PledgeMusic

To celebrate the end of my mid-term exams, I decided to buy myself a ticket to Joe Brooks’ concert which was held last night. For those of you who are scratching your heads, here’s a short introduction:

Joe Brooks is a 25 year old British singer-songwriter who is currently based in LA. Born in  Southampton, he managed to garner 11 million song plays on MySpace and won the title ‘Number 1 Unsigned UK Artist’ back in 2008. Although successfully releasing a full album under Universal Republic Records, he left the label to work as an independent artiste two years later, stating that he want to create music the way he wanted to. In 2011, he launched his first independent EP ‘A Reason To Swim’ through a site called PledgeMusic where fans could pledge money to fund his recording endeavours. Following that, he gained enough of a fan base to tour around Asia. His new EP ‘The Boy and the Broken Machine’ is set to be released on the 1st of June.

I arrived at The Bee, Publika an hour before the concert was scheduled to start and while queuing up to enter the venue, Joe’s pianist just strolled by and smiled at everyone. I would’ve stopped him for a picture if not for the fact that I was in utter shock. Imagine if we saw Steven or Mark just walking right by in front of us… :O The concert went well and I had a lot of fun. I even got to meet him and the band after the show.

This was taken from his showcase last year.

Here are some of Joe Brooks’ songs if you’re interested:

Let me know what you think of him in the comments below!

But I’m not here to gush and fangirl over him. At some point during the concert last night, I found myself thinking of David. I guess it’s what us Archies are known for, eh?

I was just thinking: it would be a good move for David to release his music through PledgeMusic as well. It is an online direct-to-fan music platform. Most unsigned artistes would request for funds from fans that would financially aid them in upcoming music projects. If the pledge was successful and the required amount has been collected, the recording process will start. Fans who have pledged their money to the project will receive incentives from the given artiste. Joe had a free copy of his new EP sent to all the pledgers. The only downside, however, is that the site does charge a certain fee on the funds collected.

Just think about it, David could express his creativity and ideas with so much freedom. No one to answer to or no one to block creative juices. Everything is decided by the artiste, right down to the album cover. Plus, David wouldn’t have to worry about the lack of funds. I’m sure the Archies all around the world would help out in any way possible, no?

So, what do you guys think? Do you see this in David’s future? After all, we were hoping he would start writing music once he got back. I think this would be a perfect opportunity for David if he ever decided he wanted to take things into his own hands.

P.S.: I apologize for any spelling mistakes or sentences that don’t quite make sense. Autocorrect can be so frustrating some times. Haha.

- Tracy

HIYA DAVID!!

American Idol Season 7 Again …… Pleeaase?

By tracewillow

So AI Season 11, or is it 12….has been running its….Y A A W N….boring course and drawing at last to a close between Candice and Kree.   I thought Angie might have gone through…but then I never seem to back the winner          I don’t care how the Finals Results turn out, awesome as the 2 final contestants may be to their fans.   Are we even still watching the Show?

To  me – for reasons comprehensible only to my fellow-archies  - AI ended with Season 7.   Moreover, ever since Simon left, the judges became the contestants and had nothing to say that is of interest or of entertainment … and the contestants became nonentities to me.   Did I hear that all the judges will be changed for next year’s season, and that one of them might be the Foetus?!  … …  I take my hat off to the producers for thinking up all kinds of outlandish ideas to boost the Show’s ratings.   I know I won’t be tuning in anymore  … unless of course if David is invited to perform in them.

Out of curiosity, I peeked into the current Show intermittently at the Top 4.   To my surprise, they were pretty good, but I felt no connection with any of them.   Who do you think has the most likeability and will claim the title this Season?   –   The Man For All Seasons – David Archuleta?    

It is not easy to talk about Season 7 without talking about the David vs David showdown.   Who can forget about the Battle of the David’s when the rivalry between them was so phenomenal and unique (not to mention the rivalry between their respective fans!)   –  that it has set such a high bar in singing competitions rivalries;   the buzz created and fans’ anxieties of which never again repeated?

Much as I respect Cook as a good musician (I like his AI-given bristles!    But I love David’s voice waaay beyond this little detail and I can overlook the fact that he hasn’t any!).     My heart and admiration, together with all the ole-gal-fangirling I allow myself to do, will always remain with our David  -  the David who should have won.

Since it is not possible to overturn those DANG results of Season 7 which sent multiple shockwaves throughout the world, and still is often talked about,   I’m taking the high road to have some fun with these random pics  at the expense of the lovely Cook and the even lovelier Archie –  a belated tribute to their “brotherly-like” rivalry – albeit a little cheeky – to one of the most celebrated,  memorable and endearing happenings in AI history.

The ever-green Archu-Cook “inside story”

(editor:  You’re  sure you STILL wanna talk about his loss?!)

No..no..Archie, let ME tell them our story..you’ll ramble on and still get nowhere

(editor:   True, Cook.   But we’re used to waiting for him.   What do you think we’ve been doing all this time?)

Cookie:   Call you back…this kid is crushing me to death!

(editor:   Yeah he should have!)

Archie:   Maybe I should have crushed him there and then!

(editor:   A bit late, ain’t it?!)

Cookie:   I must look cool!

Archie:   I must save the world!

(editor:   The world doesn’t want to be saved, Archie.   It ‘s desperate  to be cool! ) 

Cookie:   I think Archie will win – he is so good.

Archie:   I don’t really wanna win – it’s too embarrassing

(editor:   David…you weirdo!)

Archie:   Don’t worry, Cook.   I told you already I’ve been praying for you to win

Cookie:   Thanks Arch!   Think your prayer will work?

(editor:   Trust the Archulator, Cook!)

 

Onward march, Arch!   My victory is nigh!

(editor:   If the whole world had voted, Archie would have won, no?)

Who has more bristles?   Cookie wins!

(editor:   He definitely wins by a bristly mile!)

Ryan:   Here are your prizes

The winner will claim the Title

The runner-up will be shipped off to S. America for disturbing the peace

(editor:   and for messing up our lives too)

Cookie:   I’ll make it up to you Arch!

..introduce you some girls..teach you how to quickly grow some instant bristles…

(editor:   Bribery after the fact?)

Cookie:   Ok..Ok…Archie..1 kick is enough!

(editor:   GO  Archie!)

Both:   Such a relief when it’s all over!

(editor:   NO REMATCH?!)

A YEAR LATER

-

Both:   Why is he still stalking me?

(editor:   Who is stalking who?)

Hey Archie!   Hey Cook!

Nice to see you, Arch!   Nice to see you too!

Had your first kiss yet?

Huh?

(editor:   Don’t tell, David!   Let it remain a secret!)

You two are sure lookin’ good!

(editor:   but methinks our David  has more seduction going on in his eyes!)

         

Us:   That’s the spirit, Cook!

(editor:   Now I know where my Archie tee went!)

AI Finals will never be the same again!

(editor:   Still don’t get it.   Archie should have won)

       

Cookie:   ARCHIEEE!   WHERE ARE YOU!!

I MISS YOUUU!!!

W E     K N O W   E X A C T L Y    H O W     Y O U    FEEL,    C O O K I E   ! ! !

         

David’s 1st Thing To Do

By tracewillow

 

Kari tweeted not so long ago, asking us what is the 1st thing we would like David to do when he returns.   Among the 101 suggestions..wishes..requests..and perhaps even excited “demands” tweeted back to her, was a resounding “A Live Concert!!”       …    REALLY ?!

- Not “search for a top-class professional Management meh?

- Not “sit down and write some real badass (thanks liying!) music meh?

- Just recycle old songs at his 1st comeback concert meh?

I know..I know..we need a Live concert from him like we need fresh air at the moment and would do anything for one once the clock strikes 12 and the calendar reveals the 1st day of 2014.

But consider this.   I saw on tumblr this comment:    ”I’m so afraid of his being gone.   But I’m more afraid of him returning………..and us not being there.”

That, at first read, may sound a little ridiculous.   What?!   “Us not being there?!”   Is that possible?!

Yes, it is possible.   Anything is possible.   Let’s be realistic and think about it.   Being absent for 2 years is a long time – much water has gone under the bridge – people are constantly changing..things are constantly changing – and tenacity, endurance and patience are not always the qualities sustained by some of us.   Horrendous thoughts have crept through my mind:

What if these scenarios really come to pass?

Where is everyone?   Where are all those dang archies?!   Where is my Manager?!

If those archies don’t come, I’m gonna fly to Outer Space to sing to the aliens

Or maybe I’ll go to China

Dang I’ve forgotten my lyrics!   What’s the next line?   Is it “…heart falls OUT or heart falls IN?…”

I must remember…must remember…

Let me warn you guys…I’ve gone a little tone-deaf…….so take it or leave it!

Us:    TAKE IT!   TAKE IT!!   TAKE IT!!!

Wwhat…you guys have forgotten how to play Crush?

The band has forgotten…I have forgotten…lyrics have been forgotten….ok you guys take over

Think I’ll perform my 1st concert in the dark til I grow my hair back!

Lupe:   Have those Chileans not taught you anything, son?   Left foot first!

Dare I do my 1st concert in Malaysia?!   Their mike smells of durian!    (     )

Lugging my piano around the 1st moment I get back?!   I must have a serious word with my new Manager!

Lol!   Actually, I was using those pics and captions as an excuse to have a little fun with you guys.  

I have full confidence in David and the power of  tenacity and patience of us Archies!  

Mother’s Day

By tracewillow

A baby asked God:     ” They tell me you’re sending me to Earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”

God replied:   “Your Angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.”

“But tell me, here in Heaven, I don’t have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.”

” Your Angel will sing for you and will also smile to you.   And you will feel your Angel’s love and be feeling very happy.”

“And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don’t know the language?”

“Your Angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear and with much patience and care.   Your Angel will teach you how to speak.”

“But what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?”

“Your Angel will place your hands together and teach you how to pray.”

“Who will protect me?”

“Your Angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.”

“But I’ll always be sad because I will not see you anymore.”

“Your Angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.”

At that moment, voices from Earth could be heard and the baby hurriedly asked:

“If  I am to leave now, please tell me my Angel’s name.”

“You will simply call her ‘Mom’. “

- By an unknown author -

So, to all the Angels out there – all the Mums .. Grandmamas .. Aunts .. Archu-Mums .. Archu-Grandmamas .. Archu-Aunties -

  H A P P Y    M O T H E R’ S    D A Y   !!!

12th May 2013

♥♥♥

Music that takes us to SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW

by tracewillow

 

I reckon each one of us has different reasons for liking different kinds of music.   Some like music that makes them boogie and groove all night.   Some want music for relaxation or as a lullaby.   Some prefer songs with which they can sing along. And I dare say some people go for music that will make them have a good cry.

I like music that emotionally takes me to another place – a place where I am immersed in introspection, reflection, nostalgia and haunting beauty – music that takes my emotions to the various parts of me.

I have selected 3 such songs which are some of my ever-green favourites,  each one very different from the others;  each one reminding me of the varied emotions I’ve had listening to them at various stages of my life.

The first song is ANAK by Freddie Aguila, a Filipino folk musician – one of his country’s most famous and best musicians and song-writers.

ANAK (Child) is a song of remorse and apology to Aguila’s Mother.   The lyrics and his wrenching singing style immediately give me an immeasurably amount of introspection about life, family and love which offers me an emotional reminder of the wonderment of my own Mum and Dad who have passed on.

 

Another vid of the same song with the lyrics in English which invariably give me goose pimples and tears.

 

The next song takes me back to the 60′s – a period when music and youth culture began to start taking on another dimension – a period filled with excitement, inventiveness and vibrant energy.   There was a new beginning of great enthusiasm, hope and self-belief.   There was a great change in the way we donned ourselves with head-scarves and flowers worn in the hair…bell-bottomed trousers…slinky sleeveless tees…when huge music festivals were held and “free love” expressed.   It was a time when young people began to make strong statements about who they were – what they believed in – and felt no shame in declaring it.   “Make Love Not War” was a common slogan.

This song,  adopted by many young people then as an Anthem for Freedom, written by John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas and sung by Scott Mckenzie,  was released in 1967 and was an instant hit in the US, UK and many parts of Europe.   For me, it was a song of nostalgia – years spent amidst all that newly-found vibrance and energy.

 

The next song is sung by our own David.   I wish it had seen more publicity and included in one of his albums.   Definitely not a song for partying or tapping our feet – it is soothing, melodious and takes one to one of the most beautiful sights on earth.

Aurora Borealis,  in the northern hemisphere, commonly called the Northern Lights, named after the Roman Goddess of Dawn, Aurora, is an utter phenomenal beauty aptly matched by David’s calm, soothing, melodious rendition.   This song is one of transcendence for me to somewhere unworldly… somewhere which is so beautiful that we feel an undescribable sense of gratitude for this earth which we have inherited.

 

How do you guys view music?

How does your favourite music affect you?

 

 

David the Durian Man

By tracewillow

One of the things that excites me is when I hear David’s song being played on the radio or in public places or when a random person mentions his name.   I have experienced that adrenalin flow several times in restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls.   When that happens, everything I am doing stops and everything around me disappears.   It becomes a special Moment to be cherished for the rest of the day.   The joy and faster heartbeat derived from it is like bumping unexpectedly into a long-lost good friend.

I have a little story to share with you guys.   It is totally randon.   On retrospect, it is really quite amusing.

I was chugging along in my car one day with my friend, keisha, when I suddenly spotted a delightful sight – a durian stall perched under some shady trees by the roadside – the perfect place for a yummy durian-gorge.

As we all know, durian is considered the King of Fruit in our part of the world.   It is revered for its distinctive and pungent smell and flavour, often described by its non-fans as offensive, repulsive, revolting – like rotten vegetables…even compared to the pong of a toilet…!

Ok Mat!   We get ya!!  

Can you blame Kate and William for just looking and not eating!  

For me, durian is like mother’s milk…well, not really, but I love it.   Anyway, to continue with the story..I stepped out of the car and approached the stall, greedily sniffing in whiffs of the “stinko” fragrance.

Durian Man:   (speaking in Cantonese and broken English)   Ai Aunty!   Aunty!   Eat durian!    Eat durian!   Velly good!   D24 velly sweet!   Ganja also!   Guarantee good or money back!

Me:   (keeping up with his lingo)   Why you call it “ganja”?

Him:   Sure la.   You eat first.   Then you know why!

Me:    Tell la.

Him:  You want to eat more and more…like drug lor!

Me:    Ohhh… like that aah.

I ordered a small one for myself while Keisha (a half-Mat Salleh) stood a distance away, holding tightly to her nostrils and eyeing me with an expression which can only be described as “utter disgust”.

Me:    Ai, not bad uh…er..what’s your name ah?

Him:  My name ah..my name is Dar Wei.   You can call me David la!

Keisha and I looked at each other, my mouth still filled with that scrumptious durian flesh, and burst into giggles.

Him:   Why you laugh?   Dar Wei…David…sound the same wat.   Chinese David, that’s me!   David the Durian Man!   Heh heh!

Me:    Not laughing at you la!   We know someone called David.

Him:  Common name wat.

Keisha:   (knowing well my David-obsession, had to chime in)   Hey this David is not common!   Very special.   Very good singer.   She is crazy about him!

Him:   Got singer called David meh?

Me and Keisha:   (in unison)   G O T T T  ! ! !

Him:   Uhhhh….ya! ya! ya! My daughter also crazy about one famous Filipino singer called David!!  Uh..sound something like Sinatra ….but not la!   Uhhh..Archu what ah…!?   (scratching his head with his durian fingers)

I could not believe my ears!!   Such random!   This durian man knows about David!   And his daughter is a fan!!

Me:    Oi!   He is not Filipino la!   American!   A R C H U L E T A .

Him:  Ho!  Ho!   Aiyo..too hard for me to say that word la.   He only for young and rich people like you.   Poor people like me must make money…sell more durians…    Open 1 more durian?

Yes, durians aside, I would very much like David to become a household name  -  a name known everywhere  -  every country – and every nook and corner of the world – so that even that durian man will hum his songs while selling his delicious durians.

However, if he does not reach those heights, it is ok too.   I will still be here supporting him, albeit with some measure of frustration.   I can always comfort myself with eating more durians.  

PS   I wonder if David, who has pretty adventurous tastebuds (for a Mat Salleh haha), would take to our stinko durians!   Perhaps his reaction would be like this!