Strange Familiarity
2 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Monday, November 29, 2004 at 7:46 PM.
Here I am again, walking along familiar pathways, hands gliding against familiar walls and listening to familiar echoes humming back at me in the stairwell.
Was it that long since the last time I left this place? It’s not all that long ago actually. It was way too short to even forget the sound of waves in the air here. If only the gap from then till now could be longer and time would stand still for experiences that are not in any way familiar.
It’s never easy. There seems to be no shortcut to coping and adapting to changes. Regardless of the outcome, changes being for better or for worse, they still remain as uneasy to live through.
There are about a thousand and one lines that can be quoted on time slipping through one’s fingers or time zapping pass faster than a blink of an eye. Quote all you can, there’s just not a thing one can do once a moment had passed.
So here I am again, many moments passed and now seated physically comfortable in a familiar chair surrounded by the familiar four and a half walls. Why four and a half walls? That half is glass of course.
Was it that long since the last time I left this place? It’s not all that long ago actually. It was way too short to even forget the sound of waves in the air here. If only the gap from then till now could be longer and time would stand still for experiences that are not in any way familiar.
It’s never easy. There seems to be no shortcut to coping and adapting to changes. Regardless of the outcome, changes being for better or for worse, they still remain as uneasy to live through.
There are about a thousand and one lines that can be quoted on time slipping through one’s fingers or time zapping pass faster than a blink of an eye. Quote all you can, there’s just not a thing one can do once a moment had passed.
So here I am again, many moments passed and now seated physically comfortable in a familiar chair surrounded by the familiar four and a half walls. Why four and a half walls? That half is glass of course.
To those who missed the Songwriters Avenue, do not fret for here's a review in Metro, The Star Newspaper (Friday 26th November 2004)
Thanks to Debbie Chan for an excellent article.
Thanks again to Shelley Leong for organizing such an amazing event.
Thanks to Debbie Chan for an excellent article.
Thanks again to Shelley Leong for organizing such an amazing event.
It's time now, to leap into another sphere.
It's time now, to allow just a little more time to pass.
It's time.
This is specially dedicated to my brother...
It's time now, to allow just a little more time to pass.
It's time.
This is specially dedicated to my brother...
The Songwriters Avenue, organized by Shelley Leong last Saturday was one of my most memorable gigs.
The gig was unlike any other that I've played at. The normal deal would showcase each performer playing complete sets of their songs for approximately thirty minutes to an hour.
However, Songwriters Avenue was rather different. There were three main performers on stage at the very beginning of the show, each taking turns to play one song for five rounds in total with a fifteen minute break in between.
We also had a "free jam" during the last song for our set. The song was never rehearsed before until that day, hence a "free jam".
Both Khai and Zalila delivered excellent performances. Khai's guitar solo blew the crowd away.
Then, there was open mike. Shelley started off the open mike session followed by many fantastic performers belting out songs from various genres.
The crowd was amazing and the venue had a very cozy feel to it. The sound was great too, thanks to the talented Jon.
All in all, it was a fantastic night. I had fun and enjoyed myself performing for such a wonderful audience.
I'd just like to thank all those who made it to the show.
The gig was unlike any other that I've played at. The normal deal would showcase each performer playing complete sets of their songs for approximately thirty minutes to an hour.
However, Songwriters Avenue was rather different. There were three main performers on stage at the very beginning of the show, each taking turns to play one song for five rounds in total with a fifteen minute break in between.
We also had a "free jam" during the last song for our set. The song was never rehearsed before until that day, hence a "free jam".
Both Khai and Zalila delivered excellent performances. Khai's guitar solo blew the crowd away.
Then, there was open mike. Shelley started off the open mike session followed by many fantastic performers belting out songs from various genres.
The crowd was amazing and the venue had a very cozy feel to it. The sound was great too, thanks to the talented Jon.
All in all, it was a fantastic night. I had fun and enjoyed myself performing for such a wonderful audience.
I'd just like to thank all those who made it to the show.
Reminder: Songwriters Avenue
0 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Friday, November 19, 2004 at 2:15 PM.
Once again, Shelley Leong’s Songwriters Avenue is tomorrow, Saturday, 20 November 2004.
To those who have been reading this space, feel free to come along as the gig is free of charge. Come and enjoy a laidback, acoustic set with me and many more talented musicians.
Venue: Le Benardin (upstairs lounge), Changkat Bukit Bintang
Date: 20th November 2004, Saturday, 9.30pm start
(There is no cover charge, so buy plenty of drinks)
Featuring a new breed of singer-songwriters including Khai, Broken Scar and Zalila Lee. Open mic at the end. Come enjoy something different and discover some amazing new talents right at your doorstep.
Log on to www.shelleyleong.com for more info.
To those who have been reading this space, feel free to come along as the gig is free of charge. Come and enjoy a laidback, acoustic set with me and many more talented musicians.
Venue: Le Benardin (upstairs lounge), Changkat Bukit Bintang
Date: 20th November 2004, Saturday, 9.30pm start
(There is no cover charge, so buy plenty of drinks)
Featuring a new breed of singer-songwriters including Khai, Broken Scar and Zalila Lee. Open mic at the end. Come enjoy something different and discover some amazing new talents right at your doorstep.
Log on to www.shelleyleong.com for more info.
Time spent on changing guitar strings throughout my musical life has always been fulfilling. It may turn out frustrating at times especially if there’s a hurry and urgency to it, but most times it turns out to be very rewarding.
It’s sometimes quite difficult to decide on the perfect time to change the strings. One day before a gig? Two days before? Or maybe five hours before the show starts? I don’t quite know yet.
But I do feel that the first five minutes of slapping on a fresh pair of strings sounds the sweetest, brightest and warmest. After that, it’s downward spiral.
It’s sometimes quite difficult to decide on the perfect time to change the strings. One day before a gig? Two days before? Or maybe five hours before the show starts? I don’t quite know yet.
But I do feel that the first five minutes of slapping on a fresh pair of strings sounds the sweetest, brightest and warmest. After that, it’s downward spiral.
Today must have been mixed feelings day.
Firstly, JM played the HELP gig in a lecture hall. How absurd is that? A rock band in a lecture hall? Maybe it’s just not conventional and the fact that I’ve never done so prior to this. I’ve never felt so weird before at a gig.
Lecture halls to me have always been associated with studies and are meant for the academics. Who would have thought a rock band would play in one where everyone is seated in comfortable foldable red cushion seats? There wasn't the slightest hint that a rock band would ever step into these grounds, fully air-conditioned. It’s nice to play a gig indoors for a change, sweat a little less, jump a little less and stay in place a little more. All in all, it was a whole load of fun and it was cool, playing in a college, in a lecture hall, ever so comfortable.
I guess school’s out!
We only played three songs out of the original set list of four due to time constraints. It felt a little short, but it was good to give way to the other bands and to also watch them play. It was amazing how three bands managed to pull off this gig judging from a shaky start. The setting up was admirable. Everything was done in a span of half an hour. None of the bands managed to do a soundcheck, and yet we sounded good. I was especially very impressed by the Roland amp I used. It had such a nice warm tone to it.
It was for a good cause. I sincerely hope that HELP raised enough money to meet their target.
At the end of the gig, the earlier feelings of awkwardness faded and I was filled with wonder, contentment and feelings of pride, the good kind of pride, mind you. Now, I can say that I’ve played in a lecture hall. It was a memorable experience.
I know this may sound unprofessional but also I signed my first autograph today. Here’s another experience to add to the list that I’ll treasure for life. It was all a blur, just like right now, as I’m typing this.
Spending time with the band is always fun. As usual we took a lot of pictures and I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
Basically, it was a good mixture of weirdness, awkwardness, contentment and a sense of achievement.
Firstly, JM played the HELP gig in a lecture hall. How absurd is that? A rock band in a lecture hall? Maybe it’s just not conventional and the fact that I’ve never done so prior to this. I’ve never felt so weird before at a gig.
Lecture halls to me have always been associated with studies and are meant for the academics. Who would have thought a rock band would play in one where everyone is seated in comfortable foldable red cushion seats? There wasn't the slightest hint that a rock band would ever step into these grounds, fully air-conditioned. It’s nice to play a gig indoors for a change, sweat a little less, jump a little less and stay in place a little more. All in all, it was a whole load of fun and it was cool, playing in a college, in a lecture hall, ever so comfortable.
I guess school’s out!
We only played three songs out of the original set list of four due to time constraints. It felt a little short, but it was good to give way to the other bands and to also watch them play. It was amazing how three bands managed to pull off this gig judging from a shaky start. The setting up was admirable. Everything was done in a span of half an hour. None of the bands managed to do a soundcheck, and yet we sounded good. I was especially very impressed by the Roland amp I used. It had such a nice warm tone to it.
It was for a good cause. I sincerely hope that HELP raised enough money to meet their target.
At the end of the gig, the earlier feelings of awkwardness faded and I was filled with wonder, contentment and feelings of pride, the good kind of pride, mind you. Now, I can say that I’ve played in a lecture hall. It was a memorable experience.
I know this may sound unprofessional but also I signed my first autograph today. Here’s another experience to add to the list that I’ll treasure for life. It was all a blur, just like right now, as I’m typing this.
Spending time with the band is always fun. As usual we took a lot of pictures and I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
Basically, it was a good mixture of weirdness, awkwardness, contentment and a sense of achievement.
Everybody, I know this is a little last minute to re-post this but hey, it's better late than never.
John's Mistress will be performing at HELP Institute tomorrow (17/11/04) at 12pm. Do drop by if you're around the area. Hope to see you there.
____________________________________________________________
I will also be playing at Shelley Leong's Songwriters Avenue.
Details Below.
Shelley Leong presents:
SONGWRITERS AVENUE
Songwriters Avenue is a new gig organised by singer-songwriter, Shelley Leong to encourage the continued growth of original material by songwriters.
A place to go to where its warm and cosy, where the air is filled with great music …where songwriters and friends gather to share a good time.An opportunity for up and coming and established songwriters to showcase their original material in a conducive environment.
Venue: Le Benardin (upstairs lounge), Changkat Bukit Bintang
Date: 20th November 2004, Saturday, 9.30pm start
(There is no cover charge, so buy plenty of drinks)
Featuring a new breed of singer-songwriters including Khai, Broken Scar and Zalila Lee. Open mic at the end. Come enjoy something different and discover some amazing new talents right at your doorstep.
Log on to www.shelleyleong.com for more info.
John's Mistress will be performing at HELP Institute tomorrow (17/11/04) at 12pm. Do drop by if you're around the area. Hope to see you there.
____________________________________________________________
I will also be playing at Shelley Leong's Songwriters Avenue.
Details Below.
Shelley Leong presents:
SONGWRITERS AVENUE
Songwriters Avenue is a new gig organised by singer-songwriter, Shelley Leong to encourage the continued growth of original material by songwriters.
A place to go to where its warm and cosy, where the air is filled with great music …where songwriters and friends gather to share a good time.An opportunity for up and coming and established songwriters to showcase their original material in a conducive environment.
Venue: Le Benardin (upstairs lounge), Changkat Bukit Bintang
Date: 20th November 2004, Saturday, 9.30pm start
(There is no cover charge, so buy plenty of drinks)
Featuring a new breed of singer-songwriters including Khai, Broken Scar and Zalila Lee. Open mic at the end. Come enjoy something different and discover some amazing new talents right at your doorstep.
Log on to www.shelleyleong.com for more info.
With Strings Attached
1 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Monday, November 15, 2004 at 11:54 PM.
There’s this very nice feeling to slap on a brand new set of strings on an acoustic guitar. It just stirs up a very special emotion in me when I hear the body reacting to the new strings and resonating with it. There’s also this brightness, like sunshine after a storm, ringing and the sustain is just so sweet.
The pictures unfortunately were taken of my performing guitar with very old strings. It is very uninspiring to play a guitar with dead strings. No ringing, no resonance, no brightness. The reason I had to put up with this is because, if I change the strings now, I’d have to change it before the gig again, as I always do every gig.
I know it’s not something that musicians do, to play their principal instrument in a condition like this. I know if the instrument doesn’t react to your fingers and it doesn’t make you childlike happy, you shouldn’t even bother. But hey, I’m thinking economical. Suffer a little now, brave through it and enjoy later.
Number one, if you haven’t bought yourself a copy of the latest Damn Dirty Apes album, “Ape Kill Ape”, do all that it takes to own one for yourself. Ian is ever ready to sell you one. I’m not saying all these because DDA happens to be a close friend’s band but because the CD itself speaks for itself and will blow you away.
Close your eyes, listen and let your imagination run wild. DDA will take you on a rollercoaster emotional experience you will never forget. You can relive the experience every single time you listen to the CD or you can experience it in a totally different way the next time around. That’s DDA’s latest, Ape Kill Ape.
(I'm not going to review the album in anyway. I'll leave it up to you to interpret the album)
Number two, I think I don’t quite like interviews. I’d rather stick to just playing music. Let the music speak for itself and talk less. I don’t know. Yesterday’s interview with Xfresh FM was fun, nonetheless. The best part was the time spent with the band. Here’s to the band!
Close your eyes, listen and let your imagination run wild. DDA will take you on a rollercoaster emotional experience you will never forget. You can relive the experience every single time you listen to the CD or you can experience it in a totally different way the next time around. That’s DDA’s latest, Ape Kill Ape.
(I'm not going to review the album in anyway. I'll leave it up to you to interpret the album)
Number two, I think I don’t quite like interviews. I’d rather stick to just playing music. Let the music speak for itself and talk less. I don’t know. Yesterday’s interview with Xfresh FM was fun, nonetheless. The best part was the time spent with the band. Here’s to the band!
Songwriters Avenue
0 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 10:25 PM.
Shelley Leong presents:
SONGWRITERS AVENUE
Songwriters Avenue is a new gig organised by singer-songwriter, Shelley Leong to encourage the continued growth of original material by songwriters.
A place to go to where its warm and cosy, where the air is filled with great music …where songwriters and friends gather to share a good time.
An opportunity for up and coming and established songwriters to showcase their original material in a conducive environment.
Venue: Le Benardin (upstairs lounge), Changkat Bukit Bintang
Date: 20th November 2004, Saturday, 9.30pm start
(There is no cover charge, so buy plenty of drinks)
Featuring a new breed of singer-songwriters including Khai, Broken Scar and Zalila Lee. Open mic at the end. Come enjoy something different and discover some amazing new talents right at your doorstep.
Log on to www.shelleyleong.com for more info.
Find out more about our featured performers:
(these are basically up and coming talented musician/songwriters whom I’ve seen perform extensively in other circuits. Though still relatively so called ‘fresh faces’, they are really interesting, entertaining, strong performers and write great material. Presenting:…)
Biography of:
KHAI
From punk to ska to rock n' roll and a touch of blues, Khai (not to be confused with the Akademi Fantasia guy) has been writing three chord songs full of wit and humor since he first picked up his mother's classical guitar at the age of 16. Ex-frontman of Khaimano and currently bassist to Y2k and guitarist to Triple 6 Poser, his occasional solo spots are stripped down affairs combining his songs from all the bands he's played in plus a few he's kept for himself. He may not be the most skilled guitarist and his singing may not be pitch perfect, but what he lacks in proficiency he more than makes up for with attitude and a large vat of instant danish green fondue strudel mix.
For more info, check out his blog at www.20six.co.uk/justin_guber
BROKEN SCAR
He spills his heart out when he writes and sings with eyes closed. His musical style has been compared to that of a mellower Creed and the Goo Goo Dolls. Consisting of only one member, Kevin Teh is Broken Scar, a one-man singer-songwriter who specializes in acoustic guitar-based music accompanied by a full-bodied voice.
Although most well known for his song "Scratch", Broken Scar continues to write his own songs whenever inspiration strikes a chord in him (no pun intended).
He may not always look approachable but that's only because he gets too engrossed in his thoughts sometimes (and sometimes it’s just spacing out for no apparent reason), but Broken Scar is ever willing to have a chat and is very appreciative of any comments the general public may have of his music.
Since early 2003, Broken Scar has played at various gigs in the Klang Valley. Among the more memorable ones were Unplugged at Paul's - Acousticfest, Poser-O-Rama and the recent Klue & Starbucks Chillout Series.Rumour has it that some have gone home after attending his gigs and had his melodies playing in their heads for days after. How far this is true, who knows? Why don't you find out for yourself?
ZALILA LEE
She is one kick-ass amazing performer with her heart-moving vocals and solid guitar playing. Come see!
SONGWRITERS AVENUE
Songwriters Avenue is a new gig organised by singer-songwriter, Shelley Leong to encourage the continued growth of original material by songwriters.
A place to go to where its warm and cosy, where the air is filled with great music …where songwriters and friends gather to share a good time.
An opportunity for up and coming and established songwriters to showcase their original material in a conducive environment.
Venue: Le Benardin (upstairs lounge), Changkat Bukit Bintang
Date: 20th November 2004, Saturday, 9.30pm start
(There is no cover charge, so buy plenty of drinks)
Featuring a new breed of singer-songwriters including Khai, Broken Scar and Zalila Lee. Open mic at the end. Come enjoy something different and discover some amazing new talents right at your doorstep.
Log on to www.shelleyleong.com for more info.
Find out more about our featured performers:
(these are basically up and coming talented musician/songwriters whom I’ve seen perform extensively in other circuits. Though still relatively so called ‘fresh faces’, they are really interesting, entertaining, strong performers and write great material. Presenting:…)
Biography of:
KHAI
From punk to ska to rock n' roll and a touch of blues, Khai (not to be confused with the Akademi Fantasia guy) has been writing three chord songs full of wit and humor since he first picked up his mother's classical guitar at the age of 16. Ex-frontman of Khaimano and currently bassist to Y2k and guitarist to Triple 6 Poser, his occasional solo spots are stripped down affairs combining his songs from all the bands he's played in plus a few he's kept for himself. He may not be the most skilled guitarist and his singing may not be pitch perfect, but what he lacks in proficiency he more than makes up for with attitude and a large vat of instant danish green fondue strudel mix.
For more info, check out his blog at www.20six.co.uk/justin_guber
BROKEN SCAR
He spills his heart out when he writes and sings with eyes closed. His musical style has been compared to that of a mellower Creed and the Goo Goo Dolls. Consisting of only one member, Kevin Teh is Broken Scar, a one-man singer-songwriter who specializes in acoustic guitar-based music accompanied by a full-bodied voice.
Although most well known for his song "Scratch", Broken Scar continues to write his own songs whenever inspiration strikes a chord in him (no pun intended).
He may not always look approachable but that's only because he gets too engrossed in his thoughts sometimes (and sometimes it’s just spacing out for no apparent reason), but Broken Scar is ever willing to have a chat and is very appreciative of any comments the general public may have of his music.
Since early 2003, Broken Scar has played at various gigs in the Klang Valley. Among the more memorable ones were Unplugged at Paul's - Acousticfest, Poser-O-Rama and the recent Klue & Starbucks Chillout Series.Rumour has it that some have gone home after attending his gigs and had his melodies playing in their heads for days after. How far this is true, who knows? Why don't you find out for yourself?
ZALILA LEE
She is one kick-ass amazing performer with her heart-moving vocals and solid guitar playing. Come see!
Interview With The Mistress
0 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 at 6:19 PM.
Besides being Broken Scar the one-man acoustic outfit, I’m also the guitarist of the band, John’s Mistress.
The band has been recording new tracks for an up-coming EP due to be out soon. The line-up has changed since the earlier days. Fumi and Chino are the only remaining members from the original line-up. The album included Daniel on bass and me on guitars. Ian of DDA plays for JM’s live gigs as well.
Tune in to Xfresh FM tomorrow, 11 November 2004 as JM will be going live on air for an interview with JFK, the DJ. Xfresh FM is on 103.0 in the Klang Valey.
John's Mistress will also be gigging on 17 November 2004 at HELP Institute for a charity event. More details on that soon.
The band has been recording new tracks for an up-coming EP due to be out soon. The line-up has changed since the earlier days. Fumi and Chino are the only remaining members from the original line-up. The album included Daniel on bass and me on guitars. Ian of DDA plays for JM’s live gigs as well.
Tune in to Xfresh FM tomorrow, 11 November 2004 as JM will be going live on air for an interview with JFK, the DJ. Xfresh FM is on 103.0 in the Klang Valey.
John's Mistress will also be gigging on 17 November 2004 at HELP Institute for a charity event. More details on that soon.
The beginning...
"How are the sends, okay?"
"Now, how is this, levels okay?"
...and in 3...2...1...MIC ON!
Here's the list of songs I've been playing at gigs as Broken Scar. Some of you may have heard them or remember them.
I'm determined to record these songs and to play them for all of you at gigs. I'm constantly writing new songs and trying to finish up songs that have been hanging for ages.
So here's the list. Which do you like best?
Zero
Scratch
Soul Reaper
The Bleeding Confession
Midnight In St. Kilda
Caught In Between
Without You
Hey You
Silence
I'm determined to record these songs and to play them for all of you at gigs. I'm constantly writing new songs and trying to finish up songs that have been hanging for ages.
So here's the list. Which do you like best?
Zero
Scratch
Soul Reaper
The Bleeding Confession
Midnight In St. Kilda
Caught In Between
Without You
Hey You
Silence
Light And Darkness
1 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 at 11:30 PM.
What can be more soothing than the sound of pouring rain?
Close your eyes. Listen.
The raindrops are now hitting the rooftop, creating streams on the road outside the gate and creating gushing sounds on the floor. Picture the smell of rain on the sun-dried floor outside.
There's just this special feeling that stirs up inside me every single time I hear the rain. It doesn't matter if it's a slight drizzle or the most brutal thunderstorm.
Technically, the sound of rain is some sort of randomly filtered white noise. Don't even bother trying to recreate it digitally. There's nothing like the real thing.
Close your eyes again.
Imagine this, a black out, everything's dark and quiet, candles lit and placed all over the room, the glow from the candle’s flame dancing the night away, slight drizzle out the window providing the ambience. This is just the perfect mood to pick up the good ol' guitar and play Midnight In St. Kilda, an original Broken Scar composition.
Waves In The Air
0 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Tuesday, November 02, 2004 at 11:32 PM.
How does it feel like to work extra hours, slaving, running around like a mad man searching for material, staring at a screen intently almost blinding your eyes, clicking the mouse vigorously, listening to every frame, counting beats as if counting a thousand fifty dollar notes, put yourself in a panic mode because time is running out and getting frustrated because you can’t find certain things you’re looking for?
You’d probably get sick and tired, frustrated and grumble at the above. One might probably give up.
But I can guarantee you one thing. If you’re doing all of the above because it’s something you’re passionate about and you love doing it, you’ll end up enjoying yourself and having a ball.
Do you know what it feels like to create something out of thin air? Do you know what joy that brings a person?
Have you felt like you’ve worked on something so minor, but with effort as if you’re building a jet and at the end of it you’re able to smile to yourself and say, “hey, I did it”?
Have you ever felt like although what you have done is something small in someone else’s eyes, but it brought you major happiness because it was one of your very first times doing it?
I’m thankful I was able to feel all these feelings which I can’t even get close to describing it.
You’d probably get sick and tired, frustrated and grumble at the above. One might probably give up.
But I can guarantee you one thing. If you’re doing all of the above because it’s something you’re passionate about and you love doing it, you’ll end up enjoying yourself and having a ball.
Do you know what it feels like to create something out of thin air? Do you know what joy that brings a person?
Have you felt like you’ve worked on something so minor, but with effort as if you’re building a jet and at the end of it you’re able to smile to yourself and say, “hey, I did it”?
Have you ever felt like although what you have done is something small in someone else’s eyes, but it brought you major happiness because it was one of your very first times doing it?
I’m thankful I was able to feel all these feelings which I can’t even get close to describing it.
Remember I said that writing up a biography is difficult? I just realized that writing thank you notes for a CD are just as tough. I mean, writing short thank you notes from the heart were never a problem for me.
It’s actually not difficult. It’s just that I’m paranoid. I don’t want to miss anyone out or offend anyone.
So here’s to you.
This is a special thank you note to all of you who read this page where I scribble my random thoughts.
It’s actually not difficult. It’s just that I’m paranoid. I don’t want to miss anyone out or offend anyone.
So here’s to you.
This is a special thank you note to all of you who read this page where I scribble my random thoughts.
