Still Searching...

I have the utmost respect for Search the 'otai' rock band that I have known ALL my entertainment life. From Hard Rock Cafe (ciplak at Taman Tun) to Kathy's Lounge to their amazing concerts to their many changes of band members from to Hiliary (John) to Man Kidal to Kid to back to Hiliary and from Nasir to Yan and back.

But last weekend I was helpless to do anything as I looked upon a show that was not befitting of a legendary act. There are no words that can express the disappointment that not only I felt, but everyone that was there felt. You can click the link below and literally feel the disappointment :
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=64016573884

Disappointment followed by disbelief that anyone would want to do a show like this and finally feeling sorry for Search .

Before I go on I would like to make one thing clear CELCOM should be APPLAUDED for sponsoring events such as these and for showing support to the local music scene. Let me just say that sponsoring a big white or Chinese act is sometimes so much easier and almost always garners a bigger crowd. So people with their small minded attitudes who like to blame everyone because they are dissatisfied think again NO SPONSOR, NO SHOW!! Thank you CELCOM.

The sound left much to be desired (to be polite) with what looked like no thought put into the lighting, pyrotechnics and LED screen graphics. Everything appeared to be disjointed including the choice of songs and the band itself.

Firstly the band got stuck outside with traffic the parking was three rows deep on both sides of the road… who’s fault was this! Leaving only one lane for moving traffic and God help all those people that living in the Plaza Damansara area (near the science centre) cars were parked total blocking all entrances... totally no regard for anyone.

This is a case of someone who thinks that a show is easy to do and is about slapping a whole bunch of things and effects together. A show is everything from parking to security to hospitality to seating to production. One section fails and everyone gets it that’s why it is a balancing act which requires a master juggler.

That is every show. Conceptualized, planned and executed according to the plan, everything has a reason and even if something fails a Plan B has already been thought off.

- Due to a bunch of problems the band appeared to have NO mood to perform
- The audio mix was horrendous
- Amy was singing way off key (was this the monitors)
- Nice pyrotechnic effects in ALL the wrong places and absolutely NO meaning
- Repertoire that left most of the audience wondering
- LED screen playing back graphics that have not been thought of

Meanwhile I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…..

Shout! Shout! Let It All Out...

A new venture is always a breath of fresh air. That was what the Shout! Awards was all about. A new way of showing appreciation and recognizing new, exciting talent. Times are ever-changing and to stay on the cycle we must adapt and embrace the change too.

So many people have said so many things about the show. Some bad, some doubtful, mostly good.. but everything has a learning curve. I ONLY wish that more people would have the faith and join. Again THIS IS NOT ABOUT WINNING OR LOSING... this is about showcasing and recognizing talent that exists in all facets of the entertainment business. It is our wish that this recognition will drive people to do more, do better, do different, do daring, do fresh, do new, do exciting..... in this business we NEED this so badly but yet so many dare not leave the safety of what they think sells. EMBRACE the change.

The other thing is that everyone seems afraid of is to "compete" (or what they deem as competition)... I'm MORE afraid of competing with myself than other people. The pressure I put on myself to succeed is 10 million gazillion time greater than the pressure I feel from anywhere/one else. I like the friendly "competition" I get from my seniors, peers and juniors... this is what keeps me alive... keeps me on my toes. I'm not saying that this IS a competition but how DO you judge your work and progress without exams, competitons, comparisons. Come on guys embrace the CHANGE.

Again my inspiration comes from the people I work with and the people I work for... when camera and production crews work until 4am; Artiste patiently wait for their turn to perform; editors make changes long after everyone has gone to bed; when sound engineers have mixed enough to go deaf; coordinators bite their nails to worry about security, artistes, crowd, food... HOW can ANYONE believe this is done for the benefit of a select few. Everyone is not thinking about winning or losing everyone is thinking about GIVING THEIR BEST.. that is the spirit of the games. As I work with younger teams and old friends I look forward to the new challenge ... and I embrace THE change.

I hope that next year there will be more support to help us make the change and the difference. However slow a process it maybe we still need to embrace the change.

TO ALL THE TEAMS WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE SHOUT! AWARDS WE HAVE ALL MADE ONE SMALL STEP TOWARDS MAKING A DIFFERENCE.... THANKS!

FOR THOSE THE ARTISTE AND CELEBRITIES THAT CAME OUT PERFORMED, PRESENTED, DRESSED-UP TO CELEBRATED THE CHANGE... THANKS!

TO THOSE THAT DARE TO DO (AND JUST BECAUSE YOU DARE TO DO) WE SALUTE YOU... THANKS!

Quote : When you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton

Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 1:13pm

So I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me.....

I'm lucky... I have a job I love and someone pays me to do it.... my only regret is that I never have time to thank every single person on all the shows that I work.

You would think that after doing this for 24 years one it would be a walk in the park but I never fail to have an anxiety attack before ALL my shows... to make sure you get the concept and performers right... then you have to execute it like no one has ever seen before... it is a task that no one can do alone.

I am blessed to be working with some of the best people in the business. I remember when I was 18 years old I saw a t-shirt that read, "How do you fly like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys"... and this is something that is so true. Organizers sometimes think that they pay one consultant or professional and, "Viola!!" all problems are solved. It doesn't work that way, we all have to be eagles to be able to fly high... it only takes one turkey to kill all the eagles. That's why I believe in NO compromise because we all want the best therefore all the bases are covered.... from stage to sound and light to performers to musicians to logistics to seating to promotions to toilet cleaner... all the jobs are just as important as each other... no one is more important or less important. Diligence...Patience... Understanding... Teamwork... Conscientiousness... Passion.....is needed in all areas.... going the extra mile is what makes the difference between normal and excellence.

Therefore I salute all the teams I work with... it makes my work a joy... and just like anyone else we crave the acceptance and approval of the audience of our creative work. If they approve or have enjoyment... that is what we strive for... that is enough to fulfill our self satisfaction.

The other part of this puzzle is the actual performer. We provide the platform for them to do things they would never dream of.... fly in the air...sing with a orchestra.... perform with someone else... when they understanding that we do our best to enhance their performance they in turn give their best. After all when the curtains go up the show is in their hands. So yes, I salute them too for providing magical performances.

And then we have to remember that we all have to pace ourselves to peak on the night of the show... not during soundcheck.... not during full dress rehearsals.... but ON THE NIGHT.

Think about it.... a gorgeous stage lit up by nice lighting, enhance by video screens with exquisite musical arrangements being played by wonderful musicians being mixed perfectly by a sound engineer and a talented singer comfortable with hearing themselves on stage monitors... yes it takes THAT much to entertain an audience. What are the odds that you can get so many things right without professionals in all those jobs and in more that those areas..

Stage designer, Stage Contractor, Video screens, Equipment and operators, Lighting designer and Operator, Music Arranger, Sound Engineer, Monitor Engineer, Stage Hands, Stage Managers, Musical Instrument Supplier, Artiste.... and the list goes on....

Even when I step back and look at the bigger picture it never fails to scare me .... at the recent AIM awards we had 100 Dikir Baraters, 70 National Service Trainees, 200 Hujan and Meet Uncle Hussain Fans, 25 Musicians, 35 Dancers... 50 Artistes... but all it takes is to for one to Artiste choke up when they are nominated, or win an award or have a chance to perform on a stage they never dreamed of ...that's how much the recognition means to them AND this is what drives me (personally) to continue to strive to do my best... this is what makes you want to do it all over and over again....

So I say thank you for the music.... for giving it to me.....

P/S : This is dedicated to my dream team : Ady, Akira Yamauchi, Alvin Koh, Atie, Faizal Zulkifli, Gerard Yeo, Itcha, Jay Jeffrey, Jim Teh, Ju, Koi, Mas Ayie, Mas Yeos, Nanee Surya, Nicole Poo, Ramli M.S., Rich Hamid, Sharina and Steve Ho...

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Monday, May 4, 2009 at 3:41am

Of Sundays, Jaclyn Victor and Live Music......

So it was SUNDAY and me the reclusive who NEVER goes to gigs decides that I need to go see the new 8th "UNZIPPED" series at Ruums, Life Centre that debut with JACLYN VICTOR. I like shows that features LIVE MUSIC because that is what music and performance is all about.... I know minus one presents less hassle and you only need to travel the artiste and a CD player but it also lacks passion and heart!!

So yeah everyone's used to seeing Jac sing one song, appearing in every publicity program, award show, VIP function, corporate dinner but folks that really ain't Jac Victor. She can sing without a doubt, text book perfect but you never quite see the really Jac until you see her sing a full set at ease, no big hair, no ballgowns, no VIP just herself. Then you see the real Jac the singer with the heart and soul and energy that draws you in as audience.

I learnt something AGAIN today but its things we already know but sometimes forget.... Music needs to be performed live... there is NO substitute for live musicians.... and true singers thrive on this!! The feel, the vibe, the passion.... that's what live music is all about. LIVE = ALIVE!!

The other thing that I learnt is that live music moves people.... if we had a live music scene here more people would start buying music. You never get the same response from minus one shows. Even me as a seasoned viewer, I am never failed to be moved by a GOOD live performance. Malaysians are spoilt by passive minus one performances both live and on television!!! (Might as well just play the CD at home). LIVE MUSIC = IMPASSIONED PEOPLE

And last but not least if you're wondering how come our bands are never as tight as Indonesian bands don't... if our bands played 50 shows a month like them they'd be tight too!!! Our bands have no platform for performance most of the time it's one song on TV (sometimes even miming!!!!) or a three song set. PRACTISE = PERFECT. This brings me to my final observation is that people in Malaysia (and everywhere else) have to learn to appreciate and pay for music. Music powers everything advertising campaigns, radio, television entertainment, mobile phone content, OUR LIVES.... just to name a few.... people whether public or corporate need to realize this and GIVE MUSIC IT’S DUE....

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 11:26pm

We Live.... We Learn!

Watching AF6 (at home) has taught me a couple of things which I actually already know but it just cemented it in stone!!

As a person who is involved in production watching a show has sometimes lost its' magic as you become highly critical not only of the performance(s) but also the production values (and this is everything from singing to magic to musicals) and only views of local productions but foreign ones suffer the same fate in my eyes too. Even my own shows are not spared from my ever critical self!!As I watched AF6 finals, I try to learn from people's successes and mistakes; it taught me that if the production around the show is of a high standard it lifts everything.

First noticeably was the inclusion of an ORCHESTRA. A handpicked orchestra led by a capable conductor can make an amazing difference to even an orchestra with some exceptional players mixed with some "unexceptional" players... it's about teamwork. RAMLI M.S. never fails to deliver... if he arranges it is even more of a plus point (I suspect in this show he did not to show no favoritism to the contestants). But kudos to Ramli and GENERVIE KAM... the music was lifted to another level for this show.

Next to be noticed... you can have the best musicians in the world playing on top of stage but a BAD MIX can KILL!! Vocal too far in front can kill the singer who will constantly sound flat/sharp.... too much reverb they're singing in a toilet... music not mixed properly can make an amazing arrangement sound bad or a wonderful band sound incompetent. As I listened to the music and without even really noticing it because it was so good I admit the broadcast sound was outstanding!! GREG HENDERSON can obtain the best separation in the business (in layman terms this is when you can hear each instrument, including the vocal, clearly... individually yet one.. if that makes sense!!) It was so good I only realize this half way thru the show... when it's bad you notice... when it's good you don't!!!!

Nice uncluttered modern stage by FAIZAL ZULKIFLI....
Nice lighting and programming by AH KING (student of guru STEVE HO)...
and those that I did not hear but I know must have been good otherwise it would have affected the production .....
Front of house sound (for the people in the room) by ALVIN KOH....
Monitors (Sound for musicians on stage) by SIMON KHOO.

Good music.. good mix... good stage… good lighting....And finally put it together and what do you get SUPERCALIFRAGILISTISEXPEALIDOCIOUS!! A show worth watching! These people who work behind the scenes deserve a standing ovation!!

The performers were not famous artistes neither were they fantastic singers (yet!!) but thanks to the perfection and professionalism that surrounded them they lifted THEMSELVES to another level.

This happens all the time in our business even with the big Artistes. Give them the platform of good production values and they will in turn give you GREAT mind blowing PERFORMANCES.... every good turn deserves another...

Production is all about TEAMWORK.... we work together for only one goal the BEST SHOW YOU CAN DO... anyone who works this job without that passion in their hearts needs to find another job. Every show is different... an experience... so as a team sometimes you win, draw and even lose but whatever happens you tried your best and... WE LIVE... WE LEARN!!

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 12:49pm

Talent is a thing to respect

Working around musicians and artists is always a humbling experience because when they're good you just know that you are watching God given talent. But lest you think it's easy.. God gives you the talent but you have to hone it.... it doesn't come on a silver platter!

I wanted to play music all my life but I guess that wasn't one of the talents that God gave me but I am still lucky to be working amongst such creative people. When you hear an orchestra play, when you hear a singer sing, when you hear a rock band rock..... it is just such an amazing feeling. Yup you're watching a work of art.

Only those of us who work behind the scenes and watch talent at work do you really understand how difficult it is. They work 8 hours or more a day like any other respectable profession.... practice make perfect!! And then they have to get on a stage and entertain or impress an audience. Now if you think it's easy.... here's a microphone you try entertaining 10,000 people...

I thank god everyday that I was born in an era where live music was king. Sudirman was alive, there were live performance clubs galore and the entertainment scene was kicking. I learnt so much from those days and have invaluable experiences that help me understand and appreciate the entertainment business. My job on this earth is to enhance these talented people... if I have achieved this then I am satisfied that I had a small part to play.

If you see an artist or musician that you enjoy watching always remember that they give a piece of themselves to you.... they paint the music with their feelings.. with their personal experiences.. with their passion...which is like a fingerprint... no two people feel or approach things the same way. That is why talent is a thing to respect....

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 1:49am