Mood: Tired + Sick
Listening To: Nothing

 

 

 

Whenever I sleep, I hear those melodious sounds.. Accompanied by the changes of time signatures, and tempos.

Sound weird, but that's what I hear these days.  Not dreams, but blank images with random songs by Dream Theater.  I think I'm starting to lose it.  It's like it as some hypnotic effect on me.  Probably through another one of those regression therapies.

But besides all that, I'm on the journey of revamping some of the things I have, after getting the things I want to get.  The first thing that'll help me out would be the Line6 TonePort UX1.  That will be very interesting.  Because for the sound I have for rhythm, is not really that satisfying.  It's mean to back another guitarist up, on a Heavy Metal song without lead riffs.

Guess it's set in a way to support, than to lead?  It's a good thing, because it takes teamwork to make a song sound.. like a song.  But then again, I don't know.

And with the Korg Toneworks AX1500g, I finally know that I'm being limited and what's the actual con of owning a multi-effects pedal board.

Can't do much.

Just want a more raw sound..

Maybe I should be like my uncle's friend.. Go into those abandoned houses and search for old, but good amps.  After all, there is some sense in old genuine products being better than the new re-make versions of it.  Some bits and pieces are in the product to make them last longer, or sound better, or whatever it is, but that's the problem.  With these small components, they just will never.. sound the same.

In other words, comparing an amp that was made back in 1957 and an amp that's a re-make version of the 1957, but manufactured in 2007.  Although it's as shit fragile as it is a tube amp, but the sound's a little bit..digital.  It's good, really, but it's not entirely .. raw?

 

 

 

 

So!  Since Penang's been wiped out because of this collector of old amplifiers, which guitarists are with me to salvage old amps from old places in KL, eh?  XD ..

takpe lah, can break into some taukeh's house and go 'pinjam' some of his stuff too while we're at it.. loli

Mood: Tired
Listening To: Daft Punk - Aerodynamite

 

 

 

Usually, when it comes to stuff I've never listen to, I'd usually say:

"I'm not a fan of ______________"

Which is the wrong term, after being in touch with music for quite a while.  Now that I've had a slight taste of how the music industry is like, it's more to like: "I've never heard of _____"

That's a proper term.  And I find myself wanting to look for more materials, musicians, genres, and melodies to experiement with these days.  Besides that, there's the study of polyrhythms that I've never had the chance to go through.  In fact, I'm getting a taste of polyrhythms through this song by Daft Punk.

And yes, Daft Punk.  I've never really listened to them before, but it's through these experimental artists that you learn how to mess around with new effects to make a song sound different compared to the rest which are being produced.

Other than that, I don't know.

Where exactly am I heading with this music path?

Guess I should just kick back and focus on the guitar and toss whatever's irrelevant aside.

 

 

 

 

But a mix of everything is just so..tempting.. Hohoho.

 

 

 

 

Anyways, Harry Gregson-Williams stuff on the Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty OST is extremely good in terms of production.  I seriously dig his stuff.  And some of the songs, for a tactical game, have very very heavy Jazz influence.  In fact, the opening theme - Can't Say Goodbye to Yesterday (I think) is a Jazz number.  Fortune's theme song is a mix of electronical experimental orchestra with Jazz, and that's just so.. bloody nice.

Pure ear orgasmismnessed.

I don't know how to explain this, but on that OST, when the bass of a certain instrument comes in, it just hovers around the speakers .. Like an audible mist that surrounds you?  I want that effect, but I have no idea how to achieve that sort of thing with a crap Vista OS.

I shall retreat to Keith @ The Ark Studios for reference.. XD

 

 

 

 

And this feeling; being one with those sort of music .. is just simply amazing.  It's like, I've been emotionally directly linked to these sort of music?  When I listen to something that's produced, mixed and composed properly through these headphones, it brings a smile to my face somehow.

I think I've accidentally made it into my religion.

.. Time to upgrade to better headphones, that's for sure.. XD

 

 

 

 

I should head to the library now and study Management Accounting.  I just realised that I know nothing of the subject.  It's not even bloody accounts, that's for sure =___=

Mood: Tired
Listening To: Dream Theater - A Change of Seasons.

 

 

 

It's interesting to go through certain stages of life.  Currently, I think I'm at a point where I'm enjoying life in a very sadistic way?

My partners at Starbucks can't seem to understand my enthusiasm towards work, and whatever I do.

Sometimes I wonder how is it possible, myself?

There's The Secret, but then again, it's all about the mind.

Currently, I'm working during closing hours in Starbucks, and it's no joke to try and juggle my schedule.  I don't even see the faces of my housemates/ex-gf anymore when I go home.  Since my laptop's at the HP Service Centre because I either blew the RAM or motherboard's BIOS, I only relax at home with my iPod and what's left of it.

And imagine, having speakers with a subwoofer, but an 320 x 480 resolution based screen just to watch Top Gear.

Very simple, and homely.  I'll post a picture to that when I get the laptop back.  Should be getting a call either today or tomorrow.

Although the loss of my laptop for a total of 5 days sounds kind of .. sad, but I'm extremely contented with what I have at the moment.  The people that surrounds me, the people I'm working with, and .. stuff, I guess?

Currently, I'm checking out my latest project that I've been asked to session, once again.  It's Iz's song - Bersama/Together.  Since the beat's being laid out, my job is to only stuff in the usual guitar nonsense.  And what I have as a draft, sounds a little bit different.

Although the beginning does sound like John Petrucci's solo in Another Day, it somewhat surprises and disappoints me.

But since the ending sounds good enough to overcome that minor problem, I don't mind at all.

And you heard?  DJ Tiesto's coming down to Port Dickson.  I never said that I wasn't a fan of Trance/House/clubbing nonsense before, meaning to say that I have nothing against them.  Therefore, since the event's in Port Dickson @ Admiral Marina Club, guess who got free tickets?  XD ..

As many tickets as I want, and either on single or both nights.  HOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO.  XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

 

 

 

 

But, if I really think about what I'm doing, I don't feel sad.  I feel rather contented.  I don't know why I feel this way, but .. it's not like me to feel this way.  But this whole feeling and perception of life is simply..amazing?  I'm getting paid for work, I'm catching up with studies naturally even when I don't pay attention, and the exposure to this side of the music industry is a great start.

Especially when you're finally getting paid for music, it's an achievement - but it won't last for long, I know.

Plans for Starbucks:
- Work long term even as a part timer till I move to Melbourne.  Try to apply for Coffee Master status (unsure about District Coffee Master title) .. Get to Melbourne, settle down there for a few months till I'm legal to work as a part timer there.  I heard in Melbourne/Starbucks Coffee International (not Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Sdn Bhd, duh), you can apply as a part-time supervisor from my other senior partners in Australia if you worked in Malaysia or something?  Or maybe it's a Starbucks International rule thing that never seem to existed because of Dato Vincent Goh ...

 

 

 

 

Well, being single is fun - if you don't think about needing the significant other.  I'm not saying that I'm stubborn.  I love to share benefits or whatever it is among friends, it's just that.. I have to admit that I do not have the time to care and love for someone .. special?

Besides, I'm out of strength to go on in any relationships.  I'm worn out.  Lol.

 

 

 

 

Oh.  Good news.  I managed to get back on the guitars again.  :)

 

 

 

 

PS.  For those who are working in the F&B line .. Grease traps are probably .. I don't know.  A blessing in disguise to piss off your manager if he's close by.. XD

Mood: Buh
Listening To: Dream Theater - Strange Deja Vu









Deja Vu indeed.

She asked for a break when I was working.

.. But now, it's the only time we're able to talk.. So it's good for the both of us.  She said she might regret letting me go.










... But I have a life.  Either you get on, or off.  :)

Besides, now that I have a part time job, I'll be less free.. In fact, I don't even have time for myself.  It would be unfair to her when I can't be there and all.  It would be unfair to me if whatever she does would hurt me silently.

It's unfair for us to be together.  But this break shall judge our fate of being together.










God.  Class tomorrow.  What a time to try an odd drink in Starbucks.. -_-... Now I know why people don't drink Espressos at night.. don't mind me,i'm no coffee nut -_-

Song of the moment:

Mood: Pissed off
Listening To: Dream Theater - The Glass Prison









Being supportive, and being supported, are two different people.  The supporter are usually.. optimistic.

And now I see how stupid I was when I told some of my friends after, during or before a job interview that everything's going to be alright.

Namely, Joyce, Kellyinyee, and a few more of my other friends OUTSIDE of Multiply.

Now I see, when some of them tend to get sad over.. a job that they really want.  How different can it be?










Oh well.  The same's happening to me.  2 days has passed, and tomorrow's the end of the average 3-day-grace call from the company I applied for.. sigh.. I really do they call soon, or I'll have to work somewhere else.. It's hard to find a place with a reasonably good pay..










Depression overtakes me, once again.  Kanninehmapukichaocheebai.

Mood: XD
Listening To: Gf's laptop's broken cooling fan









It's like...zzzt.

I'm not used to her keyboard, but bloody hell, she's using my laptop -_-

Anyways, I find it quite interesting when we put our mind to something, or when we force ourselves to do something we've had passion in, but in a different field, quite satisfying results can be produced.

As for me, a mix of my rusty brain, and a lot of re-wiring in the usual MIDI programme, Reason 3.0, benefited me quite a bit.  I've managed to figure out some new effects in a song, but I believe that I'm not exactly using the devices or racks properly.

But who cares when it comes to all that?  Even if whatever I've done is like, a total mess and probably the longest and weirdest way, I managed to get what I wanted.  And it's still rather astonishing how technology tends to improve over time.  It's unbelievable that everything analogue is starting to turn.. digital.

Computerised.

Soon, there's no such thing as analogue recording anymore, I guess.

But the problem is.. The more we venture into this, the more fake, it sounds.  Guess that's the mark of the 20th century, I suppose?

There are so much that's going on in my mind, and I would want to express it through words, but.. I'll leave everybody who's reading this at a blur (as if they're not already).. It's funny how I've gotten in touch with music a little bit more seriously.  I find myself complaining that each specified sound in a song isn't .. enough.  There's not enough Lo in this, it's too sharp, it's too soft, blah blah blah.

And in the end of the day, the sound that's being produced is rather..biased.  That's why I need $$ to get not only new, but a good set of headphones.

Please God, inspire me to fuckin work la kanninehpukichaocheebai.










Oh.  Friendly local artists.  Have you heard of the MACP before?  It's the Music Authors' Copyright Protection in Malaysia.  Something.. that'll.. get you money.  LOL.

Something about royalty being paid for your tracks being played in clubs, radio stations and anything commercialised.  I never knew such things existed before in Malaysia.  I must be bloody outdated.  Lol.

For the moment, I have no idea what it does.  Briefly, yes.  But I haven't got the time to study it just yet.  I'm guessing that the person I'm working for, Iz, is hinting to me to join along with him very soon.  But the minimum qualification to enter would be 5 of your self-composed songs.

I don't know if that would mean.. FDM-based songs?  Buh.  Can't be bothered at the moment, anyways.










.. Dream Theater is the shit \m/ >.< \m/










And special thanks to my bro for unlocking the secrets of mIRC for me.. bwahahahahahaha.. HELLO RANMA.. XD

Mood: Tired
Listening To: My handphone ringing and some jazz music









This is my first time going online at a public place - namely Berjaya Times Square.  Since my place in Bukit Bintang doesn't have any modem, nor do I have a strong signal to leech off other connections in that apartment (nor do I even know how to hack into their accounts..Lol), I had no choice but to come to this place just to come online.

I'm tired like shit at the moment.  Lol

Met up with the Japanese Band, Bonyari Band, and passed them their master copy of whatever they have done.  They seem rather satisfied with it.  After that, I got another call, saying that I've got some important email of sort, so that's why I came all the way here.  From Petaling Street, walked back to my place, then to Times Square.  Buh.

Just my luck.  I don't know the RapidKL routes here, so I don't even bother anyways.  Lol.

On my way to KL earlier on today, I was having this thought:  If I was stuck in a place that I do not know of anybody, who would be kind enough to give me a little bit of money just to get about, or to get home, just in case if I was broke?

I never put that thought into serious consideration because.. Well, not many would be that kind and considerate.  Kind people seems to be growing less in numbers.  In the end, if I ever face some situation, I'd probably die while I'm on the way back by foot.

It just so happens, when I stopped by McDonalds beside Petaling Street to have something to eat, I was munching down my SINGLE Spicy Chicken McDeluxe (DAMN YOU MCDS!!!), this properly-dressed kind old man came up to me and spoke a few words, but I didn't hear.  I had my headphones plugged in.

I took them off, and he kindly said..

"Boy, am I disturbing you?"

He spoke in a rather.. polite tone.

I struck a conversation with him, and found out that he had been sitting in McDs for an hour, and he knew of nobody there.  He was admitted to some hospital (and was holding onto his X-Ray in a brown envelope) for 4 days because of some lung problem.  Nearly died of lung cancer, he said.  He only needed RM 2.80 just to get back to wherever he is from.  Some place called Kajang?

I looked at him, especially the way that he spoke.  He wasn't rude, and he was rather.. sophisticated.

I then thought about what I was thinking earlier on in the bus, and I gave RM3 to him. He asked me to leave my contact number or address so he could pay me back.

I'm not rich or anything, but I just told him to not do so, and keep the change.  He smiled and he thanked me.  I told him to take care of himself, and he said,

"I pray to God to take care of me."

A little bit too religious, and my doubts had already begun.  He quickly walked off towards his direction to (I think) catch his bus to whatever it is to wherever he was going to.  I looked at the table he was sitting at, a finished McDonalds meal.

"He had enough money to have a McDonalds meal, yet no money to go back home?"










Until now, I still can't stop thinking about this incident.  Am I too naive, or did I really help someone who was in need?  And the exact situation I was thinking of?










I'm not making a big fuss about it, but I do hope he takes care of himself or something.










Or maybe I'm just kind hearted today because of last night's performance XD

Mood: Blank
Listening To: Dream Theater









I spent some time with myself just now, and I realised that to lead a proper life, you need goals.  Goals of any sorts, preferably long-term goals.

What I just realised is that I don't have any.  No goals of whatsoever.  Well, except for one.  That's to pay off a friend of mine for "certain" damages.  Besides that, there's no other goals I have in mind.  One would be that I would graduate with another degree - but related to music.  Instead of guitars, but arrangements.  Even if you get a paper qualification in a certain instrument you prosper in, there's going to be another Joe Satriani who's going to implement another sort of odd theory that's going to confuse probably 7/10th of the world population.

In other words, a degree in musical arrangement.  But what for?  No point getting a degree right before the day you die.  Or getting the degree just to frame it up on the wall when it's not going to be of good use.

Following a semi-planned path isn't a good one either..

Not to say that I regret this chosen path, but nothing's exactly perfect.  What happens if we end up starving to death?

But then again, looking at other "heroes" in this world.  They had no paper qualifications, but understood how to run certain fields of businesses and they end up being billionaires.

One of them passed away not long ago.. RIP, my idol..

Anyways, spoilt for a choice; Dreams of being a rock guitarist, wants to be a musician of any sort (even orchestra conductor.. haha), and .. well, something that the finance degree brings me.

But the reason for living tends to be a little bit vague now.  Besides the joy of raising a family, of course?  Whether we end up being rich or poor, but the warmth of raising a family can be a good one.










I suppose there's only one way to find out.

But for now..... My future's being di-puki-kan'ed.










Next semester's a short semester. .And I've got only 2 subjects.. What a waste of time.... again.  I miss being stressed.










Besides all that.  Dream Theater's being played very often on my Windows Media Player's playlist.. Is that some sort of a sign or what?  lol










And for Six String Samurais, the most quietest member tends to be the most smartest member.. Which caught me by surprise today when I was chatting with my drummer.. Joshua Tan.. Hohoho.. Shows that he actually knows a lot when we thought he didn't know anything because he's always quiet.










November 17th gig.. to go, or not to go?  That is the question.  My finals starts on the 19th ..










Ah.  And for those who are blood A-types, should stay away from any sort of meat.  Both white and red (chicken, beef, lamb...etc..except for fish) as when you get older, it'll cause you health problems as your body refuses to take in and digest it.  Like Victoria Beckham, be a vegeterian..










She loves herself too much, until she disrespects the privacy of others..

Mood: Blur
Listening To: Nothing









I'm reviewing whatever I'm doing socially at the moment.  It seems like as if I've lost everybody mainly because of my own attitude.  Not to say that I treat them badly, but I don't feel like socialising so much these days.  No idea why.

Well, it depends.  Especially this last minute trip back to Penang without my parents (and many of you) knowledge, I just want to relax after the days of subjects that I despise of in KDU PJ.  And taking only 3 subjects is pretty light, which frustrates me, and it makes me feel depressed.

I should take up a job in Starbucks or in that music shop at The Curve since it's close by my area..

The old influences are coming back to me; the ones that made me "a little bit" violent back in form 3.. I keep hearing the repeated verses and choruses to Metallica, Slipknot, In Flames and Children of Bodom for no reason.. Those heavy riffs..The angry lyrics.. And all that hatred..

I've got no idea what's coming up me.

All I know it's affecting my guitar in terms of theory and recording.  My next project would be to test out 12 layers of distorted rhythm guitar of different distortions in a studio (which is going to be costly for the band) for the song Better Than This.  Your typical emo-rock ballad commercial song.  The drums sounds sweet, but the same problem exist.. Joshua keeps going out of tempo, but at least he improved a lot since the first time I met him ..

Harmonising with Ying Kit on the solo for Better Than This is going to be fun.. But what's going to be more challenging would be the rhythm.  Anybody can play lead if they practice hard enough.  But certain rhythmic skills require a lot of concentration.  Example, for the pinch harmonics of the 7th fret of the 5th (A) string, is..well, somewhere around there.  A photographic memory would be require to achieve the right note.

Or it'll seriously sound out of scale.

Maybe there's no secret to pinch harmonics.. It's all in the right hand picking and positioning across the body of the guitar..

And just a few days ago, I managed to pull off an accidental pinch/artificial harmonic with the palm.  Seems like an interesting skill, but takes a few milliseconds..










.. Whatever.

Anyways, I went to Borders to check out Guitar Grimoire, and I felt like a kindergarten student trying to learn how to read and write.  I didn't understand the terms being used in the book, but it comes with a DVD (I think) that teaches you to understand the terms a little bit better... Which I've already downloaded off the net, but it's useless without the book.  It's about RM111.90 .. Reasonable for a thick textbook.  Plus there's so many secrets in it..

Besides that, I'm still trying to figure out the Pitch Axis Theory..










.. And RM65 for vocals and drum recording is kind of cheap in Kuala Lumpur.  The band (or more specifically - Joshua) found a studio which is owned by a very talented jazz bassist, Rikki Omar.  If my memory doesn't serve me wrong, he plays in the same jazz group with Lewis Pragasam during the annual Penang Jazz Festival.

And I managed to lay my eyes on Lewis Pragasam's drum set in the studio .. Odd setting, but very cute sound.. Of course, I didn't dare touch it since everything looked..custom made.

But hey!  Guitar recording is only at RM 55.. Which is kind of odd as I always expected KL studios to be more expensive.  Besides that, we don't record Audition for vocals unlike in Penang.. This time, it's Pro Tools..

And unlike KDU PG, it's updated.  Lol










And sch-wweeeeeeeeeeeet... There's so many things you can do with Pro Tools.










Okay.. I'm off.. I gotta do my crappy form 3 mathematics tutorials since I overslept on Friday ..

Mood: Blur
Listening To: Puddle of Mudd - Blurry









This song is dope, by the way..

I don't know.  It's been on my mind to not take care of myself most of the time, causing several problems to myself and giving more attention to others who are close to me instead of myself.

I never knew that a simple a short visit could cheer up those who are experiencing several problems; making their days for them although it's late at night.

In fact, I wanted to pull off a short visiting spree.  I thought cucuk-ing a certain PGW 3366 Myvi would lead me to Schizzow, but.. POTONG STIM LAHHH T.T.. He drove too slow and I bet he never even bothered to notice me behind him.

I don't know.  I admit that I've been not keeping in touch with a lot of people, especially when I've got a month left in Penang.. Hmmm..


Hmmm.. I don't know.  I have a lot in my mind, but they refuse to be written..










Fuck Microeconomics lah.  And Ali's too T.T.. Sabri left T.T

Mood: -
Listening To: Nothing, yet..









Now, I was going to watch this episode of Top Gear and how it was going to test the Volkswagen Golf GTI, putting it under a few hundred watts of a thunder bolt, and how it withstood the shock, but it died on me half way on my brother's computer, and the codec was unavailable in this laptop.  Then again, the filesize is ridiculously small, so I think it's the file which is corrupted instead.  Wasn't copied properly from the CDs I borrowed from Say Leng.

In prior to the previous post, especially when I signed off with that last bit about how cars ruined my musical studies, I can't help thinking idiots going nuts over famous bands that were promoted and advertised on MTV very often.

I suppose you all heard of the band that released Minutes to Midnight by Linkin Park?

I haven't heard of it personally, nor have I started criticising how horrible their music might be, or how "hard" it's supposed to be.

Seriously, I can't stop laughing when I meet and read blogs, saying that Linkin Park is the best Rock band out there.

First of all, you uneducated dimbwits, they're nowhere near rock.  Suprisingly, the advertising has brought them to the wrong level of the genre when they're supposed to be rock.  But thanks to the lifesaver, Chester Bennington's heavy vocals in the first and second album, they are rated as a band who are Nu-Metal.

With that cool guitarist who used to play with headphones as a signature or a costume, the riffs made it acceptable for Linkin Park to be categorised as Nu-Metal.

But let's have a look at Nu-Metal, shall we?  One band that was mistaken to be Heavy Metal and ended up as Nu-Metal, would be SlipKnoT.

Personally, with Joey Jordison behind the drums, Corey Taylor rated to be one of the best grind core vocalists in the studios, Mic Thompson and Jim Root with minor modified guitars that produces heavy sounds, nothing could be more heavier.

And seriously, I can't stop laughing when they respect major bands when they're over-advertised that captures the audience's ear and giving out so many comments that are overrated.

Example?  Stuff like, Linkin Park being the most heaviest sounding band out there.  Well, yes, I agree.  On MTV, of course.

Now, talk about studies, this is one of the reasons why I keep going back in time.  Ranging from Linkin Park, went back in time to search for SlipKnoT, then came Metallica, In Flames, Children of Bodom, then came guitar lords like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Jimi Hendrix.

Okay, let's take something that I never bothered studying.  Drums.  Basic foundation, yes.  But not entirely good for a stable drummer, I admit.  If you wish to take on bands like Simple Plan, go ahead.  Respect them, yeah, just go ahead.  The only thing you'll learn would be fast drum rolls, heavy sounding drum rolls, and well, basic rhythm.

Now we look at Joey Jordison.  I'd say he would have 4 foot pedals for 2 hi-hats and for the double-pedal, or double bass drums he would perform with.

If you think 4 wasn't enough, look at Mike Mangini.  The Berklee's Music College proclaimed Drum Professor, and the user of Pearl Drums with Zildjian cymbals who has 6 pedals.  Double bass, and the other 4 would be for the hi-hats.  That was his set up in the 2004 drum clinic at Kuala Lumpur.  And somehow, I think he would have more than 6 pedals on his own drum set, always experimenting with new stuff.  In fact, I think most of you know that he took his mother's Volkswagen when he was 5, and ran over one of his cymbals and used it to sustain the "perfect pitch" for cymbals.  In other words, this cymbal of his is not supposed to be used individually, but to be used under each cymbal on the drum set to sustain that certain sound when you smash into a cymbal.

Now, I'm no drum professor, but that's what I learnt when I decided to be free from bias.  Realising that what they show on TV - the mainstream artists, can never be better than underground artists.

I don't claim myself to be either, by the way.










Now, when it comes to things like having a heavy sound, I think some bands are overrated.  In fact, I think the bands I mentioned above - In Flames, Children of Bodom, etc, are sometimes overated although they're underground bands BUT still being promoted well.

Some bands are being promoted really well, but just undiscovered.  Look at Dream Theatre.  Nobody heard of them but serious musicians.










Same thing goes for guitars.  I understand that LTD/ESP guitars are better but some of you may wonder why I settled down with an Ibanez.  Well, simple.  It's about Marketing and I got suckered in for it.  I'm a freak for Steve Vai, and he's under Ibanez.  The JEM JR I own is the lowest range for JEMs as some of you Ibanez followers would know of, so there's nothing to go "ooo.. ahhh" about.  It's like.. going "ooooo" at me driving a bloody Kancil.










Need to venture out a little bit more to find all those serious kickass bands.










Oh.  Just in case if you're wondering, I respect bands like Linkin Park because of their creativity.  You want to know why bands died off?  Like Simple Plan.  They were the shit before they died down from MTV.  Avril Lavigne's making a comeback with her noisy "Girlfriend" single, Silverchair's hitting the charts once again with new singles, so on and so forth.  Bands like these would be respected because of their creativity and hard work.  Even if the music sucks, the hard work and effort being put into the recording process can be understood.  Heck, I went through the recording process and I used to practice it (hoping to practice more too), and it's a bitch at times.  Taking so many takes even if you're tune but out of tempo.  Out of tune, but in tempo.  Bloody hell.










And please, if you want to be like.. I don't know, people who give out serious comments about how hard bands would rock, please pick the right ones..










It's as silly as saying that Proton will rule Fiat anytime.

Mood: Blur
Listening To: 3 Doors Down - Here Without You









Yeah.  That thing that we all want to achieve, that person that we imagine to be, and the things we want to own one day if we could only afford it.

Then again, there are minor and major dreams.  Minor ones are, well, things we can achieve soon enough if we work hard for it.  Major dreams would be out of our budget that would cost us millions without a supporting pay from work.

Thanks to individual dreams, it keeps us moving on when we could just slack our lives off if our parents are multi-zillionaires.

Then again, reviewing on my individual self.  Ever since I was young, I always admired superstars on television.  They have fame, and money.  Besides, what else can a human want to satisfy their egoistic needs?  For fame, I had a small taste of it.  But it's not entirely a good thing until a certain extend.

Problem is, you need talent when you want to make it big.  Only 5 years ago, I found my talent (for the moment) which made me the musician today.  Learning a new subject, experimenting on theories, and well, so many more.  Experiences were both good and bad.

But look at me now.  I'm studying Business, and not even near to Mass Communication.  The gap between my dreams and what I'm going to be is a gap bigger than I can ever imagine.

Then again, sacrifices must be made.  It is aware that trying to be rich and attaining the curse of fame through music in Malaysia is like a mere death certificate.  And no, I don't mean it's impossible.  What I'm trying to say is that it requires at least 10x the hard work compared to outside of Malaysia.  Taiwan, Hong Kong, California, UK and so many other places.

And when I mean it's not impossible attaining this certain dream, I mean it.  I never knew anything about Poetic Ammo and how great they were in the Malaysian music scene, but until Point Blanc made a return with his single and Ipohmali, I learnt what he had to go through in life thanks to Schizzow.

A 16 year old running away from his home, auditioning over the phone in Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur, and all that.  Sounds like a fairy tale or a touching dramatic movie, but it's true.

Then again, when we achieve our dreams, we can either be contented with our achievement until the day we die, or until a certain extend.  Some of those who were contented with their achievements until a certain period of time end up commiting suicide, which is kind of sad.

Why?

My point of view which is slightly biased from several factors:  The fun in facing challenges to achieve dreams just died down.

If you ask me, I think if I ever achieve my dream or whenever I get to that stage, I might trade my life away.  In fact, I'm pretty contented with whatever I have now, and whatever I'm doing.  I'm facing the best thing in life although I don't do sports..

Hmmm?  Challenge.










I suppose sacrificing the whole Dad, I want to be a Rock star image is for a good cause.  It's nearly impossible here in Malaysia.  Music will always be something I'll study and be facinated with self studies and results, but I doubt it will ever become something I'll earn money from.

3 people have told me what dreams were about, and I couldn't agree more.  Then again, topics like these has different and several points of view.










Another reason why I want to move down to PJ ..










And dreams ah?  Maybe drive around in Australia with a Murcielago one day.  Lol.  Anybody can own a shiny white guitar when they have a job.  Lol.










Don't ask.  I have no idea why I ended up writing all these junk.










Chinpokomon!

Mood: Wide Awake
Listening To: Pure Silence









Finally. After a short semester of stress and pressure free, I'm going to experience a shitload of stress and pressure from college. It's the only thing that doesn't make me underestimate the subjects I'm taking and I'm pretty much glad.

Right now, I just finished a presentation about Metallica.. Not really as easy as I thought although I know them 70%.. The toughest part would be to take on a band that has 25 years of history. Supposed to summarise all of that 25 years of experience into a > 5 minute presentation.

Have to introduce the band to the class, followed by achievements, and why they're "treated like Gods" in America. One of the "Big Four" in that era when it comes to Metal alongside Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax.

Oh. Even on presentations, I wish to actually stand out from the rest. I've seen the presentation from the other groups today. All using PowerPoint animation and visual aids. Some were messy, some were attractive, and some were just plain boring.

Now, as we work on a Metal Icon, we need more than just visual aid.. That's when samples of their hits come in handy :).. I hope that we're the only group in the class to present visual and audio aid.

Got lazy to rip off the MTVs I once had of Metallica though.. I was thinking of bringing the Metallica & the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Michael Kamen DVD to class to show them the Best Rock Instrumental being played - The Call Of The Ktulu.. But then again, it's 8 minutes long. Including of all the samples that Metallica is capable of composing = 5 mins.

8 mins + 5 mins + 7 ~ 8 mins (introduction, body and conclusion) = 20 ~ 21 mins of presentation..










Hmmm...










Headache la. I'll go sleep now.. too many thoughts going through my mind.. Music..studies..future... all having a conflict in my head at the moment like the Cold War..

Metal Gear Solid...........................










I don't know why..but I'm constantly thinking of the 164's stiff clutch XD










I think it's about time for me to go for a medical check up.. The food I've been eating have been giving my several stomach disorders.. I don't know what's up.. Aaaah..










KDU PJ ...

Mood: Tired
Listening To: Nothing









Hmmm. Alone in this office once again. I'll have to get used to this boredom very soon because I'll be doing the same thing this Friday.

I have another thing to type out for my mum due to filing purposes.. Hotels, hotels, and more hotels.

Man, am I hungry.

I'm looking back on past idols that I take as my inspirations. Well, since I'm using this ol'skool MSN 7.5 in this computer that was under my brother's posession before it was "donated" to this office, I see one person that's still one of my biggest inspiration (also, with his band, started the turning point in my guitar and musical journey):




Back in 2003, I believe. I still remember that I took this screenshot of James Hetfield, of Metallica, during one of the best things a rock/metal band can ever pull off (KISS has done it too), which is to play along with an orchestra. I think the idea's pretty much wicked.

Then again, if you're onto the cut-cost side, or just a small-time, pee-wee musician like..well, me, there are programmes that are able to satisfy this satisfaction you crave out there..Reason 3.0, anyone?

Back to the topic of inspirations. Last time, my Metal influences were heavier than whatever I play now. Which means that I still bounce around from one band, or artist, to another band/artist, because I find them rather unique. I love the sound and ideas they do, but.. Where does that lead me to?

It's pretty hard to combine them all into one person, and into a style of playing. It's bound to be messy..

"The more instruments you gain control, the less they play"

Same goes for inspirations, techniques, styles and flavours..










Hmmm..










Then again, there are many thoughts that passes my mind, and this is just one of them that disturbs me from time to time..










I think it disturbed me at the wrong time.. Hmmm..










The question remains - What am I?










Soon, these thoughts will never bother me again, when college ends. That's when we see each other as colleagues in different companies, and very seldom as musicians again. My only fear is for my passion will fade away..Sooner, or later.










Someone pour some oil on my passion and light it. I seek for inspirations.










PS:  Michelle Oh, message me on MSN whenever you're free.  I just got the individual pictures of us with Wes Borland from Michael Lee of Uglymen..

Mood: Sick
Listening To: Some stuff dropping into the toilet bowl.









This has got to be the best place to blog, man.  No doubts about it.  Whether if it's internationally or locally, it's no doubt that the toilet's the only sanctuary where I blog in peace.  Or getting inspirations?  Hmmm.

For some reason, I had this odd drum beat going on in my head that fits the only song that breaks the musical theories that I've been studying and practising on.  Seems to me that I've been having a lot of change in styles on the guitars.

Of course, it sounds good, but it's not a good thing.

Simpler terms; you sing and rap in so many different ways that people might end up liking 30% of how you do it, and hating the other 70%.  That's the problem if you experiment too much I suppose?

The same goes for many other aspects.  Purchasable products, games, food.. Whatever.



Anyways, I suppose that I can start structuring this new project that I have in mind, which will focus on my solo work.  I guess I can write down and structure all the musical notes first, since I do not have my Midi Keyboard just yet to humanize the pressure velocity in the instruments.  As time passes, my affection for what I crave in life slowly deteriorates and decreases, but what I truly want now is to achieve a complete musical bond with.. Well, music.

I may sound like a preacher now, but that's how I feel and see myself nowadays.  I have become anti-social, I've gotten away from some close friends - and still keeping in touch with reliable ones, and I have managed to touch myself in terms of music.

At least I'm gaining my roots slowly.. The roots that I have lost since last February until today.










I have Reason loaded.  I think I would stop here, sing the notes, and start the structural process.  I have to believe in patience over excitement now.  The feeling of excitement in getting a project done is crucial and dangerous in perfection.

Then again, the lack of a Midi Keyboard is holding my progress back..

Once again, we review the only thing that keeps all of us back to live in this world.. Money.










Argh.










I'm going to restring my JEM JR tomorrow.










And for those who drops by this blog and doesn't drop by at a certain purple blog, please do tune in to NTV 7 next Thursday, on the 15th of March 2007 at 9pm.  Support the local scene as Point Blanc will be performing one of his released singles - Ipohmali along with a guest vocalist that goes by the name of Jaclyn Victor.  If you manage to see someone backing Point Blanc during his song with thick and sexy lips, remember to shout "Schizzow" until you receive multiple orgasms.

Support the local music scene!

Mood: Blank
Listening To: Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends










Probably that I'm half lost, and half found? Not entirely happy when I'm at home, but different when I'm out with some people - which I'm extremely grateful for.

Of course, it wouldn't be nice if you had a person with a mood of a thousand dark clouds that could flood the world at any moment.  I just don't understand the state I'm in.

Just a few minutes ago, I just realised that I wouldn't don't want to care about a lot of people in this world.  Too many drastic changes in personalities, and I'm affected at the same time.  It's amazing how I feel.  It's either I feel blank; or rather hurt when I find out about something new.  When that happens, I just go into a cursing frenzy mode that only some noticed last night.

I guess this saying about looking for the perfect boyfriend would be the way how you see him treat his mother.  By now, I believe you all should know, and I'm starting to hold a major grunge against those who has left a mark on me.  Unlike last time, where I can forgive s/he easily.  Mysteriously, I don't do that anymore.

I'm not who I used to be - 4 years ago.

Even the closest of friends are starting to drift into their own paths and ways.  The memories that everybody once spent will remain as just a memory.  I guess there's no way that the past can repeat itself.

Nor can who I once used to be, will ever come back..

..Whatever, I just lost the words I wanted to put into this entry that would make it seem long and interesting.






Anyways, it is the beginning of September.  No more hard games.  Time to push everything into an equal standard.


Hopefully things would go well.  The first test?  Would be how well I finish up my assignments as a freshman to these odd writing formats.

Mood: Blank
Listening To: My Introduction to IT lecturer, lecturing

So, s/he isn't that bad after all.

I've got a long post to type, only when I reattain my mood and emotions.

End of Story.

Mood: Blank
Listening To: D'Cuzzy - My Penang Pride (The Piano intro part)









Wow... Sam Lau, hmm..?  I wonder who is he?  He's an amazing musician.  I'm feeling his piano introduction for that song.. The feel is just there..


Hmmm.  I'm having a lot of thoughts at the moment now regarding this change of mine..

Mood: Blank
Listening To: D'Cuzzy - Ai Phia

Mood: Blank
Listening To: D'Cuzzy - Penang Pride (JB Mix)









Today, I was dragged to the Old Folk's Home for my dinner at Greenlane's McDonalds.  The Old Folk's Home is situated along that road, and on the same side.  I never noticed that it was an old folk's home, by the way.

But never mind that.  I was bored outta my nuts, until I started SMS-ing people till my handphone battery went flat.  And it's off at the moment.  Will charge before I sleep.

Anyways, I was seriously bored at the Old Folk's Home and that would be what I'm complaining about.  But today's a Sunday.  It's a rest day, therefore, I'm going to put my brain to a rest by not thinking of any sarcastic "comments" to rant about the ultimate boredom I just experienced (like every other day when I have to follow my mum -_-).

The kind heart.  Everybody has it.  My mum visited her primary and secondary schoolmate's mother, who was just sent to the Old Folk's Home because the previous place she stayed was haunted.

... Which made me want to beat the shit out of those ghosts for nearly framing me up.  Why?  My mum's friend's Mother (We shall label her as "A" now, because "my mum's friend's mother" seems like a long thing to type) tried to call my mum on her handphone and she said that I picked it up.  And sounded rude and started laughing like a madman; saying that she got the wrong number.  She assumed that the ghosts (4 families in the apartment unit, to be exact) tempered with the phone wire and conversation 3 times in a row.  She said that the ghost sounded exactly like me.

So don't fool with me, or this "ghost" which resembles my voice would scare the shit out of you.

But skip all that lar.  It's a longer story.  What I wanted to say is that my mum has the best heart in the world (Note: today's a Sunday.  It's a rest day.  I shall not hate my mother until the strike of 12 today.).  Why?  She visited "A", who's not even her mother with sympathy.  It really sucks sending your parent to an Old Folk's Home.  I've been through part of that before; for 3 months.  Hell, I was having fun, until this certain Friday where the Muslims went to this closeby Mosque to pray, and the Buddists went off to the temple to pray (It was some kinda special occasion..I can't remmeber what it was..).  I was left alone in the dormitory.  Of course, the blankness I experienced for that short moment; reminded me what "A" has to go through - until her time's up.

My mum understands, and now I understand because I went there.


Next up, I just came back from Aunt Evil-lyn's house (my aunt who stays opposite Wendy Teh's house, for your information), and well, my mum bought a birthday cake for a Fillipino maid.  Simply because it was her birthday today.  Sweet.





Of course, I got my daily dose of nagging while driving just now because of a couple of idiots on the roads who're rather impatient on the roads on a wonderful Sunday.  Therefore, I've lost my mood and would gladly revoke the words I just wrote and say that tomorrow's my 2nd week in college.  Yay.


Good night.