Friday, December 11, 2009
Ever Shifting Universe, covered with style!
Every once in a while, we stumble upon rare gems of beautiful voice and melody. Above is such an example. To MingzNYui, if you are watching this, do send us an email or visit us on our Facebook page and leave us a note!
Monday, October 12, 2009
We're still here!
Hello all,
How is everyone doing? For those who have wondered "What happened to this group of Igemmers?" - We're doing ok. In fact we're all doing great!
We have been busy practicing for upcoming performances and new materials for future performance. /winkwink, watch out for it.
Up next for us is SBS Kathina in Taiping. So if you are there, do come over and say hi! We don't bite. Perhaps a little playful nibble. :)
Anyway, here's a little sneak preview of what we've been doing. Enjoy!
Breathing In, Breathing Out Igemz style.
How is everyone doing? For those who have wondered "What happened to this group of Igemmers?" - We're doing ok. In fact we're all doing great!
We have been busy practicing for upcoming performances and new materials for future performance. /winkwink, watch out for it.
Up next for us is SBS Kathina in Taiping. So if you are there, do come over and say hi! We don't bite. Perhaps a little playful nibble. :)
Anyway, here's a little sneak preview of what we've been doing. Enjoy!
Breathing In, Breathing Out Igemz style.
Monday, May 18, 2009
World Peace Prayer
from left to right: Anson, Wee Fah, Sue Lynn, Swee Feng a.k.a.ELSF, Jing Pei and Nee Sern. pics by Daniel
The i.gemz sang "The Dharma Shines In Me" and "Let Peace Prevail On Earth" for the occasion. Later everyone gathered hand-in-hand around the temple's Peace Pole to sing another unity song. It was very peaceful.
Where will i.gemz appear next?
Recordings Are Over!
So far, we have not even decided which is the best Album title to use. The working title of the album is "Blessings", after one of the songs in the album.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A Call for Practice.
Shout! i.gemz!!!!
Tonight, since we are going to celebrate Wesak Eve in BGF, it would be a good idea to practice too.
What does Datuk Wira Poh Wee Fah says about the 3rd floor in BGF? "Caaan, no problem."
Note 1: Nee Sern is not able to make it to practice tonight because he needs to rest his sore barritone voice.
But we will practice as if he was here (and he will be performing with us tomorrow Saturday anyway.)
We also wish Nee Sern and Swee Feng a romantic night together tonight.
Note 2: Anone Sushi Jusco will also not make it. Why? <Anone just laugh hehheh> Shy shy cannot tell.
Note 3: Sue Lynn will be preparing Keluaga Bahagia Chia Pom Pi Pi Ais Kacang Ball Stall and will not make it. Her glamour sister will make a show tomorrow.
I miss you guys and hope to see you in BGF for practice at 7.30pm (as Datuk and the Wayfarers are also going to be doing some last minute practices there, it will be good to go early)
Catch us live tomorrow (9 May 2009) at Buddhist Gems Fellowship
WESAK 2009
12 Noon (Just before lunch pot-lucky)
20 minutes of non-stop Wesak flavoured songs
All the i.gemz will be there dressed in Traditional White.
sincerely, Big Bird.
Monday, May 4, 2009
i.gemz Duet: You Showed Me The Way
Here is Jing Pei and Anson singing the only Duet ever written by i.gemz in dedication to the late Chief Reverand K. Sri Dhammananda. Lots of hard work!
This song took nearly a year for the lyrics to be fitted in, nearly another year to fine tune and practice, but all that work was really worth it.
Recording at Greg's Place on 29th and 30th April 2009.
Practice at Sue and Dan's House
It was after practicing with Anson, Wee Fah, Jing Pei, Siew Chan that someone noticed the little foot platform that Classical guitarists use. Nee Sern went ahead to "show" off to the others how it functions. He played Green Sleeves.
A Typical Backing Vocal Session. An intro to "The Four""
Our recording sessions are just the tip of the iceberg. What goes into an album is nearly 2 years of hard work, writing songs, practicing, shortlisting from 15 songs to the final 11 songs that you will listen to. The i.gemz have been recording since February and sessions will still go on until end May 2009. These last 3 months have been the happiest and most exciting time for all i.gemmerz, I dare say.
Typically, all recording sessions fall under 2 categories: Lead Vocals or Backing Vocals. Lead means the main singer, the one who has to sing the main melody. Typically he has to sing the loudest. Choosing who sings what song depends on vocal range (if you can reach the highest note of the song) and if the song suits you. Somehow i.gemz have evolved in such a way that we instantly know if such and such a song is "Wee Fah" or such and such a song is most definately "Siew Chan". Sometimes between the 3 songwriters themselves, songs can be expressedly written for an intended singer. Most would wish to write for Sue Ann, I guess, but that's another story. It's too glamourous a tale to tell here.
So what goes on in a Backing Vocals session?
Backing Vocals are done on a separate day (as it allows more creative room when given time). With the Lead Vocals already in place, we can heighten the song by placing harmonies around it to decorate and make it more dynamic, etc. Fortunately for us, we have one of the best in the industry at our side: Greg Henderson, winner of numerous AIM, Juara Lagu awards (amongst many others). Most of the time we already have a preconceived idea of how and where to harmonise with the lead singer, but usually, we ask Greg for his opinions. "Eh Greg, what do you think huh?". Magically, layer by layer, he places the harmonies in. In our backing vocal team, we have "The Four".
"The Four" is chosen not because they have any special vocal qualities or because they are more skillful or anything, but because they have what Greg describes as a "voice without identity". Is this a compliment or an insult? Neither. It means that "The Four" have voices that can allow it to blend with other voices and at the same time sound good (or unintrusive) in the back ground.
At times all of the four will sing the various parts around the Lead, at times just one of us will suffice. Depends on Greg. In Greg we trust.
So who is "The Four", them invisible voices in the background? They are: Chia Sue Lynn, Goh Jing Pei, Khoo Nee Sern and Daniel Kwok in that specific order oddly.
A Buddhist Songwriter on Buddhist Songwriting
Q1: Why do songwriters write songs?
Q2: Do they write about their problems in life and hope that by doing so something happens and miraculously the problem gets solved?
Q3: I seem to only write Buddhist songs. What is a Buddhist song?
I suppose this blog is a good place as any to write about it. I have written about songwriting in one of the earlier INCOVAR Camp magazines (that I happen to design and edit long ago).
Songwriters write songs, they think about the melody, the build-up, the chord progressions, the meaning of the song, the mood, the genre, the lyrics, the language, the message and emotions BECAUSE they can. Music is a language, with its own written form (like film). Songwriters write because they can project what they know and their experiences in life into song.
I think that unlike film, song touches the heart as soon as it is heard. Of the two parts (lyrics and music), the first thing that touches you is the music. You can perhaps feel what the singer is singing about before you know what they lyrics say. Maybe then, songwriters not only communicate through the words or lyrics, but also on another level, the music or the melody… on the heart level.
Some songwriters want to catch the essence of a time in their lives into music. It is like a snap-shot, a picture and an emotional bookmark of how they use to feel at the time they have written the song. It will not reflect what he feels now, but when you listen to his/her song today, you might just know how he/she felt once upon a time.
I am inspired by bad things that happen in my life. Bad things strike me stronger then good ones. That’s something good about Samsara. Lessons always come to us perhaps endlessly. And sometimes when I am lucky, I find a way through the Buddha Dharma to solve the problem and a melody springs out. Sometimes the melody comes together with words. The words usually come wrapped neatly around the melody. And from that one tuneful sentence, one melodious rift, I begin to guesswork myself around what I think the song will be about and in a day or two (sometimes weeks or months) a song will be complete.
Many a times, finishing a song will not help my problem. I wrote about procrastination in the song “Good Action”. I try to remind myself that good intentions are well, but it is the doing that means everything. I do find myself procrastinating still, but listening to the song reminds me that doing the good that I have intended is fun and very deserving of immediate attention.
In many instances, writing about themes like “being alone but not lonely” (like in the song I Feel At Home) opens up the topic to the understanding of how sometimes being alone is a good thing. It may also lead to the understanding of how being alone is not frightening, but healing.
I am fortunate that I am in the presence of a community of Buddhist songwriters of different age, experiences and expertise. I guess the biggest challenge in writing songs for me is how to continue to write good songs. Each good song, as you would have guessed by now; is always different from the last one you have heard. Each Buddhist song should by some degree, open a discussion about a personal or social lack and try to address that issue in Buddhist terms. Each song should be timeless, evergreen, peaceful, sometimes energetic depending on situations without being loud (because we are Buddhist what, and Buddhists are not loud!). Evergreen Buddhist music that is at the same time fresh. Try not to copycat too much. Sometimes I wonder if I are putting too many restrictions on myself.
But I suppose putting restrictions and being perfect is where the fun part is. And I get to meet and rub shoulders with important Buddhists (like Datuk Dr Victor Wee, Uncle Vijaya, Bro Kenny Chan, Bro Tan Huat Chye and especially Bro Tan Ho Soon) to discuss about my song ideas and lyrics. Sure, by doing so, I experience the reality of change. The song goes through many hands, changes in the lyrics here, grammar there… how does the singer finally interpret the song and what is the original intention of the song. The end result could never be anything less than excellent.
And excellence is the only thing that Buddhism deserves.
Q2: Do they write about their problems in life and hope that by doing so something happens and miraculously the problem gets solved?
Q3: I seem to only write Buddhist songs. What is a Buddhist song?
I suppose this blog is a good place as any to write about it. I have written about songwriting in one of the earlier INCOVAR Camp magazines (that I happen to design and edit long ago).
Songwriters write songs, they think about the melody, the build-up, the chord progressions, the meaning of the song, the mood, the genre, the lyrics, the language, the message and emotions BECAUSE they can. Music is a language, with its own written form (like film). Songwriters write because they can project what they know and their experiences in life into song.
I think that unlike film, song touches the heart as soon as it is heard. Of the two parts (lyrics and music), the first thing that touches you is the music. You can perhaps feel what the singer is singing about before you know what they lyrics say. Maybe then, songwriters not only communicate through the words or lyrics, but also on another level, the music or the melody… on the heart level.
Some songwriters want to catch the essence of a time in their lives into music. It is like a snap-shot, a picture and an emotional bookmark of how they use to feel at the time they have written the song. It will not reflect what he feels now, but when you listen to his/her song today, you might just know how he/she felt once upon a time.
I am inspired by bad things that happen in my life. Bad things strike me stronger then good ones. That’s something good about Samsara. Lessons always come to us perhaps endlessly. And sometimes when I am lucky, I find a way through the Buddha Dharma to solve the problem and a melody springs out. Sometimes the melody comes together with words. The words usually come wrapped neatly around the melody. And from that one tuneful sentence, one melodious rift, I begin to guesswork myself around what I think the song will be about and in a day or two (sometimes weeks or months) a song will be complete.
Many a times, finishing a song will not help my problem. I wrote about procrastination in the song “Good Action”. I try to remind myself that good intentions are well, but it is the doing that means everything. I do find myself procrastinating still, but listening to the song reminds me that doing the good that I have intended is fun and very deserving of immediate attention.
In many instances, writing about themes like “being alone but not lonely” (like in the song I Feel At Home) opens up the topic to the understanding of how sometimes being alone is a good thing. It may also lead to the understanding of how being alone is not frightening, but healing.I am fortunate that I am in the presence of a community of Buddhist songwriters of different age, experiences and expertise. I guess the biggest challenge in writing songs for me is how to continue to write good songs. Each good song, as you would have guessed by now; is always different from the last one you have heard. Each Buddhist song should by some degree, open a discussion about a personal or social lack and try to address that issue in Buddhist terms. Each song should be timeless, evergreen, peaceful, sometimes energetic depending on situations without being loud (because we are Buddhist what, and Buddhists are not loud!). Evergreen Buddhist music that is at the same time fresh. Try not to copycat too much. Sometimes I wonder if I are putting too many restrictions on myself.
But I suppose putting restrictions and being perfect is where the fun part is. And I get to meet and rub shoulders with important Buddhists (like Datuk Dr Victor Wee, Uncle Vijaya, Bro Kenny Chan, Bro Tan Huat Chye and especially Bro Tan Ho Soon) to discuss about my song ideas and lyrics. Sure, by doing so, I experience the reality of change. The song goes through many hands, changes in the lyrics here, grammar there… how does the singer finally interpret the song and what is the original intention of the song. The end result could never be anything less than excellent.
And excellence is the only thing that Buddhism deserves.
Recording Time: i.gemz Feat. Uncle Vijaya
After writing the song ‘I Feel At Home’ which is about the feelings and happiness you can feel, sense and even see when you are alone in a Buddhist Temple, I added the Opening Salutation “Namo Tassa” chant to the opening of the song.
When arranging the song, Melvin Ho suggested that a notable person be chanting those opening lines. The idea of inviting Uncle Vijaya came up, so I asked him. Uncle Vijaya said that never in his 70 years did he dream of being featured in a Buddhist Album, and he said yes!
Uncle Vijaya and Aunty Amita enjoying the recording session.
It started to rain and the recording session
had to be postponed to the next day.
Uncle Vijaya decided that we may record
the chanting better with him seated down.
It really did.
Uncle Vijaya waiting patiently as Greg places
finishing touches to the Namo Tassa Chant.
Uncle Vijaya beaming happily as he
listens to the finished recording.
He smiles, "Aunty couldn't make it today.
She's really excited to know how it would sound like".
A Little Bio Data:
Mr Vijaya Samarawickrama (a.k.a. Uncle Vijaya) is an engaging and inspiring Dhamma speaker. He graduated as a specialist in the Teaching of English as a Second Language from the Malayan Teachers' Training College in Liverpool, England and later on a B.A.(Hons) in English and Linguistics from the University of Malaya and an M.A. (Drama and Theater).
Uncle is also author to many Dhamma books, essays and discussions. He travels the world sharing the gift of Dhamma by delivering talks and organising workshops and seminars in schools, colleges, universities and Buddhist organisations.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
live from the recording studio
just a few snaps of the atmosphere of the recording studio... Sorry for the tilted pics though :)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Blogging live from the recording studio
We are now recording one of the songs from our upcoming album. Sue Ann is in the hot seat doing lead vocals for the track "Making Friends". It's a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning, listening to an i.gemz song in the making :)
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Crowd is Cheering! Happy Happy Days!
Two more pictures of the Man of the Moment, Mr Tan Siew Chan and his fiance, Ms Mary Cheong.
Mary's very very happy reaction shot!
Siew Chan singing his heart out!
Mary's very very happy reaction shot!
Siew Chan singing his heart out! The Moment of Truth:
Q1: How will Siew Chan Propose to Mary?
Q2: Will Mary say YES?
The Answer:
Monday, February 23, 2009
Flowers, Singing and All Smiles
It was deemed an event of a lifetime: Tan Siew Chan called it the 'For a Moment Like This' Marriage Proposal. The main characters were Mary Cheong and Tan Siew Chan. The supporting cast were i.gemz and friends and family.
It all happened on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on 15 February 2009 at the Main Auditorium Hall KLpac Jln Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. Anone a.k.a. Tan Siew Chan was to sing with the Chung Hwa Chinese Orchestra to win Mary's heart. Secretly, Siew Chan had sought help from the Orchestra's to perform with them after their final encore. He planned everything perfectly to the tee and when his chance arrived, he delivered a perfect Guang Liang's 'Yue Ding' (Promise), with the Chinese Orchestra playing the music!!
i.gemz was there to support and take pictures. I humbly present some photos of the event.
Tan Siew Chan and Mary Cheong at KLpac, Sentul
Anone's Proposal to Mary!
Mr Tan Siew Chan a.k.a. Anone-san recently proposed to his bride-to-be in an elaborate singing extravaganza!
Here we are at KLPAC, Sentul Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the happy couple Siew Chan and Mary.
From left: Jing Pei, Sue Lynn, Siew Chan and Mary, Anson and Daniel
Here we are at KLPAC, Sentul Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the happy couple Siew Chan and Mary.
From left: Jing Pei, Sue Lynn, Siew Chan and Mary, Anson and Daniel
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Latest pics of i.gemz as shot by Peter Tan
Peter Tan is an amazingly talented photographer. Just check out his FB photos section :)
Anyway, we had the opportunity to work with him on this fun photo shoot session held in Lake Gardens KL.
L-R: Anson, Daniel, Jing Pei, Sue Ann, Sue Lynn, Siew Chan, Wee Fah, Nee Sern, Sue San
Check out Peter's album for more shots!
Anyway, we had the opportunity to work with him on this fun photo shoot session held in Lake Gardens KL.
Check out Peter's album for more shots!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
New blog address!
Hi fans. This will be the new i.gemz official blog. Why a totally new blog? Well, because we lost the password for the old blog...
Anyway, latest news! The 2nd album is underway! Recording has started, and we hope the CDs will be ready by Wesak 2009.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled!
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