TULANMEN - 4 UGAYMEN, WE R VERY TULAN

 
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Quotes from audience ranging from adik to uncle to ah pek…

“i have never seen such wonderful band shows in kedah”

“it was back in the early 80s the last time i saw a band show for the 7th month show”

“i really enjoyed myself with my friends and family”

“the bands were wonderful”

“i think the show lighten up Alor Star”

“What a night to remember”

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Show Backgroud~

back in late June, approx 2 1/2  months ago, my boss Jessmond was discussing with me on whether i would like to be involved in the organizing of this year’s ”Jalan Putra Ghost Festival’s Show (GFS)”. we were thinking of arranging Billows (海浪) to play a number of songs followed by karaoke show. then we thought of how about completely minus out the karaokes and just playing bands for the 2 nights. making this the only (GFS) in Alor Star using full bands all the way. Then, Jessmond asked me, “you can find so many bands bo? we need quite a number… if you can find them, then you go ahead to organise this event…”

hmmm…. that’s true too, and i couldnt just simply ask a band to perform, but after thinking about it, the next day i called Jessmond and tell him the show should go on, as this is a GREAT chance for many bands to show their talent infront of the public, plus, for the first time, i can learn on organising a big event…. then, its back to the most headache part, what band to call up…

first popping up my mind was Uglyboyz, as they have the talent to play in such shows, problem is, the second guitarist (Leng Chai) has just joined them and learnt guitar less than 5 months. secondly, i could imagine an all-girls band performing on stage, there is where UCL, Yuna, Fenn come in. next, i have been helping Signature band to get shows outside from the music school in order to expose them to greater audience, so, they are auto-invited already. at the same time Yih Ping’s band (Prologue) was practising every week, so i guess i could sneak in the studio watch them and decide whether to call them. next, my student Wen Hen also started his band (Gimme Five) and already playing in paid-function! so, i think they should be fine. then, i gave a call to Tap Fatt asking whether his band (Last Minute) was interested to play, plus, also inviting my former student boon siang’s band.

so, now i have sent out invitation to a  total of 7 bands: uglyboyz, gimme five, all girls band, prologue, signature, last minute, and boon siang band

still, i had to wait for their confirmation.

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band by band build up~

Uglyboyz-
They were more than happy to be performing, i think they grew up and matured a lot since their first performance in Changlun last year. Gradually, they worked on the songs to be performed and finally managed to gather 10 songs to show after 10 weeks of intense practise. I re-arranged a few songs for them, notably a heavy-metal version of Zombie, and they liked it so much…wakakaka….actually they were not in time for a last song, but blessing in disguise, luckily they din play it, audience will be sleeping if they happen to play it. Kiam Hoo was becoming more serious in the band, the show also tested Chin Sing’s leadership as he is the band leader, i gave him the green light to hantam his band members but he is always so soft one… size big but voice soft… you must lecture your members if they did something wrong. Chun Min is not fully committed to the band, yet.  Kiwi is still shy shy always i duno i duno…
Back to the show: they are well-prepared now, thumbs up for their preparation!  ready to rock the house down!

X-Malaysia-
The band had no name. i have discussed with them where it ended up nothing, so i put in X-Malaysia (not my preferred name) as Merdeka is near, and as a tribute to X japan, since they are singing one of their songs. After lengthy thoughts and discussions with all the girls, we have decided to sing all japanese songs. While to be fair, i have to cracked my head to allocate each girl having the chance to be the lead vocal and lead guitarist as well. My initial plan was to form an all-girls band, but the drum and bass parts seemed beyond the capability for all female drum / bass students within my contacts.
I thought of playing drums for them but it would be best if i could be on techical stand by while they perform in case anything went wrong. So, i picked up the phone and dial 911  tai suan and metal for help, and they were more than happy to get the chance to play with these kawaiiko. X Malaysia were running out of time as i must admit, some parts were too difficult for them. So, i simplify some and altered a lot until they sound good. Yuna practiced her singing a lot (as Glamo was tough); Fenn moved up a gear in pursuit and UCL was fighting with the guitar solos like slashing ghosts in bleach. I have high hope in the band as they got more into shape by the weeks. Another thing i concerned was parents approval, as X Malaysia’s band practise was at a very odd time of 10.15pm, bcos i can only see them after all my classes ended at 10pm. I wish it could have been earlier as I was very tired too after whole day of class. On the other side, I was afraid some parents (Fenn & UCL) might not be happy for their girls out late till almost midnite. Thank God Fenn’s parents were very understanding and UCL’s parents? they turned out to be old friends of our Billows band, phew…….  Suan and metal came back 3 times for jamming with them too. and as i said before, when i enjoy working with good students, i dont mind teaching for free and even organising extra class at home. All hail X Malaysia and ready to rock, gambatte ne!

Prologue-

The bassist Ah Hooi, whom i intended to group up with Wen Hen not too long ago last year, founded his own band with lead man Yih Pin in the line up. my friend Seow Lim Seng (this guy bought over 20 Ugly T shirst and requested signature on every one!! thank you thank you!! i’ll write that in another post) was the other guitarist. They have Shafiq on drums and ah Keat on vocals. I wacthed them play a few times and even video-ed them on their version of Siao Wei. They were a bunch of pop rockers and their passion in their music has never be in doubt at all. When passion arises, nothing can stop you from achieving your goal, Yih Pin came over 50km from Naka to be with the band every week, and later when he enrolled in SP for a mechanical course, wind rain no change (风雨不改) jamming every weeek. Job well done Prologue and ready to rock in a few days time….

Gimme Five-

The band name’s was initially Give Me Five but changed to Gimme Five for easier and more unique image. I did not have the chance to see this band before the show as they practise on 8pm Sunday night, while i work my axx off till 10.30pm on the same day. However, i meet Wen Hen (guitarist) every week in his regular lesson and he would update me with the band’s progress. In addition, good old ah Tiong was the drummer in the band thus i can be sure they would have a steady beat going on. Gimme Five was still very new to the band scene but courage and hard work had brought them to some dinner shows and other functions. So, i was more than looking forward to their show in a few weeks time. By the way, the bassist Peter is Fenn’s (X Malaysia) cousin.

Signature-

No observation required, they are the kings of Chinese Rock, no question asked, just wait for their explosive shows as usual.

Last Minute-

Last Minute last minute-ly pulled out from the show. As i have been waiting for respond for so long, i had to called up the band infront of Jessmond to have a last minute confirmation as Jessmond was to submit the application forms on that day. Sadly, one of their members could not make it and thus, sayonara…

Boon Siang Band-

This band has no name initially as i messaged them in vain to get a name, until the last minute, they got a name called The Beginners. And they almost failed to get their photos on the giant banner as Jessmond waited for their photos for lengthly period. The lead vocal has just won Keat Hwa idol not long ago, so i am sure the audience were assured of an entertaining performance by the band.

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I reported all the bands progress to Jessmond after a few weeks since we started organising the show. Jessmond was quite satisfied with all the preparation, and after some casual discussions, Billows was going to join the party too, and Uglymen also having a hand in performing in the finale. Sin Chew Jit Poh was also having the highest courtesy to help us co-organise this big event, reporting it in press for a few days. Ommax sponsored all the posters, backdrop, and the GIANT posters which would be hung in Jalan Putra for weeks to come. HSND Power sponsored all sound and light system.

Jessmond was busy handling all documented, contacts, management work while i was monitoring all the bands, hoping that they put in 100% for the big nights.

my next post will be on the show itself, and the 100% super show from all the bands and their live show photos!