Monday 30 April 2018

Sky Full of Songs

It's the last day of April! This is so cray cray haha. April feels like a month that pass by really quickly. Like it seems that there's a lot of things that happened in this month but at the same time, things are pretty normal too. Also it is a month which my mind is preoccupied by lots of things. Weird things.

Anyway lets talk about the great music I discovered in this month! Not many, but they're great!

Great Music of April:
- Wander by Mesita
- Future by Mesita 
- Shrine by Mesita
- Re:Member by Olafur Arnalds
- Sanctify by Years and Years
- Sky Full of Song by Florence and The Machine
- New Year's Eve by Pale Waves
- Heavenly by Pale Waves

Song of the month: Re:Member by Olafur Arnalds

Mesita released his new album in end of March I think! And I only get to give it a full listen later on. I think it's a great album! It's definitely an album you need to listen to from start to finish. I think it just gives the album a whole and complete feeling, and another dimension. The songs are awesome though, you can definitely hear "Mesita" in this album. James says he's making more music for the summer and I'm so excited! Love his music really :)

Olafur Arnalds released a new song via a video called Re:Member and I think it's such a beautiful beautiful song! And beautiful video too. I'm very happy to see new music from him! Although he did release some songs for Broadchurch and Kiasmos, it's been 3 years since he released personal album if I'm not wrong. So yes, I am so excited for more new music from Olly!

Years and Years also released their new song Sanctify, for their new upcoming album Palo Santo! I swear the whole thing they did for the release of this song, the album track titles and so on are so creative! Sanctify is such a groove and awesome song to move along to. So glad to see them returning! Also they will be releasing Hypnotised in the album yaaaasssss. Finally.

Giving a surprise return is... Florence and The Machine! I was scrolling through Twitter when I see her post a video of the new song. I thought it was just another collaboration with someone or a brand but it's a new song! And after reading some articles, I found out that she'll be releasing a new album this year! Oh my my I'm so happy. Florence is one of my favourite singers and songwriter! I always look forward to her new music. 2018 is getting better indeed hah.

I actually discovered Pale Waves last year during their introduction in the BBC Introduction channel. I have no idea why I haven't bought their EP heh. Also another band I'm looking forward to hearing more in 2018! I first heard them via New Year's Eve and I fell in love with them right away!

April is an awesome month for music because I discovered that many of my favourite musicians are releasing new music/albums soon! Like Aurora who also released a new song called Queendom this month, and a new album soon. May is going to be an exciting month for me with new album from Chvrches and EP from PREP (Preordered!). Also more new music from Troye, Florence, Aurora and more. I kinda lost track to see who's releasing what, and when haha. Need to keep track!

Alright that's all from me in this Acrobatic April hah. Acrobatic because I feel like I'm running around here and there and my mind is jumping around here and there. I hope things settle down quickly soon. May is here tomorrow. Here's to a Marvelous May for all of us! :)

Sunday 29 April 2018

Louder Than Silence


The North Face of Everest Base Camp in Tibet is one of the quietest places I've been on earth. Yet the view in front of me, and the grandeur of the place, speaks so much louder than the silence I heard.

Taken 25 April 2016. I miss Tibet.

Saturday 28 April 2018

Final Home

So today we commemorated 49 days death anniversary of my late aunt. In tradition, we also usually do a "grave blessing", if you translate it from Indonesian heh. Well basically we just bless the final resting place of my aunt. With the grave walls, writings and carvings finished, her final home is also done. It was my first time being part of this and it's a pretty interesting event I must say!

It's just like the usual prayers at home with food etc, but just done at the grave. And there are also several other practices that I just learn about. Like for example lighting up candles around the grave, releasing birds and fishes, and so on. My aunts and uncle gathered for the prayers and to be honest, it just felt like another gathering at home. Minus my late aunt of course, who's definitely there with us spiritually. I think this is what's interesting about Chinese traditions, these prayers are opportunities for the family to gather. No matter the events - funerals, weddings, death anniversaries etc.

Something really interesting happened today. So to close off the prayers, we ended it by releasing a cage of birds. Not sure what's the purpose of it. But before I released the birds, the master of ceremony (who's my aunt's uncle) asked me to tell my aunt that she can now cross the river. Not sure about this either haha. So during the last few moments of the prayers, it started raining. But after I released the birds, suddenly a few Jacob Ladders (sunrays breaking through clouds) appear in the distance.

I just realised this after I released the birds, and the words that the master of ceremony said to me. Perhaps it's a good sign that my aunt has reached the other side? Hmm.

I know in Tibetan beliefs, if a rainbow appears during the burial/cremation of a Buddhist master, it's a sign that he/she has reached the other side. It's basically an auspicious sign. Not sure about Jacob's Ladder though! I take it as a good sign as well haha. Well aunt, hope you've reached the other side :)

Life is pretty interesting. This world, this planet, this universe, the life we're in right now. I often wonder how more interesting it will be once we leave everything behind. Perhaps that's when we'll understand everything. And this is the reason why we'll never understand life while we're still living.

Friday 27 April 2018

Blue Skies

 
 On my way to Shigatse

It's April, and it always makes me reminisce about my trip to Tibet back in 2016! Spending spring time in Tibet back two years ago is definitely a highlight of my life. I will never forget that trip. And I'm always longing to go back. Still thinking of the day I will go back to Jokhang again.

Going to Tibet has been a lifelong dream of mine and to have it realised two years ago, of course I'm happy. And I will remember that trip! Tibet is truly a unique place on earth. There is no place like Tibet really. Okay maybe Ladakh is like Tibet, a few of my friends told me.

But well yes, I miss Tibet.

Anyway it's been quite a busy week so far! We had two prayers last weekend, and on Monday. And tomorrow we are commemorating the 49th days after my aunt passed away. In Chinese tradition there are certain days we have to do prayers to commemorate someone's death. 3rd, 7th, 21st (I think), 49th, 100th, one year and 3 years. But if you decided not to do it it's fine too. Just tell the deceased haha.

Okay maybe I should talk about this tomorrow!

It's the end of the month and things get pretty busy and hectic at times. It's so crazy to think April is ending too. 2018 felt like it just began 3 weeks ago haha. Signs of growing up I guess. Alright that's all for now, I will continue tomorrow. Had quite a busy night for two days so I wanna chill tonight hah.

Sunday 22 April 2018

Happy Record Store Day!

 The only RSD release that I own
Shura's Touch single, for RSD 2016!
Thanks Mandy :)

A belated one that is, it's supposed to be yesterday but... RSD usually lasts a weekend right! Haha. So still, a happy Record Store Day to you! Well I couldn't make it for this year's RSD again but it's okay. Like I said last year, I'm still living the minimalist life so yeah. Still sticking to that rule of only buying records that I really really love. If you get what I mean yes.

Anyway it's just another day for me to reflect about music in general. But most importantly, about the joy of collecting physical formats. Well to be honest I think I've been "pausing"  a lot for this year. Maybe also because most of the albums that I've been anticipating this year are not released yet. Most of them coming next month! So yes I'm pretty excited. I've pre-ordered PREP 2nd EP and Chvrches third album, and I can't wait to receive them in my mail :)

So far I've only bought errr.... Let's see, 7 records and 2 CDs this year HAHAHA. Okay that's quite a lot actually. I bought Adele's 19, Best of Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson Thriller and Depeche Mode's Violator. And for this year's releases, First Aid Kit's Ruins, Rhye's Blood and S. Carey A Hundred Acres. More to come this year and yup! Hope to collect more too,

Come to think of it I've actually been collecting CDs for 16 years now! Back to when I was 10, when I came to Singapore to study. I remember I would ask my sister to bring me to HMV. I would spend a good hour there looking through albums, especially in the classical/world music section haha. I love it when they have sales. I remember in P5 there was this "3 CDs for $21" sale rack and I was so spoilt for choices. But well my sister only allowed 3 CDs and no more! Haha.

And that's how I discover more music I guess.

I don't know why, maybe it has become a habit and a hobby. But it's a childhood dream of mine to actually build my own music library when I grow up. And then listen to my favourite albums while I sip some tea at night. Even though yes, I listen to my iPod/Phone more than I listen to my CDs, I just want to collect CDs and other physical formats. And I have no plans to stop.

So yup, Happy Record Store Day, here's to everyone who still believes that music still needs a physical manifestation. And here's to more CDs and Vinyl to come! :P

Saturday 21 April 2018

A Life Remembered


Last night I saw the shocking news of the passing of renowned DJ Avicii. It's such a shock to everyone because well, he's really gone too soon. At the young age of 28. I did read the news of his health which was why he decided to stop touring a couple of years ago. But still it's too unexpected :( 

I'm not a huge follower of Tim's music. But his music has definitely accompanied me through my poly days. Since the first time I discovered him through "Levels", which is a song I always listen to whenever I go for a run, when I train for my 10K race and during the KK days as well! Ever since then I enjoy listening to his music. The lyrics, the beat and everything else is just awesome.

Although I'm not a huge fan of EDM, his music is definitely my "gateway" to the genre. The way he mixes folk, country and others into his music is a pretty refreshing addition to the scene I guess. Which is why I love "Wake Me Up" so much! And also The Nights, Waiting For Love and so on.

2013 was by far the most confusing year I've ever been in. And his song "Wake Me Up" accompanied me through those moments. I even blogged about how that song perfectly sums up my 2013 haha. Especially the line "All this time I was finding myself and I didn't know I was lost".

Well Tim, you have definitely lived a life we will remember. Thank you for the music! Rest easy.

Wednesday 18 April 2018

Re:member


I'm currently hooked to this beautiful new song from Olafur Arnalds, titled Re:member! I think it's beautifully moving and just an exhilarating song? I can't really describe it but I feel a sense of euphoria whenever I listen to this song, especially at the 2:36 mark when the piano picks up.

Olafur says that to him, the title of the song means "to become with one-self again" (or something along the line). I think this is depicted in the video. I feel that the guy sort of "lost" himself on purpose for the sake of being accepted by the others. Only to realise that at the end of the day, he was hurting himself in the process. This is why I think they show the gunshot wound. Even though he was shot using a bulletproof vest earlier in the video.

So in a way he thought "losing himself" isn't going to hurt him. This is depicted by him not injured after being shot while wearing the vest. But in the end, he did realise he hurt himself! I think this is a beautiful video and story too. And the song kinda depicts the whole scenario beautifully.

I am very happy and excited to find out that Olafur has released a new song. Been expecting some new music from him! Cause he did tease a bit here and there on his Instagram about new music. This song sounds really promising and I can't wait to hear more new music from him :D

Anyway lots of new, wonderful music are released recently! Or some are being released haha. There's Florence and The Machine "Sky Full of Songs". I am so surprised and happy to see new music from her! Then there's Olafur, and then Aurora with "Queendom" which is a very exciting and uplifting song. And just last night, I heard Favela's new song from his upcoming new album "Community" titled "Medals" from the BBC Radio One Chillest show with Phil Taggart!

And oh my goodness. It is such a good song! I am so excited for his new album now.

2018 is shaping to be an awesome year for music. Perhaps even better than 2017 maybe? Lots of surprise releases so I'm pretty stoked. Alright, that's all from me now. Here's to more music!

Saturday 14 April 2018

Magnificent Clock

 This planet is a magnificent clock

Like Sakura flowers that bloom in spring time, these feathers would start dancing in the wind in April here. To be exact, near the spring equinox (or the fall equinox, for us Southern Hemisphere folks). I'm not sure about the name of these plants, but they seem to be wild plants, because you can find them anywhere. Especially on empty lands and the hills. It's pretty to see them dancing in the wind tho!

Like maple leaves that turn brown every fall, and flowers that bloom as spring comes, all of these just show that planet Earth is just a magnificent clock. It's a universal reminder to all of us that everything has its time, in its place. Every plants have a different character according to the climate of their location and so on. Just a beautiful reminder for all of us isn't it. A reminder many fail to see.

There are lots of incidences when we are impatient to do things. When we just want things to happen even though they are not supposed to happen yet. If you believe in God, then you should put your trust in God's plans. For me I believe the universe is just letting things happen. And we just see.

Just a random post about this feathery plant. That will never fail to tell me April is coming.

Friday 13 April 2018

Time/Space

 Epiphany

So in my recent trip to Singapore, I was listening to Pixel Apartment's song "Epiphany" whenever I was on the bus or the MRT. And then I realised, it's been 6 years since I discovered this song! This song was one of the most played song in 2012, during my last year in poly during internship days. It's a nice calming song that I enjoyed listening to on long bus rides. Especially in those days, life can get pretty stressful with FYP and internship colliding together like a galaxy forming. What.

I even remember another time when I went to Labrador park after work just to chill by the seaside listening to this song, and Ketsana's "The Prayer" on repeat. I remember this was after I learned that I did something wrong with my result analysis, and thus I have to repeat the whole process! Thankfully not the experiment, just the analysis part. I was looking quite stressed I think, cause a runner actually stopped by and asked me if I'm okay HAHAHA. That was really funny!

Anyway, it's quite heartening to realise that what I did on the last weekend was pretty similar to what I did 6 years ago. I went by the same roads and streets, passing by the same sights as I did 6 years ago while listening to the same song. It is as if, I am in the same space, just a different time. It is as if I am traversing a same void, yet in in a different time. And it's kinda cool to think about it.

Also perhaps, I am going through the same space, as a different person. I was still a student 6 years ago and now I'm a working adult. I had a "home" to go back to 6 years ago but now I'm staying in a hotel. It's quite interesting isn't it. How passing through a same place, with all your senses experiencing almost the same things, just in a different time, can feel extraordinarily special.

Time is a mystery and this space we're traversing through is a beautiful place. 

Thank you Charlie Lim for the inspiration haha.

Wednesday 11 April 2018

Seemingly Short

Hello! My goodness I haven't been blogging for 11 days now this is crazy. Well April has been quite a busy month for me, and a happening one too! Thus I didn't have a lot of chance to blog at night. I just recently got back from my trip to Singapore last weekend! I went there for Nic's wedding and also took the chance to reunite with some of my friends whom I haven't seen in a long long time.

Lets talk about this seemingly short weekend!

So I flew to Singapore on Friday. Decided to try Scoot this time, which is basically just Tiger Airways haha, which just got acquired by Scoot. It was okay actually, thankfully it was on time! The food was really meh though. I ordered pasta with tomato sauce, but it was quite bad, it's overcooked pasta drowned in tomato sauce to be real. Well what can you expect! At least the sauce is good :P
 
I reached Singapore at 1 PM and went to check-in to my hotel. Stayed at V Hotel Bencoolen and it was a nice hotel with a super good location I think! I crashed for a while because I haven't slept the night before. Woke up at 4 PM to bathe before heading out to Nic's wedding! It was held in his church at Queenstown. I met Candy first before walking together to the church and met Zhihong as well. Followed by Kai and Jolene too! Then the ceremony begins.
 
 Congratulations Nic and Michelle!

Just wanna say a huge congratulations to Nicholas and Michelle for their wedding! May you both have a blessed marriage and may you love each other more every day :D After taking a group photo with the fellow GT, we then went to Jess' new house! It was such a cosy and beautiful house. Kai approved! Haha. Had a great time with them talking about our trip and about life itself. I'm proud to be a part of the Green Transformers! A bunch of people who still stayed in contact even after all these years.
 
 Thanks for the brunch! Good to see you again Minli :D
 
On Saturday, I met with Syazwani and Minli for brunch at The Halia, a beautiful restaurant in Botanic Garden! Man it's been 5 years since I last saw Minli! Good to see her again :) Had a lovely brunch with the two of them, talking about our poly days and adult life haha. Seriously crazy to think we're all working adults now! No longer Poly kids. After that Syaz went to meet her friend while Minli and I headed off to Orchard. Thanks for the lovely brunch ladies! :D
 
 Amazing production!
 
I went to Esplenade straight away to catch The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night Time play! I am so glad that I managed to get a ticket, because it was its second last day of show. Thanks Brendy for swapping out meeting time to Sunday! It was just a fantastic and brilliant play. The set production is amazing and it's just phenomenal! The play lets us inside the mind of Christopher, and the casts did an amazing job to depict the book. Also I feel old because it's been 9 years since my Literature Os!
 
 Always a good time :) Pardon my drunk face
 
From Esplenade I went to Chinatown to meet Vithya and Charmaine for dinner! There was a Korean vegetarian restaurant and we decided to try it out. After which we went for a drink at Chinatown square? I've never been to this place before and I didn't know it existed haha. Went to two different bars, but settled for one. It was a lovely night with these two as always! Glad to meet Charmaine again after 5 years as well haha. I'm gonna miss Vithya when she goes back to Australia. All the best for your next chapter woman. And all the best for your career, Charmaine! :)
 
 To many more years of friendship!
 
Got a bit drunk so I crashed right away after reaching my hotel. Woke up earlier the next morning to pack up. Also I went to meet Jolene, Sharon, Tacy, Federick and Weilun for lunch! At our usual Prata place in Clementi which we always frequent during our poly days. These bunch of people are some of the people I've known for 10 years. May our friendship last another 10, and more! :')
 
 Always a good time meeting Brenda!
 
Headed to town after that to meet Brenda! Had a lovely meal at Eggs and Things at Plaza Sing, chatting over work life and music as usual. We then went to Muji to do a bit of shopping haha, I'm obsessed with their aesthetic seriously. Also I found out that my flight has been delayed for an hour, so I had some more time. Thank you for the late lunch Brenda! I'll see you soon :)

And then I went off to the airport! And that is all for my seemingly short weekend in Singapore. Perhaps the fact that I'm constantly meeting people every day, made my trip feel really short. But it's okay, I'd rather meet as many people as I can while I'm on that sunny island. Anyway I'm gonna stop here for now, there are a few things I wanna talk about in a separate post! See ya!

To my friends in Singapore, I'll see you when I see you okay.