About Good Ideas Salon
Good Ideas Salons are where forward-thinkers come together to share ideas to make things better, whether that’s better work, better play or a better world.
Drawing from a range of industries, Good Ideas Salons bring together people with a focus on lateral thinking, the desire to showcase their knowledge, and the wish to renew existing relationships with likeminded peers as well as forge new ones.
On 20th October 2009, PSFK and Nissan will host a Good Ideas Salon in Tokyo.
WEBSITE: GOOD IDEAS SALON TOKYO
RSVP TO THE EVENT: HERE
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
PSFK GOOD IDEAS SALON - TOKYO
Monday, September 28, 2009
LOO & PLACIDO - FRANCE
TELL US ABOUT THE ROOTS OF LOO & PLACIDO AND HOW IT ALL CAME TOGETHER?
I was a bass player and Loo was a drummer. We both played in different bands that were quite famous here in France for about 10 years. When I met Loo, he already had a little studio, and he was producing some songs for the 1st album of his good friend, MANU CHAO.
As we had a lot of musical tastes in common, we then decided to work together as a duo, and we produced several albums and songs for some new and confirmed French artists, did a couple of mash-ups, worked for MTV and produced our own weekly radio show on French national radio and then we started to DJ from time to time until it became our main job.
WHAT IS A MASH-UP AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO IT?
A mash-up is a track in which the vocals of one track have been mixed over the music of another track. A mash-up is a completely new track, a track that sounds like an original recording, as if it had always been like that... as if it was actually recorded by the original artists.
We've always been interested by the use of samples in hip-hop music and how they recycled a lot of different influences to make their own tracks.So we got on to computers, and realized that you could sample a whole song instead of some little bits with our old samplers, and the first thing we did was to learn how to use our new software and played around with the favourite songs from our record collection.
Then, as we were mainly working as producers, we continued to do some mash-ups in our spare time, and got more and more excited about it, and all the possibilities that it offered.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCENE?
We don't really feel like belonging to a 'mash-up community' so we don't really feel like being in a scene… We are much more electro than most of the mash-up dj's and we play much more gold hits than the electro Dj's so we do our own thing and that's ok for us.
We don't really feel like belonging to a 'mash-up community' so we don't really feel like being in a scene… We are much more electro than most of the mash-up dj's and we play much more gold hits than the electro Dj's so we do our own thing and that's ok for us.
WHAT ARE YOUR PEEPS GETTING INTO THESE DAYS?
Into doing our own music, that's what we get excited for at the moment as we spent several years cutting, editing and mashing all our favourite artists, and now we feel it's time to make our own stuff.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF LOO & PLACIDO?
As I said above, our goal in 2010 is to finally make our own music.
WHAT ARE THE MUSIC TRENDS THAT YOU SEE HAPPENING?
Regarding Electronic music I think that filtered Disco House is doing a big come back with Armand Van Helden & A-trak who teamed up under the name of Duck Sauce and artists like Louis Laroche and I think that even Justice may use this as a big influence in their next album.
In a more general way, barriers will continue to fall between all genres and we'll see more and more strange experimentations and combinations of style coming in the future with labels like Mad Decent that keep on pushing the limits further every time.
TOP 3 ALBUMS / TRACKS (WITH GENRES) THAT IN YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL TO YOUR GENERATION
There are plenty, but here are 3 of them as we have to chose :
Beastie Boys 'Paul's Boutique' (Hip-Hop)
Daft Punk 'Homework' (Electro)
Nirvana 'Nevermind' (Rock)
Monday, August 24, 2009
DJ WORDY - BEIJING
WHAT DO YOU LOVE?
My name is Wang Liang aka.DJ Wordy, 3 x DMC China Champion and I just love music.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
Right now I do a monthly party called "HOTPOT" that represents forward-thinking music, art+design+photography, fashion, and night life style.
TELL US ABOUT THE SCENE IN BEIJING?
Beijing's scene is still growing and developing. Right now the club scene here is mostly commercial, so through things like HOTPOT, I'm trying to build up a niche for music lovers and rep Beijing on an international level. 
TELL US ABOUT YOUR INFLUENCES?
Starting with the DMC World Championships and subsequently touring around Europe and Asia, I have had the opportunity to be influenced by all different types of people and music. My DJ sets, in turn, attract all types of people, but I would say particularly those involved in street culture. 
WHAT ARE YOUR PEEPS IN TO?
Beijing, and China, is changing so fast, including fashion of course. While of course hip hop and streetwear are pretty global and influential, I think my peeps in Bejiing all maintain their own identity and sense of style without getting too caught up in fads. 
WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE BEIJING SCENE IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
I think the scene will continue to grow and we'll start to see a more pronounced Beijing style emerge, especially since Beijing has historically been a cultural center.
WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Since I became the China DMC Champion, a lot of younger Chinese kids look towards me for inspiration. I always felt it was important to keep pushing myself musically.
TOP 3 ALBUMS / TRACKS (WITH GENRES) THAT IN YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL TO YOUR GENERATION?
Michael Jackson: Thriller (pop)
Dr. Dre: 2001 (hip hop)
Radiohead; The Bends (rock/alternative)
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
DJ KAMIKAZE - SHANGHAI
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?
Hmm...I grew up from a very typical German family in a tiny village. Not so much inspiration from records my parents would listen to or friends surrounding me with a good taste of music. Other kids went to Karate class or played Soccer, I tried to get free rides to the bigger cities and would ask older kids in the streets if they can show me cool stores, bars, record shops.
WHAT COOL STUFF ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?Well for me, I started BANANAS about 4 years ago and since my partner left it became my Baby. I do mostly everything, around it. Flyer-design, PR and of course show up and DJ with my new partner Dan Battle. Then of course I try to travel as much as possible to the capital (Beijing) to hang out with Wordy, record Mixtapes and play together.
Besides that I’m very much involved in the YUM YUM Parties, originally from Munich Germany; we started doing them now in Croatia, England, Russia and of course here in Shanghai. Together with K Swiss we launched a shoe and T-Shirts designed by The ZONDERS. The rest of my time I spend with my girlfriend who is a funky designer for suits. She often sends me to crazy factories in China where I have to eat interesting animals and drink gallons of rice wine.
TELL US ABOUT THE SCENE YOU ARE IN RIGHT NOW. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SHANGHAI?
I go very often back to Germany, mostly Hamburg & Berlin. Every time I return then to Shanghai, I feel like I’m back in the latte 90’s. People still wear baggy pants, the clubs book Head Kandi DJs and Museums just about to discover Street-Art.
But I like it. I can be myself; back home it feels like it’s a competition. Who’s more funky, who can produce the weirdest track and who has the latest tweet about a new hip spot. Of course both places have a different vibe and I mostly manage to extract from both exactly what I want.
TELL US ABOUT THE KIND OF WHAT YOU DO ATTRACTS?
To quote my friend Ben Huang: “At Bananas people don’t dance, they jump.” I guess that’s it. We don’t have any rules. We are cheap, that everyone can afford it. But if you feel like, we’re gonna sell you a bottle, too and put sprinklers on. It’s just about to have fun.
ARE YOUR FRIENDS GETTING IN TO?
Well in my private-life there is an interesting social experiment going on.
My girlfriend comes from a very posh, champagne drinking, invitation only group. I come from bringing my own drinks in a back-pack to the party.
Since we are going out, we mix friends, restaurants, clubs, music and ideas.
And I think that’s is exactly what’s going on all over the world right now.
People put down certain rules and stop caring too much. Why not eat a burger at a 5-Star restaurant and why not buying LV sneakers if they are dope (and you can afford it)
I think people slowly try to have their own style instead of looking like a certain class, of course there will be always magazines trying to tell them what is new & hip. But with many blogs about fashion, where normal people report and post what they are seeing everyday, it’s not always about the latest Haut Couture from Paris.
WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?
Well I wish I would know. Things always repeat and I try to learn from my mistakes and make it better the next time. I’m turning 30 end of next year and never thought I would live in Shanghai or somewhere outside of Germany. I guess I go with the flow and sip the whisky before its getting warm.
HOW DO YOU PUSH YOUR MUSIC?
I guess like everyone else, send out zshare links with my mixes. But I try to be a bit selective. Mass promotion and being all over the blogs is what I think not the best way. I think if you work with selected people who have again their followers makes more sense then sending out and (annoying) email blast.
TOP 3 ALBUMS / TRACKS IN YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL TO YOUR GENERATION?
Nirvana – Nevermind with “Smells like Teen Spirit
This album brought all the Skaters, Poppers, HipHoppers and Rocker together when I went to High School
Jay Z – Black Album “Every Track”
I don’t think it’s Jay’s best album but it showed a trend when he released the acapellas of it. Everyone can be a producer. How many remixes were suddenly all over the place from people all over the World. The peak of Mash Up’s.
Major Lazer - Guns Don’t Kill People. Lazers Do.
What started with Justice & Mylo is now continuing. Finally a new club sounds that doesn’t follow the Old School House rules.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
To quote my friend Ben Huang: “At Bananas people don’t dance, they jump.” I guess that’s it. We don’t have any rules. We are cheap, that everyone can afford it. But if you feel like, we’re gonna sell you a bottle, too and put sprinklers on. It’s just about to have fun.
ARE YOUR FRIENDS GETTING IN TO?
Well in my private-life there is an interesting social experiment going on.
My girlfriend comes from a very posh, champagne drinking, invitation only group. I come from bringing my own drinks in a back-pack to the party.
Since we are going out, we mix friends, restaurants, clubs, music and ideas.
And I think that’s is exactly what’s going on all over the world right now.
People put down certain rules and stop caring too much. Why not eat a burger at a 5-Star restaurant and why not buying LV sneakers if they are dope (and you can afford it)
I think people slowly try to have their own style instead of looking like a certain class, of course there will be always magazines trying to tell them what is new & hip. But with many blogs about fashion, where normal people report and post what they are seeing everyday, it’s not always about the latest Haut Couture from Paris.
WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?
Well I wish I would know. Things always repeat and I try to learn from my mistakes and make it better the next time. I’m turning 30 end of next year and never thought I would live in Shanghai or somewhere outside of Germany. I guess I go with the flow and sip the whisky before its getting warm.
HOW DO YOU PUSH YOUR MUSIC?
I guess like everyone else, send out zshare links with my mixes. But I try to be a bit selective. Mass promotion and being all over the blogs is what I think not the best way. I think if you work with selected people who have again their followers makes more sense then sending out and (annoying) email blast.
TOP 3 ALBUMS / TRACKS IN YOUR OPINION HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL TO YOUR GENERATION?
Nirvana – Nevermind with “Smells like Teen Spirit
This album brought all the Skaters, Poppers, HipHoppers and Rocker together when I went to High School
Jay Z – Black Album “Every Track”
I don’t think it’s Jay’s best album but it showed a trend when he released the acapellas of it. Everyone can be a producer. How many remixes were suddenly all over the place from people all over the World. The peak of Mash Up’s.
Major Lazer - Guns Don’t Kill People. Lazers Do.
What started with Justice & Mylo is now continuing. Finally a new club sounds that doesn’t follow the Old School House rules.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
Sunday, August 16, 2009
CROSSVILLE DESIGN CONTEST
... As part of the event, we will be showcasing the International and Singapore series of custom “Ghostboy” models featuring artists such as Tado, Jon Burgerman, Evil/MCA, Eeshaun, Momorobo, Mindflyer, Sheryo and many others.
And here’s a little extra, especially for this event a new character template “NUT” is up for grabs! (cool & simple, so it should be a breeze!)
FOR MORE CONTEST DETAILS: CROSSVILLE DESIGN CONTEST
DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE: HERE
And here’s a little extra, especially for this event a new character template “NUT” is up for grabs! (cool & simple, so it should be a breeze!)
FOR MORE CONTEST DETAILS: CROSSVILLE DESIGN CONTEST
DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE: HERE
Monday, August 10, 2009
CLICK SINGAPORE
...Whether it’s Singapore, Shanghai, Thailand or Tokyo - undoubtedly some of the most influential digital campaigns and biggest industry award winners from recent years have come from Asia Pacific. Click Singapore will provide a platform to Creative Directors to tell the full story behind the most talked about work of 2009 in an organic and interactive forum.
...Other Highlights include
- The role of education in securing future generations of digital talent panel discussion will bring together leading digital gurus to discuss how we can future-proof the creative industry and change the way young creatives develop their work and their digital identity.
- Show & tell gives you the opportunity to show a little bit of what you are working on and inspire your peers.
- Getting the client to get it - Global creative directors will offer their unique insight on getting your client to look beyond the banner ad and develop truly remarkable creative work.
- Creative Review Loves Young Creativity - We have developed the Creative Review Loves Young Creativity sessions to offer un-established young talent the chance to showcase their work and inspire the world’s leading creative directors.
DATE: Tuesday, 18th August, 2009
VENUE: Dempsey House, Singapore
TIME: 8:30am - 5:30pm
...SPECIALLY FOR AWE50ME MEMBERS, GET DISCOUNTED RATES FOR YOUR TICKETS. ENTER PROMOTIONAL CODE: click2009 WHILE YOU REGISTER.
REGISTER HERE: CLICK 2009 SINGAPORE
CONTACT: AWE5OME
WEBSITE: CLICK 2009 SINGAPORE
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
AWE50ME ARTISTS in “Touch the Future, Now” Light Show
HP collaborates with AWE50ME.
“Touch the Future, Now” Light Show Extravaganza – HP collaborated with five local artists to construct and share their visions for the future around five key areas – music, art, communications, gaming and cityscape in Singapore."
... Featured AWE50ME Artists : MRB + BRICK + MINDFLYER + EESHAUN
...Brian Chia (Brick) on the Future of Music
...Micheal Ng (Mindflyer) on the Future of Cityscape
...Soh Eeshaun on the Future of Art
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A NICE SET SINGAPORE - JUDGES CHOICE
Top 4 Judges Choice from a selection of 132 artists from Singapore, Australia and around the world.
Big Up to all our judges who took time out from their busy schedule to make the selection.
THE AWE50ME JUDGES
Steve Elrick (BBH-ASIAPAC)
Sam Cassels (SAATCHI, JP)
Richard McCabe (PUBLICIS, SG)
Chris Lee (ASYLUM, SG)
Alexandre Olmedo (EYECA.COM)
Chris Ng (IDN)
Jeremy Hollister (PLUS ET PLUS, NY)
Scott Mcclelland (SUPERMARKART, AU)
Jeff Staple (STAPLE DESIGN, NY)
THE AWE50ME TROPHY
THE AWE50ME WINNERS
VIEW & BUY CUSTOMIZED SLIPMAT ARTWORKS HERE: THE DOPE SHOP
Thursday, May 7, 2009
POP-UP EXHIBITION - A NICE SET SINGAPORE
POSTER DESIGN: Sharim Gubbels - Crossville
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A NICE SET - Singapore
...WHAT IN THE WORLD IS A SLIPMAT?
A slipmat is a circular piece of slippery cloth or synthetic materials disk jockeys place on the turntable platter instead of the traditional rubber mat.
Unlike the rubber mat which is made to keep hold the record firmly in sync with the rotating platter, slipmats are designed to slip on the platter, allowing the DJ to manipulate a record on a turntable while the platter continues to rotate underneath. This is useful for holding a record still for slip-cueing, making minute adjustments during beatmatching and mixing and pulling the record back and forth for scratching....
...THE EXHIBITION
..99 artists from Singapore & around the world get together to design one of a kind sets of slip mats for a movable exhibition and book which explores the way visual art and music hang together...
..3 shows of 33 different artists each in 3 different venues with performances by 3 of the hottest Australian DJs on the face of this earth..
..insiders tell DOPE that this show also introduces a new mobile art space that provides artists & curators with a new avenue to exhibit their work. we can't wait to see what that looks like!
...THE TURNTABLISTS
..Featuring LIVE performances by 3 time Australia DMC Champion - DJ PERPLEX, Victorian DMC Title Holder - DJ B.TWO & Slap and Dash People's Choice, DJ MUGEN. Wow! Just check out the Perplex video for a piece of the coming action.
EVENT:
A NICE SET SINGAPORE
DATES & VENUES:
Friday, 15 May 09 (MIMOLETTE)- DJ PERPLEX
Friday, 22 May 09 (OVER EASY)- DJ B.TWO
Friday, 29 May 09 (HACIENDA)- DJ MUGEN
TIME:
10pm and beyond for all exhibition dates
SUBMIT YOUR SLIPMAT DESIGNS HERE: THE DOPE SHOP
PREVIEW ALL THE DESIGNS & VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE SINGAPORE ARTIST HERE: THE DOPE SHOP
LISTEN / DOWNLOAD A NICE SET DJS HERE: DJ PERPLEX / DJ B.TWO / DJ MUGEN
GET ON THE VIP LIST: DOPE GUEST LIST
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: AWE50ME /PLUS ET PLUS /THE REED SPACE / IdN
Sunday, February 15, 2009
MELEE PUNKS - Singapore
Anti- Social social behavior is the rebel yell of youth culture today. Punk Confucianism in a technocratic society where everything is a melee of complementary contradictions. Confused? Great and BTW please bring your own music and photographer.
In their own words - Like a monster from the deep, MELEE PUNKS - your mother’s maddest nightmare. High cellophane drugged out electro tech pop punk electronic disco served in polystyrene bio-degradable cups brought to you courtesy of a bunch of punks who like to mix and make and break and make again.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF & THE JOURNEY THAT BROUGHT YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
MELEE PUNKS, the idea came about over lunch one fine afternoon. We’ve always been talking about it so I guess it was about time we get into action. Or maybe it was just the sake…
TELL US WHAT’S HOT IN YOUR SCENE RIGHT NOW AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BE A PART OF IT?
Where we’re based, Singapore is fast becoming the Monte Carlo of Asia with people from all over the world. The parties will only get trendier and more vibrant. We are doing our part by trying our best to produce and play good quality music for everyone who or might love us.
TELL US WHAT KIND OF CROWD LIKES YOUR MUSIC. WHAT’S THEIR STYLE, THEIR CLUBBING ATTITUDE & THE VIBE THEY ENJOY?
Definitely the younger crowd, they come all dressed up for a good time, party hard and go home looking forward to the next one.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
Nothing really planned so far except that we’ll be sorting out some sample merchandise for future parties before we do an online release. And it was great fun working with Eden Cai, our favorite photographer. We got some fantastic shots that we’ll be releasing soon too. Apart from all that, we’re working on some remixes and original material at the moment.
WHAT DOES MUSIC MEAN TO YOU & HOW DOES IT INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE?
Music gives you a soul, it gives you THE reason to live.
PLEASE SHARE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM WITH US?
As Charlie says, “The Mind Grows By What It Feeds On.”
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
LISTEN / DOWNLOAD / MELEE PUNKS: www.meleepunks.com
SINGAPORE EATS & SHOPS RECOMMENDED BY MELEE PUNKS: DOPE.SG
Sunday, November 23, 2008
FOULWORKS INDEPENDENT MOVEMENT - KL
FOULWORKS INDEPENDENT MOVEMENT is a deeply underground group who are just surfacing in clubs across Malaysia and Singapore. Using home-made effects keyboards in their DJ sets, they produce an extremely infectious and unique sound that is gathering online and club momentum. With a growing fan base of about 2,000, the movement characterizes youth in the night life scene today - A carefree attitude sprinkled with a dash of punk and a technical know-how with lego-style DIY equipment. Driven to succeed no matter what, they have a keen understanding of community, the value of fans and the effects of their music on people.
This is how they see themselves in their own words:
Electropop, New Wave, Italo Disco meets post 70's Westwood and Warhol fashion with a dash of Kraftwerk-ianism and early-80's New York Downtown dystopian avant-garde!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, WHY YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO & WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO IT?
Both of us are the combination of a perfectionist & an idealist. Sweet isn’t sweet without sour. Both characteristic defines the Movement & it’s the nucleus of our style & sound. The chemistry between this two set of minds bind us together.
Being able to share what we like to the people on the dancefloor is the most essential thing to us as an act. Being on stage is not cool at all, the coolest thing is to show people what you are good at as you share with them.
We obtained our inspiration from seeing top figures turning the floor upside down & reaching their dream. This urges us to excel faster. Our passion is the fuel of our actions & the resistance to the obstacles which slow us down!
E = mc2 is a true wonder of Einstein passion. Ideas should be materialize, if not it’s just an idea. We have so many things to do, a short period of time to live. Wish a day has 48 hours. Foulworks is racing against time.
TELL US ABOUT THE SCENE YOU ARE IN RIGHT NOW. WHAT’S HAPPENING. WHO’S GIVING IT A JOLT. HOW DOES WHAT YOU DO FIT IN?
Hmmmm… The current scene over here is not that overwhelming. What the pioneers are doing caters for a niche group only. Twilight Action Girls is spearheading the current alternative scene. The market is so small for what we are into as everyone trying hard to make their mark in the same place.
Nothing is impossible. We fit in as an outcast most probably due to our style & sound. The outcast classification on us motivates us to pump harder &
march forward aggressively .
In spite of this, both of us are really contented with what we have done since we manage to leave a mark in the local scene in under 12 months.
TELL US ABOUT THE KIND OF FAN WHAT YOU DO ATTRACTS?
Indeed, building an army of fans is hard. We trust in our style & sound. The most vital issue is to vanquish the dogmatic ethics & tearing down the wall of elitism . We call it sound communism. This Holy effort can't be achieve by us alone.
EVERY GENERATION HAS A LOOK, WHAT ARE YOUR FRIENDS GETTING IN TO?
Nu Rave is the KING! Like the group Darkness, dress crap! Fashion is a combination of everything. Like dance music, it's universal. You can see hip hoppers wearing an xtra large tees with a skinny jeans.
Both of us were once fashion victim Now we are the casualties of casual wear! Jeez…that hurts.
We prefer “ OBEY “- THE DESIGN & PROPAGANDA is meaningful.
WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU & YOUR SCENE?
The Tarots card reader says that: we-the minor arcanas will be featured in megalomania events. Some critique will say we are thinking to big or maybe have a too vivid imagination. We see that as a vision.
SSSSShhhhhhh…we have the intention to venture back into production.
HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR MUSIC?
We started like every freshie, “ Mixtapes.”
Mixtape is the best way to spread the sound. It represents the style & personality. We're not about setting trends, we are just here to do what we like! 
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
LISTEN / DOWNLOAD / FOULWORKS MIXES & REVIEWS: RIGHTCLICKA
KL EATS & SHOPS RECOMMENDED BY FOULWORKS: DOPE.SG
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
DEAD CELEBRITY PARTY TEE SHIRT DESIGN - ZXEROKOOL
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
SEAN LEE - Singapore
WHY PHOTOGRAPHY. WHAT WERE THE CHOICES YOU MADE THAT LEAD YOU DOWN THIS ROAD?
Art has always been an interest of mine and I've always been inspired by my father who dabbles in Chinese painting. However, the structure of Singaporean education never permitted me the chance to explore this avenue, eventually culminating in my making some pretty unorthodox decisions when I came to a major crossroads in my life: instead of taking the traditional path and entering university, I took up a photography workshop instead. And that's when my affair with the lens really started to take-off.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW THAT'S TURNING YOU ON?
I've been working with my alter ego, a transsexual named Shauna, creating a series of photographs that chronicle her daily existence. At the same time, as I'm taking pictures of myself as someone else, the subtlety of the series lies in the fact that I'm also chronicling the experience of being her. I am both behind the lens and in front of the lens, resulting in something that is at once both theatrical and deeply personal. I have to admit that it gets pretty confusing sometimes, but, right now, Shauna is one of the most important persons in my life.
WHAT'S YOUR SCENE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GIVE IT A JOLT?
Some galleries have expressed interest in my work, and I was recently represented by a gallery in Hong Kong. Tableau photography is certainly beginning to make waves in the sphere of photography, and I suspect that this would largely be because galleries, as well as art patrons, find this form of expression to be a refreshing and welcome change that deviates from the usual.
HOW DOES PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRE YOU?
Photography gives me the opportunity to be somebody else, allowing me to do things I've always been afraid to do. As I'm in absolute control of both the subject and the eventual result, restrictions do not exist for me. The boundaries that permeate my everyday life are pushed to the extremes in my photography.
DESCRIBE YOUR GENERATION.
My generation is one that does not enjoy being bound by rules: we are constantly challenging traditional structures with new and exciting developments in art, fashion and music. Interestingly enough, however, we also find comfort in being identifiable by our brand of prescribed unconventionality. I suppose classification is unavoidable, even amongst those who appear to struggle against them.
WHAT BRANDS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH?
Any of the major sports brands. The photography that is associated with them is always vivacious and alive. Much like my own work, these images ooze a perpetual dynamism, representing a moment that hints at the dichotomy of being both pre-planned and spontaneous.
HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOURSELF?
Largely by word of mouth and involvement in large-scale photography festivals in and outside of Asia, such as the Singapore International Photography Festival and the Ang Kor Photography Festival.
WHAT'S THE FUTURE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?
I believe that the future of photography in Asia is reflected by the region's changing landscapes: just as emerging Asian cities, such as Shanghai and Bangkok, are constantly modernizing their cityscapes and introducing elements that mirror what the future of architecture and modes of living will probably be like, photographers, too, will push the boundaries and bring Asian photography to a whole new level that continues to embrace that unique Asian flavor, but infuses it with a generous dosage of contemporary awareness.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
WEBSITE: METHOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
IKUMA - Singapore
Using the most ghetto-est equipment such as retro computers and game consoles from the 80s like Amigas and Gameboys that were discarded and scavenged from pawnshops and thieves' markets. Ikuma represents a new breed of gamer / music producers - The 8Bit Otaku.
Come December 2008, Ikuma heads out to play at Blip Festival New York, a four-day international festival showcasing nearly 40 musicians and visual artists occupying the international low-res cutting edge. Archaic game and home computer hardware is recast into the unlikely role of musical instrument and motion graphics workstation.
Highlighting the chip music phenomenon and its related disciplines, the festival aims to showcase emerging creative niches involving the use of legacy video game & home computer hardware as modern artistic instrumentation. Devices such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Commodore 64, Atari ST, Nintendo Game Boy and others are re-purposed into the service of original, low-res, high-impact electronic music and visuals — sidestepping game culture and instead exploring the technology's untapped potential and distinctive intrinsic character.
CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOU.
I was part of a warez/software cracking group until I was given a cease and desist order , then I went to university here in Singapore, where in my free time I produced all kinds of electronic , dance and jazz music on any equipment I could get my hands on, including hacked Nintendo consoles, vintage analog synthesizers, collaborating and recording with bass players , singers etc.. All my work is scattered all over under different aliases (for different genres) on many different labels and outlets.
TELL US ABOUT THE SCENE YOU ARE IN RIGHT NOW. WHAT'S HAPPENING. WHO'S GIVING IT A JOLT. HOW DOES WHAT YOU DO FIT IN.
The 8bit music scene is only around as cheap nostalgia , filling the voids of people who are reliving their childhoods when they played Contra, Sensible Soccer and Streetfighter without a care in the world. The worlds best videogame musician is Jake 'Virt' Kaufman from the USA, whose soundtrack for the game "M&M's Minis Madness" on the Game Boy Color is an undisputed masterpiece of the genre. 
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, THE PEOPLE YOU MEET AND HOW THIS INSPIRES YOU.
It is difficult as most of the people who I meet can't seem to understand how music is composed on a Game Boy, even after hours of explaining. That itself is pretty inspiring.
WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU & YOUR SCENE.
The 8bit music scene will diminish in popularity very soon and very fast, and will be left to the hardcore otakus , because once the novelty of "omg, game boy music!" fades, who else will dream about 80s japanese RPG game music in their beauty sleep?
WHAT BRANDS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH. WHY?.
I would like to work with NTT DoCoMo, Japanese Telecom and Kanye West's various brands. That dude has it all.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
DOWNLOAD MUSIC: IKUMA 8BITS
BLIP FESTIVAL 2008: ALL THE BLIPS!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
AWE50ME AT PSFK ASIA CONFERENCE - Singapore
As part of PSFK's 1st Asian Conference and the Singapore Showcase, AWE50ME profiled 10 of the most exciting members of the new emerging 'Creator Class' of multi-skilled talents and their ambitions. These young creatives have innovatively redefined their genres in New Media Design, Mutant-Creativity, Recyclism, Cross-Over Art, 8-Bit Music Producing and Photo-Documentary Making.
Featuring interviews and works by Mutantstyle, Mojoko, Ikuma, Recyclofashion, Antz, Imaginary Friends Studio, Sean Lee, Joel Yuen, Ben Quek and Ee Shaun.
AWE50ME offers an insightful slice into each member of this group as they inspire us not only with their creativity and authenticity, but by their power of connectivity with their community.
How does the world establish a relationship with this new generation as they continue to grow and self-aggregate to become the pop culture of tomorrow?
AWE50ME is a creative community space where unique individuals share their vision with each other. It is an active black book of exciting people across Asia living their passion and creating the scene around Art, Design, Music, Photography, Fashion, Video, Events and Popular Lifestyle Culture. Our network profiles their personalities, their work and their communities.
The AWE50ME Singapore Showcase was created, designed, written and produced by the AWE50ME Network.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
DOWNLOAD: AWE50ME BOOKLET PDF
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
YOICHI SHIBA - Japan
FEUN was started in 1996 by DJ Shiba aka Yoichi Shiba, in Tokyo but developed in Auckland, NZ where he played for numerous clubs while hosting his weekly radio shows and his own residencies. Meanwhile in East London, 33khz collective was busy promoting a string of underground nights, which later evolved into some crazy Shoreditch raves and busy one-off shows in Turnmills, 333 and Plastic People. In 2005, 33khz teamed up with DJ Shiba’s FEUN following their relocation to London and begun a number of small gigs that effectively sealed the fate of FEUN:33KHZ in the underground scene.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, WHY YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO & WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO IT.
My name is Yoichi Shiba. I am the originator of the FEUN (Far East Underground Network).
When I first DJed overseas in NZ, it made me feel very strongly that dance music is a special language beyond standard linguistic barriers. The dance floor is where people from completely different backgrounds can easily communicate through music. Creating such borderless environments by playing good music is the force behind what I do.
WHAT’S HOT ON YOUR PLATE MATE?
Production for a semi-professional singer in Japan. I decided to get involved in the project when I first listened to one of her demo tracks and it was very inspiring for me so I had worked on a couple of different versions of that track. A single has been released in July and we are currently promoting the ep.
WHAT DO YOU DIG?
I dig Japanese animations and architecture in Berlin.
TELL US ABOUT THE SCENE YOU ARE IN RIGHT NOW. WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Minimal / techno and ambient. Ricardo Villalobos and Luciano for minimal and techno. Robert Fripp and Brian Eno for ambient. I have been inspired by their tracks and live sets and that inspiration gives me the direction for my works.
TELL US ABOUT THE KIND OF CROWD YOU ATTRACT. WHAT’S THE VIBE?
Many truly committed party animals and tons of well informed artists as well as people who understand the way to feel music and seriously enjoy it. The vibes gets transmitted to the booth and we really do put a lot into our sets.
TELL US WHAT YOU SEE AROUND YOU.
The people in London are extremely well informed about music. In Japan, people really know what they are talking about when it comes to new gadgets like mobiles and such. As for fashion and hair styles, most of my friend are individualists rather than fashionistas. For DJing, a lot of my fellow DJs are converting to CD rather than sticking to vinyl. It’s no doubt easier when traveling around but I personally prefer to stick to using vinyls only.
WHAT DO YOU NEED IN LIFE?
Free unlimited luggage on flights, fully acoustic proofed studio, VIP passes to all the clubs on the planet... Beside these, lets hope for increasingly reliable resources and a continuously thriving underground music scene all over!
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
PODCAST: FEUN:33KHZ MUSIC
BLOG: FEUN:33KHZ BLOG
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
FLEE CIRCUS - Singapore
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP TO.
Fleecircus is an illustration unit based in Singapore. After graduating, it began experimenting and developing its own illustration style. Fleecircus illustrations are combination of detail vector based drawings and back-to-basics pencil sketches.
Between 2000 to 2007, Fleecircus illustrations had been commissioned by MTV-Asia, L’Oreal, Pictoplasma(Berlin), Zouk(Singapore), Funkstörung (Germany), Anna Sui & LEVIS.
Fleecircus collaboration includes Singapore Design Festival’s 20/20, works were showcased in Singapore and London Design Festival, My Favourite Moleskine Exhibition which toured Hong Kong, Singapore and China. Fleecircus just completed her stint as creative consultant for the Singapore Peranakan Museum. In July 2007, Fleecircus was invited to create a limited edition case for L’Oreal make up to raise awareness for Action For Aids campaign.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT NOW.
The possibility of any projects that requires illustration excites me.
I am especially psyched about the future direction of Organisation of Illustrators Council (O.I.C). O.I.C was formed 2 years ago for illustrators working in Singapore to share experiences and trade techniques.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK, THE PEOPLE YOU MEET AND HOW THIS INSPIRES YOU.
I draw and draw and draw… (X infinity)
I am very fortunate to be in a close circle of like minded local creative talents who unselfishly share info and part their wisdom in this trade. The more I learn from them the more humble I become.
WHAT ARE YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS GETTING INTO?
I see we are experiencing the “golden age” of illustration and I hope this will stay for a long time. I guess what me and my friends are really interested in now, are to “discover” more creative talents and hope to raise the standard of local illustrators.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
I hope in the very near future, I will be able to get by with my personal projects. Meaning painting more and contributing my works on different platforms (lifestyle, fashion products etc).
WHAT BRANDS DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH?
Any brands/company who dares to challenge themselves to break the mold get my support.
THINGS YOU LIKE IN PLACES YOU LOVE.
I love nature, old quarries in Pulau Ubin, National Museum Of Nature and Science at Tokyo Ueno. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMa). Bookstores like Kinokuniya. Jingumae, Shibuya-ku; also affectionately known as “Cat Street” where furniture shop like hhstyle is based.
I enjoy going to places where modern ideas couple with nostalgia. And places/objects are design to work with/for nature. Things like these make me have initiative to create.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
WEBSITE: FLEE CIRCUS
BLOG: ORGANISATION of ILLUSTRATORS COUNCIL
Monday, September 1, 2008
PEARLIN SIOW - Singapore
WHY WRITING. WHAT WERE THE CHOICES YOU MADE THAT LED YOU DOWN THIS ROAD?
I have a love affair with words and grew up with my nose buried in between pages and my head lost in the fantasy world of make-believe. Add to that mix, a fertile imagination and a writer was born.
I did a work attachment stint with Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) during my mass communication study days, and was offered a job as a journalist upon graduation. Greener pastures beckoned and I left SPH after three years to dally with technology, stretch myself with Pilates and have now returned to my first love, writing.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK AND THE PEOPLE YOU’VE MET WHILE DOING IT.
Boss of Me! was started out of selfish reasons. I’ve always been a big fan of biographies and realise that there are none on our local talents so I decided to round up 20 outstanding individuals in different fields and tell their amazing stories.
Doing the book let me delve into the psyche of some of Singapore’s most successful entrepreneurs, like Zouk founder, Lincoln Cheng, who validated my belief that you can make tonnes of money while having fun, and Stamford Tyre’s head honcho, Mr Wee Kok Wah, who overcame cancer twice to steer his business to the top.
Lessons taken away:
1. Successful people are very generous, not in the material sense but in terms of time and help. My interviewees willingly endorsed my book and took time out of their busy schedules to share their life stories.
2. Luck is preparation combined with opportunity. My interviewees look like they lead blessed lives but beneath their success lies years of determination, hard work and grit.
3. Impossible is possible - as long as you genuinely love what you do and go about doing it with your own set of rules.
WHAT’S YOUR SCENE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GIVE IT A JOLT?
I'm a big believer of self-help. Some people see that as a dirty word but to me it simply means life long learning, and I want to write motivational books about business that will inspire people.
Success, passion and entrepreneurialism – I intend to make these buzzwords relatable to everyone by unearthing fine examples of people who have followed their dreams as role models for my readers.
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A WRITER IN ASIA?
Writing in Asia is still rather infantile, compared to the US. Singapore has been busy courting authors and illustrators in recent months. The process started back in 2003 with the establishment of the Media Development Authority (MDA), heralding a new page in Singapore's Media 21 vision of a global media city. However, given the emphasis on academic and industry excellence in this rather straitlaced society, plenty needs to be done to unleash our creativity and hidden talents.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
I’m all about short-term goals and my immediate plan is to finish all work by end of this year and take the whole of next year off to travel, party around the world and sit around, contemplating my belly button lint…that is, until the next money-making idea hits me square on my head.
HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOURSELF?
Mark Bennett, a self-published author who sold five million books to companies, says that selling books in mass quantities is the way to go. I agree with him that distributing to the book stores and waiting for individuals to buy your books is pittance. The big moolah is to go direct to the companies.
I am following his example and have taken the first steps by offering to contribute articles to newsletters of business associations which go out to thousands of corporate eyeballs, and am in discussions with trainers of entrepreneurialism to promote my book.
WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF WRITING IN ASIA?
Digital book publishing or E-books are fast catching on for authors who want to enjoy the ease and economy of putting their content on computer display rather than the messy, expensive approach of printing on paper. It can be a huge task to get your book published by adhering to traditional methods and thousands of manuscripts are rejected every day by traditional publishers. The costs involved in traditional publishing methods are comparatively high that’s why publishers are very selective.
Electronic publishing has removed much of the cost and risk involved in print publishing. Since the cost of electronic publishing is significantly low, an author can expect a higher income from the sale of an E-book ($$). Publishers are also catching on with a select few offering E-publishing services for budding authors.
DESCRIBE YOUR GENERATION IN REFERENCE TO YOUR BOOK.
My peers are getting shifty in their jobs and itching to be vagabonders and have mini-retirements. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss exemplifies their desired lifestyles.
Entrepreneurialism is alive and kicking and readers of Boss of Me! have told me that my stories have motivated them to keep on truckin’ or start their business ventures. All heartening stuff!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
A chronic workaholic, I am midway through my second book which promises to deliver a swift kick to the butt and teach you how to make money while you sleep! Goodbye rat race, hello financial freedom!
Walking the talk, I am carving a lucrative passive income pie for myself by publishing, together with my sister, an e-book on post-pregnancy diet and fitness www.exercisepostpregnancy.com, which is going on sale next month. Working on the e-book and learning how Internet marketing works has been a trip and I am now the proud possessor of a new lingo filled with intriguing words like SEO, PPC, Autoresponders, affiliates and Google Adwords.
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
BLOG: BOSS OF ME SINGAPORE
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