Walking the line

BY RIZAL JOHAN

Not many singer-songwriters can emulate openly-emotive statements like Meor's voice of heartbreak.

What life holds for you is anybody's guess but for Perak-born folk singer-songwriter Meor Yusof Aziddin, music is his life force and inspiration. Having actively written music and produced ragged recordings since the late 1980s, this soft-spoken artiste is a true pioneer and is regarded as one of the country's best Malay singer-songwriters. His music, often wedged between intense and openly-emotive statements, has found a keen new audience in his young fan base.

At last year's KL Sing Song festival at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Meor received rapturous resp

An unfortunate incident in late 2005 proved to be a life-changing experience for Meor, who was then busking regularly at Central Market in KL. He was rounded up by the police on suspicion of drug use and although the results came out negative, Meor had to spend four days in the lock-up.

Singer-songwriter Meor is targeting the mainstream audience with his fifth album, Yang Terlintas Di Fikiran."I graduated from the 'university of life' when that happened," recalled Meor, 39, in a recent interview. "After that, my family and I moved to Ipoh and I've been working in an engineering firm for a little over a year now."

Busking didn't seem like a good idea with the authorities clamping down on street musicians without a valid reason. Meor's love affair with music might have suffered a bit after his relocation to Ipoh, but that didn't stop a bunch of singer-songwriter friends in the Klang Valley from getting him back in the groove. The KL Sing Song fest appearance was his biggest show to date and he was also featured in the Voices From Next Door compilation.

According to Azmyl Yunor, a fellow singer-songwriter and co-founder of the Troubadours Enterprise, it was important for the live scene to continue having a voice as distinctive as Meor's.

"It would have been a tragedy if Meor had given up his music. Something had to be done. A few of us (singer-songwriters) got in touch with him and asked if he was interested in recording a new album," said Azmyl.

With the help of Troubadours Enterprise and recording support from Purple Sound Productions, Meor set aside time to nail down some new tracks.
His new album, Yang Terlintas Di Fikiran, his fifth independently-produced album, is a collection of songs penned over the last 10 years. This is the follow up to 2004's Aku Dan Bulan.

"Yes, I moved to another city after being thrown in jail but to me, it's just something that happens in life. I'm not complaining about it," said Meor, who still comes down to KL and busks whenever he gets the chance.

"I'm still busking but not as much as I used to. I think busking is very important. It's something practical in life. You get to know your environment and the people around better when you're a busker."

The new album was produced by his friend, musician Ariff Akhir (of The Sofa Sessions fame). Ariff decided to make a recording of the Meor's music after setting up his own post-production company, Purple Sounds.

"When I started it in the middle of last year, I had no intention of recording an album because what I have is not a studio. But I decided to record Meor's album and make it the flagship product for Purple Sounds," said Ariff.

As reported earlier, Meor took just two hours last July to record the basic tracks for the album – retaining his usual no-nonsense approach to keep his music spontaneous. It was Ariff's job to fill in the other musical parts – but Meor's raw compositions can be clearly identified on this CD.

"I'm targeting the mainstream audience with this album.

"It's for people who like to think. That is why the album is called Yang Terlintas Di Fikiran (loosely translated as 'what crosses the mind')," said Meor.

Meor's Yang Terlintas Di Fikiran is priced at RM25 and can be obtained through http://www.pestajiwa.net/ or http://www.purple-sound.com/

(source: http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/26/music/16523772&sec=music )

Hi Everyone, Happy New Year!

We've got good news! Swedish singer songwriter Jens Lekman is coming to town and Troubadours alongwith Ain and Junk Magazine are proud to present him in concert at Little Havana on 20 January, 9pm. Price of admission is RM30 (with 1 soft drink) and RM35 (with 1 beer). Opening for Jens will be Lurks, Laila's Lounge and Jerome Kugan. Hurray!























Don't know who Jens is? Don't know where Little Havana is? Go here.

Good news, everyone! Troubadours will be back with a special gig for Junk magazine's Fortnight series of concerts on 17 December at a new venue, Atrium, Asian Heritage Row, 8:30pm. Our line-up so far: Lightcraft, Deserters, Azmyl Yunor & The Sigarettes and Panda Head Curry. And yep, there will be our ever popular Open Mic section. Spread the word. Tell your pets and parents about it. More updates soon.

Got this SMS from Peter Hassan Brown just now.

"Jack Nathan guitarist from 360 Degree Head Rotation passed away last night in an accident. Wake @ 6, Jalan SS3/32. Body arriving 6pm tonight. Funeral 4pm tomorrow Kg Tunku crematorium."

We're very sad about this piece of news. Jack was a good friend, excellent guitarist and above all a wonderful person. Godspeed Jack wherever you may be.
















Rafil and Jack at a Troubadours gig last year.

















Jack tuning up his electric.

Sad news, everyone....

We found out yesterday at our monthly Troubaganger Bodega KL gig that it will be closed down in mid-September.

To end it ceremoniously, we'll be organising three Troubaganger gigs there

30 August - Merdeka Eve Special
3 September - Voices From Next Door CD Launch

and a Finale show to be confirmed...

See you at the gigs...

Yup, sad but true..our monthly gig at La Bodega, Tengkat Tong Shin is coming to an End. And guess what, so is our other gig at KLPac! After discussing with our co organizers (our good friends Ian and Meng Jin) at KLpac, we've decided its time to take a looooonnnnggg break la...

BUT!! we'll probably have a few shows here and there (will keep y'all updated) around town la...in support of our compilation cd 'Voices from Next door, and maybe a year end gig ..(fingers crossed!)

So this coming sunday is our 'last' Troubadours/ Open doors gig at KLpac for this year. Please do come and make it a good one ok? Below are some info of some of the cool performers and film that we have lined up for you, check it out..

About the Musicians Peter Brown is a solo acoustic artist who has been writing songs since the 1970s. He released his first album, "Young & Foolish" in 1979. It was followed by two other albums, "Wild Place in the Sun" (1981) and "The Searcher" (1984). After relocating to Malaysia in 1984, he started his own company Lemang Music and formed Passion with Markiza. They subsequently released two albums "Open Secret" (1993) and "Love & Music" (1996). His critically acclaimed fourth solo album "Warm" was released in 2001. Peter and Markiza has since formed a five-piece named Soft Touch and released an album with the band. Sherry has been a street musician for a number of years now. In fact, he is one of the pioneers who started the busking scene in Kuala Lumpur. Along the way, he completed a few recording sessions as a guitarist and backup vocalist. He has also performed in a few clubs with various bands and recently started venturing into the singer-songwriter scene. One of his songs, Sighyoung, is featured in the singer songwriter compilation released by Troubadours in 2006. Panda Caput capitis Curry? A loud manus manu consisto of men. Exitosus, etiamnunc, molior. Loving totus praeter qui discrepo per lemma. They mos adepto quis they volo! Etiam, vero. Illic est scilicet super ut. Panda Caput capitis Curry est an urbanus lifestyle. They volo futurus vestri amicus. They volo sumo vos domus quod hug vos quod loco vos in suum propinquus per ceterus amicitia they have brought domus communico suum diligo quod magninamity. They mos nutritor vos per victus scraps ex suum valde own patella. Quod subsequens ut vos adepto totus nutritional supplements vos postulo subolesco futurus teres tener populus. Oh etiam. About the Short-Film by HAKIM Romantiknya ISA captures the untold stories of I.S.A. detainees in Malaysia. Since 1960, more than 10 000 people were detained under the I.S.A. act but there are not many people out there who know the real stories behind it. The short-film will feature interviews with ex-detainees, lawyers, NGOs and the public. It was the winner of the Freedom Filmfest in 2005.
Status : Active	Category : General
Duration : 20 August 2006	Venue : IndiCine
Price : RM12
Presenter : Troubadours Enterprise and KLPac

UNCLOGGED returns!

It's been a while. But Unclogged's back! For those who don't know, Joe Kidd's Unclogged series of concerts at the original No Black Tie was one of the shows that inspired us to do Troubadours. We got details about next week's gig from an email that Joe sent us. Check out ricecooker.kerbau.com for more info.

Friday, August 4th 2006

Little Havana, Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL

Admission: RM15 (+ first free drink)

Door Opens: 8.30 PM

featuring

FORCE VOMIT - Singapore's joget lambak-revivalist

REFLEX REACTIONS – improv-duo Yandsen & Siew-Wai Kok

THE MINDLESS SHOW – Shah Alam's latest punk sensation featuring members of Disgruntled

KILLEUR CALCULATEUR - Abrasive post-punk, ex-members of Sgt Weeners Arm & Utarid

HANDSOME RAIS - Breathlessly suave, debonair rib-tickler from the decadent 70s

YR DAWG - Yet unformed probably malformed foetus from the union of ex -Vertical Speed/DISH & Deflowered


All of whom lean towards the more abrasive end of the sonic spectrum. Thank God. We were getting a bit tired of our acoustic guitars. Screeeccch!

Finally it's OUT! We present to you "VOICES FROM NEXT DOOR"



That's what the cover of the CD looks like. For those who don't know what it's all about, it's the compilation CD we've been working on for the past few months, featuring 24 songs by 24 solo singer songwriters and bands, most of who have played at our shows previously. We're so happy to finally get it yesterday from the CD printers. Yippee!

We previewed some of the tracks off it on the Sunday night Clash radio show on Red FM 104.9, with Daryl Goh and Zack Yusof the past two weekends. Those of you who heard it will know that it's choc-ful of goodies! Yes!

For now, it's available personally from the three Troubadours (Azmyl, Jerome and Sei Hon) for RM30 each. We'll update you when it'll be available in the stores - we're still sorting our distribution. If you don't know us, come to any of the Troubadours gigs. We'll be there!

The tracklisting for the CD is as such:

CD1

01. Broken Scar – Venus In September
02. Izzy Mohamed – Pelangi
03. Yuri – Red Dress
04. Sherry – Sighyoung
05. Jasemaine Gan – Syurga Di Bumi
06. Rizal Hefni – Some Time For Yourself
07. Fathulistiwa Soundscapes – Sendiri
08. Jerome Kugan – Song For The Service Industry
09. Meor – Hari-Hari Autistik
10. Warren Chan – I Won’t Forget
11. Rhapsody – So Scared
12. Ian Chow – It’s OK

CD2
13. Mei Chern – Do You See Me Like You
14. Tan Sei Hon – These Days
15. Zack Yusof – 24 Hours
16. Izuan Shah – Endless Summer
17. Azmyl Yunor – Flesh
18. Oddstar – Andai
19. Nightlife Camera – No Pretending
20. Estrella – Take It Slow
21. Imam – I Don’t Know What It Is
22. Ariff Akhir – When I Am King
23. Ida Lisa – Breakthrough
24. Reza Salleh – A Relic Is What I Live In

Also, please also look out for the official CD launch party... we haven't got a date yet for now... but soon!

We were featured in a little write up in Star Two today about our appearance on Clash at Red FM this Sunday. Tune in as we play songs from the compilation CD! And talk about the singer songwriter scene. Don't think we'll be able to swear and curse but look out for the euphemisms. ;-)

The Star Online > eCentral > Tv & Radio

Friday July 7, 2006

Voices on Clash

The KL Sing Song 2006 fest is scheduled for next week. The Voices from Next Door compilation is also slotted for a launch at the fest. It is heady times for those in the local singer-songwriter circuit and Clash on Red fm this Sunday pays tribute to the unsung heroes behind this scene.

Starting 10pm, Clash listeners will be the first on the block to preview tracks from the Voices from Next Door compilation, featuring 24 tracks across two CDs. The compilation, pieced together by the Troubadours Enterprise, unleashes music from Azmyl Yunor, Meor, Nightlife Camera, Fathulistiwa Soundscapes, Jasemaine Gan, Broken Scar, Izuan Shah, Tan Sei Hon, Reza Salleh, Jerome Kugan and more.

The Voices from Next Door compilation contributors to feature on Clash this Sunday.

With an array of singer-songwriter styles spanning folk, indie pop, jazz, blues and beyond, Voices from Next Door is a compilation to write home about. The curators of the compilation – Jerome Kugan, Tan Sei Hon and Azmyl Yunor – will be at the Clash studios to introduce the music.

With parallels drawn to Scotland’s Fence Collective (a folk army), the Klang Valley singer-songwriter movement has found a champion in the Troubadours collective, a bunch of musicians aiming to build a platform of opportunity for the niche music circuit.

Also featured on the show this weekend is the weekly bag of new records that have been delivered to Clash towers.

Suggestions to (clash@thestar.com.my). Listen online at www.red1049.com.my.

The Star operates Red fm.

---

© 1995-2006 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

VOICES FROM NEXT DOOR update

We just finished mastering the compilation and will be taking it to the printers this week. Yippee!!!

And yup, you guessed right. We're fu*king excited!!! To celebrate, we're having a little listening party at Zouk's The Loft this Friday night, 30 June, from 8-10pm, when we're going to play the two CDs (121 minutes and 40 seconds total running time!).

Unfortunately, we can't accommodate for everyone cause it's only really meant for the singer songwriters who contributed to listen to plus a few friends and members of the music press.

If you want to come anyway, you'll have to pay RM20 to get in. Yes, it's a bit dear. But that's the admission entry for Twilight Action Girl, a night of sweet rawking alternative music and rah rah debauchery courtesy of DJs Bunga, Ribut and Xu!!! That starts at10pm after our little listening party. We have to say thank you to Twilight Action Girl and Zouk for hosting us.

If you want to catch the songs of your favourite singer songwriters, come early as we'll play them according to the tracklisting above, starting at 8pm sharp. No soundchecks so no delay... LOL.

About the release date for the CD, we don't have one yet. But it'll definitely be ready when KL Sing Song 2006 swings around. So watch out for it there! And we'll also definitely be organising a launch party (or several) for the CD. And yep, so you should definitely look out for that too!

News of Voices From Next Door, the compilation CD we're putting together, came out in The Star (Star Two, T14) yesterday. The link to the online version is here. The process of putting it together is going well. We've sent it out for mastering. Should be done by the end of this week. And then it's off to the printers. We're also planning to hold a listening party sometime the end of June for friends. It'll probably be out in early July. We'll put up details about exact dates, the full track listing and where it will be available soon. Look out for it!

****

The Star Online > eCentral > Music

Monday June 19, 2006

DIG THE NEW BREED

Singer-songwriters Azmyl Yunor and Jasemaine Gan to feature on the Voices From Next Door compilation.

THE very existence of the homegrown singer-songwriter circuit has been one of the stories of the live scene here. And contrary to popular belief, it has not been the Pete Teo show. In the last two years, the pool of talent has widened with many young and emerging names staking a claim on stage with independent music derived from various genres.

Built along the lines of Scotland’s Fence Collective (a folk army), the Klang Valley singer songwriter movement has found a champion in the Troubadours collective, a loosely assembled bunch of music fans, out to make a difference in the music circuit.

Arguably, the Troubadours gang is not the only active singer-songwriter collective currently operating in the live scene. But it is definitely taking things a step further with the Voices From Next Door compilation due next month.

The compilation, featuring 24 tracks across two CDs, will feature material from Azmyl Yunor, Meor, Nightlife Camera, Fathulistiwa Soundscapes, Jasemaine Gan, Broken Scar, Izuan Shah, Tan Sei Hon, Reza, Jerome Kugan, Zack Yusof, Rhapsody, Mei Chern and more.

With an array of singer-songwriter styles spanning folk, indie pop, jazz, blues, Goth folk and beyond, Voices From Next Door is as diverse as it gets when it comes to home town music. It also represents a collaborative effort between Troubadours and the artistes.

The compilation, as reported by a Troubadours source, is officially supported by Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage, KLPac and Artsee.net. In related news, the KL Sing Song festival seminar/workshop is schedule to roll at the KLPac on July 14-15.

Performances from the artistes featured in Voices From Next Door are expected.

For more details on the compilation release date and Troubadours activities, email (troubadourskl@gmail.com) or browse (www.troubadourskl.blogspot.com).

---

© 1995-2006 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

KL SING SONG 2006 @ KLPAC

KL Sing Song is happening on 14 and 15 July, at KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)! It's going to be a singer songwriter extravaganza, featuring no less than 12 Malaysian singer songwriters in performances and workshops. TICTING DETAILS ARE OUT NOW! Check this blog regularly for updates.

***

KL SING SONG 2006 singer songwriters

Shanon Shah ~ Best Male Vocalist, AIM 2006
Pete Teo ~ Nominated for four AIM awards in 2004
Shelley Leong ~ Best New English Artist nominee, AIM 2004
Pak Pandir ~ Winner of Juara Lagu (Irama Malaysia) 1992
Mia Palencia ~ Best Solo Vocal nominee, Cameronian Arts Awards 2005
Mei Chern ~ Musicanteen.com's Most Downloaded Artiste 2005
Reza Salleh ~ Founder of Moonshine concert series
Meor ~ Legendary independent singer songwriter
Fathulistiwa Soundscapes ~ Local independent music pioneer
Broken Scar ~ Emerging fiery singer songwriter
Ariff Akhir ~ Charismatic leader of The Sofa Sessions
Rhapsody ~ Upcoming female duo with melodic jazzy songs

***

Performance 1
14 July, 8:30pm
Pentas Dua @ KLPAC
featuring Mia Palencia, Shelley Leong, Reza Salleh, Ariff Akhir, Pak Pandir and Fathulistiwa Soundscapes
Tickets: RM25 Adult; RM15 Student, Elderly & Disabled (limited to 50 seats).

Workshops 1, 2, 3 & 4
15 July, 1pm to 5:30pm
Indicene @ KLPAC
"Singing With Style" – Shelley Leong; "Lyrics & Creativity" – Pak Pandir; "Make It Live" – Shanon Shah; "The Indie Path" – Pete Teo
Tickets: RM20 Adult & Student.

Performance 2
15 July, 8:30pm
Pentas Dua @ KLPAC
featuring Pete Teo, Shanon Shah, Mei Chern, Meor, Broken Scar and Rhapsody
Tickets: RM25 Adult; RM15 Student, Elderly & Disabled (limited to 50 seats).


Tickets available at: KLPAC (03 - 40479 000) and The Actors Studio, Bangsar Shopping Complex (03 - 2094 9400). Or email tickets@klpac.com. No advance bookings.


Note: We'll be having preview shows for KL Sing Song at Bangsar Shopping Centre on 24 June. Look out for that! More info in the next coupla days.

We've also created a blogsite especially for KL Sing Song 2006. Check it out!



TROUBAGANGER @ FETE DE LA MUSIQUE












In the meantime, you can catch us (and a whole load of other musicians) at Fete de La Musique at Alliance Francaise, 15 Jalan Gurney on 17 June. There are four performance spaces altogether, with acts playing various genres of music. The main draw is La Casa, the French band that's flown in especially for the fest. But we heard rumours that Ning Baizura's going to make an appearance. Maybe she'll sing a few Piaf numbers, eh? Full list of performers and performance times *soon* to be found at kl.alliancefrancaise.org.my).

If you don't care for "foreign music" and *really really* wanna catch Troubaganger acts, we'll be happening at the Indoor Stage from 1pm to 3pm, and then again at the same place from 9pm to 11pm.

Notice: An early version of the flyer for the event has us mistakenly billed as "TROUBAGANDERS" - we have since berated the organisers about this but it's too late to make changes to the flyers. Are we people or are we geese? We'll be making sarky comments about this during our performances no doubt. So watch out for some xenophobic mudslinging at dim-witted frogs... LOL... no lah... we're polite people, you know!

Some Troubaganger acts set to make an appearance (God willing!) at the "Fate Deee Lala Muzische" are: Jerome Kugan, Tan Sei Hon, Azmyl Yunor, SuperBar, Malokai Gruv, Zach Tay, Plush Velvet, Broken Scar, Dalin & Edy, Nick Razman, Hanafi, Imam, The Wans, and Go (featuring Jaz, Zalila and Jerral) plus more...


TROUBADOURS/OPEN DOORS @ KLPAC


















On 18 June, if you really really enjoyed our outing at the French picnic, we'll be having our monthly Troubadours/Open Doors at KLPAC featuring The Sofa Sessions, Wei Jun and Silent Scenery. Plus we'll be screening the documentary of KL Sing Song 2005 that Kino-i did for us. Come lah!

VOICES FROM NEXT DOOR

More announcements! This time it's about a double compilation CD we're putting together called "Voices From Next Door" featuring songs by 24 Malaysian singer songwriters. We're still working on it right now and will probably be out by the beginning of July. We can't reveal the tracklisting yet, but we can reveal the names of the singer songwriters who are featured in the compilation. A drum roll please...

* Broken Scar
* Izzy Mohamed
* Yuri
* Sherry
* Jasemaine Gan
* Rizal Hefni
* Fathulistiwa Soundscapes
* Jerome Kugan
* Meor
* Warren Chan
* Rhapsody
* Ian Chow
* Mei Chern
* Tan Sei Hon
* Zack Yusof
* Reza Salleh
* Azmyl Yunor
* Oddstar
* Ariff Akhir
* Imam
* Izuan Shah
* Ida Lisa
* Melina William
* (and maybe Jit Oei aka Nightlife Camera)

Troubaganger Anniversary Show

June 4, Sunday, 8pm

La Bodega KL, Tengkat Tong Shin
RM5 entry

featuring

Superbar
Azmyl Yunor
Ida Liza
Tan Sei Hon
Hanafi

Sharanya Manivannan
Mekarnya Satu Kematian

Alan Lim

Jac Kee

Jerome Kugan
& Jasmine Low

TO PLAY >> sms 016-657 2357 or email openmickl@gmail.com
GIG NEWS >> www.webprojx.com/troubaganger
BLOG >> www.doppelgangerkl.blogspot.com | www.troubadourskl.blogspot.com

Troubadours / Open Doors IV @ 21 May (Sunday)

Troubadours / Open Doors is a monthly series of live performances and short-film screenings jointly organised by KLPac and Troubadours Enterprise. It features talented Malaysians who write, perform and / or present original materials. The series serves as a much-needed platform for such talents to showcase their work. Troubadours / Open Doors takes place on the third Sunday of each month at KLPac. Those interested to showcase their work, please email biodata, song lyrics (for musicians) or synopsis (for filmmakers), high resolution photo to troubadourskl@gmail.com and ian@klpac.com

Time: 3.00pm
Venue: IndiCine, KLPac
Tickets: RM12 only

F E A T U R I N G

Mei Chern
An open mic session at NBT in 2002 led her to billed gigs at The Songwriter's Round, Acoustic Jam 13 and opening set for Amir Yussof. Her single, Feels Like Falling / Games We Play debuted at No.1 on muisccanteen.com!

Izzy Mohamed
Izzy's passion was sparked by R&B and soul music. Her journey as a singer songwriter started with a stint at Fete de la Musique. Since then, she's formed a duo outfit which plays pop jazzy tunes with Jeremy Lim in 'Plush Velvet'.

Saer Ze
Starting out with an R&B / hip hop outfit, followed by a rock band and numerous open mic sesions, Saer Ze has finally found her musical direction in the world of electronic music. Her recent debut, Shameless, has even led her to an AIM nomination.

D O C U M E N T A R Y

"Alice Lives Here" ( updated version of Clean Shit )
This award-winning documentary tells the moving and powerful tale of how the villagers of a small, uknown village unite to fight against the construction of the largest municipal waste incinerator in Asia. The entire story is told through the eyes of one villager, Alice Lee.

Box Office:
KLPac 03-4047 9000 or TAS@BSC 03-2094 9400

www.klpac.com / www.troubadourskl.blogspot.com

Friday MAY 19: KL SING SONG MINI COLLEGE TOUR
@ TAYLOR'S COLLEGE SUBANG JAYA campus

Sunday MAY 21: TROUBADOURS / OPEN DOORS
@ KLPac, SENTUL WEST

Wednesday MAY 31: KL SING SONG MINI COLLEGE TOUR

@ HELP Institute, PUSAT BANDAR DAMANSARA

flyer/details COMING SOON!