Tired and Tested

Today I was at the International Symposium of the Malaysian Music Industry 2010. When I hear officials talk I feel like walking out, a feeling of despair overcomes me and I feel like some of us are fighting a losing battle. Everyone wants to proclaim they are the hero but they are just throwing problems which we have faced for years, and we know exist, back at us. Excuse me, we understand the problems, have offered the solutions, now PLEASE GO AND EXECUTE THE SOLUTIONS!! They aren’t on the ground, sleeves rolled up, they are sitting in ivory towers and listening to what people perceive are problems or personal frustrations and then coming to almighty conclusions… yeah, I’m TIRED and tested. Like Dato’ Aziz Bakar said there are some of us that are tired (jaded even) and feel like giving up but we don’t, we soldier on because it’s something we believe in, something our whole lives depend upon.

Ahmad Izham Omar changed my day. Here stood a person with very much the same beliefs as mine and the gumption to do it… make the difference. It’s when I meet people that share the same affinity for the business, fight the same battles and have aspirations going forward that reassures me that we have a chance (The only other thing that keeps me going is the talent singers, composers, that continues to emerge in our industry).

First and foremost if you’re thinking of doing something, do something different. You have to dare instead of trying to emulate someone else in your market. How many Raihan’s or Siti Nurhaliza’s can we have. You want to do Nasyid do it a different way. You want to do pop think out of the box. It’s always easy for people to shoot you down but hey, you never know until you try. The biggest inventions and success stories came from pipe dreams and fierce determination.

Secondly you need a concept, a sound that is you. Yes, the sound changes, evolves, matures with you and your listeners but you don’t try to capture 10 different markets and lose all. I’m talking about the albums with 10 producers, 5 different genres just so that you can enter every category there is on an award show or target every radio station that we have. You need to understand what is you, what is your strength and then just go for it. The Artistes that have had the best impact have stayed true to their sound…. M. Nasir, Sheila Majid, Sharifah Aini, Jamal Abdillah, Faizal Tahir, Yuna and Aizat.

Next is the want and the need to compete, to do better. We are a complacent bunch of people. We have things too easy. So we reach a certain degree we pat ourselves on the back, lean back and rest on our laurels. NO! The pedal to the metal all the time, if not someone is going to overtake you, someone will do better than you. In a time where change and innovation happens on a daily basis you cannot afford to sit back. The business is evolving all the time whether it is technology, people, tastes, marketing concepts so we need to keep up, change, move, shake things up.

In the wings we have the complainers…. Not enough local composition, not enough airplay, blame outsiders, want protection, dictating wants and the list goes on. “It’s like doing the Malaysian Squash Open and not allowing outsiders to compete”… yup, that’s right… Nicole David is the BEST IN THE WORLD.. not the best in Malaysia. Protectionism and dictating are not ways to improve in the long run. If people aren’t playing your songs it’s because they aren’t good enough. If people don’t choose you to perform it’s because you aren’t good enough. Yes the truth hurts but then you take it and make yourself better not wallow in self pity and wonder why.

Essentially if something doesn’t work, change, listen to what people are saying on the ground. If you come against a brick wall you can choose to bang your head against it, climb over it or choose another path. There are more ways to skin a cat. The choice is yours.

On centrestage we have the stars in the business. People who have been through it all, been down, gone up and still want to do more. They have staying power because they are constantly changing, updating. When they know things are not going their way they know how to dig deep and reinvent themselves, over and over again. They know what people want or need, even when the people don’t realize it. Yes, once again Izham pictured it well through the eyes of Henry Ford the car maker, “If I asked people what they wanted, they would say faster horses” (Nobody would have imagined a car in those days).

I’m not an innovator but I’m damn good at spotting an innovator. I’m an executor and my job is to help the innovator realize the dream. This is something I get immense joy and self-satisfaction from in making dreams come true. I see the dream, I feel the dream and I (and a whole bunch of others) make it happen. It doesn’t matter that my seat is not on the front row, just knowing that I helped to make a difference no matter where I sit is enough.

Yes sometimes it’s not the TRIED and tested otherwise eventually you become TIRED and tested. In today’s world there are no boxes, no faster horses just wide open space and spaceships, bicycles, jets and just about anything you can imagine.

A Magic Carpet Ride

In our music business there are many unsung heroes. The most unsung in the process of music production is the arranger. Mostly because the general public has no clue as to the process of making music. Composers and Lyricist are the most recognized not to mention the Artiste who eventually sings the song.

The Composer draws the picture, the lyricist frames it but the arranger adds the colour and shading, bringing it to life. Yes it is a truly teamwork that makes the song. Firstly the melody is important and of course the lyricist tell a story in five minutes or less but arrangement is the hidden value that you cannot see but feel. It’s the factor that make the music give you the wonderous feeling or tears your heart out.

I am no musicians (unfortunately) but I have been around music long enough to understand it is a science that there is a psychology behind music making. Walt Disney has understood that in their movie making and they also have that same magic in their songs. Be it Colours of the Wind (Pocahontas), Go The Distance (Hercules), Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and Beast) or A Whole New World (Aladdin) the musical arrangement takes you on an emotional ride in just five minutes. You feel the struggle, the doubt, then the belief and finally the sense of euphoria.

This is the work of the arranger. Setting the pace of the song starting low in the verse, building up to a chorus, then taking you all the way with a bridge and climax and then finally pulling back your emotions leaving you feeling complete.

It is not only foreign song but local songs too. I have felt that emotion in songs arranged by Aubrey Suwito, Jenny Chin, Mac Chew and Ramli M.S. That hidden feeling that really shows how deep these people feel. They have truly given a part of themselves in the song. To have felt the song and understood how to impart that emotion musically, this is quite an amazing feat. How each and every instrument and sound plays a part in reaching out to us and draws us in emotionally.

The latest song to reach out and grab me is the song “Sejak Hadirmu”. The song is magical by nature maybe because I am such a spiritual person. On first impression the song (by Juwita Suwito) and the lyrics (by Habsah Hassan), both these people are special and have amazing God-given talents, seems to be a straight-out love song but I understood that this was a song giving praise to God and then the arrangement (by Aubrey Suwito) was what really captured my heart. It has that amazing emotional ride that can move you. It certainly moved me when I first heard it.

Music really reaches out and touches us whether we realize it or not, whether we want it to or not.

If you don’t believe me play a "Whole New World" and feel the euphoria… A New Fantastic Point of View…

Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

"Whole New World" (Composer : Alan Menken / Lyricist : Tim Rice)

PSYCHO-logy

The World Cup is a lesson in psychological and mental strength. How does a team with so much talent and so many world class talents struggle to perform? How does a young team with not much experience on their side but plenty of self belief and positive energy power themselves to the semis? How does a team with all the hopes of their country and a dream team of players go out tamely?

For those of us who don’t play sports on a competitive level it is difficult to understand how focused, calm under pressure, self confident and motivated these sportsmen are. To overcome adversity, coming from behind, bad calls, crowds and the expectations of millions needs more than just going out there and playing your best. It also needs sheer mental and emotional strength.

Many people still do not understand the importance of sports psychology but I think mental strength separates the ordinary from the champions. So many people have the ability to play but when come from behind how do you dig deep within yourself to come back and win. It is the hardest thing to do to put mistakes behind you and focus on the positives. How do you when you’re facing an opponent stronger than you put it out of your mind so that you’re not lost even before you start? Staying focused, having the confidence and the concentration to overcome situations is something you need to be aware of.

Emotional strength - Pressure, stress and anxiety in a normal situation can consume you and play tricks on your mind. Learning to harness the pressure, adrenalin, nerves and fear is an important attribute so you can turn it into positive energy rather than letting those feeling overtake you and leave you feeling powerless and helpless. Keeping your anger in check, staying calm under pressure, learning to turn it on when you want to are also traits that a champion needs.

So sports is a science just like everything is. It is a combination of discipline, talent, mental and emotional toughness. The line between success and failure is very thin and players who are mentally strong and have the will to win stand a greater chance of tasting success than those simply believing in their physical and technical ability.

England suffered badly at the World Cup. They looked like a team in fear of losing, not running for the ball, bad passing, sluggish… these are all signs of defeatism… the weight and the expectations of their country hung heavy on their shoulders. Yet the young German team who hardly has the experience but went out and clinical tore apart their opponent… the same weight and expectation but a totally different approach… cool under pressure.

Teams and countries trying to build up championship teams and sports persons need to understand that sports psychology plays an important role in preparing sportsmen and women for the highly competitive world of sports.

Sometimes you got to be crazy to win!!

Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

Of Reflections, Reflexes and Rejuvenation

Reflections…
Ok so the past five months have been a crazy swirl of adrenaline, burning the candle at both ends and all the ups and down… but hey it’s my life and I love it. And looking back at my last couple of posts they’ve been quite reflective and dark but they were subject close to my heart none the less. So ok this time round I have one grouse and one joy-of-living piece I’d like to share.

Reflexes….
Technology is amazing. You can download things at the speed of light, find a friend you thought died in the last World War, purchase something a world away, be someone else without people ever knowing who you really are and gives you the freedom of speech.

I just have to say that I am very active on the social network especially friendster, facebook, youtube, twitter, msn, gtalk, formspring … Social networking has taken the world by storm… it’s a wonderful way of keeping in touch, sharing and sometimes in this busy world if gives you a chance and reach out and touch someone instantaneously to offer support, a word, of encouragement. I however have a problem with this.

Whilst most people go about their day documenting their every move and every feeling which is fine and therapeutic for most, some however make a sport out of whacking people and complaining to no end. Freedom of speech and giving your opinion is fine as long as it is constructive criticism and not slapping people in the face with words. It is cowardly, unthinking and just plain rude to say things that are hurtful and lack common decency! It is tantamount to blind rage when you react without thinking. So many say... “If you don’t like it don’t read it! I have a right to say what I feel”. Hey! If you want to vent write it on a piece of paper and then screw it up and throw it away. It’ll hurt no one and you’ll walk away without someone thinking badly about you or at worst misconstruing your statement. Think before you speak, think before you write, think before you react. What's done cannot be undone.

RejuveNation…
My yearly pilgrimage after the madness of the first five months of the year is to Mataking Island located in the middle of the Celebes sea off the coast of Semporna, Sabah and close to Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. When you arrive there it’s like going home. The staff are friendly (after going there 3 times, hell, they even know my name) and the unbelievably beautiful blue sea/sky and the power soft white sand are things dreams are made of. The phone reception is bad and hey! you can’t take your phone diving …. that makes this pace Heaven!

I came from the culture of not being able to switch off, couldn't leave my job, afraid of going on holiday. The truth is life goes on happily without you and you fit in perfectly the same when you return.

Everyone needs a break. Good place, good company, good living. I advocate this anytime. I agree one should love their job but you also need to switch off from time to time to give yourself time to rejuvenate, recuperate and appreciate your life… after all you only live once so you should celebrate it!

Peace, Love and Respect as always,

Jenn

Happy Mother’s Day… I Love You… I Miss You…

It’s been five year since my mother returned to God but there isn’t a day that goes by without me missing her. Since my father died when I was 15 my mother single handedly raised me. Strength, patience, concern and warmth that was mum.

We argued, we fought, we had difference of opinions, we loved, we laughed, we talked, we shouted but there was always love and respect which went both ways. When she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer words could not express the devastation I felt. But mum remained a rock through it all still extending the strength and love that buoyed us through the ups and downs of life.

This is written to remind those with mothers that no matter what is said and done it is done with love. Nothing can replace this love as it is unconditional. Love her and tell her how you feel, never take her for granted…..

No matter how I try, I cannot help but feel sorry for myself for I’m the one that has lost…. If I could be half of what my mother was I would have achieved something in life.

In Memory of Ethel Margaret Peacock
28th. September, 1925 – 19th. March, 2005

I Love You, Mum
Uffa XOXO


Peace, Love and Respect,
Jenn

Goodbye to a Friend

Writing is therapy…. Blogging is good for your soul… that’s what I’ve been told. If it is so, today I want to be selfish and be strong for myself.

In my life funerals have been a negative feeling that I’ve always avoided. My father and mother funerals’ where the ones, I of course, had to see all the way. Yes, death is evitable for us all. Yes, everyone goes to a better place. Yes, God loves us all…. yet for those left behind parting is such sweet sorrow.


Koi (Mohd. Shukor Tahir) was in my Malaysian Idol 1 team of 2004. Being Saggitarians with a joy for life we bonded almost instantly… and because I used to lecture everyone, he called me mother (I have many titles in different circles – sifu, cikgu, mother, jtho). Through the years that title stuck with him and we became firm friends. Not acquaintances, not business associates, not mentor and protégé but friends. We shared the same likes/dislikes, we share the same sense of humor…. I treated him like my son and he treated me like a mother.

And though we haven’t really known each other for very long I always knew that Koi was constantly looking for acceptance from other people and peace within himself…. which I know he had with me... which I know he had with my team. Thoughtful, considerate, fun loving, opinionated, never forgot birthdays and a roving soul. That was Koi.

Perhaps it was because I feel that it was too soon, perhaps it’s because there were so many things left unsaid, perhaps it was too sudden. But the reality is, he’s gone and we are all left to grieve our loss and trying to come to terms with what has happened.

Sayu terpisah
Hikayat indah kini hanya tinggal sejarah
Berhembus angin rindu
Begitu nyamannya terhidu wangian kasihmu


Hujan lebat mencurah kini
Bagaikan tiada hentikaulah
Laguku kau irama terindah
Tak lagi kudengari

Kau pergi.. pergi..

Once again life has humbled me and taught me something new, a feeling of losing someone that shouldn’t be gone before me, that has so much life to live. But the choice is not our… it never is.

Goodbye my friend… I won’t look back now… I’m going to close the door but I’ll NEVER forget… and when the time comes I WILL remember….

Peace, Love and Respect forever,
Jenn

26 years and Counting

After months of not updating my biodata I decided to pull it out and add what I had done last year and the beginning of this year. After all I’ve been nagging the rest of the team to do it so yeah, a poor attempt at leadership by example (Grin). I make sure that everyone in showbusiness does this because after a while (2,000 shows later) you cannot remember what you did where and who did what. This is the only testament to your work (apart from pictures which I NEVER have time to take when I’m working) that you can ever have.

This is when I realize this is my 26th. year in the business and what a ride it’s been. I’ve met so many people, done so many things and learnt so much over this time (and still continue to do so). And have watched 3 generations of Artistes and musicians pass… it really is amazing.

The story is always the same…. talent and unrelenting passion, …. From Sharifah Aini, Alleycats, Alphonso Soliano to Sudirman, Khadijah, Mike Bernie, Freddie Fernandez to Search, Lefthanded, Ramli MS, Aziz Bakar to Ella, Ziana to Sheila Majid, Siti Nurhaliza, Mac Chew, to Innuendo, Raihan, Tony Fernandes, Ahmad Izham Omar to Meet Uncle Hussain, Hujan, Bunkface. The list is endless and always inspiring.

I have served them all without fear or favour because of their talent, because of their passion… when you work around it, it drives you and makes you want to do your best. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Recently I was given the chance, yet again, to do something different. It was indeed an honour to be chosen to work on the “Konsert Satu Suara” project in Istana Budaya, working together with the next generation of talent, Aizat and Faizal Tahir. This is a new era of talent who are not only singers and performers but composers and musicians in their own right. I can only say one word… supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

They both have a very different styles but share the same passion, the same hope.

With the added pressure of working with Istana Budaya… the show was by no means perfect but we all knew the expectations and whatever it is everyone gave their best… that sometimes is the most important thing. We are all not perfect, we are all still learning…

On the last day the end of the show … I gave everyone, especially Aizat, sorry :), and myself a shock…. I cried, big time… that was how much pressure I felt doing the show… that’s how perfect you want the outcome to be… that’s how much it matters… even after 26 years, even after 2,000 shows….

That’s why I say sometimes people don’t understand the type of pressures the Artistes, Musicians and Production Crew go through. They may have had a personal crisis, they may not feel well but no matter what when the curtain goes up the show MUST go on….. and thru the 26 years I’ve seen it all… After all we only get one gratification… the applause of the audience and the happy faces that go home after the show… NOTHING else matters.


The Show must go on! I'll face it with a grin! I'm never giving in! On with the show!

Peace, Love and Respect always,
Jenn