7 posts tagged “ramblings”
It's been a hectic month so far, February. Particularly the Valentine thingamajig my class was handling. Classes was canceled (i hate that), lunch time were cut short (i really hate that) and heads were aching as we tried figuring out the best way to rack up astronomical profits by churning out the most can be churned out of a crew of six.
Me and Akak handled the singing telegram service quite well I must say. I was really very nervy at first since I've never ever played on acoustics all of the songs that was requested. Akak, well, she took it all as if we're running a 2-hour long arena concert and left everyone in awe.
All my life I've never bothered the vibe that Valentine's Day transcended. There's never a special day in my life since, every single day is always special on its own. But a week before, it took just a giggle, a face, and a smile. Ok, no butterflies-in-the-tummy thingie, but it was a sign for me pull another "what the heck?" job.
Her name's Nina, a Y2/S2 UEL student. All I did was spending RM5 on a pretty Selvam-made balloon and Akak acted as the messenger (she insisted). Wanna know what I said on the card?
Hey, I love the way you laugh.
Tea with me sometime?
019-2517394
Was it a bit too direct? Perhaps it was. But I'm not breathing down her neck, professing my love for her whatnot. I mean, it is the most sensible thing to do right? Having tea on the first date. I mean, first meet.
Despite all this Valentine hoopla, Ms. Mai still gives her news assignments and boy I'm kinda bored with it. Not writing, but the subject that we wrote about. I must learn the art of twisting boring stuff into something interesting. A good writer starts with that. I'm really looking forward to the court case write-up.
The family's off to Perth this Monday till Sunday. Sounds fun. But my fun factor dropped to an all-time low since most assignments are due right immediately after the holidays. Sad, I know.
Telephony Delivery is doing pretty well these days. Both our February shows are over and done with. The private party was our most decent show and Indie-Licious being a disaster of sorts. Initially we were suppose to take the stage after Project Ei8ht, but then IG Collective requested to play on our slot leaving us to play theirs. Out of courtesy, we agreed. The Collective mesmerized the largely club-going crowd and for a moment there, I thought Jam Asia was Alexis Bar. Things started to fall out of place when the Collective were packing their gears, allowing us on stage. The whole crowd literally left the scene! We played to less than 20 people that night. Half of it were made up of friends and other bands. The bad mojo kept on flowing as by the 3rd song, my guitar string snapped. Whether having Adib's SG is a blessing or not, I'm still thinking over it. It was badly tuned, and when it was locked in tune, it slipped instantly as we struggled through our 4th song. Nightmare.
But that horrid experience was somewhat a revelation to me. I said to myself, "Now you've been down at your lowest point, time to rise up. Rise up!".
Ajil mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Phang's doing a review on the Bear With Me gig. Then some nights ago I was browsing through Kakiseni.com. It was up! Here's what he has to say about our set that night:
"Easily the best newcomer to the scene that night was Telephony Delivery. I saw them play at Giggers' Café a few weeks before -- and although their potential was obvious at that time, what I heard at Bear With Me was far beyond my expectations.
A crew of six, Telephony Delivery delivered a stellar post-rock experience. Armed with relatively complex equipment (an array of effects for both guitarists, a vintage synthesizer, and a DJ playing god-knows-what-the-hell-are-all-those-knobs-and-buttons) the band created vast, intoxicating soundscapes and meshed them perfectly with details, resulting in intricate musical designs. The band's rhythm section fuelled the pace, weaving the entire set into a tapestry that would have put magic carpets to shame. Telephony Delivery is now on my personal 'Most Underrated Bands in the Scene' list".
That man was too kind with his words. And a couple of errors too. Were not a crew of six (we're a quintet) and I am the only guitarist. We were so hyper that night and everything went blurry that he might get the impression of us having another member. Heh.
We have 2 new songs in the works. Hopefully it may be unveiled by next month (we've 3 shows so far). March will definitely be a busy one. Adib's planning on doing a 3-way split with Deepset and Teenage Glory For The Wasted. If this goes through, we might do a mini-tour around the state/country(?).
The family did a surprise BBQ for my dad since it's his 60th birthday this year. We had sirloins, lambs, fish, chickens, bubur kacang, bubur jagung, fruit salad, freeflow-homemade pizza, mushroom soup, sup tulang, sandwiches, and so many more I can't even remember. The house's side lot turned into street-side warong with all the tables and chairs.
I have 2 EP deliveries to make today. KJ and Shah Alam. Whose idea was it to put 'Delivery' as part of the band name? Sigh.
Where was I all this while?
Beats me, really. It's like staring at the mirror. You're looking at the bruise on your lips and do absolutely nothing about it.
This brand new year so far has brought a whole new meaning to the term
'brand new'. It's not an upside down, but more of an inside out. Never
even once found my own comfort zone, I crawled out of a losing
battlefield and immediately plunged into another raging war zone. So,
for the second penultimate time, I was expelled from UiTM. With the
amount of thinking I did, the dishearteningly painful upset I felt, I
finally gathered myself to make my final stand. "I want to do Mass
Comm".
YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO STAMFORD COLLEGE'S SCHOOL OF MEDIA STUDIES
So, yeah. Why Stamford you ask? Well the tuition fee is a lot cheaper, the syllabus is more writing-based as opposed to other colleges/govt. universities and the most calming factor is that, Akak's there as well. I really like the fact that the School Of Media Studies is a small, close-knit family. There's only 4 lecturers (all of them are already aces in my book) and I've only 5 other classmates in my batch. Somehow I finally have one of my childhood dreams realized: studying in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. And I got Pudu. Cool.
Surely there's more to that right? I mean I've been away from this space for almost a full month. Of course there's more. I'm not that boring, you know.
Before 2007 arrived, I took the night train to Singapore for an actual holiday. I thought spending a day or two basking in the air of the Lion City would seep in some sense in my head to cap off another turbulent year. Thank God for Tash. I never had so much fun hanging, walking (lenguh!) and yakking with someone for almost 12 straight hours. The only things I spent on was (other than food) 2 CDs from The Union Of A Man And A Woman and B-Quartet.KFC's Cheesy Fries are sex.
There's nothing much you can buy with SGD50. I even maxed out on my allowance for the trip. My hunt for a BOSS or 1Spot adapter came to no avail.
Back at home, things were pretty hectic. School season's back and Abg. Aidil's wedding in JB was just around the bend. Not to mention Hari Raya Korban too.
Right. Prior to the wedding, the band played 2 shows in Jam Asia and Giggers Art Cafe. Well, I actually wrote about it in the band's blog:
Oh and, we released our first EP last Saturday (interested parties, contact me to get your hands on it)hey there!
this is our first blog post, so feel special! heh.
well we're halfway through with this month's series of shows. and i must say it's a relief having been through it all so far without any major hicks. the MOEN showcase last week was a new experience for us, playing for a totally different set of crowd. we were the only "takda orang nyanyi ke?" band that night but nonetheless we enjoyed ourselves. hey, if the organizer's happy with what you did, you scored mumfucking "A"s la kan? heh.
last night's Weekender series was also another first for the band. Old Klang Road was a new turf for us, so we kinda took the experimental approach by not practicing for the show and boy were we in for a backfire. we sucked wei! hahaha. kantoi sana sini and all. i don't know exactly why, but the post-show feedbacks that we got from the other bands were surprisingly positive. well, thank you guys!
great great thanks to the Guitar Store Hartamas for giving the chance to test drive the awesome budget stompboxes (i'm getting a MOEN Violent Metal soon, hopefully) and Myo for the word of mouth on us (we owe you a lot bro!). Also to Acap and The Fridays for letting us be a part of the Weekender family. it was inspiring to the bone. thanks to Phang of Citizens Of Ice Cream as well for seeing us in action, we were caught off guard! and to the bands we shared stages this month, here's to a prosperous life ahead!
btw, cool Mr. Stalin from RadioGravityLamePost did a short review on us at his website here. thanks man!
up next, the pivotal Bear With Me! see you cats there!
The Bear With Me gig was really, really an important moment for us. Playing alongside our heroes (TWKUA) was kinda nervewrecking, and being the 4th band on the bill that night somehow did wonders to our esteem. I must admit that it was our best set ever. The crowd were all pumped up, the equipments ran well, the sound was awesome (thanks Wadi!) and we clicked with the songs like clockwork.
We brought along 20 copies (but Azhar by mistake brought all 27) of our EP that night. All I had in mind was, if we could at least sell half of it we're already happy. At the end of the night, Na told me that we sold 22 copies! Crazy.
We have another two shows for February. Then another two in March. It'll be a busy year for us. And hopefully something awesome'll happen in June. Heh.
My college's Mass Comm Club held a field trip to Sri Pentas last Tuesday. Nothing much can be said about that, though. It's just normal.
Well, that's about it I guess. Be back soon.
Hopefully.
Pa'an Murtabak said:
aku bukan nak cakap apa
Pa'an Murtabak said:
tapi Puteri Angkasa ni macam jambatan
Pa'an Murtabak said:
jambatan yang mewaraskan ruang antara kekacauan dan ketenangan yang melanda iklim music indie tempatan
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tak phm
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sehingga kelmarin
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku melihat dunia yang kita bergelumang ini
Pa'an Murtabak says:
di pecah belahkan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
di puak puakkan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
di dalam setiap belahan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
di isi dengan kata kata, perasaan dengki
Pa'an Murtabak says:
perasaan keji
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ahaha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
knapa dow
Pa'an Murtabak says:
bila kau sedar tentang kewujudan pengisi ruang ni
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kau mula hilang arah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kau mula benci dengan keadaan kau yang bergantung harap dan menumpang
lalu di dunia yang kau sendiri bersama sama orang orang puak lain,
belahan lain wujudkan
En. Phillipa Monica says:
alahaiii
En. Phillipa Monica says:
sedih nyaaa
En. Phillipa Monica says:
knapa ko ni tetiba camni bro ?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kau bagai berada di gaung yang tiada penghujung. seolah olah di humban di dalam mesin basuh yang tiada hentinya
Pa'an Murtabak says:
dan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
si Puteri Angkasa
Pa'an Murtabak says:
memberi ingatan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
memberi amaran
Pa'an Murtabak says:
ada sebab kenapa gaung tiada penghujung
Pa'an Murtabak says:
ada alasan kenapa mesin basuh tidak berhenti
Pa'an Murtabak says:
dan ada alasan kenapa aku seakan akan berputus harap
En. Phillipa Monica says:
halus nya kau mlm ni
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kerana nyawa ini, anugerah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
nyawa ini, istimewa
Pa'an Murtabak says:
nyawa yang mengajar kita merasa, mengajar kita erti nurani
Pa'an Murtabak says:
mengajar erti sayang
Pa'an Murtabak says:
terima kaseh
Pa'an Murtabak says:
Sang Puteri
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ehehe
En. Phillipa Monica says:
trima kasih kt apai la bro
En. Phillipa Monica says:
dia penulis lilik
En. Phillipa Monica says:
dan jazmi penulis lagu
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kita bersyukur kerana Allah memberi kurnia, Allah menentukan segalanya
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tapi Allah juga sayang akan mereka yang menurut perintahNya
En. Phillipa Monica says:
betol
Pa'an Murtabak says:
jadi bukan jazmi dan apai sahaja yang patut menerima kasih
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ahaha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tapi aku rasa aku tak memberi apa2 pon dlm lagu tu
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kau sendiri bilang
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kau tarik apai
Pa'an Murtabak says:
jadi di mana akarnya punca luahan hati ini sebenarnya?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
engkau lah akar, engkaulah belukar
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ahaha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
belukar tu betol
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ehehe
En. Phillipa Monica says:
bro
En. Phillipa Monica says:
aku nk tanya ni
En. Phillipa Monica says:
knapa mlm ni ko begini ?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
entah la
En. Phillipa Monica says:
pasti ada tapi dia
En. Phillipa Monica says:
apa tapi dia ?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tapi kenapa ada dia?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kenapa tanpa dia, tidak boleh ada apa apa?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
apalah dia sekadar apa apa yang ada apa
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ahaha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ko ni beroo
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kenapa sihh
En. Phillipa Monica says:
apa yg ko gusar ni ?
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ckp je
Pa'an Murtabak says:
bukan gusar
Pa'an Murtabak says:
cuma perlu perubahan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
dalam pencarian
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kadang kadang kita berhenti
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ouhh
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tengok kiri
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tengok kanan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kita tengok diri sendiri sebenarnya
Pa'an Murtabak says:
cuma kita takut nak tengok kat mirror
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sebab kita sedar. kita semakin hampir dengan apa yang kita cari
Pa'an Murtabak says:
dan kita sedar itulah sebenarnya yang kita benci
En. Phillipa Monica says:
haaa
En. Phillipa Monica says:
btol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku sudah tidak larat. tapi nak buat macam mana, aku suka berlari
En. Phillipa Monica says:
jln la slow
En. Phillipa Monica says:
byk benda leh kutip
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kalau lari terlepas
Pa'an Murtabak says:
cuba kau bayangkan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
setiap bende yang kita kutip itu
Pa'an Murtabak says:
menjadi sebati bagaikan susu pekat di dalam kopi
En. Phillipa Monica says:
aduhaiii
En. Phillipa Monica says:
sakit
Pa'an Murtabak says:
dengan pantas sahaja kopi itu diminum
Pa'an Murtabak says:
hidup ini singkat
En. Phillipa Monica says:
chill la beb
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku sedang chill
Pa'an Murtabak says:
cuma
En. Phillipa Monica says:
cuma ?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
mungkin cara aku chill agak lari dari norma persepsi
En. Phillipa Monica says:
btol
Pa'an Murtabak says:
chill yang sering digunakan pada hemah aku
Pa'an Murtabak says:
satu proses yang memenatkan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tidak menggunakan akal walau untuk perkara remeh
Pa'an Murtabak says:
satu pembaziran yang memenatkan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
apa guna mengampil protien dan nutrien
Pa'an Murtabak says:
apa logiknya mengambil vitamin dan buah kismis
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ahahaha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
makin dalam ko niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
En. Phillipa Monica says:
wehh p tulis lagu dan lirik
En. Phillipa Monica says:
pasti meletop !
Pa'an Murtabak says:
haha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
seryes ni
En. Phillipa Monica says:
terapi la
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku tak cukup rapi untuk ke arah itu
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku mungkin mahir membuat benang
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tapi aku kalut di dalam menjahit
En. Phillipa Monica says:
takpa
En. Phillipa Monica says:
slow jahit
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku tak pernah kenal erti perlahan, slow, mahupun pelan pelan kayuh
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sepanjang hidup ini kita bagaikan di paksa paksa untuk lekas ke sana, lekas ke mari
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tanpa kita paham apa sebenarnya yang menanti di sana, apa sebenarnya yang di tinggal kan disini
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ha kan
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kejar sana sini
En. Phillipa Monica says:
penat
Pa'an Murtabak says:
baiklah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku rasa aku ingin kembali
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kembali kepada ketidakendahan
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kembali ke mana bro ?
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ahahaha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
yes
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tapi kau takleh camtu
En. Phillipa Monica says:
sbb kau dah biasa amik endah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
walau sudah cuba
Pa'an Murtabak says:
walau sudah tahu
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku masih ada insan insan yang berada di dunia yang akan aku kembali
Pa'an Murtabak says:
insan insan yang menjadi penyegar hati
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ehehehe
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tapi kadang2 perlu penyegar tu
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kadang2 kau sendri segar sendiri
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kadang kadang aku fikir
Pa'an Murtabak says:
mungkin ada sebab kenapa kadangkala aku cemburu melihat pasangan berkasih
Pa'an Murtabak says:
bukan kerana aku cemburu tiada orang untuk aku berkongsi kasih
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tapi ?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku cemburu kerana aku sangsi aku boleh berikan kasih sedemikian
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku terlalu takut untuk mengecewakan sepertimana aku takut dikecewakan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
dan belum lagi sepanjang 21 tahun aku bernafas
Pa'an Murtabak says:
belum aku temui insan yang aku sanggup lupakan segala kesakitan yang bakal tiba, segala kepayahan yang akan datang
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ala bro
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kau pikir kau camtu ke
En. Phillipa Monica says:
aku pon la
En. Phillipa Monica says:
aku tade komitmen
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tapi aku cuba
En. Phillipa Monica says:
benda ni cam main musik gak bro
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kene cuba baru rasa
Pa'an Murtabak says:
apa kau pikir aku tak pernah mencuba?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tak pernah mengambil setapak langkah ke hadapan?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku sudah cukup melangkah untuk kenal erti 'berundur'
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sudah cukup paham dengan erti yang tersirat
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tapi bro
En. Phillipa Monica says:
jgn sampai mengalah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku cuba mengalah untuk jadi pengalah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
masih mencuba
En. Phillipa Monica says:
knapa mesti kau mengalah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
dan aku rasa cubaan aku hampir berjaya
En. Phillipa Monica says:
knapa weh
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku sudah berusaha
En. Phillipa Monica says:
kau kena ada sifat pentingkan diri weh
En. Phillipa Monica says:
seriusss
En. Phillipa Monica says:
jgn la ko pikir nk jaga hati org
En. Phillipa Monica says:
sedang hati kau kau buang jauh
En. Phillipa Monica says:
serius
En. Phillipa Monica says:
pentingkan diri
En. Phillipa Monica says:
fuck ah apa org nk ckp
En. Phillipa Monica says:
yg penting kau puas
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sejak kehilangan ayahanda, aku mendidik diri untuk memuaskan diri dengan melihat kepuasan orang lain. terutama
adik-adik aku
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tak sangka
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sekarang barangkali menjadi pemakan diri
Pa'an Murtabak says:
tapi aku tak mengeluh
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku tak pasrah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
aku malah berterima kasih. bersyukur
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sebab secara tidak langsung, aku menjadi dewasa di dalam kekalutan mencari diri
En. Phillipa Monica says:
btol bro
En. Phillipa Monica says:
tapi
En. Phillipa Monica says:
sampai bila
En. Phillipa Monica says:
?
Pa'an Murtabak says:
barangkali sampai sudah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sampai habis
Pa'an Murtabak says:
bila itu, perrkataan yang kejam
En. Phillipa Monica says:
jgn la bro
Pa'an Murtabak says:
empat huruf tersusun itu
Pa'an Murtabak says:
semudah itu menjadi penyentap jiwa
Pa'an Murtabak says:
semudah itu mendiamkan suara
Pa'an Murtabak says:
b i l a
Pa'an Murtabak says:
allahuakbar
En. Phillipa Monica says:
aduhaii
En. Phillipa Monica says:
terok kes ko ni bro
En. Phillipa Monica says:
jgn la
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kalau kau rasa situasi ini teruk
Pa'an Murtabak says:
usah bimbang
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kerana aku, sepertimana semua umat manusia di bumi ini
Pa'an Murtabak says:
pandai berlakon
Pa'an Murtabak says:
lakonan aku tidak mahu tidak, memang akan berterusan
Pa'an Murtabak says:
hanya seorang pelakon yang tahu bahawa dia sedang berlakon atau sebaliknya
Pa'an Murtabak says:
jangan risau
Pa'an Murtabak says:
lakonan kau tak akan terbongkar
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sepertimana lakonan orang lain, dan orang lain selain nya
En. Phillipa Monica says:
ehehe
En. Phillipa Monica says:
aku tak tau apa lagi ayat nk aku susun
Pa'an Murtabak says:
sudahlah
Pa'an Murtabak says:
kita semua penat
Pa'an Murtabak says:
biar sahaja ia tergantung
That was my MSN chat with Efry. I never knew a song could get me all nonsensical. Well, maybe some of it made sense. Forgive me if you'r reading it and not knowing a single thing. It's entirely in Malay or as it is formally known, Bahasa Malaysia. If, if, if you're someeeehow intrigued, ask me and I'll explain in a language we mutually understand.
Bye.
I have been neglecting this space for a long while now. Well, I have been neglecting a lOt of things lately.
So December's finally here. It's been a wonderful November. So where was I ever since the fated car crash? Allow me to regale...
(Click photos for further descriptions)
The moment I came home from Sg. Buloh, the only thought that ran in my
head was, "could we pull this job?". Oh, for those who's just tuning
in, Hafeez requested a song
from us to be used in his short film entry for RTM's Anugerah Filem
Pendek. He gave us the assignment way more than a month before the
deadline but given my previous state (exams!) we were forced to put
works on hold for a while longer. What made me ponder even more is that
what we're asked to do is something the band isn't used to; "short,
brooding and magical".
So the following day after my 'unscheduled' crash we had a practice session at my place. I somehow came up with a riff suitable for a piano rhythm section back in campus so that was pretty much the starting ground. And not forgetting the faux percussive riff I stumbled upon when playing around with Azhar's Triton somewhere during Ramadhan. Safe to say that we can basically picture the song from start to finish. Typically, I already have the song title in my head prior to practice. Simply, Mubarak. I was told that the short is about a defunct father - son relationship with the son having a monologue wondering what went wrong and how he wished that they're on speaking terms again. I read the script, tried consuming the whole theme but I guess what made the process easier is Hafeez himself. I've known him long enough to get the point he's trying to get across. I think.
Day 1 of Mubarak went pretty breezy. It took Azhar a little over 5
minutes to translate the whole tablature onto the keyboard. Yeah, the
riff is that simple. We did discussed a while back about the gears we
used. Like how the KAOSS Pad is becoming a monotonous staple to our
sound, the limitations we imposed on the EMX and how the microKORG is
clearly untouched. I personally was kinda bored with guitars so this
soundtrack is a perfect test run for both EMX and microKORG, and a good
window to throw the guitar away out of the picture.
We spent the day literally looking for the right beats to suit the mood. This is where Shah's EMX unleashed its wrath. Rummaging the many patterns it has to offer might take more than a year if it falls in uncapable hands. We settled for desert-ish whooshesh and cymbal chimings which we thought back then, was minimal enough. Ended the session with the customary drinks at Pelita.
Adib's been busy with his job at the design firm so he was left out from practice sessions. Day 3 of Mubarak saw us hitting the studio for the first time with hope that somehow his drumming will whip up something inspiring. But fate has it that a day before, Shah's home was struck by lightning and all his gears was electrocuted so yeah, we hit the wall pretty hard that night. We spent the studio time locking thedrums for the faux percussive part -another frustrating episode- and left with yet another dissapointment in our minds. We braced for the worst as the electrocution might cause the whole project to cease.
We took a brief break from the whole process. Some perspective outlook
was needed. Day 4 of Mubarak started on a high note. Shah's rig was
done in a day since the lightning only caused damage to the power
supplies. But that alone costed him RM400. Ouch. But everyone was
relieved nonetheless. As we were taking a breather from figuring out
the song's arrangement, I accidently played something. Something
sensible.
Spending the next half hour frantically figuring out chords for the progression proved to be an exciting series of events. Shah consequently came up with gorgeous ambient bleeps to replace the previous unimaginative patterns and I finally prevail with the microKORG after spending a couple of nights with it. We recorded the proposed arrangements of the song and ended the day thinking 'we might just make it'.
Day 5 of Mubarak was our 2nd studio practice. We were the last patrons to use the space so we pretty much have all the time in the world. But that seemed too much as it only took us an hour to finish up the song. We switched off most of the lights in the studio so the atmosphere was kinda serene with flickering LEDs from our instruments guiding the night away. We were so uplifted that night that we even played a new rocky tune (tentatively titled Instant-Teriyaki Romance) to wrap up our session. Had a blast at Mango afterwards. My banana shake was surprisingly Slushee-ish. Yummy.
As the deadline for submisson was dawning upon us, we decided that the song's ready to be recorded. After a few phone calls, Meng's studio (officially known as StandingWave Productions) was the place to get it done since Mokh's filled to the brim with metal noiseniks. Another session at Azhar's was no more than just finalizing details. But it went pretty dready with the weather and all.
Then came Thursday.
We initially booked a 10:30 p.m slot but since Meng was somewhat late, and Lied's Adlin and Wan were still laying down drum tracks, we loafed at the lounge talking crap and making fun of Shah and his neverending quest for the perfect body. Bono decided to tag along since her band didn't record that night. Meng summoned us when the watch flashed 12:30 a.m.
Adib was in a rush since he had to session for ElmKids gig the next day so we had to make it quick without rushing it. The one-all approach suggested by Meng complimented the whole process greatly as it saved us a lot of time (and money). But that wasn't such a smooth sail. We were kinda lost with the proposed tempo that it took us almost 5 minutes to get back on track. Come recording time, Adib majestically took just one take and it was good for keeps.
Will the song make it for the soundtrack? I have my own opinions on that. But I do hope the short film make its way to its deserving spot.
I'll be back here regularly. Watch out this space.
Three down, ONE to go.
My hand is aching. You see, we Accountancy students only use pens and
pencils to jot down calculated numbers and to state whether it is
profitable or not to invest in certain stocks and bonds. So it's safe
to say that we keep our jotting minds to a minimum. But when it comes
to subjects as IPK 211 (Islamic Professional Knowledge), it is very
much; a bitch.
I never have problems with writing. My problem is always with the subject. I mean, how do you expect someone to write at least 3 pages on ways of obtaining wealth in lieu of a batil (haram , illegal) will affect you as a muslim without repeating mentioned points? Oh you can? Good for you.
Oh boy. I think the reason why I miss home is that I could make entries
like this while seating on a proper chair. At my bachelor pad it's all
about taking it to the mat. Legs folded, side-parted or lying down.
None of which is a comfort. Even this cyber cafe I'm at echoes the
'bersila' sentiment. My poor back. I think it'll be crooked by the time
I'm 25.
Ok. I'm hungry. Lunch time. Laters!
One down, three to go.
Something's a little but off about this semester's finals. I can't pinpoint what. Ok, so the Investment paper's not as nightmare-ish as it was the previous semester. I wouldn't say I aced it but at least I'm safe enough to claim not having to register for MAF380 again for next semester.
Perhaps it's the diminishing Raya mood. Pn Nooriha was in a way right that Raya is there to celebrate every single year unlike the chance to graduate that comes only twice or thrice in a lifetime. It made sense, I agree. But no matter how hard you try, you can't lie to your heart. It's only been a week goddamnit. I wanna crash more open houses!
That, was somehow answered with a calming calling. Cik Marina invited us Repeaters for a lil' get together at her crib in Bandar Universiti yesterday. The only turn ups were me, Shaf, Hapis, BM, Didie, Ain and Afzan. We had fun, the food's great albeit being minimal in variety. I never knew Cucur Ketam (one of Cik Marina's many food inventions. a crab-shaped, vegan version of cucur udang) could be so addictive. I think I ate like, a dozen. It was kinda hot and humid that night (perhaps it was Ain. her tank top drove our tempretures right up) that I had to catch a breather outside. We left around 5 minutes to 9, but not before borrowing Catch Me If You Can and Confronting The Evidence: A Call To Re-Open The 9/11 Investigations for my enjoyment for the rest of the night.
I'm supposed to start making a CD mix for some friends. They seem compelled to educate themselves given the fact that I practically have 'an entire collection of alien music' in my exty and lappie. But I woke up late, missing my Friday prayers and battling a surging migraine that felt like tonnes of brick exploding one by one in my head. So how do I manage to type this unperturbed?
Took the keys, drove far, and got myself a haircut. After all the Pandols and Polaramines, shedding a heavy amount of my bobbed hair should do the trick. I look like a blast from a twisted past. Centre-parted up front, jet black mullet-like at the back. I should be back at the house cracking books and taking formulas to heart but then this dose of momentary escape is a much needed drug. So now off I go, leaving the patrons of this cyber cafe another empty computer screen for them to oogle at.
Goodbye.
What I will miss most about Ramadhan is how magical the holy month can be and the wonders it did to yours truly. The hereafter rewards you ask? Sadly no. Although I am not proud of saying this, it's a fact that I am not God's most humble, abiding servant. I'm rather enthralled at how things take its paths. From my hightened concentration in sleep-inducing classes to my generally good daily mood, everything else in between seemed a walk in the park. No, scratch that. It's actually like enjoying an awesome serving of Mi Sedaap. Yes, it's that yummy.
Let's not dwell into food details ok?. But I can't help to talk about the loveliness of how 'cheerful' the gorgeously delicious foods are displayed at the Ramadhan Bazaar in Sri Iskandar and for it to be tasteful just adds a lot of sassy plus points to it. Seriously! Lan's short stint, part time foray as a Bubur Ayam vendor didn't go in vain as his homemade chicken porridge could very well give McDonald's a serious run for their money. Everyday is a sold out day. The quality of Achik's currypuffs have been on a constant high throughout the month, Abang Lebai dishes the best Roti Boom ever in years and where the hell can you get an awesome Carrot Juice for the price less than a Milo Ais other than the one served by Abang Askar? Now don't get me started on the oddball-yet-ball-busting Yong Tau Fu! It's a gift from heaven....
Oops. So much for not rambling on details.
On another note, Ramadan somehow fueled my composing drive and somewhat sharpens my lyrical instinct. Perhaps it's the food I consume. Yummm.
Regardless, I've been so driven that I decided to finally set up a revamped Anjakan Paradigma which now has 4 songs under its belt without the band having its 1st meet up. Telephony Delivery's getting its share of the pie as well as I've got a rough/clear idea of how the soundtrack job for Hafeez's short film would sound like. There's been 2 or 3 suggestive tracks but it is more likely that Mubarak (named as such as it was written over the course of 2 consecutive Ramadhans) will make the cut to be surgically dissected under our attentive care. Other new tracks are shaping up as well, giving us a chance to better use our studio time in the coming months.
All that happening in a single, unforgettable month? Could Syawal be any better?
So far, I'm still smiling.
It's extremely comfy to celebrate the first day of Syawal with my very own family here in USJ. The busy scent of the city is somehow my idea of spiritual bliss. You can take me out of the suburban, but you can't take the suburban out of me. Yes, I am a budak bandar and I'll admit to it again and again and again. Hell, even my mum's kampung's in Kg. Baru/Singapore which hardly qualifies as a common kampung. Arwah Ayah's side in Tapah? I shall not start on that. It's adding insult into lifelong scar.
So this year we decide to have it at Ki's place in Dungun. It is by far, the best Raya I've ever experienced. The only Raya that I actually feel how celebrating in kampung is actually like. Well, we set off on a very funny note actually. We only flew to Dungun on Raya eve, just after break fasting and we left for USJ on the 2nd day of Raya. Yes, we flew Air Asia. How 'balik kampung' was that?
The 2 nights I was there, I finally witnessed and understood the relations my cousins and aunts/uncs have established amongst themselves. One that made me envious. See, I never had that buddy-like rapport with my elderlies. Maybe I am to blame. Maybe I just don't know what went wrong. So that explains why I spent my days there examining the ties between them and it's downright wonderful. I'm amazed at how clockwork-like the whole thing can be. Everysingle day, without a whisper of words, each and everyone of them is somehow synced into the routine with military precision. Be it preparing breakfast/lunch/dinner right down to entertaining guests that came for beraya, it's like living a in a big ass, fancy diner. Everyday is a kenduri day.
I had fun observing the many antics of my cousins. The twins Kakak and Dedek has grown up so much that they look like a scarf-clad cucumber running around the house in their Raya garb. Others are very much their usual self but yet again, Siti grabbed my fancy. I caught her catching glimpses my way and noticed the smiles she made whenever I let out a funny remark or when I litely laughed at a joke while looking her way. Is that flirting? Entah. I can tell you this -potentially sounding cheesily dorkish here- in a nutshell, she's a bombshell in her own way and I find it hard to ignore the fact. Heh.
So as we got back from Terengganu last night, my head was swirling with afterthoughts and anticipation for the coming weeks. Finals are beckoning. My revision progress is still at a standstill. Damn. Blame the holidays. Actually all that excitement costs me a sudden high fever. Probably due to the dry wheather up in the East Coast. I think I'm recovering. Tomorrow will be a continuation of the occasional house visit for Hari Raya. My duit raya collection status is in good health. Whee.
