I’ve heard a lot of variations of this song, but they’re mostly boozy memories from my National Service days of which the most distinct recollections I have revolve around glitzy lights, techno music and off key tones (or so I was told the following day). No wonder I was usually drunk during those ocassions, it was the only way to get through the night with my sanity intact!
Needless to say, I was a little hesistant when I found out that this would be the song Class Act would be playing. Thankfully I didn’t have to reach for my keychain that doubles as a bottle opener. The style adopted was a rather refreshing take for a beautiful song that’s been corrupted by techno. My particular favourite was the opening with the er hu.
Anyway, enough drivel. Have a look for yourself and feel free to comment. – Jin
About Garage SessionsGarage Sessions @ Oxley is the brainchild of Oddoneout. It focuses on bringing bands out on location to do live recordings in places that are obscure, weird, and interesting. Taking along the unique acoustics of each location and quirky backdrops of the most nondescript places, Garage Sessions seeks to provide an alternative source of “live” music production not available anywhere much today.Streamlined multi-camera production coupled with professional sound recording equipment enable Garage Sessions to have strong production values.We are always on the lookout for new, interesting, and fun bands. Do drop us a mail!Currently featured this time is Class Act, a group of 17 year olds who got together to play in JC while they were in the same class. This time, Garage Sessions @ Oxley was shot on High Definition Video while sound was done by our good friend, Arnold.Check oddoneout.com.sg for more!
About Garage Sessions
Garage Sessions @ Oxley is the brainchild of Oddoneout. It focuses on bringing bands out on location to do live recordings in places that are obscure, weird, and interesting. Taking along the unique acoustics of each location and quirky backdrops of the most nondescript places, Garage Sessions seeks to provide an alternative source of “live” music production not available anywhere much today.
Streamlined multi-camera production coupled with professional sound recording equipment enable Garage Sessions to have strong production values.We are always on the lookout for new, interesting, and fun bands. Do drop us a mail!
Currently featured this time is Class Act, a group of 17 year olds who got together to play in JC while they were in the same class. This time, Garage Sessions @ Oxley was shot on High Definition Video while sound was done by our good friend, Arnold.
Filed under: Experimental, Garage Sessions, Music, Videography | Tags: bloody rain, class act, experimental videos, Garage Sessions, Music, music videos, oxley road, singapore music, Videography
RAIN!?
You know the saying it doesn’t rain, but pours? Definitely true. Just the day before we were going to shoot, bad luck just seemed to keep on coming.
The photographer stepped on a nail, our PA’s mum had a mild stroke, the driver had stupidly gotten the van (which had no power steering) badly scratched and the band was getting pretty nervous.
Did I mention it rained? Everything was set up so nicely, the lights were in position, the instruments in place and the band was ready to go. Then the heavens opened up and cried. What did we do wrong? Who did we anger? Maybe Arnold, our sound guy, because his new keyboard which he bought for this was thoroughly soaked, thanks to a leaky canvas.
Oxley in the evening before the rain
Feng checking the monitors
Setting Up
Amazingly, everyone was in a good mood. Even Arnold, though at that point he had yet to discover what had happened to his keyboard. We waited out the rain, attempting to take abstract photos/videos of it and each other, playing UNO and then trying to throw the bloody producer into it.
Waiting out the rain
Then rain ceased and we were back in action, quickly moving everything into place and draining the water from the Arnold’s keyboard. If he was angry, he made a commendable effort of not showing it.
Arnold inspecting his keyboard
Arnold drying off his keyboard
Oddly enough, our debut band for GS, Class Act, seemed less comfortable in front of the non judgmental gaze of the camera lenses than in front of a live audience. Maybe the whole atmosphere was too cold and impersonal for them Or maybe they were thinking of their A levels chemistry practical test the following afternoon.
Lead singer Sharifa getting her make up done
(From Left) Glenn (keyboardist), Sharifa (vocalist) & Fengheng (guitarist)
Cue Michael and his intense 650W lights. On they came and brightly they shone through the darkness of the night as if the sun had never set. Soon enough they were warming up and we were rolling.
Michael and his bright ideas. Hur hur
Feng searching for his epiphany in a pink hued wall
- “Sing, baby!”
Edwin, the overseer in his control room (or lot)
Kim trying out Arnold's semi-water drained keyboard
Considering it was already quite late and we were playing near the estate of the esteemed Lee-der, it was surprisingly no Gurkhas stormed the set. At least none within view of one our crazy guys who climbed the roof. (In retrospect if they did, it would have made for some great footage. Provided we survived the shock encounter)
Best seat in the house
Perhaps it was Sharifa’s (the lead singer) awesome vocals – beautiful, and haunting. All the more so when she started playing her er-hu. The slow gentle strains of her bow formed a poignant melody which echoed throughout Oxley that was hard to forget more than ever when she started singing. Maybe that’s why the Old Man didn’t send his guys after us because he too had fallen in love with the voice that we had.
Sharifa and Fengheng talking about their chem prac
Lilthe, nimble fingers
Not easy commiting lyrics to memory
The face to the voice we all love
Getting into positions
The crew having a preview
Well, thanks Old Man for letting us carry on. It won’t be in vain, you sacrificing your sleep if you did, because we will bring Garage Sessions @ Oxley to all of you soon for your aural and visual pleasure. Akan datang.
