John Chee & Raymond Ho recall...

...when their performance on live TV in Malaysia caused hundreds of people to run amok (but it's not what you think)

...how they sparked off the "Golden Age of Singapore pop" and achieved fame, but not necessarily fortune

...what lead singer Susan Lim was like, and what happened on that tragic day in 1970 when she went missing

******

Listen to The Crescendos' versions of Mr Twister & Frankie, Silver Threads and Golden Needles, Everybody Loves A Lover, The Boy Next Door.

Check out this tribute to Susan Lim.

******

Get tickets for Blast From The Past, featuring John & Raymond, The Meltones, Mel & Joe Ferdinands and Peter Diaz (of The October Cherries)

******

Leave a rating when you can, it really helps us get noticed. Thank you for listening and for all your support!

Ep23: Plucky pop-punk performer! It's Rene Ann Wong!

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Rene Ann Wong started learning to play the piano when she was only four, and now, she's well on the way to taking on the world with her unique blend of pop-punk.

Even the pandemic hasn't stopped her musical journey. In 2021, she released her debut EP, Something To Hide, and rocked the Baybeats stage at the end of last year. In this episode, she shares...

...about her time in The Lonely Hearts Club Band (yes, it was a thing)

...how she develops her songs and why she hates people pigeonholing her music into "genres"

...the biggest lessons she's learnt along the way

******

Follow Rene Ann Wong on her socials and get her music

******

Leave a rating when you can, it really helps us get noticed. Thank you for listening and for all your support!

Ep22: Electronic music pioneer: It's Case Woo!

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 02:00:00 +0000

Case Woo has been dropping beats for nearly 30 years, first with collab collectives like electro-punk trio Daze, and EDM outfit Quadmix, among others, and then as a solo artist. Along with Joe Ng, Jason Tan and Leonard T, Case Woo was part of the pioneering group of producers taking the big leap into the electronic music scene in Singapore, and later, around the world, working with the likes of Kit Chan, Chris Ho, Dick Lee, Sandy Lam and more.

Here, he shares...

...why winning awards isn't that important

...how meeting Depeche Mode affected his fandom

...and why he wouldn't listen to his own advice from years ago (while giving advice)

******

Listen to Case's music on 2403R, and follow him on his socials

******

Leave a rating when you can, it really helps us. Thank you for listening and thanks for all your support!

Ep21: A new season with The Fast Colors!

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

And we're baaaaack! It's a brand new season and Chris and Kevin return with more conversations about Singapore's pop scene.

But first, it's a special performance by The Fast Colors, the only band covering songs from the Lion City. Recorded in January at the Festive Arts Theatre @ Our Tampines Hub, The Fast Colors took a musical journey, going through Singa-pop's history and heritage with songs from the 1960s to the 2010s. If this podcast was a musical, this concert would be it. Or perhaps not.

Featured in the set:

Radio Station (The Padres)
Murder Kill Baby (Obedient Wives Club)
Unity Song (The Oddfellows)
Finer Life (Humpback Oak)
My One And Only (Watchmen)
Sausalito (Western Union Band)
The Dew (The Cyclones)
Cold In Buriram (Zircon Lounge)
I Love Singapore (Watchmen)
So Happy (The Oddfellows)

ATTN: The Fast Colors will be back at the Festive Arts Theatre @ Our Tampines Hub on 12 March, 2022, 8pm. We'll be paying tribute to one of our local heroes, Chris Ho, performing songs written by Chris, as well as by musicians who inspired him.

******

Leave a rating when you can, it really helps us. Thank you for listening and thanks for all your support!

Ep20: Rilek brader, it's Art Fazil (Season Finale, Part 2)

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Part Two of our season finale, featuring the one and only, Art Fazil!

After his jaunt to the UK and Europe, Art headed back to the Lion City, only to find things had changed quite a bit since he went away.

Why did he return and how did he get back into the swing of things here? Why is he fronting a rock band and doing recordings of children's songs? Will he ever finish his book about Singapore's Malay music history? And really, what's that Fandi Ahmad video all about? The answers to these and more in this climactic episode!

**We want to give big thanks to all of our guests who agreed to come on Lion City Rock. And of course, equally big thanks go to all of you who those who have supported us!

We hope you have enjoyed the shows as much as we have in putting them together, and that you've learnt something about our fantastic musical history and heritage here in Singapore.

And yes, we promise: Lion City Rock will return with more in store!

******

Check out Art Fazil's music on Moro Records

Follow Art on his socials

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment/review, and get updates on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages.

Leave a rating when you can, it really helps us get noticed!

Thank you for listening and thanks for all your support!

Ep19: Rilek brader, it's Art Fazil! (Season Finale, Part 1)

Sun, 30 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

It's our Season Finale!

And like our season debut, we're ending it with a two-part special featuring another icon of the indie music scene: It's none other than singer-songwriter Art Fazil!

He not only made a name for himself as a solo artist but also as a songwriter for some of the biggest names in Malay pop/rock, including our very own Papa Rock, Ramli Sarip.

In Part 1, Art shares...

...why he fell in love with music

...what it was like working for Ramli Sarip, the biggest Malay rocker in Singapore and the region

...how the trio Rausyanfikir came about and why Art went solo

...why he decided to uproot to the UK

******

Listen to Art Fazil's music on Moro Records

Follow Art on his socials

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment/review, and get updates on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages. Leave a rating where you can, it really helps us a lot!

Thank you for listening and for all your support!

Ep18: It's Sideshow Judy's main attraction: Pauline Chong!

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In the days when guys were all jumping on the alternative rock bandwagon, Sideshow Judy, led by Pauline Chong, made a splash because they were one of only a few female-fronted rock bands in Singapore (no, really!)

While the band's recording output was limited to compilations such as Left Of The Dial and Flush After Use, they garnered a fanbase that showed their utmost support at the gigs. Here, Pauline shares her musical journey and reveals...

...how Sideshow Judy really got its name

...why she got into charity work with Music For Good

...how the fundraising gig for Derrick Fitzgerald of 1960s legends, The Thunderbirds, came about

...what she's doing in Phuket during a pandemic (it's not what you think)

******

Check out Sideshow Judy on Flush After Use and Left Of The Dial

Check out Pauline's charity effort Hot Meals For All

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment or review on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages. Leave a rating when you can, it really does help! Thank you for listening and for all your support!

Ep17: Funky grooves with Stoned Revivals

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Nobody combined the funky smooth sounds with Lion City vibes better than The Stoned Revivals.

Formed by friends who just wanted to play music, The Stoned Revivals had a uniquely different sound to what the rest of the indie scene was churning out. Their perky grooves, syncopated beats and stage flair meant these guys would always be the life of any party.

Now, members Esam Salleh, Kamal Yacob and Syed Ahmad shed light on:

...whether their name either was inspired by drugs or a record store

...how "blue movie" soundtracks informed their sound

...why their gig supporting No Doubt was memorable for all the wrong reasons

...whether their album 'Golden Lovesongs From The Evil Island Of The Handsome Tropical Cannibals' really is a social commentary about Singapore

*****

Follow The Stoned Revivals on Facebook and Instagram. Check out their performance on Kribo Records. Listen to their music on Bandcamp.

*****

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a comment or review on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages. Leave a rating when you can, it really does help a lot! Thank you for listening and all your support!

Ep16: It's Lunarin's leading lady! It's Linda Ong!

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 10:29:00 +0000

One of our favourite rockers, Linda Ong of Lunarin is our guest this week! Lunarin has been progressively rocking the Lion City ever since Linda, Eng Teck and Kah Wye first met in Dunman High.

With influences ranging from Nirvana to Tool, critics have described Lunarin's brand of prog-rock as "snarling", "propulsive", "groovy metal bangers" and – our favourite – "celestial pop with the force of a battle-axe".

But their musical journey wasn't always a smooth one. First forming as Fuzzbox, their debut gig was, by all accounts, a dud. Then there was the matter of "irreconcilable differences in musical direction" that saw them split from their first singer. So how did they go from being "just another band" to being able to get Grammy-winner David Bottrill to produce for them?

Here's their story...

*****

Listen to Lunarin's discography

Follow Lunarin on Instagram or Facebook.

*****

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock on RedCircle, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Get updates on The Fast Colors' Facebook and Instagram pages. Leave a rating where you can, it really does help a lot and we greatly appreciate it!

Ep15: It's Surf Yeh Yeh! It's Force Vomit!

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:05:00 +0000

It's a new year and a brand new episode for you Lion City Rockers. But what do Roald Dahl, Richard Linklater's Slackers and HG Wells have to do with Singapore music? A lot, if you're pop-punk/surf punk/garage rock/surf yeh yeh band, Force Vomit!

Founding members Dino and Alvin join us in this super-fun chat to share what made Force Vomit such a force in the Singapore and Malaysia music scene. Find out ...

...why they bonded over "heavy metal" band Bon Jovi and hip-hop

...what it was like playing to 30,000 people at Stadium Negara in Malaysia

...how they upstaged a band at a pub and became the regular band

...why they can't decide if their smash hit 'Siti' is actually a great song or not

*****

Listen to 'Spaceman Over Malaysia'

Listen to 'Siti'

Band photo: Bobby Dread. Follow Force Vomit on their socials

*****

EP14: Wait a minute, 2021 is nearly over?

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

And so this is Christmas ... and what have we done? Another year nearly over, a new one just about to begin.

In this episode, Kevin and Chris take a look back at the year and recount their Lion City Rock journey. Well, kind of. Mostly, they end up talking about anything and everything under the sun. This is what happens when you give them drinks and record at night.

But they do answer some intriguing questions about being on a podcast, local music and why the Internet is mightier than the sword.

******

Kevin and Chris' band, The Fast Colors will perform at the Festive Theatre at Our Tampines Hub on 8 Jan 2022, at 7.30pm. They will be paying tribute to their local music heroes. Tickets are free but it's first come, first served – and there is limited seating.

Click here to get more details of the gig.

******

Like, follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock wherever you get your podcasts and remember to also leave a rating where possible. Every little star counts, so don't shy and leave a five-star rating!

Ep13: Powering passion with Isaac Chiew of Big Duck Music

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:30:00 +0000

How did he get started? What made him decide to stage his version of Baybeats – calling it Naybeats? And why did he risk getting charged by his army commander just so he could do a gig?

Was it the exuberance of youth? The or perhaps, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do for music...

*****

Find out more about Isaac's band Cactus Cactus and his company, Big Duck Music.

Ep12: 1960s icon Henry Chua of The Quests!

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:30:00 +0000

The Quests have been labelled as Singapore's version of The Beatles. Not only did they knock The Beatles off the top spot with their song, Shanty; they couldn't go anywhere without being recognised, they were always on TV and radio or in the news, and yes, screaming fans would flock to their gigs. They were legends in their own right.

So we were thrilled to speak to Henry Chua, The Quests' bass player and composer of Shanty, among other hits.

During our chat, Henry shared how The Quests got started, how they recorded all their hits, why singer Keith Locke was pursued by the military police across Malaysia, and what concerts in those days were really like. Oh, and he also revealed how Shanty – which is still covered by musicians around the world – came about.

*****

Listen to the original version of The Quests' No.1 hit Shanty as well as Gallopin', the first song written by guitarist Reggie Verghese and the B-side of Shanty.

Listen to The Quests' version of Don't Play That Song For Me (You Lied); as well as Keith Locke and Henry's version.

Find out where you can read Henry's book, Call It Shanty.

*****

Get in touch with us via The Fast Colors' socials on Facebook and Instagram. Remember to follow and subscribe to Lion City Rock so you won't miss another episode!

Ep11: Hard to the core with Francis Frightful

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

In the late 1980s, few bands rocked harder than Opposition Party, the pioneering punk band that paved the way for other punk rockers, even as they blazed a trail into hardcore.

With their hard-as-nails look – spiky hair, chains, leathers and jeans – the band raised eyebrows at every gig, pelting the audience with their ferocious and face-melting sound as they thundered through songs like Impending Death, Brain F**ked and Hack 'n' Slash.

But how did Opposition Party get their start? What made them decide to steal Bon Jovi's booze? And why did they become a covers band – in Balestier?

Find out as singer/guitarist Francis Frightful bares all (well, nearly) about Opposition Party and why, many years later, he can't wait to get rocking on stage again!

PLUS! You can also stand a chance to win a copy of their album, ZOMBIFIED. All you have to do is like and follow their Facebook or Instagram pages and leave this message in the comments: "LION CITY PUNK ROCK".

There are five albums to be given away so don't say we bojio!

------

Did you like this episode? Leave a comment on Facebook and Instagram c/o The Fast Colors. Remember to like, follow and subscribe so you don't miss new episodes.

Ep10: Making waves with The Analog Girl

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:30:00 +0000

It's our 10TH EPISODE!

And we have none other than Mei Wong, a.k.a. The Analog Girl. To our minds, she the embodiment of the D.I.Y. spirit, ever since she put up a concert for her dad at home when she was a young girl so that he would agree to let her pursue a music career.

Throughout her journey, she has shown that it's sometimes best to seize the day and make things happen for yourself instead of waiting for the world to change.

Whether it's headlining a show at the famous Knitting Factory in New York, or simply marching into a record label and asking for a shot at a record deal, The Analog Girl has been making inroads where few Singapore musicians have gone. So how did she do it? Listen on to find out!

******

Follow The Analog Girl on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. Listen to her latest tracks here.

******

If you like what you hear, remember to share this podcast with a friend, like/follow/subscribe to Lion City Rock. Leave a comment on The Fast Colors' Facebook or Instagram.

Thank you all for listening!

-----

Lion City Rock Theme written by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. Music by The Analog Girl used with permission.

Ep9: Rock steady with Ray Aziz

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 16:05:00 +0000

Music educator Ray Aziz spends his days teaching children how to appreciate rhythms, melodies and the stories behind the songs they learn.

But Ray's story behind his musical journey is worth noting: beginning with drumming for rockers Swirling Madness and later, joining Singapore's first full-on punk rock band, Opposition Party.

His next stop was the US, where he honed his musical knowledge before returning to our shores, where he has kept the beat for various musical units including The Observatory, The Crowd and more.

*****

If you liked listening to this episode, leave a like; follow, leave a comment and subscribe to Lion City Rock wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Lion City Rock on the Fast Colors Facebook and Insta, and you can be part of the Lion City Rock Subreddit.

Lion City Rock theme: composed by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh.

Ep8: Sonic capers with Saiful Idris

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:25:00 +0000

In 2015, Saiful Idris and his band The Great Spy Experiment finally called it a day after 10 years of rocking the nation with their infectiously catchy brand of dance-punk-rock.

But that wasn't the end of the road for Saiful, who has carved a new niche for himself putting out pumping dance/electronic music that seems a far cry from what The Great Spy Experiment was about, but really, it was the next logical step in his evolution as a music fan.

In between being an educator, he created Surrender HQ and SRNDR Records, providing a platform for electronic music talent. Plus, he also had time to form a fake band that resulted in a gig he didn't quite expect!

And Saiful isn't quite done just yet - the only question is, where will he go from here?

*****

Listen to Saiful's work with SRNDR Records and The Great Spy Experiment

If you liked listening to this episode, leave a like; follow, leave a comment and subscribe to Lion City Rock wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Lion City Rock on the Fast Colors Facebook and Insta, and you can be part of the Lion City Rock Subreddit.

Lion City Rock theme: composed by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. All other songs used with kind permission from Saiful Idris.

Ep7: Sheena - we mean, Ginette - was a punk rocker

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:25:00 +0000

As the bassist of Psycho Sonique, one of Singapore's first all-girl punk bands in the 1990s, Ginette Chittick made young hormonal teens drool as they played their spitfire songs on stages in Singapore and Malaysia.

They recorded several songs - along with an EP, We Can Do It - that showcased a "just do it" attitude better than any shoe with a swoosh. She later joined Astreal, a band whose ethereal music is a far cry from the frenzied sounds of Psycho Sonique.

The punk ethos and can-do attitude helped Ginette learn to play bass in the band (she uses a unique notation system that you won't find in any music book); and since then, she has done everything and anything, from starting her own fashion label to publishing a zine; to becoming an educator, being a DJ and working with textile art.

Is there nothing she won't do? Well...

Check out Ginette's music with Psycho Sonique and Astreal

If you liked listening to this episode, like; follow, leave a comment and subscribe to Lion City Rock wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Lion City Rock on the Fast Colors Facebook and Insta, and you can be part of the Lion City Rock Subreddit.

Lion City Rock theme: composed by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. All other music used with kind permission from Ginette Chittick.

Ep6: 25 years of Electrico

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 02:35:00 +0000

With No1 singles and hit albums, Electrico were the band of the 2000s in Singapore. Formed as a quartet, they eventually settled on their classic line-up of Amanda, Dave, Daniel, Desmond & William in 2003, which led to one wild rollercoaster ride as they drove on to become the Lion City band to beat.

But as the 2010s rolled around, the band - now reduced to the core trio of Dave, Desmond and William - took a back seat. But this year, they've returned with a renewed vigour and new music.

Dave, Des and Will take stock of where they've been and how far they've come in this revealing episode.

*****

If you liked this episode, tell a friend about Lion City Rock. Like, Follow, Subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you'll never miss a new episode.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment on the Fast Colors Facebook and Insta, and you can be part of the Lion City Rock Subreddit community.

Lion City Rock theme: composed by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh.

Bonus: Commemorating Chris Ho

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 21:00:00 +0000

On 27 Sept, 2021, Chris Ho passed away, joining the great gig in the sky. He was "forever 27", so in a way, he's also a member of the 27 Club.

As the singer of Zircon Lounge, Chris Ho helped push New Wave onto our shores. As the columnist who wrote Pop Life and radio deejay, he introduced local artists to the mainstream audience here. As the author of Skew Me, You Rebel Meh? he bared his self and his thoughts to the public.

A storyteller through and through, Chris Ho shared his thoughts some of which were biting, with the world. And sometimes, the world bit back.

There have been many tributes to him, so in this bonus episode - on his birthday, 28 Oct - we thought we'd simply share our recollections of the man who, in our minds, is unquestionably a local music hero for the ages. In many ways, he helped pave the path we all tread on today.

Musician, DJ, author, filmmaker, chameleon, enigma, chocolate ... Chris Ho was all those things - and then some.

*****

If you liked this episode, tell a friend about Lion City Rock. Like, Follow, Subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you'll never miss a new episode.

Join the conversation by leaving a comment on the Fast Colors Facebook and Insta, and you can be part of the Lion City Rock Subreddit community.

Lion City Rock theme: composed by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. Cold In Buriram performed by The Fast Colors, written by Chris Ho.

Ep5: The goal is soul with Dru Chen

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 16:30:00 +0000

For most of his life, Dru Chen has turned to music for soulful expression.

After graduating from university, he carved out a career as one of the bright young stars in Singapore. He's certainly one of the most hardworking: he has put out several EPs and singles since 2013, as well as a full-length album, Mirror Work (2019). By the time you hear this, his new album, Slow Life, would be ready to go.

So how did a young boy from Melbourne plant roots in Singapore and make the Lion City his musical home?

*****

Check out Dru Chen on Instagram, Spotify and YouTube.

If you liked listening to this episode, leave a like; follow, leave a comment and subscribe to Lion City Rock wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Lion City Rock on the Fast Colors Facebook and Insta, and you can be part of the Lion City Rock Subreddit.

Lion City Rock theme: composed by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh. All other songs used with kind permission from Dru Chen.

Ep4: Progressively rockin' with Daniel Sassoon

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:30:00 +0000

Guitarist extraordinaire and furkid dad Daniel Sassoon jumps on the Lion City Rock bandwagon with us!

Daniel Sassoon is not, as far as we know, related to Vidal, but he's no less talented. The legal eagle is one of the coolest guitarists we know.

He lived through the '90s with rock outfit Livonia; he was rockin' out with 2000s pop-rock faves Electrico; and he later became the head honcho of rock instrumental group In Each Hand A Cutlass, whose two albums, A Universe Made of Strings and The Kraken have been critically acclaimed.

He has been around the world sharing his music with countless fans, and he has been a notable figure in the music scene back in Singapore. For Daniel Sassoon, there's a universe made of music still waiting to be explored.

You can check out Daniel Sassoon's music:

Livonia's albums

In Each Hand A Cutlass' two fantastic albums

If you liked listening to this episode, leave a like; follow, leave a comment and subscribe to Lion City Rock wherever you get your podcasts.

You can find Lion City Rock on the Fast Colors Facebook and Insta, and you can be part of the Lion City Rock Subreddit.

Lion City Rock theme: composed by Kevin Mathews, performed by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh

Ep3: What is SG Indie?

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 16:30:00 +0000

In the 1990s, the Singapore music scene experienced a resurgence, with many indie bands dropping new singles and albums every year. After the dearth of material in the 1970s and 1980s, it was sometimes called the "second wave" of local music or "the indie years".

Artists who topped the charts during this era included The Oddfellows, Watchmen, Kick, Livonia, Humpback Oak, Art Fazil and Daze, among others. But how did this indie explosion come about?

Chris and Kevin take a look back at what happened with Singapore's indie scene and can it compare to the scene we have today?

Links:

Check out Zircon Lounge here

Check out The Oddfellows here.

Check out Corporate Toil here

Presented by The Fast Colors, Lion City Rock is currently the only weekly podcast about Singapore's pop music scene from past to present. Special guests occasionally pop by to share their insight and their musical journey.

Find us at our #lioncityrock Subreddit for show notes and leave a comment. Don't forget to like, subscribe and follow us wherever you get your podcasts!

Ep2: 30 Years of Teenage Head with Patrick Chng (Part 2)

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0000

It's Part 2! We continue our deep dive into the 30th anniversary of The Oddfellows' Teenage Head album, one of the seminal releases during Singapore's "indie years". This episode, head Oddfellow himself, Patrick Chng, ponders...

about whether Song About Caroline could still be relevant today if it kept its original title
why guitarist Kelvin got a lot of hate after joining the band
how model/singer Jessica Soo rejected a song that would be a smash hit for The Oddfellows
and what's next for the band

Singapore's indie scene owes a debt to The Oddfellows, a band that formed in 1988 and helped to shape the music scene in the 1990s. With influences from Husker Du, The Replacements and REM, The Oddfellows were the benchmark for young musicians. They continue to create music and have a new album out, What's Yours And Mine.

Listen to The Oddfellows here:

Check out The Oddfellows videos:

Lion City Rock is a podcast that talks about music made in the Lion City, aka Singapore, from past to present. Remember to like and subscribe to Lion City Rock and leave a review wherever you can.

Join the conversation on the #lioncityrock Subreddit, where you can leave a comment or a review. And as always, like, subscribe and follow Lion City Rock wherever you get your podcasts.

Ep1: 30 years of Teenage Head with Patrick Chng (Part 1)

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0000

It's our very first episode!

We're celebrating the start of Lion City Rock by marking the 30th anniversary of the seminal indie album, Teenage Head by The Oddfellows, with a very special guest - the chief Oddfellow himself, Patrick Chng!

Singapore's indie scene owes a debt to The Oddfellows, a band that formed in 1988 and helped to shape the music scene in the 1990s. With influences from Husker Du, The Replacements and REM, The Oddfellows were the benchmark for young musicians back then. They continue to create music and have a new album out, What's Yours And Mine.

Chris and Kevin get Patrick to spill the beans on...

recording a band using only a boombox
how the No1 hit, So Happy, came about
being the only indie band listed in the Singapore Encyclopaedia
how the Oddfellows snagged top model Bonnie Hicks to be in their music video

Listen to The Oddfellows: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vG1kdezHeNsa8SYS41xrE?si=X7tZAm-pRgaAK5k6YkHVLQ&dl_branch=1

Check out The Oddfellows videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaOwfv0jyLH1dVcruIKvv1g

Lion City Rock is a podcast that talks about music made in the Lion City, aka Singapore, from past to present. Remember to like and subscribe to Lion City Rock and leave a review wherever you can.

Join the conversation: https://www.reddit.com/r/lioncityrock/

Lion City Rock trailer

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Join Chris Toh and Kevin Mathews in Lion City Rock, a brand new podcast about Singapore's pop music scene. Each week, we plug into important Singapore music moments in the Lion City, with special guests and much, much more!

It's everything about Singa-pop that you never knew you needed to know.