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JANUARY 2016 ISSUE #208
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THE FUTURE OF POP
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HELLOOOOO 2016! It’s the dawn of a brand new year alright and it doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice – we’re charging ahead and you’re so comin’ along. In all honesty, we’ve barely recovered from the phenomenal year-end parties like our very own 17th anniversary Barely Legal bash, Neon Lights (page 28), It’s The Ship! (page 34) and ZoukOut (page 30). Yet, we’re already going festival-crazy for the upcoming Laneway 2016 (page 14), and are packing our bags for the inaugural party cruise, Shipsomnia. Too much fun, so little time!
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While we’re not quite resolutions people, we want to channel renewed faith and positive energy to ring in the new moon with a loud bang. That’s why we named this issue, ‘+’. Start your year right and join us to show some love for our homies at Zouk – read all about the club’s #THISREDDOT movement (page 20) and band together! Elsewhere, we’ve also lined up beauty ideas to start your year on a clean slate and style tips for curvy ladies to embrace the shape they are blessed with. Forget the naysayers – we are gonna rock it.
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CONTENTS PURITY RING
Even at their most abstract, Purity Ring testifies to the transcendental power of pop music. Over the course of two albums, Megan James and Corin Roddick have levitated into the mainstream pop arena with skyward, stargazing sounds and a heart-rending emotional intensity. Before they bless us with their ethereal gifts at Laneway Festival Singapore 2016, we catch up with them for a better glimpse of their cosmic rays. Image Courtesy of Renata Raksha
LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2016 Celebrating all things Laneway for its sixth instalment here.
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#THISREDDOT
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Zouk needs you, so rise to it.
44 74
14
curves ahead
Online stores that dress full figures in stylish, covetable threads.
MAXED OUT Ta k e o n p r o p o r t i o n , t e x t u r e a n d s h a p e w i t h a maximalist streak.
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Start your year right by undoing the festive abuse on your locks.
on the plus side A lookback on 2015’s best moments in pop culture.
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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
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O u r t o p p i c k s o f t h e b e s t t a b l e t s o n o f f e r.
JANUARY 2016
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obsessions
Happy New You!
THE TEAM SHARES THEIR #NEEDTHISINMYLIFE ITEM FOR A BETTER 2016.
HOARD IN STYLE
image credit : muji.eu
BEDSIDE BARISTA
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For 2016, I’ve resolved to work on the organisation of my barangs. After all, my karang guni tendency is no secret. I always have a justification as to why I need certain things, how I ’d u s e ’ e m i n t h e n e a r future, and why I’ll need ’em one day; the inner hoarder always wins. So to make my stash of nonessential-but-cannotthrow items look a lil’ more presentable, I’m counting on these clear acrylic drawers from Muji to de-clutter. Sleek and sturdy in various configurations, they are a neat and affordable addition to any vanity and wardrobe; especially mine.
Available at muji.com.sg.
Jazmin Kelly Six Editor @adoseofpretty
STRUT LIKE A GAWD Next year, I want to be better. Not just as a person, in the Chicken Soup For The Soul kind of way, but better in every aspect of my life. To own that spirit and to walk that walk to overall greatness, I need the all-new triple-black Yeezy 750 Boosts. Just look at how baller they are! Peep how the plush premium suede upper and that winningly obnoxious Velcro strap emanate pure don’t-try-me attitude. With these on, I’m sure the long walk to personal fulfillment will be a lil’ easier. Yeezy, I’ve been a lifelong fan. Please, hook me up! $549, available at Limited Edt via ballot.
Indran P Music Editor @bigocean
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Put simply, mornings and I don’t get along. The smell of freshly brewed coffee, however, will wake me from the dead within seconds. Eliminating the process of walking to the kitchen in a zombified state, Londonbased designer Joshua Renouf has invented what could quell the bad blood between daybreak and caffeine fiends forever. Combining an alarm clock with an automated barista, the Barisieur eases you out of your slumber with the subtle clinking of inductionheated ball bearings, while the aroma of fresh java gets motors running to take on the day. Where have you been all my life?! Visit joshrenoufdesign.com for more info.
Trent Davis Lifestyle/Online Writer @trentobentogram
Between pushing deadlines and attending fashion parties, I’m finding less time to chillax. So come 2016, my biggest endeavour would be to set aside more rest time and the Jawbone UP3 is going to help me with that. On top of everything else that’s packed into this wristband, the one thing I love is its sleep-tracking capabilities. It doesn’t just track the user’s heart rate and respiration rate, but also provides stats for body temperature, galvanic skin response, REM durations and the amount of deep sleep you chalk up. And if that’s not impressive enough, it also offers a smart alarm system, so you’ll never have to worry about snoozing while in dreamland. US$179.99, jawbone.com
Aaron Kok Fashion Writer/Stylist @whatsupaaron
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SERVIN’ UP THE FRESHEST CONTENT
OUR EXCLUSIVE WEB HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH CHAT: KAMASI WASHINGTON
WE TALK ABOUT EPIC SAX WITH THE WEST COAST JAZZ VIRTUOSO.
CHAT: ILLUMINARI
WE SPEAK WITH THE SINGAPOREAN COLLECTIVE ON THEIR PROGRESSIVE TRIP-HOP DEBUT.
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN
GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST RENOWNED ARTWORKS IN A SERIES SCREENED EXCLUSIVELY AT THE PROJECTOR.
JAPANESE BANDS WHO NAILED THEIR ENGRISH THESE JAPANESE ROCKERS HAVE STUDIED UP AND ARE TAKING THEIR ENGLISH TUNES BEYOND THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN.
THE DARK SIDE OF HIP-HOP
WE SCRATCH BENEATH THE SURFACE TO UNCOVER HIP-HOP ARTISTES WHO SHARE SINISTER UNDERTONES.
FRESH SCENTS
SCENT YOURSELF INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH THESE FRESH NEW FRAGRANCES.
INTO THE OUTNET WE CATCH UP WITH THE BRAINS BEHIND THE OUTNET TO FIND OUT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN E-COMMERCE FASHION LEADER.
CHOCOOLATE CROSSOVER COLLECTIONS THE HONG KONG-BASED CASUAL-WEAR CONNOISSEUR BRINGS IN THREE COLLABORATIVE COLLECTIONS TO MELT YOUR HEART.
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Text Indran P Images Various Sources
everything It must really suck to be a purist right now. Just as Drake and Future outlined in the title of their collaborative mixtape, we’re living in a magical moment where all the old rules are dead. Likewise, Gaika’s music is also sign-of-the-times resplendent. In his new debut mixtape, Machine, the Brixton native melds grime, dancehall, garage, hip-hop, dub and R&B into menacing, dagger-edged eruptions. This is powerful, defiantly maximal music that speaks to the tensions of our time with a political force that will also make you lose it on the dance floor. “If people get it, then they get it”, he once said. You heard him – get it.
soundcloud.com/gaikasays
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PURITY RING music
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Text Indran P Image & Interview Courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
EVEN AT THEIR MOST ABSTRACT, PURITY RING TESTIFIES TO THE TRANSCENDENTAL POWER OF POP MUSIC. OVER THE COURSE OF THEIR TWO ALBUMS, 2012’S SHRINES AND LAST YEAR’S ANOTHER ETERNITY, THE CANADIAN DUO OF MEGAN JAMES AND CORIN RODDICK HAS LEVITATED INTO THE MAINSTREAM POP ARENA WITH SKYWARD, STARGAZING SOUNDS AND A HEART-RENDING EMOTIONAL INTENSITY – PLAYING A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ENRICHING THE LEXICON OF POPULAR MUSIC ITSELF. IT’S NO SURPRISE WHY THE PURITY RING ETHOS HAS SINCE BECOME A RELIABLE TEMPLATE TO FOLLOW BY ACTS SEEKING TO DISSOLVE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN INDIE AND MAINSTREAM, AND POP AND DANCE. BEFORE JAMES AND RODDICK BLESS US WITH THEIR ETHEREAL GIFTS AT LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2016, WE CATCH UP WITH THEM FOR A BETTER GLIMPSE OF THEIR COSMIC RAYS.
Anyone with a functioning pair of ears will attest that pop is sounding larger, vaster and louder these days. This has got everything to do with the cross-pollination between the indie, pop and dance worlds, a phenomenon that Purity Ring affirmed they were clued into on Shrines. “I think it’s only natural”, says Roddick when asked about his boundary-levelling approach on the album, adding, “when people do the same thing over and over again, they get bored of it and want to make it exciting and fresh, so they look to other things and see how they can combine them”. Clearly, Roddick and James felt that they were on to something, christening their first modus on their first singles “future pop”. Even a casual listen to older hits such as “Ungirthed” and “Belispeak”, will reveal a roadmap into the sound and sensibility that dominate the Interwebs and airwaves today: soaring, tough-to-categorise melodies carrying James’ devastating freight, as in “Belispeak”’s “Drill little holes into my eyelids / That I might see you / That I might see you when I sleep”. Of the mainstream and indie imitators who have co-opted his band’s path-lighting methods over the years, Roddick reacts bemusedly, “I think it’s fine. I see it as indie music going forward”. What makes his magnanimity even more impressive is the fact that James and him were never in the same room while Shrines was being made. Yes, despite the incredible chemistry between the vocals and beats, the record came together – in Roddick’s words – as a “stream of consciousness”, with the two sending song ideas via email back and forth when they worked in different cities in Canada. That they managed to cull from artistes as disparate as Burial and Grimes while in service of their own vision, communicating only via the Interwebs, is surely something to marvel at. So, when he recalls their process as, “I would just make a full track and send it to her, and she would break open what was on the whole thing and tweak it a little here and there and that would more or less be the song”, you can’t help but think that he’s being a little bit blase about something that damn well produced a template for modern, Internet-age pop as we know it. Truly, this was one of the times a long-distance (working) relationship paid off, handsomely. After three years, with the rest of world trying to catch up with their own indebted iterations of ‘future’ and ‘pop’, Purity Ring unveiled Another Eternity. Even before we dig into it, Roddick is quick to stress the most important facet of the album to him: that the pair “actually worked in the same room for a lot of it”. Being physically present in the same space not only allowed them to put more attention to the minutiae of each song, it also, he elaborates, fulfilled their aim of taking the challenge to the pop they had brought into the world one album ago. “We used less reverb”, he affirms, alluding to the more soulfully prominent space James’ vocals occupy in the mix, and especially on the stirring highlight “begin again”, and the clearer, rounder sounds of the music as a whole. But you can’t please everyone – some bloodthirsty critics have accused Another Eternity of committing the heinous sin of being “too pop”. For his part, though, Roddick is unblinking. “Just because it was composed with more intent behind the melodicism doesn’t make it a pop record. It only seems like a pop record”, is his rebuttal. To which we unreservedly say, “true that”! Cue “Push Pool” or our favourite, “Repetition” (which is home to the searing line, “Watching me is like watching the fire take your eyes from you”) and you’ll realise that as universally resonant as they are, a firmly left-field, chart-scoffing mentality informs them all. Still, Roddick needs no reassuring. “I don’t like to worry. I try not to pay too much attention to what else is happening in the realm around us so it doesn’t affect us too much and we don’t end up making any kind of reaction to music, if that makes sense”, he offers; his casual charm not an affectation but a sincere show of self-belief. So when Laneway 2016 rolls into town this month, we’ll be privy to his audaciously original moves as he takes the stage with Megan. When Purity Ring comes on, you know you’re in for an experience that will beam you into the stratosphere and back. But don’t just take it from us. Hear it from Roddick himself: “it’s going to be awesome!”. Beyond that, what form ‘future pop’ will take is anyone’s guess. For now, Roddick leaves us with this: “we will probably switch it up again next time”.
Purity Ring takes the stage at Laneway Festival Singapore 2016, happening on January 30 at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay. purityringthing.com
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BIG DAY OUT
IT’S OBVIOUS BUT IT HAS TO BE SAID: ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL IS A BIG, BIG DEAL. WHAT STARTED OUT AS A STREET PARTY IN A GRITTY LANEWAY IN MELBOURNE 11 YEARS AGO IS NOW THE PRE-EMINENT INDIE ROCK SPECTACULAR IN OUR LITTLE RED DOT. AS THE FESTIVAL THAT ALWAYS OUTDOES ITSELF, EVERY UPCOMING EDITION IS A PROMISE OF GREAT THINGS TO COME. AND AS WE WAIT FOR 2016’S TO UNSPOOL ITS GIFTS, LET’S CELEBRATE ALL THINGS LANEWAY.
LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2016
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THE BEST OF LANEWAY IT’S BEEN SIX YEARS SINCE LANEWAY FIRST BLESSED OUR SHORES WITH A SPECTRUM-DEFYING PAYLOAD OF (SORTA) INDEPENDENT ACTS. ‘ALL ALT EVERYTHING’ HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BIGGER OR BETTER. HERE ARE OUR 10 FAVOURITE LANEWAY MEMORIES.
DEERHUNTER (2011)
YEASAYER (2013)
The first of them all, Laneway 2011 set the tone for what was to follow, year after year. Bucket list-fulfilling right from the very beginning, it was a manifesto more than a mere foretaste. And Deerhunter absolutely slayed it with their ethereal racket.
These returning heroes came back with a whole new look and sound the second time around. With two more albums of staggering psychedelically inflected tribal sounds, the band had more songs, more fans, more everything.
!!! (2011)
HAIM (2014)
We’ve seen the Sacramento pranksters on a number of stages since but this is where we saw them first. And like their sprawling, unpredictable songs, they were electric. Frontman Nic Offer was tireless; an unrelenting fount of livewire energy and winning (read: killer) moves.
Before they were part of Tay Tay’s very visible #girlsquad, Este, Danielle and Alana were an insistently crowdpleasing force of nature – and we loved (still do) them for it. The hits came nonstop, as did Este’s goofy-hot moves. 015
THE HORRORS (2012)
THE OBSERVATORY (2014)
The second coming of the fest brought with it bigger names in the form of Feist and Toro Y Moi, but no other act did more to shake the crowd than the English polyglot rock outfit. Theirs was a freaky show.
This was the year when local acts got in on the Laneway roster. It was apt, then, that the long-reigning kingpins of ‘Made In Singapore’ noise of a cutting-edge variant got to play one of the main stages. The drone-psych barrage they treated us to was magnificent.
TWIN SHADOW (2012)
MAC DEMARCO (2015)
Remember when George Lewis Jr gave his guitar to a smiling member of the audience, mid-set? How absolutely awesome was that? Yes, his set was bombastically dramatic and stunning, but the guy gave away his guitar while he was playing!
Who could forget the moment when indie rock’s reigning prince dived into the crowd midway through his bluesy, blissed-out set? That move was par for the course in a performance where irreverence met (he referred to Courtney Barnett as “Celine Dion”) casual, near-effortless virtuosity.
JAPANDROIDS (2013)
ST. VINCENT (2015)
Laneway 2013 has an especial place in our hearts because of the unabashedly heart-on-sleeve showing by Brian King and David Prowse. This Canadian duo’s guitar-and-drum assault was as much a cathartic forum as it was an unabashedly open form of disclosure. Love.
Hands down, one of the most technically spell-binding of Laneway performers, St. Vincent’s set was also our top pick of them all. Her freezedried digi-funk was imposing as it was breathtaking. That black latex cheongsam tho…
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TOP OF THE POPS TWENTY-TWO BANDS IS A LOT TO TAKE IN – THAT’S A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE. AND WHILE YOU’RE PLANNING YOUR LANEWAY SCHED, HIT UP THIS PLAYLIST TO HELP YOU GET THE BEST EXPERIENCE.
“SEX” THE 1975
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They’re not the indie-est name on the roster but these picture-perfect Manchester lads know how to unlock limbs. When they play this feels-packed arena-pop anthem, you’ll be dancing too.
“ONE THING” BEACH HOUSE
These Laneway alumni traffic in the mesmerising. If their regular mode isn’t already enchanting enough, this new one, buffered by textured, alternately chugging and trilling guitars, will beam you to space.
“FLESH WITHOUT BLOOD” GRIMES
“RYDERZ” HUDSON MOHAWKE
“FF BADA” BATTLES
This is about a New Year’s party. But it’s a Thundercat song – which means all that festive euphoria is inflected in grooves so voluptuous, you feel like you were there too.
Just when the world thought that HudMo couldn’t top the worldconsuming strain of trap he co-invented, he called its bluff and dropped this – the soundtrack to the greatest party ever; one that oozes soul.
This is a band that makes endlessly explorable, insistently fun music seem so easy. It’s hard not to marvel at how “FF Bada” builds by layers into a fantastic climax – with a knowing wink.
“GET AWAY” THE INTERNET
“CALL IT OFF” SHAMIR
“CLEAREST BLUE” CHVRCHES
“ELLIPSE” INTRIGUANT
Listening to this track, it’s hard to believe that its exquisitely smouldering hushed soul coos come from the girl who mans the decks for Odd Future. But they do. Oh yes, they do.
Sometimes breakups are cause for celebration, and celebration is an area Shamir excels in. Here, his androgynous, no-nonsense voice hits the dizzying Technicolour beat perfectly and precisely for pure pop pleasure.
Unlike the maximal candycoated synth-pop bangers we’re used to from this Glaswegian trio, this new one doesn’t have a chorus. It just builds and builds to a free-fall of a climax.
What this homegrown beatsmith brings to the decks is quietly staggering. Pomo-minded, his approach deftly honours and warps soul, hip-hop and electronica into gleaming new forms with darkened edges.
The Canadian future-pop shamaness has said that she scrapped her long-awaited follow-up to 2012’s Visions because “it sucked”. But when this cut hit the ether, all was good. It’s positively gorgeous.
“OH SHEIT IT’S X” THUNDERCAT
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BEST DAY EVER INTRIGUANT
WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE YOUR BACK. THAT’S WHY WE’RE SHARING THESE TIME-HONOURED TIPS THAT HAVE SEEN US THROUGH MANY A LANEWAY AND MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO HAVE THE BEST OF TIMES. COME, HAVE AT ’EM.
Syndicate’s young gun lets us in on his first upcoming Laneway show and his sound decisions.
LOOK THE PART Just ’cos it’s an indie festival doesn’t mean the flannel and chinos have to come out. Boot up, if you want, but make sure you greet the heat with shorts, T-shirts and shades.
BE OPEN-MINDED Even if some of the acts aren’t familiar to you, just check out what they have to offer anyway. Being immune to discovery is like the worst thing ever.
DRINK UP You’re in for over 12 hours of next-level live music. To best enjoy all of it, make sure you’re hydrated enough to dance, vibe and sing/scream along.
Hey, Louis! How do you feel about playing at Laneway Festival
Singapore 2016?
STEADY, STEADY
I was pretty overwhelmed when they approached me to be part of the
Yes, Laneway’s always served up a delightful array of booze. We strongly urge y’all to pace yourselves as you down that liquid gold – imagine blacking out and missing Grimes.
lineup. I have always had a great time at Laneway Festival the past few years and I never expected to play at this year’s shindig.
ALL SMILES
Who are you looking forward to catch at Laneway 2016? This year’s lineup is spread through different genres. Personally, I’m
You already know this one. Festivals are a great place to meet new or like-minded peeps. Be friendly, be chill and you’ll enjoy the festival so much more.
looking forward to catching Thundercat, Hudson Mohawke and The Internet. If I could squeeze one more in, I would say Battles.
STAY FOCUSED
What are you hoping people will get out of your set?
You want to catch Shamir do his thing while some of your friends want to break for ice-cream sandwiches. Stay with Shamir! If you’re there for the music, take in all of it.
I’m composing a whole new set for the festival and some of these songs will be performed for the first time. I’m really excited to share this performance as it’ll be a full-on show with a live band behind me,
TUCK IN
and also special appearances from guest vocalists like Tim De Cotta from TAJ, Eugenia Yip of Riot !n Magenta as her alter ego persona,
By now, it’s clear that the spread at Laneway is beyond delectable. We’re talking about the grub, too. Ditch your high-kale diet and treat yourself to all that awesome festival nosh.
Ginny, and Charlie Lim. Congrats on Ellipse. What does that record mean to you?
GET YOUR SLEEP ON
Thank you very much! It was a record that showed the journey
Make sure you’re well rested when you arrive at The Meadow. It’s no fun sitting down the whole time. You have to be up to manoeuvre through the masses for the best views.
that I had so far as an electronic music producer. Pulling all these influences from different corners of the spectrum into the EP. How did the switch from experimenting with vinyl records to your
ESSENTIALS ONLY
more electronic sounds happen?
Pretty self-explanatory, this one is. Leave your valuables at home so you don’t have to fuss about them. Also, imbibe the fest through your eyes and not your phone.
Before I bought my first pair of turntables, I had an MPC drum machine. So I would dabble on it and figure out how it worked. From there, I started out on being a scratch DJ/ turntablist and over the years, music production came back to me naturally.
When everyone’s happy, it becomes that much easier to have fun. Respect each other’s personal space when you’re dancing and jiving. And if someone’s nice to you, pay it forward.
And lastly, what have you got lined up for the future? Text Indran P Image KIAT
Text Indran P Images Various Sources
ONE LOVE
Laneway Festival Singapore 2016 happens on January 30 at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay. singapore.lanewayfestival.com
music
Currently, I’m working on a new release. It will feature some of the songs that will be performed at Laneway 2016, although the album isn’t going to be out before that. So in a way, the Laneway showcase will be debuting exclusive, never-heard-before material.
soundcloud.com/intriguant
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KANYE WEST - YEEZUS
It’s not a stretch to think that when Kanye Omari West became Kanye West, pop culture was going to get an earful. No other artiste, let alone megastar, has interrogated society’s expectations of its celebrities, refusing at every turn to be pigeonholed into a casual category. In the arena of music – if his earlier records intimated his iconoclastic spirit – Yeezus, his 2013 coup, was the apotheosis of his fiery vision. Far from being a rap album, it was a scorched-earth statement of digital noise whose maximal thrall included Daft Punk, Bon Iver, Hungarian rock and Bollywood samples. Yup.
THROBBING GRISTLE - SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
Until this debut album by the English outfit (band? art project?) led by lightning rod, Genesis P-Orridge, the best way to be ‘out there’ was to make a lot of noise. In the late ’70s – when punk’s uncompromising spirit was snuffed out by the soon-to-be ubiquitous new wave template – Annual Report ushered something much, much more formidable and potent to the light: industrial music. Issuing a formal challenge to rock and all its disparate branches, it did away with drums and all discernible instrumentation, aiming for the jugular with liberating swells of distortion and samples. Thus, pop’s first weapon of mass destruction came into being.
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THE FLAMING LIPS - ZAIREEKA
Nothing is too sacred or too profane for The Flaming Lips. This is a band that is responsible for recording a six-hour song (for charity), releasing a 24-hour track and 1997’s Zaireeka. Bandleader Wayne Coyne has said that the genesis of Zaireeka was his desire to “break out of the rock-band mode”. Through cassette tape experiments on separate car stereos, he eventually arrived at the album of four CDs designed to be played simultaneously. Yet to be matched, this was one of the boldest experiments in the history rock, indie or otherwise. And for all its drone-drenched squall, still maintained its makers’ off-kilter pop sensibility.
MILES DAVIS - B*TCHES BREW
Genius is as genius does – and B*tches Brew is genius. We’re of the opinion that no one, save Davis himself, is qualified to explain what the actual heck was going through his mind when he conceived it. Here’s what we do know: to make the freeform wig-outs here, he deepened his dip into electric jazz, ditching conventional jazz for a rock-minded, funk-inflected approach, which he filtered through his singular improv style. Using a huge rhythm section of two bassists, three drummers, three electric piano players, and a percussionist – whose parts were written to be played simultaneously – he gave the listener multitudes to take in.
KRAFTWERK - AUTOBAHN
Very often, revelatory, ahead-of-their-time works emerge in confrontation with the prevailing zeitgeist. This wasn’t the case with the fourth album by the German electronic heroes. Thoroughly anchored on what makes pop pleasing – melody (as in the two “Comet Melody” tracks), harmony and tempo – the record was a clear-eyed shift away from the reigning analogue outlook. Its opening 22-minute title track eased the listener into the hypnotic electronic pulse that would inspire the techno, modern EDM and pop to come. And just when the interlacing patterns of shimmering keyboards and blissed-out guitars expanded into an ambient buzz, the tempo shifted into a whole different realm. Thank you, Kraftwerk. music
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“CONVENTION ISN’T AWFUL, IT’S JUST NOT SOMETHING THAT I REALLY ASPIRE TO”, KIM GORDON ONCE SAID. LIKE HER, WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN IN BY THE FAR-OUT AND THE OFF-CENTRE. AND IN THAT SPIRIT, HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE WEIRDEST, MOST EXPERIMENTAL ALBUMS OF OUR TIME.
SUN RA - THE HELIOCENTRIC WORLDS OF SUN RA, VOLUME 1
Self-reflection can mean dazzling, otherworldly things when you’ve got one of the largest and most fascinating bodies of work in music history, and when you adopt the name and persona of Ra, the Egyptian God Of The Sun, as your own. Abandoning his birth name of Herman Poole Blount, Sun Ra constructed a personality that married Afrofuturism with a self-myth – that he was a member of Saturn’s ‘Angel Race’ despatched to Earth as “the creator of the omniverse” – that he lived out till his death. This album is a sonic vignette of his cosmic philosophy, pioneering free and avant-garde jazz that was, to Ra, made of “Heavenly Things”.
THE BEATLES - SGT PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
During the Summer Of Love in 1967, rock & roll emerged in an entirely new stylistic incarnation: beautiful, transcendental and revolutionary. Against this backdrop of flower power- and LSD-fuelled hedonism, the Fab Four recorded not just the finest album of their existence but also one of the most sonically progressive albums in all of pop music. A riot of contemporary and anachronistic Western styles and classical Indian music, Sgt. Pepper was the first-ever concept album to be released. On hearing it the first time when he brought it to his London hotel room, Bob Dylan said to Paul McCartney, “Oh, I get it. You don’t want to be cute anymore”.
LOU REED - METAL MACHINE MUSIC
It’s been called everything from “the greatest record ever made in the history of the human eardrum”, “the sonic equivalent of a black hole”, oh and, “dog food”, so Lou Reed’s fifth solo set is polarising, to say the least. The man recorded it in his apartment in 1975, positioning two guitars before amplifiers and recording the feedback at different speeds. Depending on who you ask, you’ll hear that the 64-minute sound “collage” lit the way for sound art and noise rock. Yes, yes, art is subjective and on Metal Machine Music, Reed stretched the limits of the validity that society has placed on that claim.
KING CRIMSON - IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING
Lo, and behold! The founding document of prog rock is the moment when the blues rock mode – institutionalised by the (early-period) Beatles and Rolling Stones – met its sprawling counterpoint. Led by Robert Fripp, the maverick who’d go on to change guitar-playing forever with New Standard Tuning, the band embraced jazz and symphonic elements – crafting narratives out of textured suites and woodwind and reed instruments. Even with all we’re exposed to today, touchstones like “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “Epitaph” are staggering feats. As frontman Greg Lake self-consciously intoned on the latter song, “The wall on which the prophets wrote/Is cracking at the seams...” – so it was.
Text Indran P Images Various Sources
RADIOHEAD - KID A
It’s common consensus that this is where Thom Yorke and co. “got weird”. The story goes that after Ok Computer, the band took it upon itself to reach beyond bleary atmospheric alt-rock. Synthesisers, string orchestras, drum machines, and the ondes Martenot were their main arsenal here, as were veritable compendia of music – spanning ambient, IDM, krautrock and hard bop, to name just some influences. Like its cover art, this collection of songs was icily alienating; a manifesto indicting consumerism and climate change and a curveball thrown in the face of anyone who expected “No Surprises”.
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YOUR CLUB NEEDS 020
YOU ZOUK IS OURS. IT’S WHERE WE HAD THE FIRST BLUSH OF A MUSICAL EPIPHANY; WHERE WE FIRST EXPERIENCED THE TANTALISING ALLURE OF CLUB CULTURE; WHERE WE CELEBRATED OUR BIRTHDAYS, GRADUATIONS AND ALL OF LIFE’S MILESTONE MOMENTS THAT HAPPEN IN BETWEEN AND AFTER, ZOUK HAS BEEN THERE FOR US ALWAYS; EVER-RELIABLE AND ETERNALLY CUTTING-EDGE. NOW, ZOUK NEEDS US AND WE HAVE TO RISE TO IT. THIS YEAR, THE CLUB AIMS TO LAND A TOP THREE SPOT IN DJ MAG’S ‘TOP 100 CLUBS’ ANNUAL LIST. AS YOU READ THIS, A CAMPAIGN CALLED #THISREDDOT IS AFOOT TO HELP ZOUK REALISE THIS AIM, SO LET’S GIVE BACK TO THIS ICON WE LOVE SO MUCH. TO FURTHER ENCOURAGE YOU, WE’VE ROPED IN ZOUK’S HEAD OF MARKETING AND EVENTS, SOFIE CHANDRA, WHO SHEDS LIGHT ON HOW IMPORTANT THIS ESTEEM IS TO ZOUK’S NEW DAWN.
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“After a couple of years, I decided that rather than wait for Singapore to catch up with world standards, I would create it myself” – these are words of Lincoln Cheng, the founding father of Zouk. Inspired by his summer trips to Ibiza and the bounty of sounds unfolding all around him, Cheng aimed to establish in Singapore a movement that’d rival the reputation of the White Isle’s. And so, in March 1991, six months before the ribbon was cut at London’s Ministry Of Sound, a dance club opened its doors at 17 Jiak Kim Street.
#THISREDDOT
Christened after a French-Caribbean word that means “village-party”, Zouk was an unthinkably risky proposition from the very beginning. At a time when Singapore was unused to anything that wasn’t ’70s and ’80s pop radio fodder, there was now a club purpose-built to take things to the next level. It should come as no surprise that the first house beat ever heard on our shores was dropped at Zouk. As Sofie sees it, “taking dance music to the masses” has been and will always be Zouk’s main mission. Week in, week out, Zouk’s main room is graced by the biggest names in dance. From EDM poster boys like Showtek to underground gods in the form of Sven Väth, every vibration in the dance universe, mainstream or indie, has been adequately represented on Zouk’s decks. And thanks to Zouk’s uncompromisingly forward-thinking musical policy, we as a national community of music and nightlife lovers have been collectively enlightened.
Text Indran P Images Zouk Singapore and Various Sources
That’s why #THISREDDOT is not an insular, Zouk-only concern. “Singapore, with all her success, has gained worldwide recognition despite being represented as a mere red dot on the world map”, says Sofie. Therefore, #THISREDDOT is a celebration of the little red dot’s against-the-odds progress transposed to the realm of club land. As the nation’s first internationally celebrated club – the bastion that planted the Singapore flag on the global nightlife map – Zouk’s ascension to DJ Mag’s Top Three would be a further endorsement of Singapore’s own strides in influencing the tenor of the zeitgeist and the trends that power popular culture. Even if patriotism, national pride and just plain love for the club were filtered out – and if we were to consider things on a purely objective basis – the reasons why Zouk should very much clinch top billing are self-explanatory. “To date, we have seen how EDM has taken over our stations, and how the crossover of pop and dance music has impacted the world”, observes Sofie. Any punter will tell you that Zouk has been instrumental in this contemporary development. It has evolved with the times, adapted to shifting attitudes and tastes, and served up thoroughly modern, futuredestined experiences without ever compromising on its founding philosophy – ‘One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance’.
This is a universal vision, more sincere than #worldpeace or #stayblessed. It’s an aim that Zouk has realised before, because it truly is a worldclass destination, and one that it will continue to be for as long as it stands. From being, as Sofie beams, “the pacesetter in propelling Asia’s dance music scene forward”, Zouk has become a global force to be reckoned with – it’s consistently garnered a Top 10 spot in DJ Mag’s poll six straight years running. Is Zouk worthy of Top Three recognition in 2016? We damn well think so. 2016 is a special year for Zouk. Besides turning 25 in April, the club will be moving to its new home in Clarke Quay later this year, marking a new chapter in its history. What better way to commemorate it than to take the Zouk name to a higher level on the international stage? Sofie reveals that besides the digital viral campaign that is #THISREDDOT, there have been “on-ground activations conducted at ZoukOut 2015 (kudos on those of you who voted!), a huge DJ Mag party with Boys Noize on January 16 at Zouk, and an eventual amplification of #THISREDDOT at Zouk on February 13”. And when we, swept by the excitement, ask for more details, she checks us with: “We will share more at a later date. Spot #THISREDDOT!”. So, there you have it. Your club needs your vote. And it’s time to stand up and give it. You’ll know more about how you can do it soon enough. Until then, as always, remember this: One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance.
Visit thisreddot.sg for more updates.
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THE NEW CLASSIC Hey, Ray and Jim! Where are you now and what’s kept you busy lately? Hi! Thanks for having us! We’ve been playing all around the world and we’ve recently finished building our new studio, which we’re so happy with. We’ve definitely been spending a lot of hours in there creating new music.
In your opinion, what are the key ingredients of a ‘sick’ song? Energy, melody, and uplifting beats. We also like lyrics with a message and not just random words strung together. Why do you think Dutch house is so universally popular? We’re not sure, to be honest. We grew up with the birth of electronic music and a lot of inspiring DJs. It’s just been part of our culture for decades.
You guys had a massive 2015. How would you sum up the year? It was madness. We released a lot of new music and have been playing around the globe. It’s been a great year. You played at Zouk in February last year. What was special about that night for you? Zouk is a great venue – the sound system, visuals and the people. We really loved the energy back in February 2015 and can’t wait to relive that for Christmas. Congrats on the fantastic remix of Madonna’s “B*tch, I’m Madonna”. How did that project come about? We received the request via our management and of course we immediately wanted to do it! It was such an honour to produce a remix for the Queen Of Pop. We’re quite happy with the result, especially since Madonna’s own personal assistant told us she likes to work out to it. As songs like “Lost & Found” and “Never Fade” show, you like to toy around with classical and contemporary sounds. We’re both into a lot of different music styles. Ray, especially, is a big fan of classical music, so I guess that is reflected in our music a little bit. Expect to hear more of these productions from us soon.
RINZE “RAY” HOFSTEE AND JOEP “JIM” SMEELE ARE ON TOP OF THE WORLD. WITH A FLEET OF REMIXES OUT FOR MOST OF THE POP AND DANCE WORLDS’ REIGNING ELITE – LIKE AVICII, RIHANNA, TIËSTO, DAVID GUETTA, ICONA POP AND MADONNA – THE DUTCH DUO HAS SEEN THEIR PROFILE EXPLODE EXPONENTIALLY, THANKS TO THEIR CLASSICALLYINFORMED FLOOR-LIFTING EDM TOUCH. IF YOU’VE BEEN UP TO SPEED WITH THE FRESHEST TIDINGS IN HOUSE, THEN YOU KNOW WHAT A BIG DEAL SINGLES LIKE “I AM”, “LOST AND FOUND” AND “MADE FOR THIS” ARE. WE CHECK IN WITH THEM AHEAD OF THEIR CHRISTMAS SET AT ZOUK TO FIND OUT WHAT THE NEW GOLD STANDARD IN CLUB LAND WILL SOUND LIKE.
Music – especially dance music – is sounding bigger and more maximal these days. For you, what’s the biggest-sounding song out there? That’s difficult to say. We really can’t choose. We like our own tracks, of course. But if we have to chose, it would be something by Daft Punk. You’ve said you’ll be releasing new music soon. What can fans expect? 2016 will be filled with sick releases. Lots of originals, but also some collabs! Just wait and see. Lastly, what are your hopes for 2016? We’d like to grow and learn even more. And of course we want to have fun! As long as we are able to do what we love and enjoy every minute of it, our lives couldn’t be better!
sickindividuals.com
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Text Indran P Image & Interview Courtesy of Zouk Management
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Over the past few years, EDM has drawn a lot of criticism for its alleged simplicity from certain critics and DJs. What would you say to silence them? Well, let’s be honest, there are artistes out there that like to copy and paste. But we feel like as long as a track is unique, it’s great no matter the genre. It’s too simple to just beat down a genre like that.
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Congrats on Automatic. What was different about making that record from your eight others? I’m at a point in my career where I’m a lot more open to things, so I collaborated with other artistes more than I ever did on Automatic. Besides that, I wrote this record over a much longer period of time; that’s why it’s so diverse. Typically, I write over two to three months but this took about a year. Interestingly, this is also your first record with Warner Music, a major label. I’d been working with boutique labels such as Ultra, Om and Naked for so long. I like that Warner was intrigued by what I’ve been doing and didn’t want to change my sound. The team at Warner sees that dance music is part of the pop culture landscape and that was good news to an artiste like me. How did “A Little More feat. John Dahlbäck” come about? John sent me the track earlier. It had the hook but the production was rough. He had the drop figured out though the verses weren’t written, and I loved the melodies. When I got to London, some time later, we finished some of it together with vocalist, Sansa. When I got back, I worked on the string arrangements and went back and forth with John until it we were both happy with it. You’ve said before that DJing is akin to curation. Do you see that philosophy manifesting in the current dance climate?
I think that the people quietly making noise beneath the surface are doing some pretty interesting things. They’re not selling out stadiums but they’re making music that challenges the norm. That’s what’s great about social media now; you can find your own niche so easily, whether you’re a musician or a fan. You’re one of the few big names that have resisted adopting the trap sound. Has this been a conscious choice on your part? I’ve just been living in a bubble and doing my own thing. Like, “Atmosphere” was cool for me since that was the first time I sang, and it got me a Grammy nomination. That made me realise how unimportant trends were. I remember thinking to myself that I should have sung all along! Lastly, what are your hopes for 2016, personally and musically? I just want to continue writing, touring and connecting with people – continuing the progression of what I’ve been doing. Automatic was a step in the right direction in that regard. I discovered new sounds and found ways to make old sounds fresh and exciting to myself. Take “Promise feat. K. Flay” for example. I could’ve made that record 15 years ago, but I made it in 2015 and it still sounds unique and fresh. As long as I’m doing that, I’ll be happy and optimistic about the future.
kaskademusic.com
Text Indran P Image Mark Owens Interview courtesy of International Music Summit
ON THE HOUSE
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KASKADE HAILING RYAN RADDON AKA KASKADE AS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING IS NOT AN EXERCISE IN MELODRAMA. ALREADY EIGHT ALBUMS DEEP IN HIS CATALOGUE, THE CHICAGO-BASED PROG-HOUSE TITAN BLESSED THE WORLD WITH HIS NINTH, AUTOMATIC, LAST SEPTEMBER. BOASTING TOWERING HOOKS AND TEEMING SOUNDS, IT WAS A SHOW OF STRENGTH FROM SOMEONE WHO DEFIANTLY REFUSES TO CHANGE HIS TUNE TO THE BEAT OF HYPE. AS WE CATCH UP WITH HIM AT THE RECENT INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SUMMIT, THE GENT SHEDS MORE INSIGHT ON HIS UNCOMPROMISING WAYS.
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SEVENTH HEAVEN How does it feel to be on the lineup for Laneway 2016? We still can’t believe it. When we got the email, we thought it was a prank! I remember us having a flight to Australia booked around that time and we cancelled it immediately. That was when I realised that it was actually happening.
Lastly, what are you excited about playing in Singapore for Laneway 2016? It’ll be nice to be in the company of artistes we look up to; that’s the coolest part. That we can share our music with new people is also great for us as a band. I want to see if what we’re doing in Manila can translate to a broader audience.
Any particular acts you look forward to seeing? I really can’t wait for Grimes and Thundercat.
Catch Cheats at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, happening on January 30 at The Meadows, Gardens By The Bay.
Your music harks back to the golden age of ’90s indie rock. Would you agree? Yes. It’s funny that you mention that. We’re all ’90s kids and our main musical influences are from that era. My personal favourite album of all time is The Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream. We didn’t want to consciously sound like the ’90s. It was just that we were all aligned that way, musically. Is that why your newer songs, “Headfoam” and “Again, Professor Manny” feature a remarkable Billy Corgan influence? Thanks for the compliment! If you listen carefully to “Professor Manny”, it sounds like four different songs combined into one. We don’t repeat verses because it was originally four different songs. It came together after we shotgunned some beers and went for it. “Headfoam” was more about me feeling the emptiness after being away for a while.
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soundcloud.com/cheatsph
CHEATS
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ONE OF THE ACTS ENLISTED TO ADD TO THE MUSICAL SPRAWL OF LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2016, CHEATS BELIEVES IN DOING THINGS BIG OR NOT AT ALL. SEVEN MEMBERS STRONG AND LED BY FRONTMAN JIM BACARRO, THE FILIPINO BAND SERVES UP QUINTESSENTIALLY INDIEMINDED GIFTS THAT MORPH INTO DYNAMIC SHAPES AS THEY REACH YOUR OUTSTRETCHED HANDS. BEFORE THEY TAKE THE STAGE, BACARRO BRINGS US UP TO SPEED ON HOW WE’LL BE WON OVER.
You released your self-titled debut album recently. How does it feel to have it out there? It’s probably the most fulfilling thing I’ve done as a musician. We did everything – from recording, arranging and creating the packaging. The photo shoots for the inlay were also done by us, as was the distribution. The best of all this was that despite us releasing the album online, people came out in full force to buy the physical copies. That is heartening to know. On that note, what’s the indie scene in the Philippines like? It’s pretty fantastic. Whenever my friends visit Manila, it’s the underground scene that I’ll first bring them to. You’ll be amazed by how many acts play in Manila every night. Your next favourite band could be just around the corner. The fans in this community are so amazing. If they like a band, they’ll pack out every show.
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Text Indran P Image & Interview Courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Including yourself, there are three vocalists in the band. What’s it like writing and recording with two other singers? The good thing is we have distinct voices, so it’s never been hard to make it work. It’s been very organic. None of us are like, “I wanna be the lead”. It’s all based on the song. Live, it’s great having the other two singers hype up the audience since I don’t do too well with crowds. I just sit behind my piano, which is the best job in the world.
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HUMBLE PUNKS METZ 025
Text Cindy Low Image David Waldman Interview Courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
CANADIAN PUNK ROCKERS METZ’S SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM WAS MET WITH RAPTUROUS APPLAUSE FROM THE INDIE UNDERGROUND, AND THEIR 2015 SOPHOMORE, II, WAS NO DIFFERENT WHEN IT CAME TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM. THE BAND’S RELENTLESS TOURING HAS ALSO GARNERED THEM A REPUTATION FOR THEIR BLISTERINGLY INTENSE LIVE PERFORMANCES. AHEAD OF SERVING UP SUCH AN EXPERIENCE AT LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2016, VOCALIST-GUITARIST ALEX EDKINS TALKS US THROUGH ALL THINGS METZ. You incorporated your dad’s photography in METZ’s album artworks. Tell us more! It’s been a one of those situations where I grew up looking through a lot of his photo albums. I was particularly smitten with the image I used on our first album; it stuck with me. So I went and asked if I could use it; he was quite excited about it actually.
big city. I took a lot of inspiration from Toronto. It’s not like a type of record that you watch a horror movie and you pull from it – it’s not like that. It’s more based on reality. When the band began to work on its latest album, II, you said you guys dove in too quickly. Yes, I think it was a consequence of us being really excited about making good tunes together and wanting to keep going at full speed. I think none of us wanted to take a break because we’ve been touring for two years, and we were feeling really good.
You guys are known for your stellar live shows. Where does the band get the motivation to perform high-energy shows every time? It just happens – it’s automatic for us. We don’t know any other way to do it; it’s pedal to the metal, all or nothing, you know? Perhaps it’s ’cos when we were younger, we used to see all these amazing punk and hardcore bands, and we just thought it was how it was done. Do you still keep your day job as a researcher for films? For the last few years, I have been only doing the band day and night, mostly on tour all the time. But, no, we haven’t been doing anything else other than the band. Did your job inform the material for the band though? We know about the crime scene photos… That’s true. It was certainly a dark place that I was in, but I would say the influence was just everyday life that everyone goes through, and living in a
It’s known that you turned down some big-name producers. Why? There was interest and we did consider that for a while. I think everything happened really fast. Although we are not opposed to the idea in general, we just thought it was too soon. We wanted to maintain full control over what we’re doing. I’m glad we did it because it cemented our sound, which led to a really good continuity between the two albums.
METZ will be scorching the stage at Laneway Festival Singapore 2016 on January 30, at the Meadow, Gardens by the Bay. metzztem.com
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BO NINGEN
BOYS' NOISE
So, what have you guys been busy with? We spent 2015 touring heavily in Europe and the U.S.. We thought we’d take it slow but that didn’t happen. We ended up doing even more shows in America this time around. America is known to be a notoriously close-minded market. How has the response to Bo Ningen been over there? Amazing, really. American fans are more straightforward. Unlike the scenes in the U.K. and Japan, American fans don’t constantly look around. They also let themselves go crazy way quicker than fans anywhere else we’ve played. It’s known that the whole band relocated to London and established itself there. What made you want to move? It was in London that we all met. I was there to study music and art, and in that time, we bumped into each other at different points and decided to set up shop there. London brought us together. And it was in London that you met and collaborated with Savages on Words To The Blind. Yes, that was the first time we worked with the whole of Savages proper. Before, we had
[frontwoman] Jehnny Beth sing on two of our songs, in 2012 and 2014 respectively. It was after we did the second song that Jehnny and [guitarist] Gemma Thompson approached us to work with their whole band. Both our bands are very interested in Dada concepts so it was great collaborating with them. You definitely are kindred spirits! What were the jam sessions like? Oh, all the sessions went down more smoothly than we expected them to. Gemma brought the concept to us and we had really insightful discussions about how each song would be. While there was a lot of improv, there was a method to our madness. They’re good at what they do, so the whole process was very natural. With electronic music enjoying a new heyday at the moment, do you feel that unconventional guitar-centric music is suffering from a lack of interest? Not really. To the contrary, I actually think it’s making a comeback. I don’t know about Singapore, or Asia, but in the West, a lot of heavier, grunge-like bands are doing their thing and enjoying some success. Even ’90s fashion is coming back big time.
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How would you assess your development from your first album, Bo Ningen, to your most recent release, III? That’s a good question. The way I see it, we grow with every song we record. If you want to become better as a band, there’s no way out of this. When we first started, playing live was our best teacher. Now, it’s spending more time in the studio jamming and deciding as a band what we like and what we don’t. You mention earlier that you notice people being distracted at your shows. Does that ever bother you? Every venue packs a different crowd, so what I said was, in some aspects, a generalisation. On the whole, though, I’d say the vibes of the audience definitely affect us. It’s great to play to people who aren’t on their phones or chatting when you’re playing. Lastly, what would you say is Bo Ningen’s pick for record of 2015? By unanimous vote, it’s Yo La Tengo’s Stuff Like That There!
boningen.info
Text Indran P Image & Interview Courtesy of Neon Lights
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BEAUTY AND BRUTALITY AREN’T THAT EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFERENT AFTER ALL – THAT IS THE KIND OF REVELATION A BO NINGEN SONG INSPIRES. FOR OVER A DECADE, THE UK-VIA-JAPAN QUARTET HAS BEEN MAKING A PROGRESSIVE, ART-DAMAGED RACKET, WEAVING WEAPONISED INSTRUMENTATION WITH FRONTMAN TAIGEN KAWABE’S UNEARTHLY SCREECHES. IN TOWN RECENTLY FOR NEON LIGHTS, TAIGEN GIVES US A BEHIND-THE-NOISE PERSPECTIVE OF HIS BAND’S AVANT-GARDE WAYS.
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NEW ORDER ILOVEMAKONNEN
“Got the club goin up on a Toosday!” – more than a year after its release, iLoveMakonnen’s name-making single is still the floor-rousing, body-moving jam it is. Drake or no Drake, that no one can get enough of “Club Goin Up On A Tuesday” testifies to two important facts about where the needle of pop culture is at right now. One, that the twinned worlds of rap and hip-hop are experiencing a new Golden Age; and two, that this is the time for the weirdos to take the throne. And on both fronts, iLoveMakonnen is weighing in heavily. These days, left field is the new normal. Yet, even with the road less travelled becoming an increasingly crowded space, the ‘rapper’, born Makonnen Sheran, has taken his bewilderingly atonal croon and his ear for canons-melting, pretty-but-not sounds to next-level heights. His recent follow-up to his 2014 debut self-titled EP, iLoveMakonnen 2, is an exquisite seven-song collection of woozy, alternately punch-drunk and primal emo&B, packed with moments of grim wisdom and intensity. Updating the now-ubiquitous alt-R&B form with powerful and sophisticated songwriting – best heard on the bleeding-heart cry “Second Chance” – he eschews the sex-obsession that’s plagued the genre for a deep-cutting sentimentality, and, dare we say, tenderness. The music on 2 is also boldly revisionist. Post-Yeezus swells of bass and drums and unsettlingly syrupy, radio-resistant, codeine-drip melodies are the move here, and writ large over everything is Makonnen’s inscrutable warble. If this isn’t the future of R&B, it’s only because the future is now.
ilovemakonnen.com
KINGS & QUEENS
Text Indran P Images Various Sources
THESE NEW RADICALS ARE DEFINING A NEW WAY OF R&B FATHER
KELELA
It’s not just because his debut album is imaginatively titled Who’s Gonna Get F*cked First? that this Atlanta native has gotten so much love of late. Rather, he’s one to watch now for his coarsely blase voice and drrty minimalism that’s come to set him apart from the pretty boys.
For so long, R&B has only ever been sexy. DIY experimentalism aside, there’s no better exemplar than this LA chanteuse of how much the sound has grown. Peep her Hallucinogen EP for how she can be sultry, menacing and confessional, on a raft of simultaneously beautiful and brutal sounds.
ALEXANDRIA
IAN ISIAH
The world will never stop mourning the loss of Aaliyah; so great is the power of her resplendent soul. But comparing this singer-songwriter upstart from Atlanta to her is not a mere exercise in tastemaking. Hushed but urgent, every quiver in her vocals will keep you on your knees for more.
Can anyone be too sexy? Ian Isiah will say no. In 2013, way before the Interwebs caught on to and made queer rap a much-hyped, misguidedly think–pieced thing, the New York rapper released his coitus-celebrating mixtape, The Love Champion, bringing sexy back to R&B in polarisingly alluring ways.
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ROCK OF THE AGES
DEERHUNTER Since it’s Grammy season, stop what you’re doing for a minute and think about this: which band, still active today, is the best indie rock band of its time? If you’re thinking of ‘indie rock’ as a revelatory force where the guitar is the vehicle, then your answer will be Deerhunter. The Atlanta, Georgia outfit, led by transfixingly erratic frontman, Bradford Cox, has proven that theirs is a band with no sell-by date – with a deep discography of astonishing and overwhelming treasures. And late last year, Cox and co. did it again on their seventh album, Fading Frontier, further affirming their peerless, hype-defying place in the indie pantheon. Rock & roll is a punishing, unforgiving business. Factor in concerns of the digital age and the fluctuations and wrath of taste get taken into hyperspeed. It’s in this climate that the band released its most reflective, tranquil and structurally tight record to date, offering bluesy guitar peals over voluptuous
grooves, while sacrificing none of the danger and mystique that has come to be associated with it. How? With songs, that’s how.
Fading Frontier is a record dense with metacommentary, a cerebral nosedive into religious anxiety and mortality that, for all its exploratory moves, still remains an intensely personal work that doesn’t preach or provide answers. Peep some of Cox’s finest songwriting in the new wave jam “Breaker”: “Christ or credit / What’s the price? What’s the edit? / I’m alive / I don’t credit the source / I just drive”. Just as the big questions are approached with a winning economy of style, so are entire compendiums of shoegaze, rock, soul, country and DIY transmissions refracted throughout the LP’s 36 minutes. “Fifteen years I spent proving myself,” Cox said recently. “The only reason for me to make a record now is to make the record.” And gorgeously, unpredictably, the saga continues.
TROPHY CASE DEERHUNTER’S PAST VICTORIES
CRYPTOGRAMS (2007) At the behest of their musical kin in Liars, the band gave recording their second album another shot after the first session fell through for various reasons. Split between ambient and pop halves, this was Deerhunter showing how mellow the new trippy was.
MICROCASTLE / WEIRD ERA CONT. (2008) It may have leaked six months before it hit stores, but this double album is still a confounding marvel to this day. Taking the prettified squall of Cryptograms to darker and more adventurous extremes, its blast radius enveloped every off-kilter sound with a post- suffix.
HALCYON DIGEST (2010) A mainstay of any ‘Best Of’ list concerning rock music made in the last decade, this is Deerhunter’s ethereal masterpiece. Beautiful throughout its length and breadth, this hushed, intimate set saw the band kissing off not with noise but with a lush folk sway.
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MONOMANIA (2013) And then there was noise. The predecessor to Fading Frontier, Monomania was the band at its most breathtakingly violent. Never before had ’50s rock and rockabilly been filtered through garageand noise-rock with this much illuminating intensity.
Text Indran P Image Various Sources
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ANIMA VLADISLAV DELAY This album comprises a single hour-long track. It’s an electronic introspective; a psychedelic journey that everyone needs to sit through every once in a while.
DARREN DUBWISE
UNTRUE BURIAL If I had to highlight an album that puts everything I love in music into one, this would be it. It’s something I can listen to from beginning to end and still want more of.
MEMORIES OF THE FUTURE KODE 9 & SPACEAPE One of the best examples of modern Wordsound – a forgotten genre that melds dub and poetry. RIP Spaceape.
LOVELESS MY BLOODY VALENTINE People think I’m all bass, reggae, jungle, and dub…but we all start somewhere. For me, there was a lot of this and Jesus & Mary Chain.
DOPESICK EYEHATEGOD A heavy album by the sludge legends I always hold close and play back whenever I have a throwback moment or feel like crushing someone.
3 POLE I love Pole’s albums but this is the one that I listened to the most growing up. There’s a lot of dubbedout static pops, electrical buzzes and surface noise.
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Text Indran P Image Various Sources
METAPHORICAL MUSIC NUJABES The Japanese Dilla. RIP.
ANYONE CLUED INTO THE MORE CUTTING-EDGE DANCE FLOOR HAPPENINGS HERE WILL TELL YOU THAT THIS LOCAL SONIC ALCHEMIST’S FIRM, RIB-SHAKING HANDLE ON BASS EXTENDS TO A WIDE SPAN OF MUSICAL TOUCHSTONES LIKE GARAGE, HIP-HOP, HOUSE, DANCEHALL AND DRUM & BASS. AS CO-FOUNDER OF THE COLLABORATIVE PROJECT, #VINYLOFTHEDAY, AND ONE OF SYNDICATE’S OWN, HIS PICK OF 10 ESSENTIAL ALBUMS IS WORTH YOUR FULL ATTENTION.
1 RAGGASONIC Another surprise. I never really got into reggae/dub until I heard this album in the ’90s. It was in French and I loved the MC-ing style and how it flowed.
ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL THE STREETS Funny as it seems, I never really got into hip-hop until after the advent of garage and grime. The Streets’ humour and wit are the real winners here.
THE GRANDFATHER PARADOX HENRIK SCHWARZ / ÂME / DIXON If you think Dixon is number one only now, this was peak Henrik, Âme and Dixon. Talk about a serious triple threat! music music
ZOUKOUT 2015
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ONE PARTY TO RULE THEM ALL When it comes to being outdoors, the rain is traditionally regarded as the most formidable buzzkill. But, for 45,000 party faithful, it was the perfect addition to the glorious experience they shared. Yes, unfurling its magnificent sights, sounds and moves for the 15th time, ZoukOut affirmed why there is no revel quite like it. The biggest incarnation in its history, the two-day festival featured a roster of acts from every blip in the dance music universe – serving up a plenitude of sounds that teased and gratified any and all expectations. Besides animating the teeming crowd and bringing the dance to the beach on a mythic scale, the musical extravaganza that was ZoukOut 2015 beautifully affirmed the “Seize the Moment” theme that it was curated around. With transcendent sounds melding in a rousing collage across its three stages along the expanse of Siloso Beach, ZoukOut 2015 most certainly was a transformative, triumphant experience. As the biggest dance festival in Asia – and up there with your Ultras, Sonars and Stereosonics – the festival has acquired a rep for topping itself year after year, highlight after scene-defining, show-stopping highlight. But for two reasons, this ZoukOut was even more special than its predecessors: this was the last edition of the
festival under Zouk’s founding management, led by Lincoln Cheng, and the last before Zouk decamps from its hallowed Jiak Kim Street home and moves to Clarke Quay. DAY ONE Rightfully affirming how far our homegrown talents have come to shape Singapore’s clubscape, ZoukOut 2015 was shot to a start by the sounds of Singapore’s very own. At the Moon stage, scene veteran Andrew Tang dropped precision-engineered dance-ready sounds, letting the gathering crowd know just what the stakes were. Likewise, at the Star stage, CATSONCRACK unspooled her pulsating, sinuous gifts for discerning punters and for those who wanted an early start to the proceedings. It wasn’t long before Zouk’s own Ghetto and Zushan made their mark on the night and repped their club and crowd loud and proud at their respective tents. Next, Porter Robinson switched gears at the Moon stage with his hypermelodic synthpop touch, undercutting it with a barrage of electro house. Those looking for darker, IDM-flecked cocktails of techno trooped over to the Star stage where DJ Tennis held court. Having heard him shed light on the current state of dance music just hours before
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at the International Music Summit – where he stressed the importance of originality in a somewhat saturated international arena – it was fantastic watching him live out his message with peerless sounds of his own.
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And while the underground beamed its resplendently trend-averse transmissions, DJ Snake took to the decks at the Moon stage. Anyone familiar with the scene-crushing, YouTube-breaking romp “Turn Down For What” knows what the French DJ-rapper brings to the table, and his set was one of delightfully, irrepressibly unsubtle sounds. The crowd (us, too) was so turnt, not even the fire that broke out near our leader’s technical equipment could kill the vibe. It only encouraged the intensity of the moment.
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Not to be outdone, Berlin house icon Dixon commandeered the Star stage; his prosaic, incredibly kinetic deep house purl leaving jiving fans awash with its kaleidoscopic charm. There are many reasons why he’s Resident Advisor’s pick for DJ of the year, and he indelibly proved himself. Meanwhile, at the Moon Stage, the more mainstream heavyweights served up the fireworks and bombast, with Kaskade and Headhunterz paving the way expertly for the titanic pop-house of Tiësto to close out Day One at dawn. Just across, Paul Kalkbrenner and Paul Oakenfold ushered in the light at the Star stage. DAY TWO As we’d find out, the next day was even better. This had mostly to do with the Kaleidoscope arena – a standalone stage boasting ‘Made In Singapore’ talent sourced in partnership with Lush 99.5FM. First up, the always-transfixing Vandetta treated us to her smouldering, slowburning soul vocal touch, seamlessly weaving through bass-accented songs – including a medley of Justin Timberlake hits that would’ve made the man himself smile. After her, Kurt
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vandetta followed with a dashing, hard-hitting vein, as did Matthew, Daryl C, Kiat, Lincey, Aldrin, and Jeremy Boon. It wasn’t long before hip-hop took over as Darren Dubwise, The Lion City Boy, Shigga Shay and Koflow brought da ruckus. Meanwhile, at the Star stage, Visionquest put up a three-hour spectacle of house and techno, along with some mind-boggling visuals, leaving Oliver Heldens, Nervo and R3hab to rock the Moon stage. As Syafii took us on a hard-driving, house-destined trip at the Kaleidoscope arena, laying the ground perfectly for Attagirl’s riot of sounds, Claude Vonstroke and Axwell /\ Ingrosso emoted at their separate stages. From then on, it was a one-two between Jamie Jones and Armin van Buuren, and his protege Andrew Rayel – where Jean Reiki and Deep Dish chimed in exquisitely. With morning’s first rays touching the horizon, Zouk’s own rose to the decks to bring home the festival. At the Moon stage, Formative, one of Zouk’s longest-reigning residents sent beats up into the stratosphere, joined by fellow luminary Hong’s own big room ballast emanating from the Star stage.
Text Indran P Images Zouk Management
What a weekend it was. As the last echoes of the fading sounds wafted skywards, it was more than clear to everyone just how monumental the past two days had been. Just as Zouk has shattered the routine with its weekly attractions, ZoukOut elevated the weekend to a whole other realm. It bears repeating – 15 years later is 15 years better. What will the Zouk of the future be? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we have the memories of those two days.
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NEON LIGHTS FESTIVAL
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BUZZING JUST LIKE NEON Like any paragon-establishing art, music stirs and draws you in. Music festivals, however, seem a little more tailored to the droves of festivalgoers in search of revelry, diving into (somewhat) hedonistic dimensions alongside visual thrills and performance theatrics. As festival juggernauts attempt to amp up their showcases here, audiences have come to expect a lot from visual and sonic spectacles. But Neon Lights’ philosophy challenged the prevailing ethos of festivals nowadays – presenting an all-encompassing and unconventional lineup that feeds off communal interactions, interconnectivity within the festival, and collaborations with up-and-coming artistes. broods
Held over the course of two days, the inaugural festival enveloped all three of Fort Canning’s main outdoor space – Fort Green, Fort Gate and the Old Married Soldiers Quarters – with six eclectic stages each offering a distinct experience. While a host of spoken word performances, storytelling sessions and poetry battles from the National Poetry Slam Championship highlighted some of the literary showcases held at Lit Up @ Neon Lights throughout the weekend, the space at Easy Street displayed an alternative showing of urban youth culture marked by dance and local DJ sets. Within technicalities, Neon Lights could possibly be fragmented to littler segments that might serve better as standalone events, but that would essentially depart it from the nub of the festival – the plethora of choice is part of the totality of the Neon Lights experience.
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DAY ONE
songhoy blues Making our way up to Fort Canning on Day One with rain clouds in plain sight, we instantly braced ourselves for two whole days of torrential downpour. Thankfully, the rain gods let up as the most we got was a passing shower amidst the insane humidity, something bemoaned by just about every foreign act that came on stage. The festival was otherwise warmed up by local outfits, Hanging Up The Moon and Lost Weekend, settling the ambience with indie atmospherics and reverberating melodies while visitors slowly crept in before the array of international acts – from the guitar aerobics of Songhoy Blues repping Timbuktu, to the Japanese singer-songwriter Shugo Tokumaru’s whimsical jammings.
mogwai Ultimately, it was the headliners on both nights that mirrored the fluorescence of ‘neon’ itself, shimmering atop the two main stages in a frenzy that is down to your picking – most of the acts from the two main stages overlap. It was a battle deciding the headlines for the first day and we gave our best shot at juggling both, starting with Scottish post-rock act Mogwai. Their rumbling set at Fort Gate broke through the night in tranquil, mid-tempo guitar pickings overlaid with thundering bass and subtle vocals, continuing the trajectory of sonic therapy by Kiasmos and Daughter. Luke Sutherland even made an appearance on the violin, accenting the quartet’s penchant for soundscapes that square in on
nile rodgers unexplainable sonic narratives. We then headed down to Fort Green midway to mix the flow of the night with a little groove, and found that technical disruptions delayed the set of Chic feat. Nile Rodgers by half an hour, and they were just getting started. The disco legends were just into a cover of “We Are Family”, and subsequently carried on with classic dance numbers like “Le Freak” and “I’ll Be There”. But it was the group’s rendition of another co-written Rodgers piece that saw the audience reaching fever pitch – as they sang and jived along to the Daft Punk jam, “Get Lucky,” before soon closing the night on a roaring high.
DAY TWO
Text Austen Choo Images Neon Lights
damien rice Kicking off once again with fellow homegrowns, post-rock quartet Paint the Sky Red escorted us into lush soundscapes while the pensive guitar reverberations of Bennett Bay exuded soothing facades in a contrasting fashion. Following that, Day Two quickly surged into the night with Rachael Yamagata and Broods – rather symbolic of the diverse gathering of old and new acts. Yamagata has been in the industry for over a decade, and that manifested in her spontaneity and comfort within her set, dotted with temporal set disruptions and candid banter with the audience. On the other hand, Georgia Notts of the relatively new New Zealander duo Broods, took to a little warming up before she matched the resounding synths and bass that drive their ethereal sensibilities. Then emerged Damien Rice, quite literally from a sea of smoke at Fort Green lit up by a single spotlight, as he entranced all who scampered
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ride down to witness his magic. Building up to a crescendo of hits he is most notable for, “I Don’t Want To Change You”, “Cannonball” and “The Blower’s Daughter” no less, Rice’s impeccable vocals were drenched in heartfelt emotion and exemplified the Irish musician’s aptitude at connecting with the horde of listeners that sang (or shouted) along. Rice ended his set with “Cheers Darlin’”, where he whipped out two bottles of red, raising his glass alongside two other fans as he recounted a hazy love story from back in the day. As the two distinct musical duos – shoegaze legends Ride, and dancey Australian electronic outfit Flight Facilities – took to concluding both stages with their high-octane showcases, we were left in a daze. Andy Bell delivered an electrifying presence on stage as he shredded his guitar on top of Mark Gardener’s emotive vocals. Flight Facilities, however, took to conventional
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flight facilities DJs settings as they stayed behind their booth (and in relative darkness), while singers Kurt Kristen and Owl Eyes went front-and-centre with their impressive vocals amidst the whirring tonalities of the duo’s tracks. It was only after the lights dimmed and the show ended that we regained conscious thought, realising the immensity of the performances. It might be impossible to dabble in every single one of the 39 music acts and 140 performing and visual artistes, but perhaps that is ultimately the takeaway from such a big-scale showing Singapore seldom sees. As you find yourself knee-deep in performance art, poetry, comedians in drag and the amazing festival nosh, know that in common fashion, a successful event like this (a crazy total of over 10,000 people hustled down) will only get bigger and better in the coming years.
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The thought of spending three nights at sea for a non-stop EDM onslaught is enough to shiver some timbers. But those who got on board for the recent return of It’s The Ship can tell you that not only was the weekend escape one of the most exciting festival concepts to hit our shores, it was also one of the most cruisy. DAY ONE Making its maiden voyage in 2014, the nautical festival came back even bigger the following year – beginning with the ship. From land, Royal Carribean’s Mariner Of The Seas looked more like a hotel than a sea vessel – and as soon as we stepped on board the goliath 15-deck cruise liner, it became even harder to remember that we were at the mercy of the ocean. Sprawling hallways, mouth-watering buffets, luxurious bars and lounges, and a shopping arcade that belongs on Orchard Road were waiting to be explored by eager passengers.
DAY TWO Woken by a Battle Royale-style announcement over the PA system with the names of passengers who tapped out too early or got lucky for the first time, the notion of “eat, sleep, rave, repeat” was now in full force. Devouring hearty breakfasts and soaking up the sun on the upper deck, we soon arrived in Langkawi to hit the sand for a tropical beach party. Warming things up with breezy reggae rhythms were the Easy Star All Stars, before Kaskade ignited the shore with uplifting house numbers and awe-inspiring visuals (along with a blistering reimagining of Adele’s “Hello”). Although our time back on land was brief, the party was long from over, as we filed back on board to continue the EDM elation. Say what you will about DJ Soda, but the girl knows how to command a crowd with her infectious blend of EDM, trap and hip-hop. While Tigerlily, Carnage and Headhunterz kept the good times rolling at the main stage, an entirely different party was happening on the other side of the ship in the lavish Viking Crown lounge, where Bangkok Invaders and Malaysian wordsmiths SonaOne and Joe Flizzow were dropping hot hip-hop tracks and fire-spitting rhymes to get audiences certifiably turnt. DAY THREE With ‘that Sunday feeling’ fast setting in amongst tired passengers, there were few out and about to catch rays while Applebottom and Woz’s funky bassline house tunes set the mood for a lazy afternoon. Marvelling at a gorgeous sunset as future house outfit, Autograf, delivered all the
right vibes, partygoers prepared for a swanky gala dinner in tuxedos and evening gowns. But those bowties only stayed on so long as a saucy Playboy party brewed below deck in the Lotus Lounge, while Will Sparks elevated the action above with surprise appearances by Carnage and Headhunterz. And if that didn’t excite enough, Ferry Corsten returned to the main stage to deliver another explosive set of trance/house crossover, this time with a much livelier audience to thrill. With the main stage coming to a close, the Hot Tub Time Machine saw its largest crowd yet, with ravers overflowing from its pools. Jack Novak heated things up with yet another guest appearance by Carnage (’cos he “like tuh”, obviously), dropping heavy hitters ranging from trap to jungle, before flying solo and delivering her energetic brand of EDM. Making her second and last appearance for the journey, Tigerlily took to the decks with a microphone steadily in hand to rile up the party punters, while pushing to keep the shindig going for as long as possible. It was evident that even the performers had no intention of getting a good night’s sleep, as DJs had flooded the console to dance with partygoers one last time. Bidding farewell to old friends and new far too early in the morning, it was a slow walk back on land for all. Call us nautical by nature, but while there’s other fish in the sea to win our hearts through sonic bliss, we can’t wait for the captain’s call to get back on board It’s The Ship in 2016.
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EDM AWEIGH
IT’S THE SHIP 2015
Text Trent Davis Image Colossal Photos
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After a slight hold-up and rain giving way to rapturous applause as we left the marina, homegrown electro-house duo, Rave Republic, were amongst the first to fire up the crowd at the main stage and give revellers a reason to splash about in the pool. Aussie duo, Peking Duk, lived up to their wild reputation by inciting bouncing audiences with their electro party tunes, while Showtek’s Wouter Janssen put the rave into overdrive despite being a man down. While some partygoers strategically took the chance to have an early night on the first day, many kept momentum until the first signs of daylight to see Ferry Corsten’s Full On stage concept in action – uniting Thomas Newson & Marco V, Mark Sherry and the founding Dutch pioneer himself for an electrifying journey in trance and house.
There sure weren’t any complaints hearing Max Graham’s “The Evil ID” twice in the same evening.
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SIX IN THE MIX
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PIONEER DJ MIX US HAPPY COMPETITION
After the arduous task of coming up with a stage-worthy alias, each contestant was equipped with the seamless and intuitive DDJ-WEGO3, before being taken under the wing of DJSenter’s mentors. What was once a series of perplexing knobs and buttons commanded effortlessly by their onstage heroes soon became the tools to bring their burning passion for music to the surface. Dedicated to their newfound craft for two months at up to 15 hours a day, it wasn’t long before terms like “hot cueing”, “sampling” and “scratching” became fixtures in their vocabulary. But being a DJ is about more than knowing which buttons to press, and the eight newcomers quickly understood that being able to work up a crowd is as important as getting your tunes on point. Put to the test one month in with their first performance at the semi-finals at rooftop hangout, Lepark, only six would continue to take to the stage at the finals – eliminating two DJ hopefuls, Real and Nutsostr8, who left with the necessary skills to continue their sonic journeys. Returning to Lepark one month later, DJs Eko, Spliffany, Warren, Miin, Sneo and Princess Unicorn brought high spirits and a family-like bond to the decisive final night. Reliving their video applications and documented
musings before the performances kicked off, it was clear that while competitive aggression was absent amongst the finalists, each one of them was ready to bring their A-game – and it showed. With only two months of training under their belts, the level of technical skill and showmanship from the greenhorns was tremendous, even going so far as rivalling pros of the EDM sphere. And while it’s not uncommon to hear a song played more than once between headliners of world-renowned dance festivals, each contestant let their distinct identity dictate their soundscape, resulting in six equally diverse and show-stopping sets. Where Warren and Princess Unicorn exhibited extraordinary confidence and ability in their EDM-fuelled sets, Miin and Sneo brought their extensive musical knowledge to the decks, sampling records that reached far beyond their age. Eko transformed from a nervous teen to a party-starter with poise, cutting everything from Elvis to Fatboy Slim with technical precision. But it was Spliffany who won over the judges and took home first place for her unmatched ability to fire up a room. Splicing dirty trap tunes with jaw-dropping samples – from Muhammad Ali to Silentó (and having everyone in the room proceed to “whip and nae nae”) – the young prodigy even managed to work in a personalised message from idol, Steve Aoki, into a monstrous dubstep delivery. Though there was only one Mix Us Happy winner, there wasn’t a long face in the house, as each of the six budding performers stood with pride in stepping out of their comfort zones. Bringing the evening to a close with a jubilant group hug, we knew that we hadn’t seen the last of these cats yet. If they’re not taking up residencies in our local watering holes in the near future, we’ll certainly find them commanding crowds at our most burgeoning music festivals. That, without a doubt, will ‘mix’ us very happy indeed.
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Text Trent Davis Images Pioneer DJ
Talent shows have entertained audiences long before American Idol ever hit the air – but whether it’s a search for the next boy band or Honey Boo Boo, they continue to inherit one fatal flaw: that talent is measured from the moment you enter, not from the moment you leave. That’s where Pioneer DJ seeks to be different. Focused on fostering talent rather than forcing it through a gauntlet, the Mix Us Happy competition saw the leader in professional DJ equipment sow the seeds of showmanship from the outset. Calling on attendees of Road To Ultra 2015 who’d never touched a DJ controller before, eight contestants were given the gear and know-how to go from being just another face in the crowd to forming a crowd of their own.
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SHAKING THE HABITUAL
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While a number of emerging artistes find their grip through carbon-copy regurgitations, FUNKTIONSLUST demonstrates that repeating periodic trends can succeed with tweaks that bear the unwavering sensibilities of its maker on Window. This latest five-track EP from the South London duo exemplifies such distinct patterns; strewn across dark atmospherics and tech-melodic rumblings that rise and fall through scratchy synthesisers and 808-style drum machines. Snazzy opener “Continent” brings forth an introduction to their minimal aesthetic, airy vocals and rich melodies, and is symbolic of their confidence in attempting to break new territories in pop. soundcloud.com/funktionslustmusic
Reaching common ground within collaborative productions isn’t always a walk in the park, though Marcus Marr and Chet Faker easily epitomise perfect synchrony in Work. “The Trouble With Us”, the first single off the four-track extended play, bellows with funky electronic and guitars that coat Faker’s soulful vocals. As Marr weaves in and out of Faker’s verses through rich tempos and layered loops – within tracks like “Learning for Your Love” and “Killing Jar” – the record is ultimately a harmonious reckoning by two artistes hailing from different worlds.
A PRETTY DAZE In celebrating the US underground label, Three Lobed, Kurt Vile and Steven Gunn are one of the pairings from a series of five limited edition LPs – both delivering sonic authority in their own ways through covers of Randy Newman’s “Pretty Boy” and John Prine’s “Way Back Then”, beside three original tracks. While guitar trips underscore dense banjo pickings and the pensive languor of folk rock on “Red Apples For Tom Scharpling”, the tunes slice through one another like a knife through butter, coalescing at their simplest to form quaint and timeless melodies. This is what you’re in for on Parallelogram. threelobed.bandcamp.com
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BILLY CORGAN VS BRADFORD COX
INTERSTELLAR OVERDRIVE
This is takes the whole mainstream-indie dichotomy to whole new savage level. During a recent Deerhunter show, frontman Bradford Cox alleged that almost a decade ago – when his band opened for the Smashing Pumpkins at a show in Atlanta – he got into it big-time with the Pumpkins honcho. Apparently, after Cox grabbed a bottle from “a big pyramid of VOSS Water”, he was physically brutalised by a bodyguard who yelled “That’s Mr. Corgan’s water!”. The next day, Corgan allegedly had this to say to him: ““Do you know who you are? You’re sh*t. You’re a sh*ty little insignificant f*cking indie rock band”. Cox has since retracted the entire thing. What?
When Daniel Avery’s debut album, Drone Logic, breached the bastion of contemporary UK club music, it exhibited his precision in bridging a palate of techno, psychedelic and analogue electronics – giving dance music then a much-needed reacharound. With his new release Sensation / Clear, Avery continues his sonic mastery through Erol Alkan’s Phantasy Sound label – presenting clever control of two distinct offerings that see thick, percussive swatches fly over ominous synth patterns. While both sides of the bridge undulate, Avery’s otherworldly realms leave us once again with an expansive listen beyond formulaic conventions – paralleling the benchmark of his sterling first full-length release. soundcloud.com/danielavery
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PRETTY LUSH Cage the Elephant’s fourth album, Tell Me I’m Pretty, draws from an array of influences cut across distinct eras of pop and rock. Turning to a production approach fashioned by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, we guarantee you’d be able to tell from “Mess Around”. While the Kentucky band blares references from garage-pop, grunge and even blues, Matthew Shultz ties the rhythmic and stylistic variations through the execution of his robust lyricism. The outfit also manages to show that they are able to take their hypnotic bearings through slower facets in “Too Late to Say Goodbye” and “Trouble”, dipped in analogue and psychedelic instrumental choices. cagetheelephant.com
SHEARWATER It is often tough to let go of a band’s first impression as they evolve over time, branching into alternate planes while their sound swells with an expansive list of influences. With Shearwater’s latest album – a followup to their covers album three years back titled Fellow
Travellers – the production of Jet Plane and Oxbow presents varied contributions from the likes of film composer Brian Reitzell (The Virgin Suicides, Lost in
Translation) and Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner, leading the 11-track release into poignant cinematic soundscapes. The first single off the set is “Quiet Americans”, a piece drawn from ’80s-inspired synths and gated snares that is distinctively louder and bolder than what we are used to. shearwater.com
BEHOLD, THE DJ KHALED ADVICE GENERATOR! By now, there should be no doubt that the self-described ‘best’ in the game is an endless fount of LOLs. It all started when his animated, fatuous and megalomaniacal demeanour during interviews went viral, fuelling him to up his can’t-tell-if-he’strolling-us-or-if-he-actually-thinks-he’s-that-great personality every time he was in front of the camera. And now, thanks to designer George Kendenburg III, you can click away on theydontwantyouto.win for a compilation of all his sagely wisdom delivered in such eloquence as in: “Let me inspire you”, “I remember when I ain’t have a jacuzzi” and our personal favourite, “It’s important to use cocoa butter”. theydontwantyouto.win
IN PEAK FORM SAVAGES There is a force within Savages; a ferocity that bleeds from
Text Austen Choo & Indran P Images Various Sources
the heart of the London-based quartet. Their hefty 2013 debut album, Silence Yourself, tore through the airwaves – scaling through post-punk and classic rock sensibilities. If their first single “The Answer” is any indication of the breadth off their follow-up, Adore Life, then you better get excited. Quite simply, the brutality behind their artistic narratives once again pervades their sound, a rapid ascension to punctuating guitar melodies and Jehnny Beth’s intoxicating vocals as she sings “If you don’t love me / You don’t love anybody”. Likewise, we’re ready to punch into the air with similar convictions. savagesband.com
The base configuration of Chicago indie rock band Strange Faces would bring to mind lo-fi punk group, Twin Peaks; but it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. After all, the quartet began as the solo project of David Miller, a one-off member from Twin Peaks. While their debut album, Stonerism, is mixed and mastered by Cadien James, another member of said band, the connections end just about when you are drowned in heaving reverberations – through distinct ’60s-referenced tics and quasimodern styles as they define their sound with an eclectic mix of influences. facebook.com/sstrangeffaces music
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OF (UN) SOUND MIND
BY INDRAN P
2016 HAS A LOT TO PROVE
On and off the records that were made last year, one point was conclusive: 2015 was huge. Aided and abetted by the social media hype machine going on beast mode and inspired by some genuine impulses of ingenuity and soulsearching, pop culture – particularly, its musical manifestations – popped off on a maximal scale. Let me outline all the beyond-viral 2015 musical moments that this year has to top. 1) That Grimes album. C’mon. Let’s all take a collective step back and think, for a moment, about how mythically fantastic that record is. It’s plain to see why she took so long to make it. You can’t embrace pop, hardcore, soul, glitch, drum & bass and distill it all into a poignantly powerful statement overnight. It’s 2015’s most entrancing sonic mirror. 2) Taylor Swift bringing out Fetty Wap to sing “Trap Queen”. In her pathological quest to make friends, T-Swizzle dominated our various feeds last year. But bringing out the New Jersey rapper-singer was the most significant of her shenanigans. Not only did it show that she’ll stop at nothing to be liked, it also testified to the ‘anything’s possible’ tenor of contemporary pop culture.
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3) Sufjan Stevens flipped the script. As obliterating trap anthems, dense, cloudy neo-R&B sex jams and raucous EDM bangers dominated attention spans, the deftly brilliant singer-songwriter released Carrie & Lowell – a bare-bones folk album christened after his mother and step-father, chronicling the former’s death. At a time when our eardrums have been conditioned to rattle around so much, he kept us mesmerised with his loving, sometimes unbearably heartbreaking, songs that needed only an acoustic guitar and his infinitely evocative voice.
GARDEN OF DELETE ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER (WARP)
There’s such a thing as a conceptual conceit for an album, and then there’s Daniel Lopatin AKA Oneohtrix Point Never’s Garden Of Delete. Forged in relation to an adolescent humanoid alien called Ezra, Lopatin trades in the genre of ‘hypergrunge’ – a made-up music form plied by a made-up band called Kaoss Edge – and created multiple Twitter accounts, a blog, and out-there videos to shore up his latest effort…all this weirdness for what passes as his most accessible album yet. Regardless, “Ezra” and “Sticky Drama” sound like an Aphex Twin and Skrillex collab, with the rest being a mind-melting synthesis of horror soundtrack synth muzak, mutated vocals, industrial rock, and atmospheric noise.
4) Club music got way deeper. A new breed of producers and artistes made their mark in 2015. Lotic, Arca, SOPHIE, Petite Noir, Future Brown and Elysia Crampton, to name just some, appropriated both the heady thump of beat-driven sounds and the darkness of the club floors to interrogate perceptions about big questions like gender, politics, race and rabid consumerism. It wasn’t always a party. 5) Sleater-Kinney came back. Last year, the elder stateswomen of capital I indie rock came through with an album to plug the SleaterKinney-shaped void we’d been feeling for the past decade. Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss hit like a tonne of bricks on their eighth full-length showing, No Cities to Love, doused in the irrepressible momentum that courses through fist-up rock & roll with a purpose. 6) Kanye West announced his 2020 presidential bid. When news broke that Kanye was to be anointed with MTV’s Video Vanguard Award, we all thought that it was about time. Even most of his acceptance speech hewed closely to his rant-meanderinglyeverytime-I’m-given-the-chance-to-speak schtick. Then, he dropped the bomb with, “I have decided, in 2020, to run for president”, before walking off. Beat that. This is not to say that it’s all downhill from here. Far from it, in fact. The way I see it, 2016 will have its own break-the-Internet moments too, and I’m hoping Frank Ocean will take the lead on that. In the meantime, all we can do is wait.
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BEINGS
LANTERNS ON THE LAKE (Bella Union)
While most of us would like Adele to belt out the dramatic moments of our love lives, there are some of us who prefer being lovelorn – to experience winds across faces of cliffs and sweep past autumnal vistas of grand romance and of loss (as opposed to Adele’s emo-proximation of ‘losing’). And if you have ever wished Landshapes, Coldplay and the Coucteau Twins to coalesce into a band to fulfill such pretensions, here’s Lanterns On The Lake as a realised listening aid. Lead singer, Hazel Wilde, slow-marches to self-destruction on the opener “Of Dust & Matter”, with the band braving its own wall of sound in the lead single “Faultlines”, and venturing even into swirls of electronica on “Stepping Down”.
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PICKS OF THE MONTH
SKID ROW
PRODUCT
KANNON
1000 DAYS
(Break World Records) Dense, uncompromising, dystopian: James Ferraro’s musical vision of Downtown LA is as frivolity-free and dark as they come. Spiralling out from a series of poems, Ferraro’s perception of LA is broken up and corrupted, absent of palm trees and chilling tourists. It’s a hooks-free conceptual album that’s gonna dampen the hols, what with its slow witchy beats, cold spoken word singing, and pessimistic lyrics.
(Numbers) It’s all about packaging nowadays – an album that comes with a silicone pleasure toy? Sold! Luckily, there’s more to the music than just a novel sales tactic. SOPHIE is actually a certain Samuel Leong, part of the PC Music collective, and he occupies a kooky, pop-centred point between Burial, Diplo, Rustie and Arca. It’s a short, odd ride, with “Bipp” and “Elle” being the sharpest pricks...to the ears we mean.
(Southern Lord) Dolourous and devious doom-drone metal that envelopes and awes – Sunn O)))’s Greg Anderson and Stephan O’Malley are maleficent masters at casting noisy swells with conspirators like Julian Cope and Scott Walker. For their latest, it’s back to just them (and the legendary black metal vocalist, Attila Csihar), for three tracks of circuitous mantras. Basically, it’s Sunn O))) at their briefest and their lowest on drama.
(Drag City) Wand puts out a new album after March’s Golem, and luckily, it’s an album that rolls right along with its mix of stadium rock and folksy psychedelic rock. Except Cory Hanson’s voice is thrown out more here, and the album is more song-oriented. It’s a pleasant enough collection that’s not gonna rock the boat, which might disappoint fans more fond of their more psychedelic, gloomier material.
ENTIRELY NEW BLUE
HELL EP
MUTANT
James Ferraro
Chad Valley
Text Chris Ong Ujine Images Various Sources
(Cascine) Haven’t heard enough of young male troubadours trying out Auto-Tune, synth-dance music and chilled-indie house? Here’s Chad Valley to add to your basket. Well, it’s actually one Oxfordbased, bearded lad, Hugo Manuel, who, with this sophomore, is dealing with breakup – through dancey, friendly, Balearic pop. Ah, young love. Ease the pain with “True” and “Labasa”.
SOLD OUT DJ Paypal
(Brainfeeder) It’s great when a music-maker tries to mess with the rules, as the impishly named DJ Paypal does with footwork music. It does pay dividends to pay attention to form and then do a cut– and-splice: Hyperkinetic bebop jazz on “Awakenings”, Afro-cuban percussion and chanting on “Slim Trak”, and the closing highlight, “Say Goodbye feat. Kieskat and Tielsie”, where old school J-pop balladeering is fused with stuttering bleeps.
SOPHIE
The Pains Of Being Pure at Heart
Sunn O)))
Arca
(Painbow) For a three-song EP, it does feel like The Pains Of Being Pure at Heart aren’t trying at anything much more than 1) putting out a release to fill up time between original albums; 2) showing their heartson-sleeves tribute to inspirations. An inconsequential EP comprising “Hell”, an original cut out from their Days Of Abandon album, and two covers, of Felt’s “Ballad of the Band” and James’ “Laid”.
Wand
FREE TC
Ty Dolla $ign
(Mute) (Atlantic) Björk, Kanye West and FKA Twigs have If there’s one mainstream R&B all called on him, and it’s easy to see why. album to pip for, you ain’t gonna Alejandro Ghersi makes the kind of futuristic, do any better than Ty Dolla $ign’s alien, electronic-yet-organic compositions newest. He’s got ’em sexual slow that both enthrall and repel. His debut, Xen, jams (“Horses In The Stable”), the hits was a taster of his ideas; his latest 20 tracks (“Blase”), the stars (R. Kelly, Wiz delve deep into his psyche to deal with body, Khalifa, Babyface, Kendrick Lamar), sexuality and mind. It’s an experimental and the stunning name-maker, doozy of a sophomore, and one to make “Miracle/Whatever” where he has his best-of lists. incarcerated brother, TC, sing over the prison phone, and the Benjamin Wright Orchestra close it out.
AND AFTER THAT, WE DIDN’T TALK
I THOUGHT THE FUTURE WOULD BE COOLER
GoldLink
YACHT
(Downtown) Not sure how one should take to YACHT’s latest. A sarcastic sideways political take on modern society and technology or a goofy, retro-futuristic take on LCD Soundsystem’s disco-punk music? The Portland band can craft hooks, and in here, they fall like rain, even on the eight-minute opener “Miles & Miles” and the slightly nauseating “Ringtone”.
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(Soulection) People have been thinking that rap and dance music is all that synth-club Euro hip-hop bangers landfilling the charts now – here’s D.C. rapper GoldLink showing how rap and dance can couple in a different flow. He smushes future bounce (his own coined term), go-go funk and synth music into his private blend – just hear him rap and sing with equal adroitness on “Dark Skin Women” and “Dance On Me” to know he ain’t bluff-talking.
BE SMALL
Here We Go Magic
(Secretly Canadian) Downsizing can be a good thing, as is the case with Brooklyn’s Here We Go Magic, whittled to the core duo of Luke Temple and Michael Bloch, with them self-recording instead of working with Nigel Godrich for their latest. They present a small box of charming tricks: “Ordinary Feeling” eases listeners into synth-folk territory, while “Tokyo London US Korea” is simply Temple repeating these four words over frenetic bass and drums.
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TUESDAY JANUARY 5 AT KYO This will be a whole different kind of head-trip from your standard juddering dance fare. Trafficking in what he calls “slow-motion funk”, the New Jersey native, imaginatively self-branded as Com Truise, will beam you back to the ’80s with his hypnotic synth-led, sci-fi-inspired sounds. If you’ve had “Sundriped” and “Slow Peels” cooking in your headphones, you’ll know what to expect. If not, get ready to go back in time – and up to space. clubkyo.com
ONRA
SATURDAY JANUARY 23 AT VELVET UNDERGROUND – DANCE Being #multicultural is the apotheosis of hip-dom these days. But don’t you dare accuse this French beatsmith of such a shallow and insincere pose. Inspired by the sounds he took in while travelling through Asia, his musicality is a supremely expert balancing act of Oriental sounds with a palette-defying mix of other elements. Besides, he’s also known to bring MPC freakouts and Low End Theory-shaking bass swells to bless the dance floor. zoukclub.com.sg
BRING ME THE HORIZON
THURSDAY JANUARY 28 AT *SCAPE PLAYSPACE If things have been a little, shall we say, quiet, lately, Yorkshire metalcore wreckers are here to bring the noise. Already packed with high-energy roilers, their discography can now boast a more melodic prize in their fifth album, 2015’s That’s the Spirit. With influences from Radiohead, Jane’s Addiction and Interpol, BMTH’s sound and fury now comes with an indie-minded nuance. Win and win. lamcproductions.com
CLAPTONE
FRIDAY JANUARY 8 AT VELVET UNDERGROUND – DANCE In an age where you’re only as ‘deep’ as your social media timeline, Claptone is a resplendent enigma. All we know about the masked DJproducer is that he is the source of a visionary melding of soul-kissed Chicago house and whichever analogue and/or digital elements he deems apt for a exquisite soundtrack to your night. This thing called deep house has also been richer for his touch. Be here. zoukclub.com.sg
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SVEN VÄTH
FRIDAY JANUARY 29 AT ZOUK House and techno are hallowed grounds in the terrain of dance. For more than three decades, the singularly distinct, boundarytorching transmissions by this German titan have affirmed that truth. His next-levelism is writ large across his uncompromising catalogue; we recommend studying up on “Mind Games” and “L’Esperanza”. Still, his sets are known to be intense, unpredictable excursions into entire canons of sounds. Ready yourselves. zoukclub.com.sg
POPTART WITH WEELIKEME & KIDG
SATURDAY JANUARY 16 AT KYO It’s time to get your bounce on! The pre-eminent indie-dance night on our shores is here to set the year off to a positively vibing start. With local rabble-rousers WEELIKEME and KIDG leading the sonic charge, there’ll be no short supply of Brit-pop, alt-rock, indie rock, and electro hits to sing and lose your s**t to. Bring your best self and get to dancing. clubkyo.com
XHIN
SATURDAY JANUARY 30 AT KYO We cannot even. It’s so unbelievably great to have this homegrown maverick grace the decks on our shores, especially since he’s now a frequent fixture in clubs overseas. He stands for the most trend-averse techno, for the mesmerising levelling pulse that worlds are destroyed and created by. And last year, he released a prog-/math-rock-informed metal masterpiece. So, we have that to look forward to as well. clubkyo.com
WALKTHEMOON
TUESDAY JANUARY 19 AT FORT CANNING PARK When we first heard the Cincinnati band’s single/imperative “Shut Up And Dance”, we were quite frankly impressed with how they merged new wave and pop punk with such winking verve. And when the arena rock-dance-pop hybrid “Different Colours” made its rounds in the ether, we were legit mind-blown. Head over for feel-good, plus-sized sounds that’ll make you dance like no one’s watching. lamcproductions.com
REALNESS FEAT. D-SWIFT & FRESH
ONE OK ROCK
SATURDAY JANUARY 30 AT REFUGE Y’all already know – this night’s all about the Golden Area of hip-hop, that golden age when MCs spat straight fire over life-gifting beats. Take your cues from the fact that this is also a vinyl-only affair. Pre-banger, pre-trap, pre-hype, there was this. Relive the boom bapping ’90s this night – it’ll be the best history class you ever took. refuge.sg
SATURDAY JANUARY 23 AT FORT CANNING PARK The internationally beloved Tokyo post-hardcore icons are set to take the stage later this month. This means that if you’re in the grips of an emo hangover, or need to let it out, this is where you need to be. The bilingual heroes have new treats for you in their new album 35xxxv so expect great things to come. amuse-entertainment.sg
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Text Indran P Images Various Sources
COM TRUISE (LIVE)
Text Aaron Kok Images Katie Eary
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If January is known for one thing, it’s the constant obsession with our physique – diets, gym memberships, and the resolve to buy “better-fitting jeans” are things we’re all familiar with. That said, no other collection takes on the preoccupation with body image as literally as Katie Eary. This season, the London-based designer presents a collection of unusually vivid shades that draw inspiration from various artists. By melding Jennifer Saville’s farcical paintings with the comicality of Jeff Koon’s explosion of colour, Eary plays upon the blend of bold and subversive – culminating in a showing of kaleidoscopic hues, exaggerated shapes and graphic prints.
katieeary.co.uk
fashion
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curves ahead FOR THE TREND-CONSCIOUS
CARMAKOMA
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FOR THE URBAN WARRIOR
JUNAROSE
FOR THE WORKOUT QUEEN
If looking on-trend every time you head out the door ranks high on your priority scale, then you’ll love the wares at Carmakoma. The brainchild of Danish duo Angelica Weiss and Heidie Lykke, the brand first launched in the summer of 2008, and has since made it its mission to ensure that curvy women get their fair share of stylish clothing that fit. Sizes range from UK 14 and goes all the way up to 26, so you won’t have to worry about squeezing into under-sized clothing.
This Danish label has options for every city girl who needs to look stylish while on the fly. With a size range that starts from UK 14 to 26, you’ll be tempted with a melange of dresses and easy, everyday wear that’ll keep you comfortable and chic while you’re zipping between appointments. Whether it’s the material or the way a pair of jeans hugs your body, the brand puts great effort into ensuring that you get the most mileage from your shopping.
carmakoma.com
junarose.com
Our picks:
Our picks:
polyester blend cardigan, $124
pu dress, $13
SALLIE SAHNE
FOR THE MINIMALIST MANIAC
MEI SMITH
Incorporating elements of sportswear into its haute-urban designs, the German label uses clear cuts and functional materials to play up everyday elegance in its pieces. Gym rags, they are not; rather, every piece is designed to accommodate functionality that the girl on the go needs from her apparel. The brand’s palette of colours are easy to match, banking on the versatility of neutrals and monochromes.
Minimalism has taken over the wardrobes of women all around the globe since it was first reintroduced on the runway in 2009. Yet, the trend remains one of the hardest to wear if you’re anything above a size two. If you’re a firm believer of having ‘less is more’ clothing, check out Mei Smith’s collection. Founded by Ayanna Wu, the American site works with a curated list of designers and brands to offer clothing that’ll flatter a fuller figure.
sallie-sahne.de
meismith.com
Our picks:
Our picks:
pique coat, $882
merino wool jumper, US$420, shaina mote
denim printed skirt, $70 printed wool blazer, $509 denim boiler suit, US$230, 17sundays pretty
denim jeans, $110
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FASHION MIGHT BE INCLUSIVE FOR MOST, BUT FOR THOSE WHO DON’T POSSESS SVELTE BODY SHAPES, SHOPPING FOR STYLISH THREADS THAT FLATTER CAN BE SOMEWHAT TRICKY. IF ONE OF YOUR RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR IS TO LOVE YOURSELF A LITTLE MORE, START DRESSING THE BODY YOU’RE IN. HERE ARE EIGHT ONLINE DESTINATIONS THAT DRESS EVERY FIGURE, SHAPE AND SIZE IN STYLISH, COVETABLE THREADS, SO YOU CAN LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GREAT.
FOR THE ROCK QUEEN
TORRID
FOR THE VINTAGE LOVER
MODCLOTH
FOR THE HBIC
Made for those who love their leather jackets and ripped denim, Torrid stocks skinny jeans and cropped biker jackets guaranteed to get your cool-chick senses tingling. Dressing ladies from sizes 12 to 28, the site offers easy-to-wear pieces at pocket-friendly prices – from basic wardrobe fillers to showstopping dresses and outerwear. Plus, its collaborations with Penny Dreadful and The Nightmare Before Christmas will appeal to your inner pop-culture geek.
Perhaps you feel like you belong in a different era – say the ’50s. If so, dress the part with the help of Modcloth’s extensive line of clothing in vintage-inspired styles. From fit-and-flare silhouettes to structured outerwear, boldlycoloured frocks to exuberant prints, the American website works with hundreds of independent designers to cater to all your Stepford-style lusts. The best part? The pieces are all-inclusive and go all the up to size 4XL.
torrid.com
modcloth.com
Our picks:
ZIZZI
For the past 16 years, Zizzi has fastidiously abided by its slogan, “We looove curves”. Still, the brand finds new ways to reinvent itself each season by consistently producing confidently chic pieces. Peep its Fall/Winter 2015 collection and you’ll find a wide variety of buttery soft leather pieces and plush yards of velvet swathed into dresses and jackets. Zizzi also places great emphasis on making finely fitted threads, evident in its line of easy cotton shirts that are perfect for the working wardrobe. zizzifashion.com
Our picks:
FOR THE ROMANTIC AT HEART
ELENA MIRO
Elena Miro’s clothing celebrates the beauty of the female form with soft shapes and supple fabrics. Launched in 1985, the Italian fashion label prides itself on dressing full-figured women in clothing that embodies a refined sense of romance and whimsy. This season sees the Elena Miro woman embarking on a carefree escapade across the rocky plains of Iceland. This sense of adventure is given a softened touch, with thick knits and Aztec prints leading the way. elenamiro.com
Our picks:
Our picks:
cotton blend moto jacket, $90 velvet burnout tunic, $165
wool blend boucle jacket, $397
Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
polyester dress, US$59.99
ripped denim jeans, $140
velvet jacket, $218
cotton blend skirt, US$69.99
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cashmere cardigan, $394
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IOANA CIOLACU FALL/WINTER 2015
While fashion has drawn from the ideations of Postmodernism in recent years, the conceptualisation of garments over art and architecture has never been something that is out of the blue. More often than not, designers take to deconstructing elements from banks of pre-existing art and design, forming their own takes on postmodern art and architecture. Fashion can also materialise as a reaction to a designer’s multidisciplinary aesthetic, merging artistic conventions and technical designs. Case in point: Ioana Ciolacu.
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The Bucharestbased fashion house presents minimalist silhouettes that are accented with statement design components, charmingly styled with her refined eye. Working with concrete ideas that evolve as each look takes shape, Ciolacu’s range is evident when you look at her body of work. Past seasons have seen the label dabble with structurally fluid jumpsuits, elegant cut-outs and tailored dresses crafted over a palette that is largely monochromatic; though muted colours and vibrant patterns emerge as well.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE fashion
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Going into Fall/Winter 2015, it’s clear that Ciolacu’s mind is on the subject of juxtapositions, and the results that come about by marrying two wholly different elements. Menswear detailing in womenswear, stiff fabrics adhered over gauzy organzas, thick wools sculpted into an elegantly curved jumpsuit; these were just some of the propositions that the designer was eager to explore. The collection starts on a clean slate, with a white turtleneck dress that graduates into a hem with lively lashes of fringe. Fringe then makes a continual appearance throughout the first segment, exploding merrily from skirts and tops. Colours are limited to black and white at this point, with a very limited exploration of beige. This keeps the attention on the cut and the form of an outfit, and the textures and prints that make up the bulk of her pieces. Putting an emphasis on her DNA in postmodern art, Ciolacu developed a print that can be best described as robotic squiggles, which doubles as an edged hemline on a white skirt and on the layered neckline of a sublimely cut black dress.
Text Aaron Kok & Austen Choo Images Ioana Ciolacu
Moving on, Ciolacu begins to reveal other colours and prints in her Fall/Winter arsenal. The first print to show is an oversized white check laid upon a black base, as if to reference the menswear influences that she mentioned previously. The other print, notably more artsy in design than the previous two, is a collage of rhinoceroses and flowers blossoming across a base of pastel pink and dandelion yellow. These rhinos are then plastered onto languid yards of silk, cut into palazzo pants and prim blouses. Ciolacu’s designs embrace the wearer’s innate sense of effortless style – just look at the practical pieces like a camel-coloured anarok coat or a no-frills jumpsuit. But for her evenings out, the Ciolacu woman is daring, and embraces her sexuality through a selection of brazenly sheer organza pieces. To ensure that the garments keep ’em lady bits a mystery, strategically placed rhino prints meander their way down, transforming into 3-D floral explosions as they reach the hem. Sensual and fun, without the need for tired gimmicks, these looks cement Ciolacu’s draw as a designer. Though young she may be, it’s clear that her label is poised to make big waves in the industry.
ioanaciolacu.com
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Largely, the fashion industry has seen a slower shift on the politics of gender. Sure, Pirelli has done away with its scintillating calendars for cerebral heavyweights, but Victoria’s Secret still insists on its annual lingerie parade despite the drop in viewership this year. And then you have a young designer who has the chutzpah to take on the idea of gendered clothing with so much wit that her talent and point of view becomes undeniable.
“First of all, my dad was very much a chauvinist, and I was very sensitive to gender issues from a young age,” Chou says in an interview. “I thought that if there were no sexual organs, then you wouldn’t be able to judge a person based on the gender they appeared to be. It became a way for me to protect myself from being violated by gender-specific stereotypes”.
Hailing from Taiwan, Tina Chou brings a fresh perspective coupled with exciting designs to the season. Titled ‘The Second Sex’, the collection draws inspiration from Simone de Beauvoir’s book of the same name. Pairing that with references taken from her personal
It may all sound fancy, but there’s a real core to what Chou is trying to provoke with her Fall/ Winter 2015 collection. Firstly, her fabrics are sublime in the way they were produced. Working primarily with thicker materials like neoprene and polyester, Chou experimented with new cuts and shapes in her garments. Padded nylon puff out under pleated fabrics, which is then
GENDER PLANES
overlayed with polyester mesh to create optical illusions. Next, she focuses her prints on dissecting the strongholds of gender typicality. On a jumper sleeve, you’ll find abstract graphics of the female bust, while other body parts come up in comical fashion. And while stripes are featured heavily throughout the looks, there isn’t a dominating line seen. Instead, they zig and zag as they please, seemingly to dissolve the distinction between male and female. Her thesis on the dichotomy of the sexes and the identities each gender brings makes for an interesting train of thought. And given that fashion can often tether on superfluous fancy, it’s almost exciting to watch a new designer take on such a heavy discussion with confidence that will serve her well.
cargocollective.com/ggnnk
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Text Aaron Kok Images Tina Chou
interactions, the resulting collection weighs heavy on the colour scale, with vivid bursts of hues intersecting each other in a lively free-forall and supersized silhouettes that blur the line between traditional gendered clothing.
TINA CHOU FALL/WINTER 2015
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Feminist – that’s a word that’s been seen in the media a lot lately. It brings out the most extreme of reactions – chauvinists loathe it, women identify with it, and every female pop star seems all too eager to be labelled one.
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SHAPESHIFTERS DELPOZO FALL/WINTER 2015 It’s not common to see a fashion house breaking new waves in the hyper-saturated world of fashion. Often, it is left to the newcomers and underground labels to give fashion a good shake-up. But at Delpozo, the storied Spanish label is getting exactly what it needs – a new spot in the limelight, with all credit going to its new designer, Josep Font. With his otherworldly take on moulding dresses, dainty embroidery, and an unmistakably feminine signature to every piece, Font’s vision of a fashion label that produces minutely-detailed frocks – while paying homage to his love for art and architecture – is winning over fans and credit cards alike.
The beauty of nature has always been a focus for Font, and it’s been reflected many times in previous collections, but here, florals are brazenly flamboyant and intense in a way that’s iconically Spanish. Psychadelic silhouettes of swallows and leaves are plastered across muted greys and pastels, while embroidery and embellishments add dimension to his garden of flowers that adorn many frocks. Speaking of which, dress lovers will have plenty to want from this collection. Delpozo is known for its dramatic dresses that’ll get heads turning at any soiree. Font’s predilection for a swingy little number is reiterated yet again, as evidenced in the modish cocktail dresses and skater skirts that flare out ever so gracefully. His focus also spans towards dressing his customer for the intimate moments – when you’re away from public eye and still yearn to look chic. Perhaps that’s why a sizeable number of looks were paired with rollneck sweaters – made from velour, nonetheless – in luminous shades of day-glo yellow, salmon and lapis. Spectacular knits include a turtleneck in a feathery shade of mint, adorned with shaggy tentacles of yarn that resemble the ebb and flow of coral colonies. Colour is a forte of Font’s as well, evident in his innovation in combining seemingly opposing colours within the same look. Case in point: a rosy pink knit dress layered over a cheery yellow jumper, and a midi-length dress in a syrupy shade of fuchsia and beige worn atop a blouse in Yves Klein’s blue. Every shade in Font’s Fall/Winter palette swirls together in harmony to compliment his shapely designs, giving the collection distinct character and verve.
delpozo.com
fashion
Text Aaron Kok Images Delpozo
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This season, Font looks to what he identifies as “sinister and vibrant” paintings of Australian painter, Rhys Lee, and the pre-Raphaelite beauties from Andrey Remnev’s surreal portraits. The collection explores shape and cut in a way that few designers can master, yet looks effortlessly light in Font’s hands. The first and most noticeable trait from the collection is the constant presence of rounded shapes. Pants are cut with a generous amount of pleats in the front, while skirts are shaped like tulips as they pair up with one of Font’s high-neck tops. And where the skirts and dresses flare out into a perfect triangle – which is by no means an easy feat – this roundness is best seen up top, particularly in the sleeves.
vault
suede, leather and wool jacket, poa, commes des garcons
PATCH THINGS UP
cotton shirt, $49, desigual
cotton shirt, poa, polo ralph lauren
denim shirt, $549, kapital at mrporter.com
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cotton blend socks, $36, anonymous ism at eastdane.com
Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
cotton top, poa, marc jacobs at club 21 mens
PATCHWORK HASN’T BEEN THIS COOL SINCE KURT COBAIN SPORTED A PAIR OF TATTERED JEANS WITH FABRIC SQUARES HAPHAZARDLY SEWN OVER. ROCK THE BOHO-GRUNGE VIBE THIS SEASON BY CLASHING PRINTS AND TEXTURES IN A LACKADAISICAL FASHION.
cotton madras boat shoes, $90, brooks brothers
cotton and leather belt, $118, brooks brothers cotton trousers, $160, publish at jackthreads.com
denim jeans, poa, kidill at kidill.jp
fashion
MA XED OUT BIGGER IS BETTER – TAKE ON PROPORTION, TEXTURE AND SHAPE WITH A MAXIMALIST STREAK. TOO MUCH IS NEVER ENOUGH.
PHOTOGRAPHY NICKY LOH PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ERIC TAN STYLING AARON KOK STYLING ASSISTANT AUSTEN CHOO MAKEUP ANGEL GWEE USING LANEIGE HAIR ALIKA TATAKORN USING REDKEN PROFESSIONAL MODELS MARTIN C & SIMONA P / AVE
ON MARTIN COTTON SHIRT LAZY OAF AT ACTUALLY DENIM JEANS UNIQLO COTTON JACKET H&M NYLON MA-1 JACKET SANDRO WOOL SCARF COACH LEATHER BOOTS DR. MARTENS ON SIMONA SEQUINNED DRESS TOPSHOP VISCOSE PANTS SANDRO WOOL CARDIGAN COS SILICONE EARRINGS EK THONGPRASERT AT PEDDER ON SCOTTS FAUX FUR SCARF TOPSHOP PU HEELS CHARLES & KEITH
SEQUINNED TOP TOPSHOP COTTON HOODIE (WORN UNDERNEATH) ZARA POLYESTER SKIRT BERSHKA QUILTED COTTON COAT YESAH AT SUPERSPACE LEATHER SNEAKERS PHARELL WILLIAMS X ADIDAS ORIGINALS AT ADIDAS ORIGINALS
COTTON T-SHIRT TOPMAN NYLON MA-1 JACKET WITH PATCHES RICHIE RICH X JOYRICH AT SUPERSPACE DENIM JEANS UNIQLO COTTON SCARF COS CANVAS SNEAKERS ELEY KISHIMOTO X VANS
PRINTED COTTON JUMPER H&M COTTON TURTLENECK JUMPER (WORN UNDERNEATH) SANDRO WOOL SKIRT COS NEOPRENE AND MESH COAT ELOHIM BY SABRINA GOH SUEDE BELT TOPSHOP LEATHER HEELS H&M
VISIT YOUTUBE.COM/JUICESG FOR A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THIS SHOOT.
COTTON JUMPER COS COTTON TURTLENECK JUMPER (WORN UNDERNEATH) COS RIPPED DENIM JEANS ZARA COTTON SHIRT (WORN AROUND WAIST) UNIQLO WOOL EMBELLISHED COAT COACH METAL SUNGLASSES PRADA CANVAS BOOTS DR. MARTENS
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SUPERNOVA STYLE BE THE NORTH STAR OF THE STREET STYLE PACK WITH
Street culture is often referred to as the lifeblood that inspires many fashion brands. It’s where the coolest kids converge in their latest swag that a distinct energy emerges to create a shift in fashion once again. STAR 360 is a multi-label concept store with a wide assortment of brands to offer new refreshments to your wardrobe, with all that’s cult-worthy in the high street scene. Be ahead of the style pack and check out all its wares at six different locations, including recently-opened stores at Bugis Junction and Suntec City. Here are three brands that are exclusive to STAR 360 in Singapore.
PATRICK
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SPINGLE
Molby in grey, $199 SPM-290 in beige/khaki, $219
SPM-191 in navy, $309 Punch Pop in white, $249
Parinton in white, $199
Founded in 1892, this Japan-based unisex footwear brand has amassed a large number of followers, thanks to its range of sporty and fun soles. The classic designs that make up the collection are produced with a focus to ensure precision and perfection in material and craftsmanship. At times quirky, the brainchild of Patrick Benetau is also commonly known as “makeup of the feet” – depicting the brand’s aim to transcend trends into timeless designs. We’ve got to give our love (and money) to the label’s ‘Parinton’ shoes, which feature a playful, limited edition design of the Eiffel Tower by illustrator, Sorimachi Akira.
SPM-183 in white/red, $239
At Spingle, rubber takes on a stylish life of its own. Having been in the rubber shoe trade since the ’30s, the ‘Made In Japan’ label insists on using only the highest grade of rubber in the production process. The humble hands of 80 skilled craftsmen do everything in-house – from stitching of the uppers to the finishing of each pair. The shoes boast vulcanised soles, a technique that remains steadfast from traditional manufacturing methods. While steeped in history, the brand moves forward with its newly developed sole, where comfort and fit coalesce with fun and casual designs that are versatile enough to keep you on your feet, whatever the occasion.
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POLO RALPH LAUREN
PERFECT PAIRING Apart from comfy and stylish soles, STAR 360 has plenty more to offer shoppers seeking a fashionable fix. For a flash of fancy ankles, jazz up your bottom drawer with a pair (or three!) of socks from Happy Socks. There’s a pattern for every occasion! Next, if you’re looking for highperformance kicks, slip into a pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes or lace up a pair of Nike Roshe Runs for comfort on the go. Then, shop the store’s wide range of matching accessory brands, like Obey and Master-piece, to name a few, and let your style personality shine.
Vaughn in grey, $110
Bait x Onitsuka Tiger x Bruce Lee “Colarado eight-five” legend, $269
Clarke-NE in polo black, $110
“Happy Socks” in blue stripes, $14 Bait x Onitsuka Tiger x Bruce Lee “Jeet Kunn Do”, $199
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Women’s Nike Free 5.0 Print, $179 Vaughn in observer blue, $110 “Happy Socks” in polka dots, $14
No stranger to fashion circles, Polo Ralph Lauren is the embodiment of all things American – utilitarian and sophisticated. For this season, guys can expect to be enthralled by the label’s range of ultra-comfy kicks that draw inspiration from Lauren’s vision of American sportswear. Shoes come in breathable canvas for those casual weekends, yet are trimmed in natural leather for upmarket cred. If you’re looking for something a little dressier – like a dinner date – go with a pair of tennis shoes in slate grey, which is anchored by black leather. All you really need is a good pair of jeans, a spiffy shirt, and voila! Job done.
Nike Roshe One Print, $129
To check out these fantastic wares, head down to STAR 360 at #02-11A Bugis Junction, #02-179 Marina Square, #03-08 Paragon, #01-24 Velocity @ Novena Square, #02-07/08 Wheelock Place, and #01-458/462 Suntec City.
“Happy Socks” in box print, $14
starthreesixty starthreesixtyglobal 360shoes.com
starthreesixty.com Master-piece bag, $439
Obey cap, $59
wardrobe trend
etro
LUSH LEANINGS
draped mini skirt, $841, marques’ almeida at net-a-porter.com
TAKE A WALK ON THE OPULENT SIDE OF THINGS, AS BROCADE MAKES A STRONG COMEBACK THIS SEASON. TO KEEP THINGS A LITTLE SASSY, LOOK FOR SHORT HEMS AND BRIGHT POPS OF COLOUR. BETTER YET, MARRY TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF BROCADE – AS SEEN IN THIS MINI NUMBER BY MARQUES’ ALMEIDA – FOR AN UNEXPECTED TWIST THAT STILL EXCITES.
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john galliano
louis vuitton
mary katrantzou
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wardrobe trend
gemstone necklace, $59, mango top, $456, adam lippes at outnet.com top, poa, vivietta at vivietta.com
metal and gem bracelet, $35.90, zara
embellished belt, $40, asos at asos.com
jacket, $543, marques’ almeida at net-a-porter.com
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embellished leather cuff, $22, h&m
tasseled earrings, $20.90, h&m
pants, $103, raoul
Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
pleated midi skirt, $149, topshop
shorts, $240, markus lupfer at club 21b shorts, $45, h&m
flatform, $189, jeffrey campbell at p.v.s
dress, poa, alice + olivia
fashion
clutch, $58, patch at anthropologie.com
wardrobe trend
cotton jumper, poa, christopher kane at club 21 men’s
saint laurent
kenzo
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gucci
les hommes
ON A HIGHER PLANE
WHEN IT COMES TO GEOMETRIC PRINTS, THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO GO ABOUT IT. OPT FOR A RIOTOUS CLASH OF ANGULAR MOTIFS, SHARP LINES AND COLOUR BLOCKS, OR CHOOSE A UNIFORM PATTERN THAT’S SUBTLE AND SLEEK – LIKE THIS JUMPER FROM CHRISTOPHER KANE. ANCHORED AGAINST A DEEP BLUE, THE CONVERGENCE OF PLANES AND LINES CREATE AN OPTICAL ILLUSION THAT’S BOTH CONTROLLED AND EYE-CATCHING AT THE SAME TIME.
fashion
wardrobe trend
leather bracelet, $42, diesel at diesel.com acrylic blanket, $35, topman cotton tank top, $19.60, brooklyn cloth at brooklyncloth.com nylon windbreaker, poa, saturdays surf nyc at needsupply.com
sunglasses, $38, jeepers peepers at topman
wool blend cap, $521, mcm
063 wallet, $378, baobao by issey miyake
watch, $196, nixon cotton shirt, $53, lira at liraclothing.com
cotton t-shirt, $45, river island at riverisland.com
Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
nylon and mesh bowling bag, $139, zara
melange knit sneakers, $265, filling pieces at mrporter.com cotton socks, poa, topman satin twill trousers, poa, christopher kane at club 21 men’s
quilted cotton joggers, $98, shades of grey by micah cohen at hypebeast.com
fashion
shop
leather bag, $70, sr squared by sondra roberts at nordstrom.com
leather bag, poa, marc by marc jacobs
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fringed leather bag, $190, topshop
leather bag, poa, she + lo at shenadlo.com
THE BIGGER THE BETTER
leather bag, $488, loeffler randall at lyst.com
leather bag, poa, alexander wang
leather bag, poa, coach
pu leather and fringe bag, $166, french connection at zappos.com
leather bag, $270, furla
faux suede bag, $79.90, h&m
fashion
Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
IF YOU LOVE BIG BAGS AND YOU CANNOT LIE, THEN CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF THE HOBO WITH THIS SEASON’S ROOMIEST SACS.
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LOCAL REPPIN’
SINGAPORE DESIGNERS SHOWCASE AT FASHION GATEWAY
cult of nine If Singapore is the shopping mecca it prides itself to be, then Orchard Road takes its place as the throbbing heart. And if you are one for a bevy of eclectic options, then perhaps you should kick off your escapades at orchardgateway. The aptly-titled retail mall echoes its namesake – a gateway connecting both 313@Somerset and Orchard Central with a gathering of international labels and independent local fashion brands. The highlight of the mall, quite literally, is the 60m illuminated runway that has been the centre of several pop-up fashion shows.
Text Austen Choo Images Jayden Tan
More recently, it was host to the Singapore Designers Showcase, one of the many events held as part of Fashion Gateway. Aimed at promoting some of the country’s most talented youths, the showcase offered a platform for them to present their Fall/Winter 2015 collections. While emerging designers and artists in Singapore look towards proliferating their identities through commercial endeavours,
yesah
josiah chua
josiah chua
they also strive to foster a community that respects artistic growth amidst the burgeoning demand for their foreign counterparts. In a way, putting on such a display of talent at such a notable locality bridges both respects and allows mall patrons to get a keener understanding of our local design scene. Altogether, eight Singaporean brands demonstrated their capabilities that strayed from the cut-and-paste aesthetic of many. The Cult Of Nine opened with a monochromatic palette of five looks that seemed to be comfycore inspired, complete with tousled hair and furry slip-ons. Josiah Chua followed soon after with pieces that give a nod to the Harajuku street fashion scene – culminating in a vibrant display of clashing prints, elaborate accessories and bold eye makeup. Samuel Wong of evenodd brought forth his signature line of architectural menswear pieces, while Lionelow matched up with a collection of womenswear that were given a sophisticated edge. YESAH showed what
yesah
mae pang
fashion
evenodd
lionelow
would be the brand’s swansong collection, with a collection that was heavy on Tibetan influences. Staging her comeback was Mae Pang, whose gauzy separates and womenly silhouettes enthralled the audience. True to form, 065 RÊVASSEUR presented a riotous mix of colours infused into Gilda Su’s range of streetwear, and MASH-UP served up an assemblage of psychedelic colours and outlandish prints – a statement of artistic rebellion. Coupled with a X’mas Bazaar by Good Citizen, the event also saw performances by Isaac Caveman and drew a sizeable crowd. The brands that were presented are readily available at orchardgateway’s multi-label stores like Actually, White Rose Parlour and Superspace – a testament to how the incorporation of local labels alongside international chains can work seamlessly in a mall.
orchardgateway.sg
re^vasseur
mash-up
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BEHIND THE SEAMS
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LOUIS VUITTON SERIES 3 EXHIBITION The world is a shrinking place, thanks to the Internet. Fashion moves faster and faster, with the latest runway shows and style images reaching you simultaneously in real time. There’s no longer a need to be in Paris to see what Fashion Week is offering next season. Now, with a few clicks, you’ll be able to bookmark the looks you’ve set your eyes on in the season ahead. Yet, to experience a collection up close is a privilege afforded to few. With an innate desire to connect with the masses who can’t be there at his shows, artistic director, Nicolas Ghesquire, conjured up a roving exhibition that travels across the world, in celebration of Louis Vuitton’s rich heritage. This allows for fans of the brand – who may not be lucky enough to sit in the FROW – to get a personal experience of the pieces and understand the inspiration that’s poured into conceiving a collection for the storied house. After two successful runs, the Louis Vuitton Series 3 Exhibition finally reached our shores, earlier in November 2015, for public viewing.
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mastermind
abstract title Housed in the Crystal Pavilion adjacent to the brand’s flagship store, the entire exhibition spreads across three levels, with each room designed to immerse you in a multi-sensorial experience. Before entering the first room, we walked past a hulking light sculpture, called ‘Abstract Title’. Set in a dark space, the red neon lights depicted the brand’s famous logo, with six of them placed one after the other in various sizes, symbolising the brand’s constant move forward through trend and time.
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Connected to the ‘Abstract Title’ room is the next cavern, titled ‘Mastermind’. Taking centre stage in the room was a holographic projection of the signature Louis Vuitton trunk. As it spun, the trunk opened up to reveal its interior structure, a suggestion that we are entering Ghesquire’s mind in poetic fashion.
insta-marte
On the second floor, a trippy room covered in mirrored surfaces and streaking LED displays housed six wooden benches and stools. Our exhibition guide ushered us to take a seat at one of the benches, which was retrofitted with a video screen that showed the hands of an artist working to construct one of the house’s two new classics – La Petite Malle and the Dora.
artist’s hands
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infinite show
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accessories gallery After witnessing the painstaking process that went into making the bags, we moved into the next room, where tiered steps and thumping music emulated the vibes at the Fall/ Winter 2015 fashion show held in Paris last year. Called ‘Infinite Show’, life-sized screens dotted the room’s zig-zag pathway with looping videos of Ghesquire’s army of models marching down the runway. His collection was a meditation on the rich history of the brand, allowing that heritage to shape his futuristic vision for his womenswear designs – featuring fluffy sheepskin coats and second-skin knits that played alongside luxe-handed brocades, lace and mannish tailoring. Moving into the ‘Accessories Gallery’, sunglasses were hastily whipped out, as we took in the brilliance of the all-white room with various 3D-printed sculptures of Marte Mei Van Haaster (muse to Ghesquire) featuring accessories from the label.
Think of it as a sculpture museum set in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Lining the walls were original pieces borrowed from Louis Vuitton’s house archives, including a vanity trunk that was specially commissioned for Miss France’s use in the 19th century. In an interview, Ghesquire admitted to his love for accessory design, saying that “accessories never stand alone, there has to be a common thread between them. They’re an integral part of each outfit, either clashing or complementing it”.
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a tale of craftmanship
Text Aaron Kok Images Louis Vuitton
lounge
In the second-to-last room, a giant glass edifice greeted viewers with its arsenal of shoes, bags and clothing hung within. We’ve now reached the ‘Walk-In Wardrobe’ room, where we could appreciate each item up close to fully understand the workmanship behind these designs. In the final room, two artisans sat side-by-side at a workbench, as they nimbly assembled La Petite Malle clutches by hand. As they moved swiftly from toolbox to leather stacks, the French women worked in unwavering concentration to produce the house’s It-bag, stopping only to answer questions and pose for friendly photos.
At the end of the exhibition, we were ushered into the lounge where light bites were served up by Emmanuel Stroobant’s culinary team at Saint Pierre. A sticker wall was also on display to ensure that visitors wouldn’t walk away empty-handed, while ardent fans who wanted something bigger could grab a complimentary poster on the way out. The core of the entire exhibition was to find new ways to engage a growing audience of brand loyalists – with every room designed to reflect the house’s determination to produce wares that are bar none in quality and design.
louisvuitton.com
mbs island maison gallery
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profile
DIGGING DEEP SOME DESIGNERS EXIST ON A PLANE TO SATISFY THE NEED FOR FANCY THREADS. THEN THERE ARE OTHERS WHO NOT ONLY POUR A TANGIBLE AMOUNT OF THOUGHT INTO EACH GARMENT THEY MAKE, BUT ALSO FIND WAYS TO MAKE ‘CEREBRAL’ A WEARABLE THING. VLADIMIR KARALEEV IS THE LATTER. THE BERLIN-BASED BULGARIAN USES HIS WORK TO EXPLORE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE FABRIC, AND IN THE PROCESS OF DOING SO, CREATES ONE-OF-A-KIND GARMENTS. WE GET TO KNOW HIM A LITTLE BETTER AND DISCUSS HIS FALL/WINTER 2015 COLLECTION.
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VLADMIR KARALEEV
On your website, you mentioned that your work “is characterised by intense study of the human’s body and its connections with clothing through experimental incision and innovative shape”. Care to elaborate? Creating a garment is a complex process for me; it’s not like it’s just doing a flat technical sketch and choosing the fabric. I use the human body as a framework and create a new composition using fabric. I experiment a lot while I am working, and it’s not about revolution, but about evolution and innovation. It is about the right proportion that defines a certain sense of modernity in a particular time. This is how I understand fashion. What inspired your Fall/Winter 2015 collection? The collection is about exploring geometry through different fabrics, their fibre and surfaces, and how subtle draping and elegant
fashion
deconstruction details break the straight lines. As I said before, the inspiration hides in the working process. I guess we all are influenced by the other arts that surround us – like architecture or modern art. They reflect our zeitgeist and this is how I transform it into fashion. How does art inspire your designs, whether specifically in this collection or across your work? Modern art has been a big influence for me all along. My pieces reflect certain art techniques – which I am trying to transform in a garment, or at least the idea of it – or sometimes the uncommon handling of materials, which is very typical for postmodern art. In the current collection, it is the idea of patchwork, different fields and different structures that connect into a new surface. Are there any other designers or artists that inspire you on a personal level? I am very interested in artists like Isa Genzken and Danh Vo. I guess the biggest impact on me, as a designer, was the Japanese revolution of fashion in the beginning of the ’80s, and the Belgian wave in the ’90s. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt since starting your fashion career? There is no better lesson than making mistakes, learning from it and making it better!
vladimirkaraleev.com
Text Aaron Kok Images Cathleen Wolf and Dirk Merten
Hi Vladimir, can you start by telling us how you got into fashion and what inspired you to start your label? I was interested in fashion from a very young age, actually. For me, it all started out with a fascination for beautiful and cool garments. Then, in my early teens, I realised that fashion is a powerful tool to express your personality. I grew up in Bulgaria, and even after the regime came down and society started changing, there wasn’t much fashion available. So I started making them for my friends and myself; it was a lot of fun. Ten years later, I moved to Berlin, Germany to study fashion design at the age of 19. I established my brand before I graduated, because this was the next logical and natural progression for my career.
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swag time All baller and entirely functional, we’ve got our eyes set on these three timekeepers.
Ressence
Todd Snyder x G-Shock
Timex
Doing away with the traditional hands and
In celebration of the DW-6900FS Fox Fire’s 20th
The first release from the brand’s Connected Style
anniversary, G-Shock has teamed up with Todd
collection, this timepiece features an analogue
crown, the Belgian watch brand relies on a complex
Snyder, a New York-based
network of gears that
design accented with minimalist
menswear label, to roll out
power a series of
lines and a red second-hand
an all-white digital ticker
ticker. The black dial is set on
turning plates, each
encased in a handsome
a perforated leather strap,
orbiting on a sleek
leather box. Emphasising
which lends this horological
face. Its first dive watch
its mantra of form
machine a sporty edge.
following function, the label
Each piece is retrofitted with
sees all 142 components immersed in oil forthorough
keeps the watch free of any
lubrication at high levels of
Timex’s signature INDIGLO
embellishment or pattern –
underwater pressure. The final product is an
with only the subtle grey of its
nightlight system, and a tracking band that helps you count the number of steps
ergonomically-designed ticker that keeps time
logo on the watch face, and a custom logo on the
better and is easy on the eyes.
stainless steel backing.
Metropolitan+ watch with leather strap,
Type 5 watch, poa, ressencewatches.com
DW-6900FS, US$124, toddsnyder.jp
$169, timex.sg
CULT BOUTIQUE DOVER STREET MARKET IS SET TO MAKE LANDFALL IN SINGAPORE AT THE ULTRA-HIP VICINITY OF DEMPSEY ROAD.
you take, distance travelled and calories burned.
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ROEN x OWNDAYS
DEPARTMENTAL DOT COM Joining the e-Commerce bandwagon is Tangs, known for its tasteful curation of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products. Find the same set of stylishly selected wares at the click of a mouse now by browsing the web store. Here’s two of our fave buys. For fellas who appreciate tonguein-cheek humour, Mike Frederiqo’s tees feature witty artwork that spoofs logos from big-name brands.
We’ll never say no to glitter, especially when it comes with an added height boost, thanks to these flatform soles.
Glitter Oxfords, $319, Leo Studio Design
Cotton T-shirt, $179, Mike Frederiqo
As nerdy chic continues to make a strong case throughout the season, nail the trend by topping off your look with a pair of bookish glasses. These opticals feature a thick, half-rimmed design in classic brown tortoiseshell. The rounded rectangle frame shape makes it ideal for business or casual use, keeping your look on point as you pour over a book at the coffeehouse.
$198, available at all Owndays stores.
tangs.com
GAME POINT In partnership with Nintendo to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Moschino has released a capsule collection featuring one of the gaming giant’s most beloved characters. Mario, one half of the mushroom-stomping brothers from the Super Mario Bros. series, stars in a series of tees, jumpers, bags and accessories form the collection. Luigi, Princess Peach, stars, coins and mushrooms – all of whom appear during Mario’s exciting virtual adventures – make appearances as well, showing up as patterns that tile across backpacks and bucket bags. You may not need to defeat Bowser to save the princess, but expect to put up a bit of a tussle when this hits stores. moschino.com
fashion
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PAINT IT, BLACK
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS Relive the disco days by shimmying into a pair of flared bottom jeans from the revered denim maker. Groove aside, these jeans boast a high stretch factor and are made from soft cotton, ensuring only the best fit and comfort when worn. Whether dressed up with a pair of super high heels or down with some sneakers, these jeans are gonna be your new wardrobe favourite.
Here’s a collection Mick Jagger will certainly approve of. Get yo’ sartorial satisfaction from Moncler’s tribute collection to the Rolling Stones. In celebration of the history of the legendary rock & roll band, the French-Italian brand has released a series of jackets made from padded leather. Each piece from this limited edition collection features the band’s iconic tongue and lips logo, and is filled with the softest selection of down, making them ergonomically lightweight and practical. POA, available at Moncler ION Orchard.
$69, American Eagle Outfitters.
carved cases
Part art, part pochette, these sculptural bags seamlessly incorporate art and architecture into their DNA. Get to know these two brands that are shaping their way in the scene. 072
Baguera This Portuguese label produces fun and accessible accessories, and as part of its growing repertoire of acrylic jewellery, its also produces a series of clutches named ‘Vectory’. Each of these bags is assembled in a way
BAG OF TRICKS Best known for its lust-worthy collections each season, Acne Studios is now venturing into the business of sacs. Three new styles make up its debut collection – the Rope, Buckle Jeans and Hero Jeans. “It has been really interesting to explore the world of bags,” creative director Johnny Johansson says, “I looked at bags that already existed, especially useless ones like the champagne bag - who makes a bag for a bottle? But something about it got stuck in my head, and I had to make one that was useful”. Champagne or not, we’ve got our eyes on this collection. $550 to $2,475, available at acnestudios.com.
that resembles a Transformer robot,
TEENAGE DREAMS
making the action of opening them a hypnotic motion. They come in an array of colours, from duotone colour-blocking, mirrored surfaces to an explosion of acidic shades.
baguera.eu
Forms Studio Having started the label in 2011 in Moscow, architect/designer Anastasia Komarova uses sculptural elements in her designs, where
variety of moulded geometric patterns,
The brains behind the so-hip-it-hurts brand, Obesity & Speed, Lyz Olko launches her new eponymous line for both men’s and women’s wear. Inspired by the smoky haze of teenage disillusion, as well as street culture and urban uniforms, Olko produces a collection that’s enchantingly dystopian, working with distressed cottons to create lived-in jumpers and tank tops. Camouflage makes a strong showing in the form of utilitarian cargo jackets, while denim pieces come ripped and pre-washed, adding a youthful insouciance. lyzolko.com
the sacs can worn in different ways – as a shoulder bag, clutch or fanny pack – and the geometric flaps are also detachable, allowing you to choose the flap you want to match to your outfit.
formsstudio.com
fashion
Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
each bag is made with Spanish leather and lined in Italian suede. Featuring a
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Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
giltypleasure From subtle embellishments like gilded flash tattoos to all-out gold leaf mania at the Rick Owens runway (ditto Zoe Kravitz at the recent Hollywood Bowl), it’s safe to say that the aurulent hue is having a major moment this season. And why not? Gold is agreeable on every skin tone and adds an instant pop to jazz up your look. Take your cues from Tadashi Shoji and pile your lids with glitter, do a luxurious smoky eye a la Ellie Saab, or go one step further with a glitzy pout. It’s time to embrace the beauty of excess as your new golden rule.
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ADV NUTRITION SCALP CLEANSER, $39 (200ML) Formulated by a homegrown trichologist, this oily-mane fighter soothes irritated, greasy scalp and cleans hair from root to tip thoroughly. Made with natural botanical ingredients, it revitalises scalp with a strong, minty sensation that enhances the shower experience. Those with dry scalp and hair can use this weekly as a detox treatment.
ADV NUTRITION HAIR CONDITIONER, $39 (200ML) A gentle, pampering hydrator for parched hair and ends, this thick cream formula nourishes with peptides and tomato stem cells. Besides improving hair texture, it also revitalises dull hair and makes way for shinier, bouncier locks. Its sweet floral scent also lingers to keep hair smelling good for hours on end.
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ADV SCALP REVITALISING AMPOULE, $139 (BOX OF FIVE X 10ML) When it comes to tired, sluggish scalp, we could all use a little booster. Doing so encourages a stronger foundation bed and healthier hair growth. Once a week, massage half a bottle of this mighty worker into the scalp. The buzzing formula contains lycopene, tomato extract and rosemary and tea tree oils, which act as a tonic for hair and scalp.
Available at PHS Hair Science, #05-25A/B Ngee Ann City or phshairscience.com.
mane concern
WITH ALL THAT HEAT STYLING, CHEMICAL TREATMENTS AND PRODUCT PILE-UP OVER THE HOLIDAYS, NOW’S THE TIME TO GIVE YOUR SCALP AND STRANDS THE TLC THEY NEED. UNDO THE FESTIVE ABUSE WITH THESE FIVE OPTIONS – MIXED AND MATCHED TO ANSWER ALL YOUR MANE WOES.
PHYTONEUTRE CLARIFYING DETOX SHAMPOO, POA PHYTOAPAISANT GENTLE REBALANCING TREATMENT, $64.80 (50ML) Chemical treatments like bleaching and colouring can cause irritation and intense itching on the scalp. To ease the discomfort, spritz on this soothing formula on sectioned hair and massage in. Rich in essential amino acids, angelica fruit, oat extract, mint and eucalyptus oils, it restores skin balance and provides quick relief for troubled scalp conditions.
Available at Beauty By Nature, #B3-49/50 ION Orchard or beautybynature.com.sg.
Meant to supplement your main shampoo, this deep-cleanser can be used up to two times a week to combat oily scalp and flaky dandruff. Infused with active botanicals including eucalyptus oil, sage, witch hazel, and chamomile, the menthol-scented product is an uplifting treat that leaves hair feeling fresh and weightless.
PHYTOBAUME REPARATIVE DAILY CONDITIONER, $49.80 (150ML) For weakened, chemically-treated hair, the shaft is porous, brittle and rough. This strand-saving formula comes with botanical keratin, ceramides and amino acids to smooth down cuticles, and rebuild hair structure. Pomegranate extract further protects hair with anti-free radical properties, allowing for easier detangling and management.
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TEA TREE OIL SHAMPOO, $41 (250ML) Tea tree oil might be better known as an acne fighter but on oily hair, it does the same job of ridding excess sebum. Based on a herbal blend of lavender, yarrow and cinchona extracts, this lightweight gel formula offers a mild astringent effect on the scalp, while panthenol and vitamin B5 moisturise and nourish the hair.
HAIR CONDITIONER AND GROOMING AID FORMULA 133, $38 (250ML) Depending on your preference and need, this can be used both as an in-shower or leave-in conditioner – simply adjust the portion accordingly (less for leave-in). Its formula may be thin but it works efficiently to detangle and soften the tresses with just a small amount.
DEEP MICROEXFOLIATING SCALP TREATMENT, $54 (100ML) Like how facial cleansers with tiny beads remove gunk and unveil softer skin, this product does the same for the scalp. Whether you’re battling dandruff or wanting to remove build-up, the micronised apricot and argan bits help to loosen flakes and dirt to encourage healthy scalp turnover.
Available at Kiehl’s.
EQUALISING SHAMPOO, $37 (200ML) ROSE HAIR & SCALP MOISTURISING MASQUE, $49 (128ML) Most people are quick to moisturise dry strands but often leave a parched scalp to its own devices. Enter this two-in-one hydrating mask, which is a double-duty saviour. Besides deeply conditioning hair that’s suffered from chemical treatments and heat styling, it also nourishes the scalp – alleviating it from itch and dry flakes.
Available at Aesop.
We can’t help but feel that hair is extra clean when our scalp is tingling from minty ingredients and this shampoo does just that. With a combination of astringent botanicals like eucalyptus, mistletoe leaf and fennel fruit, this formula gently rids excess sebum, balances its production over time, and cleans without over-stripping.
NURTURING CONDITIONER, $37 (200ML) Giving stressed-out hair all the TLC it needs, this comforting conditioner boasts a lightweight cream texture that’s infused with the goodness of vitamin E, sweet almond extract and shea butter. Leave on the ends of damp hair for three minutes while it relaxes strands to welcome bounce and shine.
Text Jazmin Kelly Six Illustration Cinthia Tjayadi
INVATI EXFOLIATING SHAMPOO, $48 (200ML) When normal shampoo is not enough to remove grime, look to a gentle, exfoliating cleanser like this. The botanically-active formula is infused with salicylic acid and organic ayurvedic herbs like turmeric and ginseng that help to energise and renew the scalp. It also works to fluff up limp, fine locks.
INVATI THICKENING CONDITIONER, $48 (200ML) Forget what you know about applying conditioners on hair ends only; this one asks that you massage it onto the scalp. Doing so will allow nutrients like natural amino acids, organic kukui nut oil, and palm and grapeseed extracts to penetrate the roots and strengthen hair without causing greasiness.
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INVATI SCALP REVITALISER, $110 (150ML) Through a targeted nozzle, this bottle dispenses a blend of organic ayurvedic herbs and vitamin E to reinvigorate problem scalp. Section towel-dried hair into parts and apply product evenly, then massage into the scalp and leave in. It has a pleasing herbal-floral fragrance and leaves a cooling sensation on the scalp.
Available at Aveda, #B1-32A Ngee Ann City.
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MASK FOR EVERY TASK
LIKE RELAXING WITH A GLASS OF WINE AFTER A BUSY WORK WEEK, THE SKIN NEEDS A TREAT TO WIND DOWN FROM THE HECTIC FESTIVE SEASON TOO. TAKE IT EASY WITH THESE EIGHT OPTIONS.
FOR DULL SKIN
FOR IRRITATED SKIN
FOR BUMPY SKIN
LUSH ROSY CHEEKS FRESH FACE MASK
GLAMGLOW FLASHMUD BRIGHTENING TREATMENT
BIOTHERM LIFE PLANKTON MASK
HANDMADE HEROES BEAUTY WARRIOR FACE MASK IN HIBISCUS VITAMIN C BOOST
It’s hot out; your skin is flushed and feeling irritable. Calm things down with this thick blend of Turkish rose oil, calamine and kaolin. Just a quick 10 minutes and skin immediately becomes soft and soothed. $30.50 (75g), available at LUSH.
Thanks to the diamond powder and a host of skin-lightening ingredients, this power-packed formula gives skin a luminous sheen for a quick brightening effect. Its gently gritty clay base also helps to clean out clogged pores. $92 (50g), available at Escentials.
Not only is its signature scent comforting, its refreshing light gel texture also cools down taut, irritated skin effectively. Slather on this fast-absorbing formula before bedtime to unveil petal-smooth skin in the morning. $72 (75ml), available at Biotherm counters.
FOR PROBLEM SKIN
FOR SLACKENED SKIN
FOR WEAKENED SKIN
CLINIQUE SCULPTWEAR CONTOURING MASSAGE CREAM MASK
KIEHL’S CILANTRO & ORANGE EXTRACT POLLUTANT DEFENDING MASQUE
ALLIES OF SKIN 1A ALL DAY MASK Busy urbanites short on time should look to this multi-tasking hard-worker. It acts as a daily skin booster to moisturise, firm, repair, and protect – with a host of active ingredients and nutrients, including moringa seed extract, to improve suppleness. $99 (50ml), available at alliesofskin.com.
A luxurious cream that encourages skin’s natural production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid. Work it in with the Sonic System Massage Treatment Applicator for better delivery, enhanced firming effect and longer-lasting hydration. $79 (50ml), available at Clinique counters.
Undo the damage from daily pollution and environmental stressors with cilantro, which helps to regenerate skin’s barrier functions, and orange extracts, which impede skin oxidation. A nourishing bedtime treat to ready you for another day ahead. $49 (75ml), available at Kiehl’s counters from Feb 1.
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Rid whiteheads and tiny bumps with this. In powder form, mix with water into a paste and use as a mask or exfoliant. The Moroccan red clay removes gunk, while sweet almond and geranium oils pamper skin. $22.90 (70g), available at handmade-heroes.com.
FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
AESOP BLUE CHAMOMILE FACIAL HYDRATING MASQUE Here’s a perfect moisturiser for our weather, thanks to its emollient gel consistency. Ingredients like blue chamomile, pro-vitamin B5, lavender and rosemary leaf soothe and moisturise skin for quick relief, at home or in-flight. $69 (60ml), available at Aesop.
Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
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FOR ANGRY SKIN
spotlight
GOOD AS GOULD TRIED & TESTED HERE ARE OUR TOP THREE PICKS.
M.A.C X ELLIE GOULDING Now here’s one beauty collaboration that’s getting us all starry-eyed. Always keeping us at the edge of our seats with its stellar team-ups, M.A.C. is ringing in this new year with a collection of versatile neutrals in creamy, pearlescent textures – curated and designed by blonde goddess and excover girl, Ellie Goulding. Well-loved for her Insta-fitspo and bubbly persona – on top of ’em breathy, ethereal vocals – Goulding’s collection is a reflection of her au naturel everyday look with a touch of glitz for show nights. The 17-piece capsule offers romantic shades of pink, beige and brown, in the forms of pout painters, warm blushes, and multi-tasking cream colour bases. With all products and colours named after her tracks, this drop also includes two covetable palettes – for fans and makeup junkies alike. An effortlessly essential collection that’s leaving us just a tad bit delirious.
ELLIE GOULDING Hey Ellie, tell us how you created this collection
with mascara and a lip gloss. I don’t like my
with M.A.C.
makeup to look or feel heavy.
Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images & Interview courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics
My makeup artist, Lucy Wearing, and I worked very closely with the creative and product development
Any beauty product you can’t live without?
teams at M.A.C; they truly wanted it to be my
Definitely powders. My skin is very fair and tends to
collection. That’s why I chose products and shades
be oilier, especially when I’m travelling. Powders
that are versatile and multi-functional. I wanted
work best for my skin. I have one opportunity
a collection that you could play with and layer on
during my set to walk off stage for a touch up and I
so you could do something more natural for the
always use a powder.
Halcyon Nights, $90 This nifty double-decker palette houses an eyeshadow quad with two browns – a matte and a satin; a pearly peach that delivers a sheer, dewy hue; and a light white shimmer that acts as a highlighter. It slides out to reveal a peachy copper shimmer cream that can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyes.
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Powder Blush Duo in I’ll Hold My Breath, $51 Those who want to contour and achieve a healthy flush at the same time will delight in this two-inone multi-tasker. It includes a medium bronze that goes on with a touch of shimmery gold for a sun-kissed look, as well as a pearly peach-pink that colours cheeks with a warm, satiny finish.
day or more extreme for the night. And, because I’m such a nerd, I wanted a bit of practicality as
Which product is your favorite in the collection?
well. It’s so cool to see all these things in my own
The Halcyon Days and Halcyon Nights compacts
collection that I genuinely use every day.
are amazing because they have everything you need to create a complete look. You can use the
What’s your signature beauty look?
cream colour base on your cheeks, eyes and lips.
When I perform, I go for more metallics – shimmer
They are buildable and versatile and the colours
on my eyes and cheeks, and I always add more
work for everyone!
lashes. I love lashes – like the #30 lash in my collection. I never really go crazy with makeup
elliegoulding.com
though. I like a natural look but you can be fresh and glowy and still look striking. My off-duty beauty
Lipstick in Without Your Love, $34 For days when you’re seeking just a touch of colour to spruce up your look, this natural light pink veils the pout in a warm, spring-time pearliness that’s equal parts sheer and sweet. It applies like a thin cream and imparts just that slight touch of lustre to brighten up the face.
maccosmetics.com.sg
look is a bit lighter. I always go for bit of concealer
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From $26 to $90, available at Sephora, #01-05/06 Ion Orchard, and M.A.C at #01-17/18 Bugis Junction and #B1-13/13A Takashimaya S.C..
trend
3ce long wear eye crayon in syrup, $20, sephora
dual-intensity eyeshadow in telesto, $144, nars
full metal shadow in 08 dewygold, $45, ysl beauté
gold impression illuminator, $79, rmk counters
lime crime rhyme liquid liner, US$14, limecrime.com
aqua eyes in 9l gold, $34, make up for ever
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sephora mono colourful eyeshadow in 281 satin corset, $19, sephora
LOSE CONTROL
BE IT MUSIC DIRECTION, VOCAL STYLINGS OR FASHION AND BEAUTY, ‘SUBTLE’ IS NEVER A WORD IN BETH DITTO’S DICTIONARY. ALWAYS ROCKING THE BOAT – AND STAGE – WITH SOARING PIPES AND A KICK*SS WARDROBE TO BOOT, GOSSIP’S LEADING LADY IS NOT ONE TO SHY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT. FOLLOW HER LEAD AND TAKE ON THE GOLD BEAUTY TREND WITH SASS AND GUSTO. MORE IS MORE. made up
dior addict fluid shadow in phénix, $53, dior
Text & Coordination Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources
stained gloss in dune, US$18, obsessive compulsive cosmetics at occmakeup.com
illuminated shimmering powder in lit, $43, urban decay
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MAKING SCENTS ASHLEY & CO IT’S ONLY BEEN SIX MONTHS SINCE ITS DEBUT HERE BUT NEW ZEALAND SCENT COMPANY, ASHLEY & CO, HAS ALREADY CHARMED ITS WAY INTO THE HEARTS OF MANY. BRINGING EVEN MORE GOODIES FROM AUCKLAND TO OUR SHORES WITH ITS SOPHOMORE DROP – INCLUDING THE HOME PERFUME REED DIFFUSER AND MINI BAR SOAPS IN FIVE NEW SCENTS – FOUNDERS BEN AND JACKIE ASHLEY LET US IN ON THE TALES BEHIND THEIR MESMERISING NOTES, AND THEN SOME.
Tell us the story behind Ashley & Co. How did it start? Jackie: It definitely was a moment where it was now or never; the time was right to do something from scratch. Ben was working as a graphic designer, and for me, this was a natural extension into the homeware and interior areas that I’ve always been passionate about. This is going back 10 years, when there was no other diffuser on the market in New Zealand. There was growing popularity with reed diffusers in the U.S. and we saw a gap back home. It was a totally new direction for us to branch into creating our own scents, but with the support of experienced perfumers in New Zealand, the process was a fun and exciting one. What’s the process behind creating a scent from scratch? It is a time-consuming but really enjoyable journey. It is essential to have a scent direction – to make a place for a new scent and find where it can fit into the existing range. We start with an idea and simple scent variations, and further develop their complexity and personality through samples, samples and more samples. The next piece of the puzzle is adapting that scent to work in the desired medium – be it Home Perfume, Wash Up, Mini Bar, Soothe Tube, or Waxed Perfume. Not all fragrances work well in each product so they may have to be adapted and sampled at varying percentages to find the perfect match. Your scents are very distinct. What inspires them? We set about wanting to create scents that exuded personality in sensory and visual ways. Main inspiration was originally drawn from
vintage wallpaper patterns, and this was the start of creating individual scent names. Each scent had its own identity and was markedly different. Scents are said to be sensorial portrayals of a certain moment in life. What memory/image does the scent, Once Upon & Time, embody? We have two children, and around the time that Once Upon & Time was created, we were reading adaptations of the old Grimm’s fairy tales to them. Once Upon & Time is a departure from the more light-hearted interpretations of some of our other scents. This scent, in particular, is far more thought-provoking with its mysterious tones, and the quality and depth that it exemplifies. Tui & Kahili is said to be “the scent of New Zealand”. How so? In New Zealand, some of our noxious plants in nature are the most fragrant and beautiful. Wild ginger is one of these – they bloom in summer and are a favourite for our native bird, the Tui. The story of Tui & Kahili is a literal interpretation. Strong floral chords make this distinct scent a beloved choice in New Zealand and, hopefully now, in Singapore. Any plans to move into body fragrances? We’d love the Tui & Kahili in EDP form! Our main focus as a modern-day scent company is to create beautiful scented products that can transcend all boundaries. We want our products to be used in a variety of situations – at home; in the car; at work; at your favourite restaurant. We love creating sensory products that can enhance your everyday, so a body scent is definitely not out of the question. Stay tuned!
ashleyandco.com.sg
our favourites Classy and sleek, the amber glass – topped with black reeds – holds a warm vanilla scent
wash up in parakeets & pearls, $45 (500ml)
spiked by bright
Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Ashley & Co
mini bar in bubbles & polkadots, $14 (90g)
citrus mandarin that’s grounded with greens and
From $14 to $99, available exclusively at Kapok NDC. made up
scented by soft gardenia, green fig leaves and the sun’s lingering warmth. All that comes to life in this handsome candle – made from natural, biodegradable wax – which offers excellent scent throw that lingers
sandalwood. Doubling up
beyond the
as Insta-worthy decor, it
bedroom.
continuously perfumes
soothe tube in blossom & gilt, $32 (75ml)
Picture an evening-time garden
Waxed
the air with a robust
Perfume in
fragrance that lasts.
Once Upon
Home Perfume in Vine
& Time,
& Paisley, $99 (265ml)
$65 (207g)
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BOTANECO GARDEN
Environmentally-conscious products are all the rage these days, but they often lack the affordability of their chemical-laden counterparts. Enter Botaneco Garden’s new Trio Oil Collection – a series of natural offerings you won’t have to break the bank for. Formulated from a fusion of exotic oils – including organic babassu, baobab and chufa – the line comprises hair and body products made with dermatologically-tested and eco-certified ingredients to moisturise and protect your skin and locks. From $2 to $12, available at Guardian and online.guardian.com.sg.
SLICK MOVES No you’re not paranoid. The world is out to get you, – or rather, your skin – with erratic weather patterns, pollution and sunrays hitting you in directions you didn’t even know existed. Seek shelter with the SK-II Facial Treatment Oil, a bi-phase fighter that tackles external stresses to your dermis. Integrating six different types of oils to formulate a non-greasy serum, it can be used as a moisturiser or primer before your makeup to feed skin with hydration and veil it with a coat of much-needed protection. $205 (50ml), available at SK-II counters.
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Preserve your curls for days with these mane salves for wavy locks.
L’OREAL EVERCURL CURL CARE SYSTEM Whether your curls are gifted, tonged or permed, keep that swirly mass in control with this three-step system – including a shampoo, conditioner and leave-in cream. They promise to keep your
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locks free from frizz by defining and
TRANSLUCENT VEIL
smoothing ’em out for up to two whole days, thanks to natural ingredients
For a flawless finish with your makeup, you have to begin with a primer that will give your routine a durable base. Hourglass’ Veil Mineral Primer seeks to do just that – shifting the focus to your skin as a canvas, minimising shine and neutralising it for perfect makeup application. While the mineral-based, waterresistant primer keeps your skin looking fresh, it also absorbs any excess oils, and distributes light evenly on your mien. $95 (30ml), available at net-a-porter.com.
like hibiscus extract, which restores the strength and nourishment of your hair. The line is also sulphateand paraben-free, and envelops your mane in a gentle but potent coat of minerals.
$15.90 to $21.90, available at leading departmental and personal care stores.
LIVING PROOF CURL COLLECTION
SET THE TONE
Known for balancing beauty and science through its holistic formulas, the
Doing away with the need for layer after layer of product, For Beloved One concocted a thoughtful blend boasting five functions in one formula so skin is well-protected from daily stressors while looking naturally radiant. The Melasleep Brightening Daily Defence Cream combines colour correction, skincare, base makeup, skin protection and moisturiser capabilities with three different tones – Rose, Peach and Lavender – to cater to various skin types and conditions at once. $53 (40ml), available at Sephora.
Cambridge-based brand takes an allinclusive approach to give you complete control of your coils. One standout is the Conditioning Wash, which fuses the cleansing properties of a shampoo with a conditioning base to leave your hair healthy and clean while maintaining its curls. Utilising an ‘extended curl memory technology’, the products feature a polymer mix that will allow your curls to last twice as long through our humid weather.
$36 to $39, available at Sephora.
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return of the M.A.C
Two star-studded launches to kick-start your year. DITA VON TEESE Though her trademark style
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE
embodies the timelessness of vintage that harks back to the ’40s, it is her perpetual ruby smackers that leave an imprint in everyone’s minds. With M.A.C, the performer’s new matte lipstick – named Von Teese – will flaunt the crimson shade signature of her look. Championing the
Those tired of boisterous festive hues can look to Illamasqua’s Earth collection to turn their routine around. Featuring muted shades laced with metallic undertones, the line presents a great mix of products, including a burgundy lipstick, a shimmering loose powder, and a shiny gunmetal nail varnish. The Nomadic Palette is a prime example of the brand’s versatility, housing four different pigments – from a rich clay red to an iridescent grey – that will aid you in completing looks that are both day- and night-appropriate. $19 to $69, available at Illamasqua counters.
freedom of individuality, it is also a classic that will flatter just
SHINE ON
about anyone confident enough to try it.
$18, available exclusively online at the TANGS e-store.
ARIANA GRANDE It’s time to f-f-f-ocus on this! Updating its Viva Glam initiative with a brand new spokeswoman, this is one lippie collection you’ll be loving harder. Featuring a matte, dark plum lipstick and shimmery pink lipglass, the line offers contrasting textures and shades – encapsulating the singer’s versatility in her craft. Each purchase also benefits the M.A.C AIDS Fund, which goes towards assisting those in need.
When it comes to lippie options, more is always more. Spoiling us yet again with its incredible pout painters, YSL is adding 12 new hues to its Rouge Volupté Shine collection of oil-in-stick lipsticks. Designed to suit various occasions and moods at anytime, start your work week with muted hues or layer on bolder shades like Rogue Tuxedo and Smoking Plum to jazz up your night look. Leading you into the weekend are bright variations like Fuchsia Stiletto for a pop of saccharine sheen as you pucker up. POA, available at YSL Beaute.
$31 each, available at M.A.C..
eye-deal aid
Text Austen Choo Images Various Sources
PICTURE PERFECT
They say time’s supposed to heal ya, but only on the inside. With the skin around your eyes being the first to show signs of ageing, the new purely Age-Defying Firming Eye Cream from Jurlique will target fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles to restore your youthful glow. Channelling the anti-ageing properties of plant and marine extracts like baobab, green coffee and silica, the range sees to any dermal undoing with natural and effective remedies. $86 (15ml), available at Jurlique.
Used just after your skincare routine and before makeup application, the Shu Uemura Skin Perfector aids in an even application of your foundation and allows makeup to settle better. Updated with eight essential oils and two botanical oils to form this rich liquid, slather on four to five drops at night to create a protective layer on your skin, while it works to moisturise and soften the complexion. $98 (30ml), available at Shu Uemura counters. made up
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GROOMING AID SOLDIERS OF THE NEW AGE, TRUST US – SANCTIMONIOUS NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS WILL FADE AS QUICKLY AS THE RISING SUN. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO LEVEL-UP YOUR MORNING ROUTINE OR RECOVER FROM THE EFFECTS OF PAST DEBAUCHERY, THESE PICKINGS WILL SAVE YOU ALL THE SAME.
FERRARI MAN IN RED EDT Powered by the ideations behind the Ferrari brand, Man In Red is equal parts sleek and intense – a scent exponentially rich amidst a potent mix of fruity and woody notes. Provocative in the opening, the fragrance first roars with bergamot, apple and spicy cardamom, before revealing a calmer undertone of golden plum and orange blossom. Further driven by a masculine base of tonka, cedar and labdanum, the notes check out nicely for those looking for an unapologetically bold scent. From $82 (50ml) to $108 (100ml), available at Ferrari Store, #B2-98 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
AESOP DOUBLEEDGE RAZOR
MENSCIENCE ANDROCEUTICALS ADVANCED DEODORANT Let’s be real, it’s near impossible to be free from gunk all day amidst the perpetual humidity that surrounds us. However, with this nifty roll-on, you’re good to go with about 12 hours of odour elimination. Packed with cosmeceutical ingredients, its gentle formula stays away from pore-clogging aluminium ions and is perfect for sensitive skin types – with a non-irritating and hypoallergenic texture that dries fast. $38 (73.6g), available at whathewants.sg.
WE NEED A HERO HERO POMADE
It’s true – everything old is new again. With Aesop’s Double-Edge Razor, meticulously handcrafted and designed to old-school perfection, shaving will now be more than just a couple of swipes before the start of your day. The latest addition to its shaving range will feature a blade head crafted from die-cast Zamak over scratch-resistant chrome plating, alongside a handle with a brass collar. The razor also comes with 10 Merkur Solingen razor blades that will leave even the most inexperienced wet shavers with a peace of mind. $135, available at Aesop.
That slick cut from We Need A Hero isn’t going to do you any good if you let it run wild, so lock that tapered ‘do down with its latest in-house offering, the Hero Pomade. Coming to you in both Matte and Sheen options, one swab of the formula will secure your mop through the day while allowing it to be pliable. And unlike oil-based iterations, the Hero Pomade is water-soluble, which makes for an easier rinse at the end of the day. $28 to $40, available at We Need A Hero, #01-86, 57 Eng Hoon St.
We won’t fault you for skipping your regular shampoo sesh. After all, the benefits of temporary abstinence from hair-washing are aplenty, not to mention it saves a good chunk of our time. But to maintain the facade of kempt hair, take to this for a little revivalism. With earthly ingredients forming Shampure’s potent solution, the contents are dispensed as a non-aerosol powder mist. Blending ingredients like cassava and oat, impurities and excess oil from your hair are easily lifted and expelled for a quick fix that will leave you with no head-scratching. $46 (6oml), available at Aveda.
The last thing we need in this weather is a clunky cream that feels thick and heavy on the skin. Made with medium-to-oily skin types in mind, this oil-controlling hydrator mattifies skin while keeping your mug soft and smooth. Thanks to its lightweight consistency, it absorbs swiftly without tackiness. Drawing from ingredients like green tea, chamomile and aloe vera, the antioxidant and healing properties of this formula will leave you with a healthy glow that is au naturel. $42 (88ml), available at whathewants.sg.
man up
Text Austen Choo Images Various Sources
AVEDA SHAMPURE DRY SHAMPOO
BILLY JEALOUSY COMBINATION CODE FACE MOISTURISER
Text Trent Davis Images Andy Warhol
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When he wasn’t proliferating pop art to the masses, he was penning endlessly optimistic quotes for future Tumblr tourists. Needless to say, Andy Warhol was a beacon of positivity. Now, in a rare exhibition, fans of the seminal avant-gardist will get a rare glimpse into his passion for photography in the exhibition, Andy Warhol: Social Circus. Collected by art collector and The Ryan Foundation charity head, Ryan Su, the showcase features up to 30 Polaroids taken from 1958 to 1987 by the selfie-pioneering artist – including A-listers like Bianca Jagger, Andre Leon Talley, and Diana Vreeland. Expect an unfiltered look into life through Warhol’s lens.
From January 16 to 29, 11am to 7pm daily at #01-26 Gillman Barracks. Free admission. For more information, visit gillmanbarracks.com.
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P L AY B O Y GOES PG-13
JUSTIN BIEBER GETS ROASTED You know you’ve reached public enemy status when Martha Stewart is calling you out on your bad behaviour. Putting himself on the line for the entertainment of haters and Beliebers alike, the young pop superstar endured jabs from the likes of Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, Shaq, and Ron Burgundy, that even had JB’s detractors feeling bad for him. Taking it like a man and in severe need of a burn unit, Bieber proceeded to dish it as well as he took it, before acknowledging his wrongs and promising to be a better man. Considering his stellar new album, we think the roast did him a world of good.
W E F I N A L LY STOPPED H AT I N G NICKELBACK As interminable as their music may be to many, the world decided it was time to give Chad Kroeger and his merry men a break. Whether it was being beaten into submission by funk faux pas about “CocaCola roller coasters”, or that even Australian police forces had joined in on the band-bashing, the public resigned to the fact that it was no longer cool to hate on the pop-rockers, making the world just a little less salty. After all, the only reason they’re still making music is because people keep buying it – over 50 million albums worth of it. Carry on, Nickelback.
We can’t think of too many people who still read Playboy, but that may very well change. In response to the proliferation of explicit online porn, Hugh Hefner’s iconic magazine announced that it would be improving its editorial content – dialing back the sleaze to take on a PG-13 rating from March 2016. The removal of nudes may mark the end of an era, but nonetheless, it’s a win against the objectification of women, and a win for prepubescent males who aren’t too tech savvy with a penchant for print. We guess there’s no reason to hide it from your folks anymore – or the MDA, for that matter.
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C A I T LY N JENNER CRUSHES GENDER BARRIERS As hard as it can be to have people accept you, it can be an even harder feat to accept yourself. Needless to say, when Bruce Jenner publicly identified as a trans woman and announced her name, Caitlyn, people around the world applauded her ability to finally be happy in her own skin. Taking to the cover of Vanity Fair and receiving an ESPY Award for courage, the former athlete became a shining symbol of tolerance for not only those within the transgender community who may be feeling lost or confused, but for the rest of humanity too.
OBAMA SCHOOLS KANYE Not long after the rapper-turned-fashionista announced his intention to run for presidency in 2020 at the MTV VMAs, the Commander-In-Chief had a few tips for West at a fundraiser in San Francisco while in his presence. Delivering tongue-in-cheek quips to beware of reality TV personalities, advising against making a Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy public, and simultaneously poking fun at himself in that electing a black guy from the South Side of Chicago with a funny name would be “cray”, Obama gave Yeezy an “Imma let you finish but” moment before he even picked out what shades to wear on the campaign trail.
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SHIA LABEOUF LO S E S I T
Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources
It’s a tragic thing watching a man slowly lose his mind – but for some reason, in the case of Shia LaBeouf, it’s simply too good to turn away. Upgrading his artistry from wearing paper bags on his head to screaming at YouTube viewers as part of an abstract performance, the actor even livestreamed his reactions to every one of his film appearances in real-time in a movie marathon titled ‘#ALLMYMOVIES’. A far cry from the man we saw in Transformers, LaBeouf’s increasingly avant-gardist approach to his craft was at times weird, worrisome, and oh so wonderful all at once.
DRAKE DOES A JIG When you put a Canadian rapper in a turtleneck sweater and leave him to his own devices, you get ‘white dad dancing at barbecue’ – or Drake. Breaking the Internet with more than just a catchy tune and impressive pipes, the rap superstar unintentionally had viewers in stitches through the art of dance in his “Hotline Bling” music video. While a torrent of lol-worthy Vine videos and GIFs had his emotions get the better of him (in classic Drake fashion), there’s no doubt he’ll have the last laugh as clubgoers emphatically adopt his rotary-dial dancing. How do we go about getting this guy on Dancing With The Stars?
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LURVE FOR CURVES Body trends have come and gone, but often at the expense of the wellbeing of their pursuers – especially in the case of trending figures like thigh gaps. But when headlines began adopting the #dadbod term, portly fellows not only learnt that it’s okay to not rock a six-pack, but also that it was considered hot to trot. With A-list celebs like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jon Hamm inadvertently becoming ambassadors for the social media movement, we all inched a little bit closer to embracing the bodies we’ve been given (and pizza with beer). And the ladies certainly weren’t left out, with the #thighbrows trend following closely behind.
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TRUMP VS. THE INTERNET While it only took one man to infuriate almost the entire world – including the Pentagon – it only took one picture to cut him down to size. Well, 500 pictures, to be exact. In response to Donald Trump’s deluge of bigoted rhetoric in his bid for the US presidency, one savvy Tumblr user tastefully put his phallic photograph collection to use in constructing a mosaic of Trump made of 500 schlongs. Though it didn’t appear to have any bearing on the Republican hardliner – other than a call for Bill Gates to “close up” the Internet – we can find solace in the fact that, finally, d*ck pics were used for good.
THE SIRS OF SQUAD GOALS We all knew Sirs Patrick Steward and Ian McKellen were awesome to begin with, but it delighted us all the more to see just how chummy Professor X and Magneto were offscreen. Through a series of adorable Twitter photos, the two actors in their 70s showed that not only do they still have enough pep to redefine #squadgoals, they can also work their way into rival groups with ease. And not just any old squad, but squad queen, Taylor Swift’s. After the pair dramatised lyrics to both “Bad Blood” and “Blank Space” and asking ever so politely, how could Tay Tay say no?
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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS A P P L E I PA D P R O
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M I C R O S O F T S U R FA C E P R O 4
Firm believers of the ‘bigger is better’ philosophy throughout its range of gadgets, Apple comes back with the iPad Pro to beef up its flagship showstopper. Expanding its Retina Multi-Touch display to 12.9-inches while slimming down to a mere 6.9mm-thin body, the iPad Pro’s powerful A9X chip and iOS 9 deliver a seamless experience, whether it’s graphics-pushing games, HD movies, or connecting with loved ones in high resolution on FaceTime. Beyond flicking your fingers in Candy Crush Saga, it’ll get you working without a hitch with the intuitive Apple Pencil and full-size Smart Keyboard. From $1,188 (32GB with Wi-Fi), available at authorised retailers and online at apple.com/sg.
S A M S U N G G A L A X Y TA B S 2
Lightweight and only 5.6mm-thin, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S2 offers unrivalled portability and convenience. Boasting a 4:3 aspect ratio for maximised productivity and easy reading, the Tab S2 is ready to put in the hard yards from the get-go with MS Office and app-efficient Exynos 5433 processor. Available in 8- and 9.7-inch display options, whichever fits your functionality needs, the Multi Window function will have you multitasking with ease – whether it’s taking snaps of your workflow with the 8MP camera to send to your project partners, or squeezing in some cat videos to lift your spirits while you study. From $598 (8-inch display, 32GB), available at authorised retailers.
Combining the best elements of laptops and tablets, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 brings a number of improved features to the table – without the table, of course. Powered by a 6th Generation Intel Core, the mobile workstation allows you to take your desktop requirements on-the-go so that you’re never in a position of compromise. With a 12.3-inch anti-glare display and weighing in at only 766g, the Surface Pro 4’s sturdy keyboard and natural writing experience allows you to unlock your creativity as much as your productivity, while providing up to nine hours of portable entertainment. From $1,399 (128GB with Intel Core m3 and 4GB RAM), available at authorised retailers and online at microsoftstore.com.
S O N Y X P E R I A Z 4 TA B L E T
Continuously upping the ante for premium mobile experiences, Sony delivers once more with the Xperia Z4 Tablet. Sporting a simple yet stunning design, the 10.1-inch tablet presents beautiful sight and sound with its 2K display and the brand’s renowned hi-res audio technology, while only weighing 389g. Its ability to entertain is matched only by its efficiency as a work tool, equipped with MS Office and a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor to make sure you don’t get bogged down playing the waiting game. Waterproofed to withstand spills and stormy weather, don’t be afraid to get it a lil’ wet. From $888 (Wi-Fi only), available at authorised retailers.
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COMBINING THE PORTABILITY OF A SMARTPHONE AND THE FUNCTIONALITY OF A LAPTOP, THE TABLET IS THE PLUS-SIZED GADGET YOU NEED TO ADD TO YOUR ELECTRONIC ARMOURY. BUT WITH SO MANY SLATES ON OFFER, WE DON’T BLAME YOU FOR NOT KNOWING WHICH ONE TO SWIPE. HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS OF THE BEST TABLETS ON OFFER.
L E N O V O Y O G A TA B 3 P R O
As its name suggests, Lenovo’s Yoga Tab 3 Pro is too flexible to be tied down to one position. Whether you choose to hold it, tilt it, stand it, or even hang it, the tablet’s metal chassis delivers in durability while a faux-leather finish keeps the comfort coming. Packed with an Intel Atom quad-core processor, JBL speakers, QHD display, and up to 18 hours of use on one charge, Lenovo shows us that they’re thinking outside the box – and to prove it, they even packed a projector in the mix to take the visuals beyond the screen. $799, available at authorised retailers and online at shopap.lenovo.com/sg.
Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources
H P P R O S L AT E 8
One look at the HP Pro Slate 8 and people will know you mean business. Built for busy folks who are constantly on the move, the 7.9-inch workhorse combines durability and functionality with a 4:3 aspect ratio in a no-nonsense design equipped with Android For Work. Allowing users to broadcast presentations wirelessly over secure Miracast display links and digitise handwritten notes with the Paper Folio accessory, the tablet is also armed to the teeth with businessclass hardware security in case you find yourself caught in a Bond-esque case of international espionage. $699, available at authorised retailers.
A S U S Z E N PA D 8
With its latest ZenPad, ASUS keep aesthetics stylishly simple so that the specs can speak for themselves. Within its polished metal edges and elegant leather-patterned housing, the 8-inch tablet’s unique ZenUI interface delivers the same beautiful simplicity, with intuitive features and a cleaner design. Delivering a vivid viewing experience with VisualMaster enhancements and Bluelight Filter to reduce eye fatigue, you’ll never get tired of looking at the stunning photos you take with its 8-megapixel camera and f/2.0 aperture lens, producing images up to 400 per cent brighter in low-light conditions. $299, available at authorised retailers.
AMAZON FIRE HDX 8.9
Packing over four million pixels into its 8.9-inch display, Amazon’s Fire HDX revamps the Kindle and serves as a one-stop-shop for bookworms and film buffs alike. Sporting a durable magnesium unibody design, the entertainment powerhouse combines Dolby Atmos speakers, consolequality graphics, and a stunning HDX display to make any book, magazine, game or film grab your undivided attention. With thousands of free apps at the ready and unlimited cloud storage for photos and Amazon content, its 12-hour battery life will have your whole family covered, with convenient profiles so you can share the fun. US$429.99, available at amazon.com.
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APPLE IPHONE 6S
8 THINGS WE LOVE IT’S BEEN A FEW MONTHS SINCE WE GOT OUR HANDS ON THE LATEST IPHONE AND WITH THE NEW TECHNOLOGY, STYLE AND CONVENIENCES IT BRINGS, YOU CAN COLOUR US NOTHING BUT IMPRESSED. IF YOU’RE STILL ON THE FENCE ABOUT MAKING THE SWITCH, HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD.
R O S E G O L D C O LO U R
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You know it: rose gold is the new gold so hands up those who bought the new iPhone just because of this! We’re damn sure we’re not alone. The rose gold hue has been big all of 2015 (just look to Instagram for proof) and Apple was clever to get in with the trend. Doesn’t matter if naysayers think it’s more ‘salmon’ than actual ‘rose gold’; we’re buying see-through covers by the dozen to show ours off. #swagsoldseparately
SELFIE FLASH
12-MEGAPIXEL CAMERA
Sure, we love our selfies, but they often turn up gritty and pixelated – firstly, due to a lower-performance front camera, and secondly, a lack of light source in dim situations. To counter that, Apple has introduced a 5-megapixel HD front camera to deliver crisper images with less noise. Working with the retina HD display screen – which transforms into a True Tone flash to illuminate your face according to your environment – selfies are now brighter and better than before.
It’s no secret that the iPhone is also the world’s most-used camera. Who brings a separate camera or video recorder on vacays anymore? If you are an avid iPhonographer, you’ll appreciate the 12-megapixel upgrade that includes 4K video capabilities. Four times better than the standard 1080p HD video, the 4K video option captures smoother videos in lower light and allows you to zoom into clips on playback so you can go into details. An improved pixel technology also delivers steadier images and more accurate colour.
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EXTENDED B AT T E R Y L I F E
Lugging around a portable battery charger may not be the best option for ladies with tiny purses. Thankfully, iOS 9’s new Low Power Mode will ensure the iPhone 6S lasts through the night and then some – by extending a full charge by three extra hours. Once activated (you can turn it on manually or get Siri to do it), background app refresh, automatic downloads and email fetching will slow down and your screen will dim faster than usual. The battery indicator will also turn yellow and indicate the percentage of battery power left.
LIVE PHOTOS
Just what is a ‘live’ photo you ask? Consider it a cross between a still image, animated GIF and brief video clip. By capturing short 1.5-second clips before and after each shot, the function creates moving images that come to life. Whether it’s a running waterfall against tranquil scenery, subtly flowy hair, or a hearty laugh from a groupfie, all your precious moments captured will now tell better stories. As we speak, Facebook has already integrated this function on its platform and we can’t wait for Instagram to follow suit! Psst, you can even set live photos as your home screen and background wallpapers.
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3D TOUCH
Made even more intuitive, the phone’s display is now enabled with 3D Touch, which not only senses contact but also the force of each touch. Besides a host of new ways in which 3D Touch works throughout the phone’s functions, it also turns your keyboard into a trackpad for faster and more accurate text selection; enables quicker, more accessible function shortcuts; and allows you to multitask between apps like a pro.
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Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Apple
PEEK & POP
Sometimes, you just wanna sneak a peek at an incoming email without launching into it fully. Or perhaps, you wanna check out a link on Safari without losing the page you’re currently on. The Peek & Pop (what a cute name!) function allows you to do just that…and more. As the name suggests, Peek allows you to quickly get a glimpse of something, while Pop launches you into the preview as you tap on the screen with a little more pressure. Press down on a calendar item to quickly retrieve event information or hold a tad stronger to edit details. You get the drift.
Thanks to 3D Touch and Peek & Pop, you can now jump in between apps and launch shortcuts easily. To switch between apps – like when you want to copy information from Notes or Safari into your email mid-composing – press down on the left side of the screen and slide right to go to your previous apps. There’s even a mini text shortcut on the top left of the screen that you can tap, which will return you to your previous app if you launched a new one – like an incoming WhatsApp message – midway. To access functions for an app without opening it, hold down the app icon and select from a pop-up list.
From $1,048 and $1,218 (16GB) to $1,388 and $1,558 (128GB) respectively, the Apple iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are available in Silver, Space Grey, Gold and Rose Gold at all major telcos and apple.com/sg/iphone-6s.
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TOUCH WOOD AUDIO-TECHNICA GOES ORGANIC WITH THE ATH-ESW990H
TIMELESS DESIGN
Akin to handcrafted leather goods or a fine wine, the timeless aesthetic of wood only gets better with age. Constructed from the same materials used to manufacture premium string instruments, the ATH-ESW990H features solid-shaved sycamore headphones, showcasing the timeless appeal of grain and tonal variance that only authentic natural materials can offer. Like the timber hi-fi speaker cabinets of yesteryear, the warmth and personal touch of its wooden build will grow with you for years to come, no matter what’s in style.
SUPERIOR SOUND
There’s a reason why so many instruments are still made out of wood – not only does it look great, it sounds great too. Delivering superior acoustic reproduction owing to its organic build, the ATH-ESW990H speakers build on the warm tonal qualities of wood with specially designed 42mm drivers and an unified yoke to present outstanding audio quality. Engineered with a coated diaphragm to produce natural mid to high frequencies and rich bass tones, the headphones’ hi-res audio quality presents music the way it is meant to be heard.
TOTAL CONTROL
Despite the timeless characteristics of wood and leather in the headphones’ construction, the ATH-ESW990H is designed with the modern listener in mind. Sporting a 90-degree swivel design and flat-folding convenience, the headphones’ detachable audio cables with newly developed A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors allow listeners to unplug at any moment straight from the headphones, while preventing cables from tangling up to ruin aural journeys. And with an in-line control equipped with a microphone for quick and seamless smartphone functions, you’ll never need to take them off.
LUXURIOUS COMFORT
Eliminating listener fatigue with accurate audio reproduction and sound isolation, the ATH-ESW990H’s headband and ear pads are similarly given the organic treatment to offer unrivalled comfort. Cushioned with magnificently soft and durable lambskin, the EarSuit headphones’ snug fit offers long-wearing luxury for music lovers who can’t get enough of their tunes. Whether they’re on your ears or resting on your neck, the ATH-ESW990H’s premium materials promise a plush sonic experience.
IN TODAY’S THROWAWAY SOCIETY, NATURAL MATERIALS LIKE WOOD AND LEATHER HAVE ENDURING APPEAL LIKE NEVER BEFORE. COMBINING THE WARMTH OF ORGANIC CONSTRUCTION WITH THE SOUND SPECIALIST’S RENOWNED HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO, AUDIO-TECHNICA BRINGS BACK INTIMATE LISTENING EXPERIENCES WITH THE LATEST ADDITION TO ITS PREMIUM EARSUIT HEADPHONES RANGE. $488, available at authorised retailers. For more information, visit sea.audio-technica.com.
EARSUIT P O R TA B L E H E A D P H O N E S ATH-ESW990H
Sycamore Wood Housing
Detachable A2DC* connectors
Lambskin earpads and headband
High-Resolution Audio
*A2DC = Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial
1 Ubi View, Focus One, #01-14, Singapore 408555 T: +65 6749 5686 F: +65 6749 5689 sea.audio-technica.com
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FYR
Teleporting diners to a bygone era, Meat Smith’s antiquated decor and wafting aroma of smoked meats are enough to put meat-lovers into a frenzy. An unashamed nightmare for vegetarians, the rustic diner boasts a range of meat specialties smoked in-house that are simple in nature yet playfully executed. The Beef Tongue ($14) – thinly sliced and delicately succulent, garnished with Sichuan aioli, peanut and coriander – is the perfect way to excite the palate before salivating over the sole bite-sized seafood dish, Crab & Kimchi Fritters ($13). Though modest in size, the 365-day grain-fed Angus Brisket ($26) does not lack in taste, smoked just long enough for it to melt in your mouth. 167/169 Telok Ayer Street, tel: 6221-2262.
Combining European classics with the spice of local tradition, FYR’s (say ‘fire’) forays into fusion are as lively as the atmosphere within its open spaces. Though jovial in spirit, there’s nothing funny about the respect FYR has for doing meat well – evident in the tender and juicy Braised Beef Short Ribs ($42), served with a sweet and spicy rendang glaze. The Cape Byron 100-Day Grass-Fed Angus Porterhouse ($62) refreshes with its lean and effortlessly juicy cut, in contrast to popular marbled options; while the sharing plate of Whole Maine Lobster, Five Spice Whole Chicken & Lamb Saddle ($88) is a surefire way to satiate carnivorous cravings. 19 Boon Tat Street, tel: 6221-3703.
PLUS-SIZED PROTEIN IF BUFFING UP HAS MADE ITS WAY INTO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, THE BEST WAY TO GET LEAN AND MEAN IS TO STACK ON THE PROTEIN. THESE NEW SPOTS WILL GIVE YOUR JAW A GUARANTEED WORKOUT WITH THEIR CARNIVOROUS CREATIONS.
CHARCOAL PIT
KONTIKI
Though it’s easy to miss from street level, you’ll undoubtedly stick around for a while once you ascend to this rooftop restaurant. Cosy and disconnected from the bustling street below, diners can engage their taste buds without distraction in Charcoal Pit’s meat-heavy menu. While you can’t go wrong with The Charcoal Pit Burger ($15) – packing a 150g chargrilled beef patty that marries crispy and juicy textures – the slow-cooked Beef Rib ($32) is a hearty staple amongst a rotating menu of mouthwatering steaks. But if there’s only one thing you try during your stay, the grilled Iberico Pork Cheek ($23) won’t disappoint with its butter-like consistency and light brushing of house-made teriyaki sauce. #12-00 Realty Centre, 15 Enggor Street, tel: 8822-5991.
Brought to you by the folks behind Handlebar, this quaint waterfront restaurant and bar is situated off the beaten track alongside Marina Reservoir at Tanjong Rhu. A nautical design takes over the relatively new space, echoing the narrative that inspired Kontiki, the Polynesian expedition of the same name. The menu, however, is distinctively American, presenting an array of signatures like the Flame Grilled Thick Pork Chop ($22) and the hearty Cheese Burger ($14). But the dish that won our hearts is its Love-Eat Beef Short Ribs ($34), a large serving of tender U.S. bone in prime cut that is seasoned and cooked to perfection. #01-02 Passion Wave @ Marina Bay, 11 Rhu Cross Road, tel: 6268-5225.
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Text Austen Choo & Trent Davis Images Various Sources
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MEAT SMITH
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INT O THE OVERG ROWTH CONFINING ADELINE TAN TO A SINGULAR ARTISTIC DISCIPLINE WOULD BE AS DIFFICULT AS RESTRAINING THE BOTANICAL BEASTS ON HER CANVAS. THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND ILLUSTRATOR HAS GONE FROM PAINTING HUMAN PORTRAITS TO CREATING OUTRAGEOUS FUSIONS OF FICTION FOR THE LIKES OF FACEBOOK, UNIQLO AND PVS. AND LIKE HER FLORAL CREATIONS, THE ARTIST’S AMBITIONS ARE GROWING AS SHE ADDS BRANCHES TO THE FAMILY TREE. Hey Adeline! What spurred you to take on your maximalist artistic style? I once left my job, took a few months’ break to work as a full-time illustrator – taking on projects and exploring different methods of execution techniques – and found that I quite enjoy adding details and trying out things that add richness. Many of your works incorporate flowers and botanical elements. How are these significant to your artistic DNA? Prior to my recent paintings, I did a lot of human figures and portraits. These subjects are popular requests from clients, and for a while, they were a favourite for me too. I felt it was time to explore some other subject more intensively and see what I could get from there. Plants were challenging for me because I always saw them as inert, soft and insipid.
by cultural artefacts like vases, fabric, woodblock prints, and tattoos, as the series is about heirlooms and the stuff we leave behind. In the process of trying to replicate the look of all these artefacts, the drawings began to develop a look of their own. I am not sure if this look would evolve even more or if I’d be distracted by a new story and try something else altogether in future.
MIGHTYELLOW
Aside from your artistic pursuits, you’re also a proud mother. How do you balance your work and your family life? Do the two ever collide? I try to involve the little one as much as I can. Sometimes, I give him my sketches to draw on or play with, or show him artwork made by artist friends. When I have to spend hours working alone, I have the help of his two grandmothers to watch and play with him.
Many of the flowers and plants featured in your art also inherit Little Shop Of Horrorsesque mutations. Can you tell us why? My recent paintings are about the world we leave behind when humans die out. It is about plants taking over our treasured heirlooms (our plastic phones, cars, and trash as well), merging with the animals whose homes we destroy. This thought was influenced by speculative paleo art, Japanese sci-fi manga introduced to me by my husband, and also my little son, who wasn’t terribly impressed by the soft watercolour flowers I paint for fashion clients.
Text Trent Davis Images Mightyellow
You’ve also branched out into sculpture, with pieces made for Kult and PVS. What are the challenges of adapting to a different medium? The hard part was imagining dimensions in 3-D, how lighting changes everything, and framing. It was super fun and I would love for the opportunity to do another 093 project like these.
What are your thoughts on making a living as an artist in Singapore? Would you encourage your son to follow in your footsteps? I think every occupation and place has its challenges. I only started drawing full-time not long ago, so it’s too early for me to comment in an informed manner. My husband has been supportive with regards to shouldering the financial aspect of running the household and that helps a lot. I would encourage my son to do anything he has a passion for, be it sports, math or art. It is not important whether I like what he chooses; we believe our role should be a supportive one.
Your artistic style has developed greatly over the years, from portraits of famous faces and dogs to the unruly amalgamations you’re known for today. Why the change in direction? Experimentation and the feeling of learning something unexpected from it is fun for me. The technique I try out is always tied to the little story behind it. For example, the look for my new set of mutated plants was influenced
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HAPPY PLUGS SOUND PIECE
Not-to-be-missed highlights of Singapore Art Week 2016.
If you can customise the look of your phone, tablet, and laptop, why should your speaker system be any different? An interior fanatic’s dream speaker system, Happy Plugs brings its renowned audio into your living room with the Sound Piece. Combining the convenience of wireless audio with minimalist aesthetics, the Swedishdesigned Sound Piece is equipped with personalised grills, allowing listeners to mix and match its appearance to fit your mood or living space – from sophisticated marble to feisty leopard print tones.
ALIWAL URBAN ART FESTIVAL Returning for its third year in the hip Kampong Glam district, the annual underground celebration ramps things up with a huge lineup of local artists and musicians to immerse you in the rebel playground. With gastronomic wonders by neighbourhood eateries and live music ranging from ska to hip-hop, the festival also features the insightful skate culture
$329, available at authorised retailers and online at atlasestore.sg.
exhibition, Cannot Be Boarded.
January 16 at Aliwal Arts Centre. For more info, visit aliwalartscentre.sg.
ART AFTER DARK Extending its opening hours beyond
THE NEW YORK TIMES DECREED THAT CHOMP CHOMP’S ORH LUAK WAS ONE OF THE TOP 10 DISHES OF 2015 – NOT IN SERANGOON GARDENS, BUT IN GREENWICH VILLAGE; AND FOR $12 A POP. PAI SEH, LOR!
sundown, Gillman Barracks’ late-night party institution caters to art-hungry
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night owls and pop-up fanatics alike. Set against tropical greenery and a former military camp, the outdoor shindig brings live music and delectable food stalls to the forefront, while you discover the gallery’s latest works and get up-close-and-personal with local creatives during intimate artist talk sessions.
January 23 at Gillman Barracks. For more info, visit gillmanbarracks.com.
SAM X THE LOCAL PEOPLE ART WEEK DAY MARKET Back by popular demand, the indie art market brings together the best of local craftsmen, gastronauts and music-makers at the Singapore Art Museum. Featuring the fashion-forward threads of local
SMARTEN UP YOUR ACT
streetwear label, ALT-F4, indigo dye textile specialists Mai Textile Studio, and Soi Coco’s delicious raw coconut shakes, there’ll be no shortage of one-of-a-kind items to fall head over heels for.
January 24 at Singapore Art Museum. For more info, visit singaporeartmuseum.sg.
Smartwatches may be lauded for streamlining our digital lives, but often at the cost of being out of sync with our fashion sense. The improved Motorola Moto 360, on the other hand, has no problem segueing into our wardrobes. Aesthetically sophisticated from the outside in, the Android-powered wearable sports a polished bezel and leather strap, while its eye-catching variety of watch faces and customisable Live Dials caters to your style and schedule at a moment’s notice. From $479, available at authorised retailers. navigate
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INSTRUMENT OF ADVENTURE
CENTRE STAGE Premier art fair, Art Stage Singapore, is back for its sixth edition bigger than ever, featuring the works of 170 galleries from 33 different countries. While showcasing the best of contemporary art around the world, the annual fair will also feature Dada On Tour – a multimedia installation celebrating the 100th anniversary of Dadaism – and also introduce the inaugural Southeast Asia Forum that explores the theme of urbanisation within our rapidly expanding region. From January 21 to 24 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. For more info, visit artstagesingapore.com.
Rather than whipping out your smartphone and risking your precious data, the Casio EX-FR100 takes care of capturing your adrenaline-fuelled escapades with a rugged shock-, water- and dust-resistant design. Easily operated with only one hand, the action cam’s detachable 16mm ultra wide-angle lens records hard-to-capture moments with its Intelligent Interval feature, allowing you to automatically select and save photos during high-speed continuous shooting – so you can focus on what’s in front of you, and not on your screen. $699, available at authorised retailers.
BUILDING STORIES For all you #archilovers looking to get a bit more backstory on the colours and contours of the buildings that captivate you, Architecture And The Architect: Image-Making In Singapore is a haven of knowledge for the structures that define our cityscape. Spanning 260 pages, the hardback book collates not only images of some of Singapore’s most iconic architectural works, but also the voices of the individuals who make each unique – including residents, shopkeepers, and architects. $50, available online at donotdesign.com.
pantone picks
095
For the first time ever, Pantone has selected two colours of the year for 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity. Inspired by gender equality, here are four items in the destined shades that’ll please all.
SERENE SOUNDS
Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources
Sporting an ergonomic design and
ROSE-COLOURED LENS
PLUSH POCKET
CHIC DEFENSE
Just like any handbag or purse,
Matching the functions of the modern day tablet, CM AOX’s Tablet
a unique EarClick custom fitting,
Bringing back the nostalgia of
there’s nothing better than the real
Urbanears’ Medis Stereo Earbud
instant film cameras with a modern
deal in the face of imitations – and
Sleeve (in Light Vegetable) reflects
Headphones (in ‘Forgetmenot’)
update, the Fujifilm Instax Mini
that applies to your smartphone
the microchips and circuitry under the hood in its futuristic design.
combines form and function for
8 Instant Film Camera (in Pink)
accessories too. Distinctly luxurious
a seamless listening experience.
outdoes its predecessors with a
from its plastic counterparts,
Constructed from vegetable tan
Perfect for running, walking, or
slimmer and lighter body, making
Hadoro’s Ostrich iPhone 6/6S
leather and laser-cut for precision,
even laying about the house, these
it even easier to aim and shoot your
Case (in Blue) is for the unabashed
the tablet sleeve’s perforated
stylish ear-pleasers feature an
Insta-worthy subjects. Equipped
fashionista looking to spruce
surface and innovative configuration
inline microphone to switch from
with a High-Key mode that
up their gadgets. 100 per cent
creates an eye-catching aesthetic
tunes to calls, while delivering
enhances images with brighter and
handmade in Paris from authentic
with the screen on or off, while
unparalleled comfort and dynamic
softer compositions for portraits,
ostrich skin, each case is different
simultaneously protecting and
audio within a minimalist design. US$44.85, available at urbanears.com.
its improved viewfinder also means
from the next and, therefore,
elevating your plus-sized gadget.
you won’t be wasting film. US$69.95, available at amazon.com
limited edition.
€120.83, available at loppist.com.
US$220, available at ahalife.com.
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ZOUKOUT 2015 SEIZE THE MOMENT
097
HEINEKEN AT ZOUKOUT 2015 #PARTYASONE
098
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A L E X M . O . R . P. H . AT TRACE A STATE OF TRANCE
099
REWIND FEAT. ANDRÉ HOMMEN AT K YO IN DA HOUSE
SHO’STOMPER IN WONDERLAND AT ALTIMATE ALL THE BRIGHT LIGHTS
100
EXPOSÉ FEAT. DJ LUCK Y & MC AK AT CÉ LA VI GET YOUR DANCE ON
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FASHION GATEWAY AT ORCHARD GATEWAY UNLOCK YOUR SWAG
101
GLAM WEDNESDAY AT ATTICA PRETTY, PRETTY PLEASE
S H O P AT T H E S E S T O C K I S T S ISSEY MIYAKE #02-07/10 HILTON SHOPPING GALLERY
ACTUALLY #03-18 ORCHARD GATEWAY
COACH #01-03 TAKASHIMAYA
ADIDAS ORIGINALS #02-10/11 BUGIS +
COMME DES GARÇONS #02-39/40 HILTON SHOPPING GALLERY
MANGO #02-23/24 313@SOMERSET
COS #03-23 ION ORCHARD
MARC BY MARC JACOBS #03-21 ION ORCHARD
DESIGUAL #01-11 TO 14 ORCHARD CENTRAL
MCM MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL LOBBY LEVEL 1
DR. MARTENS #02-17A WHEELOCK PLACE
NIKE 290 ORCHARD ROAD
ELOHIM BY SABRINA GOH #02-14 CAPITOL PIAZZA
NIXON #B3-13 ION ORCHARD
FURLA #B2-108A THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS
PEDDER ON SCOTTS #02-10 TO 13 SCOTTS SQUARE
ALEXANDER WANG #02-03/04 HILTON SHOPPING GALLERY ALICE + OLIVIA #03-17 ION ORCHARD BERSHKA #B2-09 TO 11 ION ORCHARD BROOKS BROTHERS #01-07 KNIGHTSBRIDGE CHARLES & KEITH #02-46 TO 49 313@SOMERSET CLUB 21 #01-07 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CLUB 21B #01-07 TO 09 FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL
H&M ORCHARD BUILDING
PRADA #01-01 AND #02-15 ION ORCHARD
RALPH LAUREN SHAW HOUSE LEVEL 1 RAOUL #02-49 PARAGON ROBINSONS 260 ORCHARD ROAD SANDRO #B2-108 THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS SUPERSPACE #02-18 ORCHARD GATEWAY TOPSHOP/ TOPMAN #01-05/06 KNIGHTSBRIDGE UNIQLO #03-27 TO 34 313@SOMERSET ZARA LIAT TOWERS
BARS & CLUBS
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F&B
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FASHION
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ARTS, DESIGN & MUSIC
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BEAUTY & WELLNESS
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HOTELS
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SCHOOLS
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EVERYWHERE ELSE
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final word
DRIVE TALKIN’ WITH 2016 NOW UPON US, WE THOUGHT YOU MIGHT NEED A WORD OR TWO THAT CAN MOTIVATE YOU TO DO BETTER IN THE YEAR AHEAD. THERE ARE NO CHEESY CAT POSTERS HERE, ONLY REAL TALK TO GET YOU GOING. THANK US LATER.
have courage JUST LIKE THAT UGLY DUDE ON TINDER WHO INSISTS ON TRADING HIS DIRTY PICTURES FOR YOUR NUMBER.
Set lofty goalS A N D
P U S H
F O R
M O R E
AN EXTRA FIVE MINUTES OF SNOOZE? TRY AN HOUR, HECK, JUST DON’T GET OUT AT ALL.
IF
YES YOU CAN
Y O U
A S
T E L L
Y O U R S E L F
Y O U
A R E
JUST LOOK AT AUNT GERTRUDE! SHE’S 65 AND SHE STILL INSISTS WE CALL HER ‘BAE’.
ASK THAT GIRL OUT.
CAN RUN FOR PRESIDENT,
O N L Y
young A S
THEN
DONALD TRUMP
Y O U ’ R E
PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN
AND READ MORE – ESPECIALLY
104
Love your friends THEY’RE THE ONES WHO ARE HOLDING YOUR HAIR BACK WHILE YOU SICK YOURSELF IN THE CLUB TOILET.
S A V E
W A T E R
drink beer. O R
S A V E
B E E R ,
AND DRINK AS IN
“NO, I WANT THAT SKIRT IN ALL THE COLOURS PLEASE”.
T H E S A LT Y T E A R S O F
your enemies
everything IS BETTER WHEN IT’S
S
H
A
R
E
D
DON’T DEAL
drugS, DEAL
hugS. U N L E S S
I T ’ S
pizza
THEN HANDS OFF, YO!
Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources
LEARN THE POWER OF SAYING