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The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
KL Sing Song celebrates 20 years with reunion at Merdekarya
Almost every year of the KL Sing Song series marked a breakthrough for the singer-songwriter scene in the Klang Valley. From its debut as an ambitious regional gathering of kindred spirits to its leap onto the KLPac stage (then a newly opened venue), the independent series left a lasting mark - propelling the late folk singer-songwriter Meor Yusof Aziddin, better known as Meor, into wider recognition and giving a young Yuna one of her earliest platforms. Held annually from 2005 to 2009, KL Sing Song was the brainchild of the Troubadours Enterprise trio – Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon, and Jerome Kugan – who joined forces to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. They came from different backgrounds – art, writing, teaching – but it was music that connected them. The second KL Sing Song in 2006 also brought the release of Voices From Next Door, a double CD compilation featuring 24 tracks from a wide-ranging line-up including Azmyl, Meor, Nightlife Camera, Fathulistiwa Soundscapes, Mei Chern, Reza Salleh and Jasemaine Gan. What set KL Sing Song apart was its willingness to curate beyond the norm – bringing together singer-songwriters in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin on the same stage. It wasn't unusual to see scene veterans like the late Hassan Peter Brown and Markiza celebrated, while Boh Cameronian Arts Award winners such as Kugan and Shanon Shah shared the spotlight with AIM winner Pete Teo. At the same time, newcomers like Liyana Fizi (then with Estrella), Mia Palencia, and Reza Salleh added fresh voices to the mix. In this 2005 photo, the KL Sing Song founding trio (from left) - Tan Sei Hon, Azmyl Yunor, and Jerome Kugan - came together under Troubadours Enterprise to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. Photo: Filepic/The Star In its five-year run, KL Sing Song did what few others could – it collapsed boundaries and drew diverse scenes closer together. Alongside the main event were offshoots like Troubadours (at various venues), Troubaganger (with Doppelganger, a female singer-songwriter/poet collective), and Troubadours Open Doors (at KLPac). But as John Lennon once sang, 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.' In time, KL Sing Song and other Troubadours activities slowed down, as the founders took on new commitments and moved in different directions. 'I couldn't commit anymore - I had started working full-time at the National Art Gallery in 2008. I'd stopped performing and writing new songs, and had shifted my focus to the visual arts scene. We also felt we'd tapped most of the local talent pool, and by then, some had gone on to create their own platforms to support like-minded artists,' says Tan, who stepped back from the scene but continued to find opportunities to feature indie singer-songwriters at art gallery events. Back on stage Somehow, music loops you back to your roots – softly, insistently. Marking 20 years since KL Sing Song first took root, Azmyl – still active on the local and regional gig circuit – floated the idea of a special series of shows to celebrate the milestone and see where it might lead. His Troubadours partners didn't hesistate to jump back in. The first event kicks off tonight at 9pm (June 28) with a reunion show at Merdekarya, Petaling Jaya, featuring Azmyl, Tan, and Kugan back on stage alongside Karen Nunis, Mei Chern, and Bihzhu. The line-up carries a strong lineage to the KL Sing Song story – Mei Chern was a quietly powerful presence on stage in the 2006 edition, while Nunis and Bihzhu bring seasoned voices that reflect the movement's spirit and evolution, blending folk blues and jazzy pop. 'We were outsiders because singer-songwriters, I think, tend to transcend and bypass music subcultures, scenes, and genres. There was nothing particularly 'cool' or trendy about it – just your songs and how you performed them. We also sidestepped the tribalism and cliques that usually come with music scenes. And since we were all individuals, it made things easier – no band politics, no egos to manage. Setting up gigs was simple: all you needed was a PA, a space, and your own instruments,' says Azmyl, reflecting on how naturally the Troubadours trio slipped back into rhythm – and how open Merdekarya was to welcoming them. 'Jerome, Sei Hon, and I came from different backgrounds – Jerome as a writer and poet, Sei Hon as a visual artist and educator, and myself from the underground and experimental circuit. That mix helped us tap into diverse networks, which gave the collective a distinct identity for that moment in time. It felt like a new wave movement, shaped by the media and political climate – we had a new Prime Minister after decades of Mahathirism, and cultural spaces for expression were opening up. 'At the time, solo singer-songwriters weren't being invited to gigs - most shows were still band-based - so we became that platform, building on the pioneering work of Markiza and Hassan's 'Acoustic Jam', and Joe Kidd's 'Unclogged' series. We played anywhere: art galleries, exhibition openings, readings - you name it. We were mobile, and we bypassed the mainstream idea of what 'playing music' looked like. Our collaboration with Jasmine Low's Doppelganger for the Troubaganger gigs at Tengkat Tong Shin in KL further expanded the mix of voices and backgrounds involved,' he adds. When the stars align The Troubadours weren't the only singer-songwriter gig organisers in town, but they knew how to connect – keeping the pioneers involved while giving new talent a stage to grow. 'I remember how exciting it was to see all these homegrown talents singing their own songs. And there was such a diversity of styles and approaches that it seemed like a movement. Which is why Azmyl, Sei Hon, and I started KL Sing Song. We just wanted to do an event that captured that singer-songwriter scene. I'm not sure how the bands felt about it though,' recalls Kugan. In this 2006 photo, Mei Chern lights up the KL Sing Song stage at KLPac with her performance. Photo: The Star/Filepic The Kota Kinabalu-based Kugan, who has long straddled the arts, literary and music scenes, has also seen movements, venues, and trends come and go during his time living in Kuala Lumpur. For context, both KL Sing Song and Readings KL began in 2005. Two decades on, it's clear that music in Malaysia has had a harder time sustaining that kind of grassroots momentum compared to the literary scene. 'Yes, music always has it harder. The spatial and technical demands of live performance are just more complicated than for readings. Most venues aren't built with music in mind – the stage is often an afterthought. I once performed at a place where the toilet was right next to the stage. So not only were people constantly milling about in front of me, I also had to compete with the sound of flushing toilets throughout the set,' he says. Keeping independent music alive in Malaysia may always be a challenge, but Kugan is happy to give KL Sing Song a new lease of life. An evening to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones is always a good place to start. But tonight's show at Merdekarya is more spontaneous gathering than long-planned affair. 'I'm not sure how much support we'll get. The scene's different now - the new generation is so polished and all over social media. We're not trying to make any big statements, we just want to tap into that KL Sing Song spirit - a space for people to share a common love for music," says Tan. The weight of legacy is also best avoided. 'I don't know if this counts as a legacy - we didn't start a 'movement'. We just picked up on what was already there and added our own generational spirit to it. The (early) 2000s felt like a zeitgeist moment for Malaysia, a time when solo singer-songwriters were becoming part of the fabric. Globally and locally, that sound was rising, and things happened organically,' says Azmyl. 'This 20th anniversary show came together because the timing was right. Jerome, who's now based in Kota Kinabalu, happened to be back in KL for his art exhibition, and I'd recently reconnected with Sei Hon. "It felt like a now-or-never moment – same instinct we had back when we started Troubadours and launched KL Sing Song. Karen and Mei Chern said yes right away, and so did the rest of the alumni,' he concludes. The next KL Sing Song series dates will be announced soon, with performers such as Melina William, Reza Salleh, Panda Head Curry?, Amrita Soon, Umar Akmal, Ray Cheong, Bumi Liar, Otam, Markiza, and Kien Lim already pencilled in.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Apostate' offers a refreshing take on classical Chinese music and opera
Acclaimed theatre show Apostate will finally be performed outside Taiwan, making its international debut in Kuala Lumpur this month. Set to play at Pentas 2, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) from June 20-22, the show is part of the venue's 20th anniversary celebration, with ticket proceeds supporting its fundraising drive. Apostate weaves together two stories from different eras, blending tradition and modernity into a captivating main stage performance. A collaboration between Approaching Theatre and Gang-a Tsui Theatre, the original 2023 production in Taiwan swept the Grand Prize at the 22nd Taishin Arts Award and Jury Prize at the 35th Golden Melody Awards for Traditional Arts and Music. 'Apostate' doubles as a fundraising effort to support KLPac's sustainability as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. 'This is our third collaboration with the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Malaysia, and Malaysian audiences have consistently responded well. Last year's Jingju Magic became CloudJoi's second bestselling show, reflecting the quality of Taiwan's artistry and the strong ties between our artistes,' says KLPac's Maggie Ong, the producer of Apostate here. ' Apostate promises the same, and we're excited to welcome back Kedah-born director Koh Choon Eiow, who is based in Taiwan, returning to Malaysia after nearly a decade,' she adds. Timeless tales In Apostate , the first story is based on an excerpt from a beloved traditional opera, which tells the tale of a loyal envoy who was held hostage in a foreign land for over a decade and is made to marry his captor's daughter. The second story takes place in the 1950s during the Cold War, focusing on a character whose political stance wavers due to the turbulent times he finds himself in. Playwright and director Koh, 53, says Apostate explores the very core of human existence. 'Classical stories often hold surprising relevance today. When we revisit them, we uncover parallels that speak to current realities – how individuals face moral dilemmas, navigate power structures, and wrestle with personal choice. These timeless narratives reveal the fragility and complexity of human nature in a changing world,' says Koh, who regularly collaborates with theatre troupes across South Korea, Macau, Hong Kong, and South-East Asia. 'The two narratives unfold in parallel throughout the play. We did not deliberately connect them in the plot. Instead, we juxtaposed past and present to explore the themes and emotions we wanted to discuss,' he adds. Performed in Mandarin with Quanzhou dialects and English surtitles, 'Apostate' features a cast of 12 actors and musicians. Performed in Mandarin with Quanzhou dialects and English surtitles, the play features 12 actors and musicians, including Wei Mei-Hui, Chen Yan-Xi, Cheng Yin-Chen, Hung Chien-Tsang, Wang Chao-Yang, Li Wei-Cih, Chen Chia-Wen, Liao Yu-Ning, Lao Hong-Ling, Chen Hsiao-Ying, Liu Meng-Ling and Chen Yi-Lien. Taiwanese theatre has become a yearly highlight in KLPac's programme, with local audiences warmly embracing previous offerings such as Luna and Jingju Magic , supported by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. Apostate carries an added layer of meaning through Koh's Malaysian roots, making its staging here all the more special. 'A thousand-year-old clear sound' Audiences will get a taste of Nanguan, a style of Chinese classical music from the southern Chinese province of Fujian that was inscribed to Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. According to Koh, Nanguan, also known as Fuijan Nanyin, is one of the oldest forms of traditional Chinese music. 'It's often described as 'a thousand-year-old clear sound' because it has preserved many elements from ancient Chinese music, going as far back as the Han and Wei dynasties. 'From its instruments to its performance style and even the role it plays in society, Nanguan has kept a lot of traditions alive that are rarely seen today,' says Koh. He adds that Nanguan isn't just music, but also a form of traditional theatre, which is now known as Liyuan opera. In the upcoming performance in KL, traditional Liyuan opera musicians will perform live on stage. Liyuan opera can be traced back to Quanzhou, southern Fujian, and is performed in the Quanzhou dialect. In the past, there were three different schools or styles of this opera, but in 1952, they were combined under the name 'Liyuan opera'. In the upcoming performance in Kuala Lumpur, traditional Liyuan opera musicians will perform live on stage alongside contemporary sound design to create an immersive experience for the audience. 'What's special about Liyuan opera is how it blends the elegant and poetic nature of Nanguan music with theatre, creating a performance that's both musical and visual. 'With its rich aesthetic heritage, it brings a refined and stylised performance language – its gestures, movement, and vocal expression offer a kind of restraint and elegance that contrasts beautifully with contemporary theatre,' explains Koh. A meaningful homecoming This production also marks a deeply anticipated homecoming for Taipei-based director Koh, an esteemed Asian Cultural Council grantee. Having left KL in 2004 to pursue an MFA at Chinese Culture University in Taipei, Koh quickly established himself within Taiwan's avant-garde theatre scene, notably with Chronology On Death in 2011. He co-founded Approaching Theatre in 2014 with his longtime partner, Cheng Yin-chen, a well-respected arts practitioner, who is part of the Apostate cast in KL. Nearly a decade has passed since his last directorial work in Malaysia, Tiapa in 2016, making this return a significant moment in his artistic journey. ' Tiapa was a rare and powerful experience. Through it, I felt a strong emotional bond with our country, our society and the everyday realities we all share. That's why I've always hoped to continue building these kinds of collaborations where we can exchange ideas, grow together, and move forward side by side,' says Koh. 'I look forward to sharing this work and sparking deeper conversations about our past and present,' says playwright and director Koh. The director admits that he feels both excited and a bit nervous about bringing Apostate to Malaysia. 'I'm unsure if local audiences will like it, especially since it centres on traditional opera. I'm curious how it will be received,' he says. Though Apostate is a co-production between two Taiwanese theatre companies and one story is set in 1950s Taiwan, Koh believes audiences in KL will still connect deeply with its themes of historical displacement, identity, and survival. 'At first glance, it may seem distant from Malaysia, but in truth, both our nations were shaped by global power struggles. The play looks at individuals living on the margins, people who choose betrayal or abandon past identities in order to survive or pursue ambition. 'I look forward to sharing this work and sparking deeper conversations about both our pasts and our present,' he concludes. Apostate is set to play at Pentas 2, KLPac from June 20-22. More info:
The Star
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
An artsy Mothers Day guide for the Klang Valley
This Mothers Day is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy a day out with your mum, and explore something creative together through the arts. If you're wondering where to go, here's a list of hands-on activities and events around the Klang Valley that will make this Mother's Day weekend truly memorable. From terrazzo crafts and drawing jams to a lively morning picnic concert and a film-music spectacle, there's something to delight every kind of creative spirit. LETTERPRESS WORKSHOP: THE LOSTPRINTS COMMUNITY Venue: Lostgens, Level 3, Jalan Panggung, Kuala Lumpur Date: open Wednesdays to Sundays For mums who appreciate a touch of retro charm, this letterpress session offers a throwback to the days of analogue printing. The workshop – available as a one-hour taster or a more immersive three-hour session – lets you design and print your own type composition using vintage printing machines and alphabet blocks. No prior experience is needed; the friendly team will guide you through each step, from typesetting to rolling out your final print. Make a card, design a print, and go bold with a poster. It's a wholesome, surprisingly satisfying activity that's easy to enjoy together. The Lostprints Community is as much about mastering letterpress technique as it is about having fun with a creative, arty edge – making it a perfect space to play, explore, and learn. Tucked inside the Lostgens' space in downtown KL, the venue adds a dose of indie cool to the whole experience. If you're after a quick, creative activity that results in a one-of-a-kind gift, this one's definitely worth booking ahead. More info here. MUSIC: 'MUSIC PLAY DATE' Venue: Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), Kuala Lumpur Date: May 11, 10am Here's a wonderful outdoor plan if you're craving some Mothers Day fun in the sun. KLPac's Music Play Date series is a relaxed concert experience under a shady banyan tree. Its designed to welcome newcomers, especially families with children, to enjoy live music in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. As part of its 20th birthday celebrations, KLPac is offering a special sneak peek of Salam Konnichiwa, the upcoming September concert by the KLPac Symphonic Band. This edition of Music Play Date is sure to delight anime fans (maybe your mum's one of them!) with familiar favourites from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, tunes from Yoasobi and more. There's no need to book tickets or dress up – just pack a picnic mat and settle in for an easygoing morning of music and community. Audience members can jump in, clap along, dance, and even bring their own DIY instruments to join in the fun. Admission is free – just bring the good vibes and enjoy the music. More info here. Grab a sketchbook, pick a colour from the 'drawing pot luck,' and get creative in this sketch jam inspired by film and music. Photo: Temu House SKETCH JAM: JOM LOOKIS! DRAWING CLUB Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Date: May 11, 3pm Got a mum who likes to doodle, draw, or sketch? The Jom Lookis! Drawing Club at Temu House is all about free expression. No pressure, no perfection, just pens, pencils, and imagination. Facilitated by artist Sarah Radzi - selected for the Khazanah Arts Residency Programme in London last year - the (ticketed) session at Temu House promises a free-spirited day of drawing without boundaries. Currently working with painting and drawing, Sarah's practice explores the relationship between identity and personal space. This isn't your typical art class, it's more like a drawing jam session. Everyone brings their own materials (though there's a communal "drawing potluck" for sharing), and you're encouraged to sketch from observation, memory, or pure fantasy. While you're at Temu House, take in the artworks from the Drawn To It exhibition, which features a collection of drawings inspired by popular films. The same drawing session will also take place next Saturday (May 18) if you're planning on an extended Mothers Day celebration. More info here. A mother and son proudly pose with the colourful terrazzo tray they've created together. Photo: Shi Terrazzo Atelier TERRAZZO WORKSHOP: THE MAKING OF THE MOTHER'S DAY BUBBLY TRAY Venue: Shi Terrazzo Atelier, Level 2, GMBB, Kuala Lumpur Date: May 11 If you're looking for a bonding session that ends with something beautiful and functional, this terrazzo workshop is a good fit for Mothers Day. Participants, usually a parent and child pair get to design and create a handmade, personalised tray using the terrazzo technique, which involves mixing colourful pigments and pouring them into custom moulds. You can also create little zodiac figures and even keychains while you wait for the tray to set. The entire experience is guided by terrazzo artist Shí Xin Lin, who has plenty of experience working with beginners, making it perfect for kids, teens, or even grown-up children treating their mum to an arty afternoon. It's less about perfection and more about shared creativity and colourful messes that lead to something beautiful. At the end, you'll take home your creations – perfect for holding jewellery, makeup, or loose change. Workshops run every weekend until the end of June, but for Mothers Day weekend, early booking is recommended. More info here. MUSIC: MALAY GAMELAN CRASH COURSE Venue: Gangsapura, Level 8, GMBB, Kuala Lumpur Date: May 10, 2pm A bit of "bronze flavour" might be a good idea for Mothers Day. If you're looking to immerse your family in local heritage, Gangsapura's "Malay Gamelan Crash Course" offers an introduction to traditional music. This three-hour workshop, designed for absolute beginners, provides a fun musical experience with authentic Malay gamelan instruments, guided every step of the way. Participants will learn the foundational techniques, dive into the history of gamelan, and even pick up a few traditional songs. Gangsapura is well-known for its dedication to preserving and promoting Malay gamelan music, and its studio at GMBB serves as a cultural hub, offering various programmes that cater to all ages and skill levels. For first-time participants, this crash course offers a unique chance to connect with old world musical traditions, while providing the family with a shared rhythm to bond over. More info here. MUSIC: 'LA LA LAND IN CONCERT' Venue: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur Date: May 11 and 12 This might just be the hottest concert ticket in town this weekend. If you're lucky, you might still be able to snap up tickets for this Sunday and next Monday's matinee shows – a perfect Mothers Day gift for a mum who loves movies and orchestral jazz music. It's a chance to revisit the 2016 Academy Award-winning film La La Land, written and directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling (Best Actor nominee), Emma Stone (Best Actress winner), and John Legend, in a swoon-worthy live-to-film concert experience. La La Land tells the story of a talented pianist and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love while trying to navigate their dreams in the dazzling city of stars. The show features a full orchestra and jazz band performing the film's iconic soundtrack live, in sync with the movie. Expect vivid musical moments, unforgettable songs, and those dazzling piano solos – performed live on stage. More info here.
