SOUNDSCAPE Records presents Kula Shaker, one of the most popular British bands of the late 1990s post-Britpop era.

Led by outspoken frontman Crispian Mills, the band enjoyed great commercial success in the UK between 1996 and 1999, notching up a number of Top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart, including Tattva, Hey Dude, Govinda, Hush, and Sound of Drums.

In addition, the band’s debut album, K, reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming the fastest selling debut album in Britain since Oasis’ Definitely Maybe.

The band is known for its interest in traditional Indian music, culture, and mysticism, with a number of their most famous songs, including Tattva and Govinda, featuring lyrics written in the Hindu sacred language, Sanskrit.

In addition, many of the band’s songs feature traditional Indian instruments, such as the sitar, tamboura, and tabla, juxtaposed with guitar-heavy, Western rock instrumentation. While the band’s interest in all things Indian was partly inspired by a pilgrimage to India that Mills undertook in the early 1990s, it was also born out of a love for the Indian influences present in the music of The Beatles and other late 1960s acts.

Kula Shaker disbanded in September 1999 but reformed in 2004 for sessions for the School of Braja compilation album. This led to plans for a full comeback, although the reformation was not widely publicised until the beginning of 2006.

The band’s third album, Strangefolk, was released in 2007.
Soon after releasing its new album Pilgrim’s Progess, the band will be on its first Asia tour and is set to perform in KL.

The show is scheduled to be held on  August 5 at KL Live.
Showtime is 8pm.
Admission is RM118 (Early bird, from 1st July – 15th July),
RM138 (Normal Price) and
RM160 (Upper Deck – VIP Zone).
Tickets are available at Axcess outlets.
Browse http://www.axcess.com.my and http://www.soundscape-records.com for more details.

One of our VOIZE writers had to face a gruelling 4 hour ride to accomplish a mission –to catch the Voice Independent Music Award (VIMA) Club DJ Award 2010 winner spinning at Penang’s hottest club which promised an extremely full house every night. And when we mean full house, it was ridiculously full that you wonder if the club ever practiced safety to consider the size of the venue and how much people it can manage. In most countries, it’s a law whereby you cannot congest a building for safety principles but it’s blatantly not practiced over here.

DJ Headmasta at work.

On that Friday night as we approached Batu Ferringgi at slightly after 10pm, cars were pilling the streets to head up towards the beach as all the stalls filled the asphalts; beckoning tourists to enjoy what the night had to offer in Penang. Parking spots at Sixty9ine Mansion were already taken and the club was embellished with banners of DJ Headmasta, which proudly boasts his trademark hair-do and his VIMA win.

“Remember tonight’s theme” DJ Headmasta said. “Wear something yellow, green or blue…the Brazil’s jersey colours” he added as he reminded us after dropping us at our respected hotels to freshen up and then meet up at the club.

Close to midnight, we were rested and revitalized after a very late dinner; we headed straight to Sixty9ine Mansion to catch the man in action. Many a time watching DJ Headmasta at work as he excites the crowd with his flawless spinning, he stirs the crowd up at Sixty9ine as they start to dance to his music. His music choices however when spinning here are rather more commercial than what he spins in KL and I was inform that the management had requested a more commercialized music to attract more customers.

Andrew LD lost in the midst of the crowd.

When I approached Headmasta to inquire on his different choice of music, all he said was “Yes, I have to play more commercial stuff instead of my choice of music because the management had strongly told me to. It’s too bad I guess that the crowd can’t enjoy my trademark songs…” It dawned on me that the management of this club is struggling to keep their customers but at the same time, reject the possibility of making the venue a unique destination. No doubt their interior were something to talk about with your friends and the layout was amazing but dangerously non-drunk-friendly but a fairly talked about place with really horrid management is just a waste of space. It event took us forever to get our orders. Correction. Our drink orders never arrived that Friday night up to the time we left the club.

(L-R) Andrew LD & Charlene Joseph of VOIZE.

Personally, I think DJ Headmasta has done a great job at entertaining the crowd, regardless of what music he was spinning that night. He created a night not to forget and truly proven to deserve winning the VIMA Club DJ Award that even another local independent artiste, Andrew LD came to support Headmasta for his 2 night event by the beach.

Californian-born David Knight, who recently graced the stage at Laundry located at the Curve, Damansara took some time out for an exclusive interview with Charlene Joseph of VOIZE.my. His first visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia took place during the New Year of 2006-07 and aside from the chilli turn-off experience, the passion from the indie music scene here in Malaysia has kept him coming back ever since. Here’s what David has shared with VOIZE…

VOIZE: Briefly tell us about your past, present and future on yourself and your music and how it has evolved.

DAVID: I started writing sappy love songs when I was 16. Eventually I started a band called Day One Symphony in the San Francisco Bay Area. We were love-obsessed with artists like Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Bjork, Boards of Canada … so I got pretty deep into using synthesizers and samplers. In 2006, DOS was in a horrible car accident. We were all hospitalized and never really recovered musically after that. I’d been recording solo music many years beforehand, so I started working on a solo project after the band broke up. The thought of chugging on an acoustic guitar a la Jason Mraz didn’t really suit me … so I threw the sampler, the loop station, and some other effects and instruments in there. Electro/acoustic was born … but now I am working on a much more electronic sound with fuzzed out guitars and hooky rhythms.

VOIZE: Tell us about your first time experience here in Malaysia. What were your fondest memories and what was your strangest experience here in Malaysia?

DAVID: I came for the first time during the New Year of 2006-07. I had heard about the food … I was eager, but our Malaysian host hit us hard with the crack-cocaine of Malaysian food. My stomach went into shock … I would’ve shot the next chilli on sight if I could ever leave the bathroom.

My fondest experience was playing Moonshine at No Black Tie with Pete Teo, Reza Salleh, and a total unknown named YUNA. I had no idea how lucky I was to be sharing the stage with those giants. The strangest experience was when Jerome Kugan and I did the ‘Breakfast Show’ at something like 8 in the morning. I had been on a partying rampage the previous night like an idiot and suddenly they tell us we are going to perform a song on TV. Jerome saved the performance though I don’t think either of us EVER want to see that tape again.

VOIZE: What was it like composing the music for the production of ‘Tell-Tale Heart’ by Edgar Allen Poe?

DAVID: Well, kudos to Gavin [Yap] for throwing me that bone … I tend to write dark, moody, melancholic music anyway, so it was a natural fit composing for a sadistic horror thriller. I actually used a lot of samples I recorded during my first trip to Malaysia. Funny thing … I read the adaptation and sussed out the mood for the pieces but where they ended up in the production I’m not really sure. I never saw it.

VOIZE: Describe your music in 3 words and explain why you chose those 3 words.

DAVID:

- Cinematic: Lots of times I get feedback that my music is great for driving or getting high to or it’s like the soundtrack to a film.
- Contradictory: Oftentimes my sad songs are happy, and my happy songs sad. I tend to subvert expectations by juxtaposing song and melody to lyric and theme.
- Sexy: More wishful thinking than anything. Why can’t I be like JT?!

VOIZE: Complete this sentence: “If I were a musical instrument, I would………”

DAVID: …be Jimi Hendrix’s left-handed Strat … no wait, Kurt Cobain’s left-handed Jag-Stang … no wait … the tape-delay used on the Beatles records … darn, no, um … Freddie Mercury’s microphone … or Jeff Buckley’s … crap, I can’t decide. This question is so unfair. [sulks]

VOIZE: Tell us about your experience at the Rainforest Music Festival and your personal thoughts on the Sarawakian tradition and music culture? Are you involved in this year’s Rainforest Music Festival?

DAVID: Would it sound retarded if I said it changed my life? Ok, maybe it does … but I was pretty blown away by the power of human beings playing real instruments, singing in native languages, rocking native song structures, all WITHOUT the use of auto- tune. Maybe I am easy to impress but I’d choose Rainforest over Ke$ha ANY day.

Honestly, the closest I got to Sarawakian culture was hanging out every night in Kuching partying with some awesome kids I met. As far as being involved, I’d LOVE to get my band Panthelion on the bill someday. Fingers crossed.

VOIZE: List down 5 of your all time favourite tracks you won’t leave home without.
- Radiohead – Where I End and You Begin
- Eric Satie – Gymnopedies #1
- The Beatles – Oh!, Darling
- Jeff Buckley – Satisfied Mind
- Miles Davis – So What

VOIZE: When you perform here in Malaysia, which songs usually gets the crowd going?

DAVID: People tend to really dig ‘Lonely is My Friend,’ probably because it’s gentle, reassuring, and generally pleasant and accessible. ‘Dominos’ is a trip because I have to use almost all of my equipment to perform it. I usually end my sets with ‘Dirty Words’ which is exciting for me because I can ditch the guitar and rock out on the sampler.

VOIZE: Is there a special routine you do to psych yourself up before your performances? If so, what is it?

DAVID: I am quite superstitious. No dairy, no big meals, no direct sunlight. I generally try to conserve energy, keep the face calm and placid, so no one can tell I may just have to crap my pants out of nervousness.

VOIZE: What do you think about the independent music scene here in Malaysia?
DAVID: It’s great! Its part of the reason I came here to record my album. I love the energy of a scene full of great musicians struggling to be heard. It keeps us all sharp … on our toes.

VOIZE: Any last words for your fans here in Malaysia?
DAVID: I love you guys! Where would I be without your support? Busking at Central Market, probably. A lowly RM12 in my pitiful guitar case. No really … THANK YOU!

David Knight’s Official Website

]]> http://voize.my/music/a-journey-into-the-knight/feed/ 0 http://voize.my/music/i-shared-the-stage-with-michael-jackson/ http://voize.my/music/i-shared-the-stage-with-michael-jackson/#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:50:34 +0000 Voize http://voize.my/?p=8980 **This article was published in Voize on 7/7/2009**

The endless tributes, tears, emotional gestures and outpouring of love for the King of Pop is a testament to what he meant to his millions of fans. Voize managed to track down one very lucky lady who shared the stage with him during his magical HIStory Tour concert in Malaysia way back in 1996.

Elizabeth Chrisostom, is a celebrity in her own right for being in the Malaysian Book of Records as the individual with the most number of dolls (more than 1000 of them). She has even appeared on ABC News for her unique collections.

Elizabeth (2nd from left), appearing on the NTV7 show

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=93994&page=1 (ABC)

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2006/8/19/lifefocus/15020524&sec=lifefocus (STAR)

Here is what Liz (as she is fondly known) had to share:

”Looking back on MJ’s HIStory Tour in OCT 1996 I was one of the “chosen” ones to perform for his EARTH song and I was part of his onstage “choir”! My article and experience of this show was even published in the Sunday Mail (Malaysia) in 1996.

(We reproduce a portion of her article here with her kind permission)

MICHAEL JACKSON, the megastar, childboy, most-talked-about and most-loved Superstar had just stopped the war for us (unfortunately on stage only!) and he had “saved the world to make it a better place for you and me”, and he  was standing “Dangerously” next to me and we stood there in front of 40,000 screaming and hysterical fans!

I felt like I was in a dream, being on stage with the megastar who nearly did not make it to the Malaysian shores but thanks to the “right authorities” giving him the green light, he helped create “HIStory” for me and 80,000 other fans of his.

Michael has managed to touch us with his meaningful lyrics that proved that no matter how “BAD” he has been thought to be, he has certainly been trying to “Heal the World”. “Do you remember the time” this “Man in the Mirror”, so loved by millions of people all over the world, was seen tobe so “Bad” that people forgot his message of LOVE to the world.

(reproduced by kind permission of the author)

Yes, there I was onstage, awe-struck and completely mesmerized by the whole magic of the moment. After being part of the “Earth Song” performance, my immediate reaction, once the curtains came down, was to rush and touch him, and I ended up touching his (very) white chest and said “Hi!”. To my utter surprise, he looked at me, smiling, and answered in his high pitched voice, “Hi”. That was perhaps one of the greatest highlights of my life.

I am 50 years old now. I look back on this fond & once-in-a lifetime experience I shared with the KING OF POP and now that he is gone from this world…..I hope we can all make it a BETTER place for us by listening to his sweet and meaningful songs.

My favourites are many but the one that sticks to my mind is his song ‘BEN”!! This amazing song always moves me to tears every time I listen to it and to think about the fact that its actually about a RAT??!!

It’s indeed sad that there have been many “allegations” against MJ, but to sum it all in his own words, “If you enter this world knowing you are LOVED and LEAVE this world knowing the SAME, then everything that happens in between can be DEALT with” (MJ – The Financial Daily – 29/06/09 – Zen Today).

Thank u Michael for the Memorable HIStory you left behind for all of us – BLACK or WHITE – we love u just the SAME!! May your soul FINALLY RIP….

One of Elizabeth's most prized dolls in her collection - The MJ Doll

Here’s more from Liz’s HIStory experience:

“A week before the mega-ringgit event for Malaysians, plans for the show started. Six adults were chosen to join the kids  from the Ozanam Home to take part in the superstar’s penultimate song in the second concert.

I could not believe that I had been chosen (Thank you, Siva and Dela!) and dared not even get my hopes up too high for fear of being disappointed. After all, I had been to MJ’s show in Singapore three years ago and he had cancelled his second show. Surely, there was the possibility of “HIStory” repeating itself, and knowing my luck, it could just happen to me!

But miracle of all miracles, it did not happen to yours truly and the 80,000 fans who gathered to watch him perform his electrifying two concerts. Fans who ranged from children to grandparents and of all races came together to hear the megastar’s message to us: “We are the world, we are the people, we are the ones to make a better place so let’s start giving…”

The day of the concert, Oct 29, 1996, finally arrived (I could not sleep two days before!) and we the “performers” were first given a lovely lunch and then whisked off to the Concorde Ballroom for our rehearsal. We were introduced to MJ’s choreographer, Thorsten Heinze, who taught us all the steps for the Earth Song.

This dance comprised six adults and five children. One of the children, Kartini, was lucky to be picked as the “flower girl” whose mission was to  make adults realise that there is more to life than WAR and the “soldier” broke down and cried when she gave him the flower!

MJ’s mission of making the world a better place for our children was accomplished, at least on that night, and “Heal the World” began. The concert closed with this song and the 40 “chosen” children surrounded the King of Pop with their love for him!”

(published in Sunday Mail – 10th November 1996)

Unfortunately, Liz never got a chance to take a photo with the King of Pop, as security was very tight during the concert, and no cameras were allowed in, at that time. But then, who needs a photo of him, when his iconic image will live long in the mind of Elizabeth Chrisostom, and the people who have loved him as a human being, a friend and for his god-like musical ingenuity. The King has moon-walked out of the building!

VOIZE could not get enough of Sound Circus as they continuously surprise us with their album, continuous drive to thank their fans and supporters through their music and their wonderful collaboration with Andrew LD in the FIFA World Cup 2010 anthem, “Come Away”. Based in Kuching, Sarawak, this trio has won numerous awards due to their never-ending passion for generating  unique music. “Something about you has always been about the people that loved us…” said the members of Sound Circus and being able to attain this exclusive interview with them is VOIZE’s turn to show Soundcircus how much we love and appreciate their music.

VOIZE: Sound Circus has come a long way in representing Africa, Asia and Sarawak in music, bagging awards in VIMA, AVIMA and AEA awards this year.  Sound Circus must be busy with shows and gigs after the big win. Tell us how VIMA and the AVIMA awards have changed your music career.

Sound Circus: It pretty much gave us the extra boost and credibility we needed to keep the musical dreams alive. These awards (VIMA, AVIMA & AEA) have put us ahead of our peers and have given us more opportunities to work with some experienced heads in the Malaysian entertainment industry.

VOIZE: The song “Come Away” that you worked on with Andrew LD sounds phenomenal. What was it like working with Andrew LD on this track?

Sound Circus: It was a great experience knowing how fast it happened immediately we got contacted through FACEBOOK about the idea of doing a World Cup Theme Song with Andrew LD. We knew at that time it was the best move we’ve ever made considering that the World Cup was in Africa……in one word….”WONDERFUL”.

VOIZE: There have been South Africans who strongly believe that this year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa is a waste as the government needs to resolve the poverty issue instead of wasting their time and money on the FIFA World Cup 2010. What are your personal thoughts on this?

Sound Circus: Everybody is entitled to their opinion. We think it is a great idea judging by the fact that this is the first time it came to Africa to prove that the continent can host the WORLD thereby bringing more opportunities to Africa.

VOIZE: Tell us about the colourful music culture in South Africa. I’m sure your fans here in Asia who are not familiar with it would like to know more about the music scene in your country and the struggle to get artistes music more exposure.

Sound Circus: First off, we are Nigerians. Africa is known for its colourful display in music. In fact, Jazz music originated from Africa. In our country, people love music but the struggle is being ‘the crab that made it out of the bucket’ since there are many young aspiring talents out there with the hunger and passion for music.

VOIZE: Tell us about your album “Something About You” and what inspired it.

Sound Circus: The passion we have for music created that drive to share with the world our own concept of MUSIC. The album “Something About You” has always been about the people that loved us. Each songs has its own magic to it but the whole album was inspired by the fact that it started from our bedroom studio to meeting our producer from U.K Chris Servey who put the finishing touches to set the album on an award winning streak.

VOIZE: What are your plans for 2011 for your music career as you have certainly come a long way with your music.

Sound Circus: We intend to build a Circus of Sounds where everyone can come and enjoy GREAT music and at the same time we want to continue loving what we do and doing what we love.

VOIZE: Hi Andrew. Wow, you’ve come a long way so quickly, from being nominated and winning awards at VIMA 2009/ 2010 to AVIMA 2009/2010. And now here’s your release of “Come Away”, the FIFA World Cup 2010 anthem in which you have collaborated with Sound Circus, who are also VIMA and AVIMA award winners. How do you feel and tell us what brought about this collaboration with Sound Circus?

AndrewLD: Isn’t it wonderful that there is finally someone (VIMA & AVIMA) who believes in us independent musicians; nominating and awarding us without requiring payments for the signup fees?

About the song: I feel wonderful…. Really….wonderful….I raised my hands up in the air like a charismatic singer and shout “Comeee away…comeee awayyy with meee….” every time I listen to the song…but I always hit my car roof when I do that while driving…. Gooseeebummpss…

When I uploaded the vocal-less “preview” track of Come Away on Facebook, I got a comment from one of the members of Soundcircus saying “if this was in iTunes, I would click buy song straight up!” … then, I thought to myself…what more better to have a group who is very passionate about the song to feature in it… so I sent a mail! …. [Sighs], it all happened so fast!

VOIZE: Tell us about your song Dynamite (Live in Fantasy) as well. What was the recording experience like and what inspired the idea for the song?

AndrewLD:Ohkayyy, for those who don’t know….LIVE IN FANTASY means exactly what it says…

Since I was an embryo…I’ve always watched Michael Jackson’s and Metallica’s concerts and always wondered how it would feel to have thousands and thousands of fans screaming your name and singing along your songs. Realistically, it’s harder (very much harder) for us Malaysian English Artiste to achieve that locally, let alone an artist as new in the scene as I am. As a creator of my own world, I decided to not wait, but to actually create that moment for myself, directing and sculpting the feel of the actual “thing” in my head. Hence the version “Dynamite LIVE IN FANTASY” came about.

Recording process to achieve this track? : Fantasizing thousands and thousands of fans shouting your name!

VOIZE: Are you working on a music video for “Come Away”? If so, can you give us a clue what it would be like?

AndrewLD:Honestly, not at the moment due to budget constrain (Yup, that’s what we local English artistes make). If it’s going to be done…it has to be Class A quality.

VOIZE: The track “Come Away” has the essence of South African tribal music. Has producing “Come Away “been a learning experience about South Africa’s music culture?

AndrewLD:Just creating the track didn’t teach me much about the African music culture, but it was after the release is when I realized…How much Africans “appreciate” freedom.

VOIZE: Who else have you collaborated with?

AndrewLD:I’ve collaborated with Young Stunna on Sexy Candy (soon to be released), Rajni Barath (a Power Penangite female singer), and pretty much, that’s it. The rest…hasn’t been successful just yet because of ….hmm… Rojak reasons?

Who I wanted to collaborate with WAS Michael Jackson… future plans… probably with Matisyahu, Andrea Borcelli, Tracy Chapman, A.R Rahman, and Enigma and many many others.

VOIZE: You must be a footie fan. Who are you rooting for in this year’s FIFA World Cup and why?

AndrewLD:Yikes, believe it or not… I’m not a fan of football at all…but I love the world cup very much. The team I always feel for is Brazil…. Sambaaa!!!!!

VOIZE: There have been South Africans who strongly believe that this year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa is a waste as the government needs to resolve the poverty issue instead of wasting their time and money on the FIFA World Cup 2010. What are your personal thoughts on this?

AndrewLD:I went to a deserted patrol station somewhere here in Penang lately, and noticed the front portion of the station was a t-shirt hanging with the words “Fifa World Cup SOUTH AFRICA” printed on it, made me wonder how it’s making everyone around the world to manifest their minds, remembering and realizing about South Africa. They are the central of the world right now. This alone, is going to be a great focus onto the country to create more awareness to dig out negatives or positives from the country. Anything else but waste, it’s a blessing and it WILL bring abundance of positive rather than negative.

VOIZE: How has your music evolved after your VIMA/AVIMA win?

AndrewLD:I have not set plans yet for 2011, but my major future goal is to carry as many true talents under my wings and create a new path for them to not go through the same “unnecessary” hardship I endured in the local industry. For now….I wouldn’t mind going trough as many obstacles before I make it to the top to be the master guide for my future strugglers.

Stay tune…Andrew LD is going to blurt out the dirty filthy tricks and reality of the industry to clean some mess up.

VOIZE: We hope it’s not too early to ask but what are your plans for 2011 for your music career?

AndrewLD:VIMA and AVIMA has been fuel for my soul when I was about to run dry on appreciation, and it has pretty much align me back to my track.

Andrew LD will be bigger and better…. It will happen as this is what I feed on… so expect millions and millions of great masterpieces coming your way! Be prepared to get your feet blown, skin smooched and heart pounding….

VOIZE: What was it like working with Sound Circus?

AndrewLD:The members of Soundcircus are such down to earth people…and they are so easy to work with. I’m really looking forward to work with them again…Come Away Episode 2 already in the making…. [Winks]…..

VOIZE: Have you travelled to South Africa before? If yes, tell us about your experience and the best memory you have while travelling there. If no, given the opportunity, which destination in South Africa would you head to first and why?

AndrewLD:No, I’ve not been to South Africa, if given the chance… I would love to tour the safari! [Imitates the sound of a tigers’ roar] I’ll disguise as a rhino. [Cringes]

VOIZE: Any last words?

AndrewLD:Stick to whatever you are doing and want to do. 100% reassurance that u will make it the way u want it to be.

Thank you VOIZE and everyone involved for ALWAYS supporting Andrew LD. Love and Thanks to my Fans and Family. I LOVE YOU ALL!

This album is produced by Atilia, Tok Khon (TK) of the Phunk Mob and Adam Sofian Mazlan of Bsync Productions and is touted to be a memorable compilation that includes interesting combinations of producers and performers.

Atilia’s album launch began with a video presentation by Alibi Music for the making of one of her music videos, Indah, the full and completed video of Indah and Harus Bagaimana. “As you can see and expect from the making of Indah, this music video has that very hippie flair and feel good feeling to the video as well as in the music” Atilia says. “I just thought that this album is called Indah because I’d like to celebrate the idea of friendship, hence that inspired the music video as well –to celebrate the beauty of friendship, and mind you, the media is the first ever to have seen this music video as it has not been uploaded on my official website or on YouTube!” Atilia adds with a smile.

After the official presentation of her two music videos, Atilia performed 5 out of her 10 songs in her new album. She began with her feel good song, Indah which caused the celebrities in the audience to dance and sing along to her music and that certainly put a smile on Atilias’ face knowing that all her hardwork has been worth all her time. “During the production of the music as well as the music video, I have been thought to not rush the process of creating something wonderful…” she mentioned as she thanked everyone who was involved in making this album. As she continued to sing 4 of the rest of her songs which were Gelombang; an original song by her mother, Old Love with Noh Salleh from Hujan, Terindah Pilihanku and Harus Bagaimana, the audience was left content yet at the same time surprised because for some, watching Noh Salleh from the popular band Hujan singing such a romantic song with Atilia was out of the norm. However, it didn’t stop the duo to have their unique voices to pair up flawlessly.

(L-R) KC Ismail, Alibi's Head of Music & Atilia.

Atilia’s music was accompanied by regional vocalists and groups such as Angga from Maliq & D’Essentials, the foremost pioneer for the revival of neo-soul music in Indonesia, Noh from the current coolest rockin’ band in Malaysia; Hujan and Sore, la saveur de l’année group in Jakarta. This album will prove to be the most wonderful mix of collaborators. Atilia’s revival of her mother and mentor’s popular song from the late 70s and 80s Gelombang gives it a new life with new arrangements, sound and style. Musicians who are involved in Indah includes some of Malaysian’s best with Tok Khon on Keyboard, Fly on Bass, Lewis Pragasam on Drums, Jamie Wilson of Akasha on Guitar, Steve Thornton on Percussion, the sounds of flute from Sonia Croucher of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, and Ujang on Drums. For the track Change; Jingles played Bass, Aidil Johan on Tenor Sax, Cheryl on Baritone Sax and Eddie Wen on Trumpet and Flugerhorn and Paul Morrison for other instrumental sounds.

Get ready for an album that will blow your mind with the versatility of Atilia’s styles of singing in genres that are varied, beautiful and colourful. Her songs in her album include:

1. Indah
2. Change
3. SelainNya
4. Terindah Pilihanku
5. Harus Bagaimana
6. Old Love
7. Leka
8. Gelombang
9. Angel
10. Silly Little Thing

(L-R) ruumz Chief, James Chong and AVIMA's "tai kor," Siva

It came into being two years ago, on a sudden impulse, as Voize.my Managing Editor, Siva Chandran, sought a way to unite the diverse peoples of the Asia Pacific region through the universal language of music.

That brainwave resulted in the creation of AVIMA, The Asia Voice Independent Music Awards, which recently announced the winners of the second awards run, AVIMA 2010.

Indie artistes — solo acts and bands — from across Asia had flooded Voize.my, the organiser of the awards, with hundreds of entries.

The stage had gotten bigger, expanding from last year’s 16 countries, and the music lovers more vocal and enthusiastic and the talents truly varied. The world, it seemed, couldn’t get enough of indie talents in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

CEO of ruumz, James singing a line from Bieber's song

But AVIMA 2010 marks the last under this banner (check out the winners’ list here). It will relaunch under another name next year.

2010’s winners, who come from different parts of Asia, were invited to a no-fuss awards presentation ceremony, where their talent was acknowledged and honoured. The event was held in Petaling Jaya today and hosted at the premises of P1. One of AVIMA’s biggest supporters, James Chong, the CEO of ruumz presented the awards.

After the “prize giving ceremony” Voize managed to corner a few of the Asian indie stars to share with us their excitement and plans for the future. Here’s what they had to say:

Crush accepting their award from the Chief

Crush, Malaysia

“All this while we’ve been listening to only rock music. You know, hard rock stuff. We’re very happy to win the Silver award for Best Rock Song of the year. We never expected to win anything, but knowing that there are people out there who listen to us makes us really happy. It took us three to four years to make it this far. Thank you AVIMA, thank you ruumz.”

Gila Monstarz

“We’re very happy to see that AVIMA has grown into such a massive awards contest, attracting acts from all over the world. Initially, none of us expect to bring anything back home. It was very last

Gila Monstarz proudly displaying their new award

minute but the universe works in its own wondrous ways. This is our second award actually. Our first award was five years ago (Blast Off). Oh yes, we’re currently working on our new track to celebrate our award. It’s going to be available for free and it’s called “Out of Control.” Do check out our Facebook and Myspace page for the free song.”

Kraft, Malaysia

“Hello! Yes, it was an overwhelming experience for me. I released the winning song called Diamonds last year and this year, that song won the AVIMA award for Best Hip-Hop song. I’ve been busy recording songs; hopefully it’ll be out in the near future. My next album is going to be more polished and sound more mature. I am also doing a partnership with Blackbox studio, so if any of you want to do music projects, come to us. Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to say that I appreciate all the love and support from family and friends. You can catch me at my Twitter at Twitter.com/kraftonline.”

Young Stunna

“I won the Best Hip-Hop song and it’s really great. I’m still working on more singles and drafting my new album. You can check me out at my official site at www.iamyoungstunna.com

I’d like to thank those who had voted for me, Siva for giving me this opportunity, ruumz and Voize for the great experience. A big shout-out to my manager and Halfeyez for their support.”

Melissa Indot and Altimet, Malaysia

“Feeling really great and superb now. It’s always nice to have awards based on votes.

Any future collaborations after this?

Always. Watch this space. It’s hard to get everyone together as you know each one of us has our very music career to manage. But we’re doing it again, so there’ll more to come later. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who had voted for us. And keep supporting the local acts.”

Congrats again to all the winners!

“There are no agenda other than art…” Aaron marsh said as he was talking about his band Copeland. Aaron’s role as a vocalist, guitarist and pianist for the band Copeland (who was always referred to as an ‘Emo Band’ under the record label Tooth & Nail) has been compared to hardcore bands like Norma Jean, Underoath and other punk bands like MXPX was where Copeland began as a band after being influenced by indie rock and indie pop music. Resulting in their acoustic music style, their compilation album entitled “Dressed Up & In Line” made indie folk music as a mark for the band with their from their piano elements in their music which made Copeland an influence to many other bands such as Montreal. The Decembrists, My Life Story and Mercury Rev. Copeland has been initiated by Marsh in Florida since year 2000 with bassist James Likeness, guitarist Bryan Laurenson and drummer Jon Bucklew (who formerly played drum for the band Denison Marrs) as an alternative rock band. Their first album, “Beneath Medicine Tree” released on March 25thm 2003 under the independent label The Militia Group was a themed album with medical weight after being inspired by a girlfriend who had been placed in a hospital and also the death of his grandmother. This followed by a second album entitled “In Motion”, which was released in 2005/ “In Motion” was a success on the 200 Billboard chart and topped 115 on the album chart despite its status as being under an independent album.

From there. Copeland began to attract the attention of other major labels such as Columbia Records with a third album “Eat, Sleep, Release” that was produced and according to their record label; their albums did not change drastically. It just encourages a whole new line of fans. “Eat, Sleep, Release” successfully sold 11,000 units on its first week. This encouraging sales boost did not prevent Copeland from being back in the independent circuit under the record label Tooth & Nail. Copeland’s last album made before deciding to end their Copeland Chapter is was called “You are my sunshine” and it was released on October 14th 2008 and it was their best album. Not only has their performance in this album gained a better feedback on the album charts it was also ranked 9th on the iTunes Top Album and went up to a number 48th on the Billboard album chart.

After 10 years of defending their passion for music Copeland finally made an announcement to end the life of the band with their last tour in the United States and ever since then, they had sold out performances as their farewell tour began from the 3rd of March. Marsh said “We’ve decided to call it quits because we’ve accomplished so much for the last 10 years and having this farewell tour is a way for Copeland to end this chapter with a big bang!”

Interestingly enough, a series of presentation was brought to Asia, including the Philippines which was brought by First Stance Records and Theatrical Records in May 9th 2010, Copeland decided to grace the Bentley Auditorium, Damansara at Wisma Bentley at Petaling Jaya. The event will be a last opportunity for Copeland fans in Malaysia to witness their performance.