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The House of Riot: A Triple Bill

Well, if a triple bill means paying and getting your money’s worth, The House of Riot sure got it right! 7 June 2015 may very well been an historical event and a major milestone for the local music scene. I was glad I was there to witness Singapore’s finest talents in action. It was the beginning of new things and also the goodbye of a musical journey. 

A video posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Jun 7, 2015 at 8:51am PDT

The night started out with the ever so talented singer-songwriter Inch Chua. Just an inch on stage she is not. She performed songs she’s written for her upcoming EP, Letters To Ubin, set to be released in September. She brought back her old songs too such as Dear Paramour and Wallflower, which to me were the highlights of her set as her acoustic performances just have a certain way of tugging at your heartstrings. She described performing her newly written songs as being stripped naked as you’re showing everyone what you’ve written for the very first time. Check out Inch’s instagram (@thisisinch) to check out how life’s been so far at her residency on Pulau Ubin.

Although I actually expected The Great Spy Experiment (GSE) to perform last with the news of their departure and all, next up was them. In between the change of sets from Inch to GSE, they showed a video of behind the scenes footage of A Triple Bill consisting of interviews from the artists themselves and the backbone of House of Riot. 

A video posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Jun 7, 2015 at 9:04am PDT

As soon as GSE came out on stage, Fandy Razak, drummer of GSE, gave a heartfelt speech which I’m sure made many others teary-eyed too besides him onstage. Of cos, spending 10 years making music and succeeding at keeping everyone together is definitely not an easy feat. To have achieved that especially in Singapore is any band’s dream. GSE has definitely paved the way for Singaporean musicians of now and the many more to come.

A video posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Jun 7, 2015 at 9:14am PDT

GSE started their set with The Lights and Saiful Idris brought everyone to their feet. From circle 1, it looked like he was summoning everyone into the light. It was definitely an amazing moment. The night continued with everyone else in GSE calling out their loved ones in between like what Saiful said, a house party. Magdelene, keys for the spies, even wore heels and make-up onstage as per requested by her dear mother. GSE ended it off with a final performance of their classic Class ‘A’ Love Affair. It was their last performance as The Great Spy Experiment and GSE definitely made it worthwhile for themselves and their fans. Yes Saiful, you made us cry.

A video posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Jun 7, 2015 at 8:32am PDT

The last one for the night was Charlie Lim. He started off with annoucing the success of his newly-released album Time/Space reaching #1 on iTunes and joked the SEA Games soundtrack may have knocked him off that spot by that night already but it’s ok cos he wrote a song on it too. Time/Space is a double-EP which consists of his more folky, acoustic tunes on Time and more synth, electronic songs on Space. A double EP for the 2 very different musical stylings of Charlie. He was one of the most gracious musicians ever and he couldn’t thank everyone enough for being there and supporting everyone on that very stage and the local music scene itself. Besides performing his own tunes, he did a very groovy cover of Frank Ocean’s Super Rich Kids. He even did an impromtu performance of Choices, joking that his father said audience participation was important and proceeded to play on the keyboard. I’m sure everyone in the hall was entranced by his performances.

It was definitely a night to remember not only for House of Riot, but for everyone else that made that night happen and were there to witness it. Congratulations to the House of Riot for such a successful, memorable night. Thank you to The Great Spy Experiment for giving us music to remember you guys by and I’m sure the legacy doesn’t stop there. To Inch and Charlie, can’t wait to watch you guys again soon. It was a very proud moment to see our very own local artistes on The Esplanade Concert Hall stage. I hope this won’t be the last and there will be many more to come.

Relive The Great Spy Experiment’s music on Bandcamp.

Stream Charlie Lim’s Time/Space on Spotify or Download it on iTunes.

Check out Inch Chua’s latest videos on her Youtube channel, iNCH.

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Local Focal: Mark Bonafide

Check out markbonafide’s new feel-good music video off his album LV/RBL, U Thought featuring Taufik Batisah. Such a groovy rnb track. If you don’t already know, Mark Bonafide and Taufik Batisah go wayyyy back. They were in the same local band together called Bonafide. Spot familiar faces in this vid such as SleeQ, Aisiqa, Mike Kasem and more!

LV/RBL is available on iTunes here. Watch him live at Yfest on 21 June 2015, 8.15pm at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.

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Lucy Rose: I Tried x Like An Arrow

Lucy Rose just released a new music video, I Tried, a song off her soon-to-be-released album, Work It Out. I am definitely loving all her new songs so far and I can’t wait to receive her album! You can pre-order a signed deluxe cd (while stocks last!) of Work It Out or the mp3. The album will be released on 6th July 2015.

Lucy recently did perfomances at Live at Rak Studios. You can get a free download of her 3-track EP of her live performances for Shiver, Cover Up and Our Eyes here. Check out a live performance of another new track off Work It Out, Like An Arrow.

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Gabrielle Aplin: Light Up the Dark

Gabrielle Aplin is finally back with new music! She just released her spankin’ new music video today, Light Up the Dark, which happens to be the title of her new album too! Her new single is definitely something edgier than her past records so far. Perhaps we can expect an entirely different sound altogether from this album or a mixture of sugar and spice? We’ll see. 

Gabrielle Aplin’s album, Light Up The Dark, is available for pre-order here.

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Taylor Swift: Bad Blood

COS BABY NOW WE GOT BAD BLOOOOOOOD!

Taylor Swift’s kickass star-studded music video is finally here! Directed by Joseph Kahn. Does the name ring a bell? He directed the Power Rangers short film that went viral and also Taylor’s Blank Space. This video features the likes of lead Selena Gomez, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Karlie Kloss, Zendaya, Jessica Alba, Ellie Goulding and more! Ain’t nobody messin’ with this clique. #squadgoals

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Ed Sheeran: Photograph

Ed Sheeran puts his life in a music video for his latest single off his Multiply album, Photograph. Watch as we get a glimpse of Ed Sheeran’s home videos of him as a cute little ginger baby, toddler, tween, teen until how he is now! It kind of reminds me of the Oscar-winning movie, Boyhood (which you should totally check out).

Remember this photo of him that was goin’ around Twitter? Well, you can watch it in this video of him busking when he was as young as 13 and him on all the other instruments besides the guitar! From cello to the piano. Such a talented ginger, isnt he? This will be his last release single from his Multiply album so does that mean more new music soon? We’ll see!

Ed recently released “5″ - an album which consists of 5 of his old EPs. Download it on iTunes here! 

If that’s not enough, watch as a couple makes a proposal onstage at an Ed Sheeran concert in Austin. If you’re watching this in public, get ready your tissues! (don’t say I didn’t warn ya)

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Spotlight: Game Of Thrones Cast

Life is definitely better when one of the most highly-anticipated series is back. Yes, Game Of Thrones is back in our lives again. Besides GoT, the actors have been up to others things. Let’s check out some of ‘em here.

When Arya Stark a.k.a. Maisie Williams is not busy trying to be Faceless, she’s out to find the truth instead on a mysterious outbreak that takes over an all-girls school. Be sure to watch out for The Falling. 

Next up, Oberyn Martell is not dead! Well, at least out of GoT he isn’t. Oberyn Martell a.k.a. Pedro Pascal plays Heidi Klum’s partner in crime as part of Heidi Klum’s Intimates campaign for her lingerie commercial. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a Sia music video. It’s a lingerie commerical which Sia has licensed her song, Fire Meet Gasoline to be used in it. Watch cos the ending may leave you puzzled.

One of the many heroes that died in vain, Robb Stark a.k.a. Richard Madden may be dead in GoT but he is very much alive in fairytale land! Be sure to catch him as a hero in the form of a Prince instead in Cinderella. Lovely film, I’d say. Don’t brush it off as any fairytale movie cos you’d be surprised. With a life lesson quote that we should all live by (Have courage. Be kind.), not only does the movie teaches the right moral values but it has an amazing cast, gorgeous graphics and lives up to it’s tale very well. 

Hold up! Besides Richard Madden, fellow GoT actor Nonso Anozie a.k.a. Xaro Xhoan Daxos also stars in the movie as Captain of the guards.

Another popular movie you may have already watched is Fast and Furious 7. And guess which GoT starlet stars in it? Missandei a.k.a. Nathalie Emmanuel. She plays one of the big roles as the most wanted hacker Ramsey in the movie. If you haven’t watched it, you’re missing out! This one not only succeeds in being a power-packed movie but it may leave you in tears instead too as this one was dedicated to Paul Walker so prepare for some waterworks!

Lastly is Grey Worm a.k.a. Jacob Anderson a.k.a. Raleigh Ritchie! Why 2 names you ask? Well, his real name is Jacob Anderson but he goes by his stage name Raleigh Ritchie for his music. If you haven’t checked out his music, you reaaaalllly should. IT IS SO GOOD. For a character that’s quite the quiet one in GoT, he sings damn well and creates awesome Alternative R&B/Trip Hop/Power Pop music. I personally have been a very big fan and hopes he releases even more songs soon or better yet, a full-length album! 

Check out a cuter video of The Greatest as Raleigh Ritchie takes on the role of being The Greatest Babysitter Ever.

I hope you GoT fans love this edition of GoT Spotlight as much as I enjoyed these GoT cast tidbits! I definitely can’t wait as Season 5 unfolds and be sure to watch out for the cast in their other crafts and projects. Till then, WINTER IS COMING!!!!!!!

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Jamie xx: Loud Places

I have never reached such heights

I see music in your eyes

Check out Jamie xx’s new video, Loud Places, off his new solo album, In Colour. This song features Romy of The xx on vocals. With Romy’s refreshing mysterious vocals, dancey beats and a signature guitar sound, this track is a nice combination of chill music mixed with pulsating beats. The video stars Jamie xx and Romy skating through the streets with a burst of colourful confetti towards the end.

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The Best of MET Gala 2015

This year’s MET Gala theme was actually China: Through the Looking Glass. Other than the few that managed to follow through flawlessly, it brought out the best (and worst, for some) of the red carpet beauties. Let’s check out some of the best ones.

First up! Kendall Jenner. She was a sight to behold. As the new face of Calvin Klein, she donned on a diamond-studded dress custom-designed by none other than Francisco Consta. She showed off just the right amount of skin but still pulling off a modern and classy look.

Here’s an extra Kendall tidbit for you:

A video posted by Kendall Jenner (@kendalljenner) on May 5, 2015 at 2:13pm PDT

FKA Twigs is known to be a quirky character with an eccentric taste in fashion. The MET Gala was no exception. Her dress was part of British Designer Christopher Kane’s autumn/winter collection 2015. It was like a piece of artwork with body parts conjoined together in colours. And yes, it had a penis on it. But I think she’s totally rockin’ it. Nobody does it like she does. Be it music or fashion.

Let’s bring on the Reds!

Keeping it chic and classy is Banks. She wore a classic off-shoulder gown by H&M. It was a first for both Banks and the fashion label, H&M, to grace the red carpet. And it was definitely a job well done. Both the dress and Banks was so gorgeous. According to Banks, she decided to put on a red gown because she wanted to wear something other than her usual black ensemble and in the chinese culture, Red represents good luck. Lady luck was definitely on her side.

Gigi Hadid was firing up the already red carpet with her hot look. Wearing a rosy Diane von Furstenberg dress paired with red heels, she played it sexy and wore red well. Considering the fact that this was also her first red carpet appearance, our ladies in red definitely worked the red carpet to their advantage.

Classic beauty Lily Collins was dressed in Chanel. With a birdcage veil, floral midi skirt and a sheer black top, she added sweetness to the red carpet with her demure look. Lovely as always.

Here’s another beauty that worked a Calvin Klein dress: Lorde. Shining away from her usual goth look, Lorde looks so fresh and still keeps it a little bit dark with this cobalt blue dress, showing off just a sexy back. Such a stunner.

Last but certainly not the least is Fan Bingbing. IMO, she won this year’s MET Gala themed look hands down. Not only did she followed the theme, she pulled it off effortlessly. Wearing a look designed by Christopher Bu, she had a green cape on paired with a shimerring gold gown. Surprisingly, these two pieces paired off nicely. It even actually reminds me of Mulan hmm….*hint hint*

Anddddd that’s it for this year’s MET Gala looks. Feel free to share any of your favourite red carpet looks that I may have missed out. Here’s to fashion! x

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Vance Joy anticipates 1989 World Tour with a Taylor Swift cover

Vance Joy will be joining taylorswift on her 1989 World Tour and he’s making US excited too with his cover of Taylor‘s I Know Places. I Know Places was co-written with Ryan Tedder of One Republic. 

Taylor has kicked off her 1989 World Tour with her first stop at Tokyo. We’re reaaaallllly hoping Taylor will drop by Singapore again! This actually MIGHT come true. Check out Keds’ 1989 World Tour sneakers and spot Singapore!

Can’t find it? Lemme help you out...

TADAAAAA!

Taylor has written us in her blank space soooooo let’s just keep our fingers crossed, shall we?

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Stars and Rabbit comprimises of Elda and Adi. Elda is a singer-songwriter who has her own vintage shop and does her own crafty things in her free time. Adi is the musician behind the group. He plays guitar and is the music arranger of the group. When he’s not doin’ music, he works at a production house. 

A photo posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Jul 1, 2012 at 3:08am PDT

The duo are from Yogyagkarta, Indonesia. They performed in Singapore for Baybeats 2012 which was where I was lucky to stumble upon ‘em and I got to watch 'em. Let’s hope they come by our shores again, shall we?!

Stars and Rabbit will be releasing their full-length album, Constellation, soon. Till then, we’ll be looking forward to it! Here’s a little video of ‘em singing Old Man’s Finger filmed and interviewed by Sergey from Ukraine. Be sure to watch the short interview at the end of the performance! 

Keep updated with Stars and Rabbit here:

Facebook: Stars and Rabbit Twitter: @_starsandrabbit

Soundcloud: Stars and Rabbit

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Bruce Jenner: The Transition

Bruce Jenner, America’s former athlete and hero recently came out as a trans-woman. Most people would know him more as the father of the Kardhashians and sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner.

It was a heartening moment to watch Bruce Jenner’s interview with Diane Sawyer as he joked about being on Keeping Up With The Kardhashians, “I had the story… the one real true story in the family was the one I was hiding and nobody knew about.” Bruce doesn’t want to be referred to as her until his transformation is complete. His family are all very supportive of him. His mom said “I was very proud of you when you stood at that podium in Montreal. I never thought I could be more proud of you, but I’m learning I can be.” When it came to his children, he’s explanation was "How do I do this and not hurt my children? I tried to explain to them that a lot of their upbringing was a lot HER." There’s nothing better than knowing your family has your back no matter what you are and who you become.

Bruce was actually close to committing suicide. He felt that he was lying to himself. “I couldn’t take the walls constantly closing in on me. If I die… I’d be so mad at myself that I didn’t explore that side of me.”

A lot of celebrities showed their support and praised Bruce for his bravery. 

Demi Lovato even dedicated her song, Warrior to Bruce Jenner! Listen to her speech before you hear her sing!

Everyone may not share the same beliefs and agree with Bruce Jenner’s change but we’re living on this earth together so we might as well live together harmoniously right? Like Bruce Jenner, we should aim to make a change, make the world a better place and not be afraid to be who we are. Be understanding and open-minded. Bruce has definitely taken a huge step in coming out as who he truly is and this alone will save a lot of souls. So never be afraid to be who you are and live life the way you want it. Much love to Bruce. We can’t wait to see her! x

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Tapestry: An Invisble Boundary, A Set Distance

Yesterday Tapestry had their EP launch at Pink Noize and despite not being widely advertised because of some event issues, thank god the show still went on and it was a great turn-out. What I didn’t expect was to be completely blown away by the line-up. It’s like you’re going to a concert and the opening bands turn out to be just as good too?! Yup, it was definitely one of the best line-ups I’ve come across so far for a considerably small scale gig.

Their EP launch started out with Forests playing their songs -emo/punk rock/groovy feels with awesome guitar tapping skillz. They have some sort of mathematical sound without making you feel like cracking your brains out?! I love it when the vocalists sing both different octaves and lyrics together at the same time. They definitely ended their set right with Dakota.

Dakota, take me back to the ocean

Dakota, take me back to the east coast

A video posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Apr 13, 2015 at 7:45am PDT

Next up was Paint The Sky Red. Now, this band. I don’t think there’s anyone who wasn’t blown away by them. You know they say sometimes even though you’re in a crowd surrounded by people, you still feel alone? Well, Paint They Sky Red makes you feel that way......but in the bestest way. You’ll end up being sucked into their music and getting lost in your own world. Beautiful ambient post-rock music.

A video posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Apr 13, 2015 at 7:27am PDT

Lastly, the band of the night, Tapestry. Always entertaining the crowd in between with their indonesian accent jokes courtesty of lead vocalist Syed Hafiz lulz. They played both their old songs and new ones. Their familiar “Pasir Ris” song. A song from the Reminiscence split, Why Do People Have To Leave Each Other? They ended the night with Sputnik Sweetheart. Sending everyone back home with resounding lyrics,

When February comes, I’ll be alone again

A video posted by Liyana Ibrahim (@orangebubblegum) on Apr 13, 2015 at 8:10am PDT

‘Twas was a great night of music and feels.

Check out these bands and give them a listen right here:

Tapestry - Bandcamp: http://sgtapestry.bandcamp.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgtapestry

Paint The Sky Red - Bandcamp: http://painttheskyred.bandcamp.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskypaintedred Twitter: @ptsr_sg

Forests - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareforests Twitter: @wearenotforests

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WINTER IS COMING!!!!

That could only mean one thing. Yes, Game of Thrones is back with Season 5. Who is not excited about it?! Check out a few of #GoT celebrity fans:

And perhaps the best one yet:

Game of Thrones Season 5 premieres on Sunday at 9pm only on HBO.

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Baby Timberlake!

Congratulations to Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel as they welcome their very own little one into this world, Silas Randall Timberlake.

“I can’t wait to see our greatest creation yet.”

Neither can we Justin!!! x

Photo Credits: @justintimberlake’s instagram

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THELIONCITYBOY a.k.a. Kevin Lester’s back with his own spin of T.O.P.’s Doom Dada after being inspired by BIG BANG while they were in Singapore for celebrate50. Video by Tha Artist.

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Yes, it’s double the Sia today! Check out her performance of Elastic Heart on The Voice!