Introducing - Once

This was the first song that I caught when I changed the TV channel to Star Movies. Didn't think too much about it when I just left it on.

As the movie continued, I was shown a powerful story of love between two people, which was more beautiful than most sugar-coated Hollywood romance movie churned out these few years.

The other strong point of the movie was its music, which was soulful and spoke to me deeply. Days later I'm still listening to the songs I fell in love with.

I could make this blog into a movie review, but I don't want to. Hey, there's always IMDB.com if you're really interested. Suffice to say this movie gem from Ireland (which gave us U2, The Cranberries, The Script...) left me with watery eyes and I never stopped thinking bout it since then.

Ending this with my favorite song of the movie:

Introducing - Charlotte Martin

Thanks to Xuan, I came to know Charlotte Martin. And now I absolutely love the woman. Stunningly amazing vocals, hauntingly beautiful piano work, and lyrics that read like poetry.

On Your Shore

A favorite of mine.

Beautiful Life

Hear it for her crystal clear voice and simple but engaging piano accompaniment.

Stromata

I thought this video was...weird. I think she prefers live performances rather than to a camera.

I am on a search for her CDs. If anyone sees anything, tell me ok?

Introducing - Aqualung

My current favorite artist, somewhere beside Radiohead and Coldplay :)

Brighter Than Sunshine


Strange & Beautiful


Read on Wikipedia that "Strange & Beautiful" was used in a Volkswagen Beetle ad. Good choice!

DongTaiDu动态度！！！

I had a serious case of tinnitus, my leg tendons felt like snapping from standing for 7 hours, and my neck almost wanted to break off from my body. Why was I subjecting myself to these afflictions, happily? 'Cause I went to DongTaiDu music fest!



It was held on 3rd May, Saturday at Central Market Annexe, from 1pm till 8pm. Beforehand I didn't have any idea what kinds of songs I would be hearing (I love surprises), but I happily agreed to go since I was invited by best pal in Dasein (college), Mei Lee.



We entered before it started, and were immediately attracted by stalls and stalls selling things from books to handmade dolls, from key chains to badges. Every item sold was of top quality, totally worth the price tag. I myself forked out a lot of my moolah to buy a lot of stuff because I simply couldn't resist! They have good business sense too, almost everyone of them have their own blogs to promote their goods online. I'm gonna insert their websites here:

Ugly Duck Workshop
Evangelione's Handmade
DearBear 3 Handmade
This is my juniors' final project:
Meet The Clients Project


Ooh man, when the music started, that was when the temperature hit sky high. I fancy that's what people call heavy metal. I can't be sure. Maybe I'll interview my friend someday. He's part of the show that day, belting out strong vocals that I never heard him sing before. "He's got singing practice, don't you know?" Mei Lee explained. Yeah, I guess so. My initial memory of him singing was amateurish. Now it's simply electrifying.


Anyway, a lot of bands were involved in the performance that day, each band given time for around 3 songs. Not every band performed heavy metal, there were techno (my absolute favorite), rap, and a dreamy kind of genre. Was it alternative? Again, my limited knowledge fails me. They were all wonderful to listen and head bang to, except one or two bands which I failed to see their power. All I heard was a very noisy, distorted banging of drums and guitar chords. And a screeching/moaning vocal which I think sounded like punk rock bands on sugar high.

Maybe I'm too critical. Maybe I'm a newbie to this genre. But I've heard great music of like style (and there were plenty that day), and those couple of bands just fell flat.



But seriously, I had a great time that day. The music was loud and gratifying, and the performances solid. I was careful not to close my eyes because I almost slipped into ecstasy while listening to some of the songs if I did. Which I probably should do and join the hardcore fans and performers banging it out in front of the stage, which looks totally wicked and fun!

From an onlooker's point of view, they looked possessed, hitting and running in circles. But we knew what was the deal. They were in the zone. They totally got the music, and were showing their love for the music through action. It might have looked scary, but I got this feeling that everyone present that day knew for a fact they're very safe, and were having the time of their lives. Some onlookers showed shock, but quickly accepted the behaviour. Some looked as though they wanted to join in the fun (I know I did, but I couldn't, since I would easily be crushed by their blows, this fragile body of mine). I thought it was really nice of them to have several workers stand between the hardcore fans and us shy and timid fans, shielding us from any accident harm.

Oh what a blast we all had! And to think hardcore heavy metal-lers are among the most courteous and nicest people you'll meet. I'm not kidding. Even their looks belie the music they play. Hide a couple of them in crowds of college students and you would take forever to identify them all. From what I observed, they fancy t-shirts and bermuda shorts with sneakers. Some have very cool hairstyles, while others prefer plain cuts. They normally don't smoke, though some drink beers. What you normally see of metal players on TV are commercialised, meaning they are doing it mostly for the $$ instead of their love for the music. Which is why commercialised players tend to fall under negative views.


I'll always have DongTaiDu's link in my favorite links. Have I mentioned they are great graphic designers too? I could learn a thing or two from their blog. Anyways, when's the next music fest?

Meet the official stamp