dowhatthouwilt

LIME!

2007-05-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Just started work at Mediacorp Publishing the day before yesterday for LIME magazine. Must say I'm liking the people and the work scope so far! plus tons of freebie that are bound to fill my cupboards soon heh!

Astroninja - Album and Debut Gig Details!

2007-05-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

DEBUT GIG!
Astroninja (i.e. 'Out Of This World Ronin'. lol) will be making their debut performance at this year's upcoming megaconcert, Rock For Good II. Last year featured popular live acts Electrico, The Suns, Ronin and many more in what many hail as one of the best local concerts ever!
A thousand strong crowd of rockamaniacs!

Expect more balls to the walls mayhem this year!
Date: 23rd June 2007
Venue: Far East Pavillion
Tickets: Pre bookings to be announced!

Featuring a lineup of the best next generation bands!
Caracal, Fire Fight, West Grand Boulevard and many more!

Astroninja will be performing songs off the soon to be released album!
Expect the full length release sometime in July, with a full website and merchandize availability prior to that.

And yes, Astroninja will be giving out FREE sampler copies of 3 unmastered songs from the album, FOC for all Singaporeans who like FOC things :P So spread the word!

Yours,
Levan

ALBUM DETAILS (FINALLY AVAILABLE!)
The Whyte Scarlets / Astroninja are:
Levan Wee: Vocals (Ronin)
Syed: Drums (West Grand Boulevard)
Dong: Lead guitars (Bad Obsession)
Gabriel: Rhythm guitars (Slipper Zipper)
Joel: Bass (The Leaven Trait)

Album appearances include:
Munir: Guitars (Parking Lot Pimp)
KC: Bass (Caracal)
Field: Guitars (Caracal)
Justin: Bass (The Suns)
Wayne Thunder: drums (The Suns)

also featuring orchestras, choirs, guzheng players, violinists, harmonica players, trumpet players and many more peeps from many more bands like Electrico!

Full length album will feature 12 tracks and bonus DVD.
Selected free downloads will be made available to all current Ronin fans and new fans of Astroninja.

Rock For Good

2007-05-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Anyone who went to Rock for Good last year will surely agree it was one of the most fun local gigs ever! 800 people sweating like crazy as six local bands took the stage. ronin, electrico, the suns, west grand etc

this year, rock for good will be held at Far East Pavillion on the 22nd June.

There is a possibility that I will be performing as one of the acts on songs from the solo album, but together with a bunch of crazy assed talented musicians that I seriously respect and look up to! OMG!

Lineup
Syed; Drums (West Grand Boulevard)
Wayne Thunder: Drums (The Suns)
Dong: lead guitars (Spanish Fly/ Bad OBsession)
Joel: Bass (The Leaven Trait)
Levan (myself): Vocals (Ex-Ronin)
and featuring a new rhythm guitarist the girls are bound to love haha!

Anyway, for those who went to rock for good last year, this year will be even more happening with a bigger crowd and a bigger budget! And to those who haven't been to a Rock for good concert, now is a good time to start! Other bands include to next gen of local bands, Caracal, Fire Fight, and veterans like The Suns, West Grand Boulevard and many more. So come! More details to be released soon.

It's been a while since the local scene has had a really big mosh pit of a crowd.

Thinking of band names for now. I'm drawing a blank. Any suggestions anyone please?!

yours,
levan

Can anybody think of interesting song titles?

2007-05-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Can anybody think of interesting song titles? must be original and unique
examples would be
"Oh Glory, oh glory (These Emo Kids Must Die)"
"Suicide Genocide"
"They always say Yes"
"Love You On Tuesday"
"Red, Red, Razorblade!"
etc etc
Leave comments pls!

Guitar Hero 2

2007-04-29T10:26:00.001-07:00

Check this guy out! Wait for it to load and see him break the 'guitar' at the end. I thought this was hilarious lol

teenage masquerade

2007-04-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

ok i couldn't resist uploading these songs, though they far from being finished

http://download.yousendit.com/5D3AB59666049681
The first is Teenage Masquerade. A song about everyone's individual loneliness in life from time to time.
Anyway what I do like about this song is the unexpected. :) It opens up with an asian instrument, the guzheng, and fades into a Spanish guitar, blending the two styles together. And the guzheng gets the solo later on in the song instead of the standard acoustic guitar. It's a little longish sounding now due to the lack of vocals, but I love the string swelling work and instruments. Pardon the electronic drums and fake keyboards instruments for now. They will be substituted in with real musical instruments in the final product, along with vocals of course :)

and this song is about as un-ronin as i could have gotten haha!

played by Munir on guitars, and strings arranged by Leonard Soosay, Caleb and myself. enjoy pls!

_________

http://download.yousendit.com/1FC56A070A71E604
For now I call this NEw World Lanjiao, the counterpart for new world cheebye.
Neither of which will ACTUALLY be called such but yeah, for now it's lame and ...well..lame :P

Anyway, I LOVE the drum work and guitar work on this. Done by the Syed/Dong combo again. I love the way they made everything sound so vicious and hungry.
Look out for the triplets at the very end of the song

There are a few mistakes in the solo due to it not being finished (The last note into the C Chord), and this version isn't the one with the actual final solo. But I couldn't resist uploading it anyway.

This song is about all the stupid emo kids who cry in their corners, weep about life, cut themselves to prove how cynical and jaded they are about the world, and basically about how self-sympathetic they're being while people in other parts of the world die of, oh, small things like poverty and political wars. If life is so bad, kill yourself already. It's not that hard. heh

"Goodbye my love
Goodbye to you, goodbye to everything beautiful and true
Surrender, surrender my heart
surrender my life for you"

hold on

2007-04-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Wow I finally fixed my computer. The poor bastard has been out of commission for ages. Eeeks!

Anyway, been busy recording songs off the solo album, along with the Ronin album crawling along. I'm really excited (and really blessed) to be working with so many talented individuals from drummers, guitarists, bassists, violinists, keyboardists, engineers and etc.

Here are some of the tracks off the solo stuff. The vocals aren't done, and the songs haven't been mixed or mastered, so they're in their rawest and unrefined form. But I love the energy and gah-rang-ness that the musicians managed to capture. :)

http://download.yousendit.com/76FC3D4F13FAA348
Temporarily called New World Cheebai, thanks to Wayne the producer lol. Anyway, it won't actually be titled that for obvious reasons. It's pretty much an un-ronin song. Check out the bass riffs and the drummer, done by Joel of Leaven Trait and Syed of West Grand Boulevard respectively!

http://download.yousendit.com/03B584823B597155
A song titled Hold On. Check out the sexy violin and string section at the 2.50 mark. It's the first time I've attempted for that big orchestrial sound. I'm hoping to hire a small choir to do the "ohhs" and "ahhs" there too :) And the solo by Dong from Bad Obsession reminds me of a phoenix rising from the ashes to consume the globe with its giant nostrils. lol. Love the violin outtro too. Will be horrendously difficult to sing this song because it reaches up to the high B's. Which is a falsetto for most girls. Which means I have to wear tight pants so my balls can't breathe before I could possibly get that high. I'll manage..er.....hopefully. The wonders of technology will save this wretched soul!

http://download.yousendit.com/9831E81309C1DFC8
A track called Yo Yo girl, with drums done by Wayne Thunder from The Suns. I love the raw energy put into this song. Hopefully the singing will do it justice. Eeeks. Also an un-ronin song. Insane shredding by Dong in the solo bits.

I wrote most of these songs at the void deck of the flat I live in. Many a times the police came around to take down my IC, name, blah blah, for the rackus I was making at 3am in the morning. I Don't really blame the residents there, what with my subpar playing and what could be considered unwanted noise. But I always enjoy the alone time in the morning. The cops probably disagree, bu they're a friendly blue bunch just doing their job. They came along once, and they asked me why I had to play downstairs at 3am. I told them "I Don't want to wake my mum up". and the cops rightfully replied "So you want to wake up the REST of the neighbourhood?" haha, that part kinda slipped my mind.

Been struggling with singing the new songs a little bit because they were intentionally done to challenge everything I've known how to do to things that are new territory for me. But I love challenges because, for beter or worse, they push you to new levels that are both frightening and rewarding. And it isn't just applied to music. I've always believed that human beings, as the frail and emotional creatures we are, have to constantly challenge ourselves in order to postpone that slide into boredom or self-redundancy. Be it writing, studying for an exam, doing your job at the office, writing a (gay) poem, or planning an elaborate murder --> everybody needs something to strive for in order to feel respected, needed, and valid to the world around us. I've never been a fantastic song writer, never really good with time signatures and key changes, but I accept my limitations and work around them, or at least try to improve on them.

Took a few weeks, but I've managed to finish watching every single episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer from Seasons 1 through 7. I had the distinct impression that Buffy was just a teenage rad flick, but was quickly proven wrong after continuously being glued to the tv screen night after night, episode after episode. Probably my favourite tv series of all time! Would never have expected such depth.

That, and my XBOX360, has been the hook to my nights. Helpless game addict.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a slight disappointment to me. Where the heck is shredder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How could a turtles movie not have shredder and crang?! Instead there was this immortal hero with the rampant monsters running around (undetected for hundreds of years). 23, starring Jim Carrey, was much better, though not as fantastic as I thought it'd be. And of course, everybody's waiting for Spider-Man 3!

Phantom of the opera this sunday. Can't freaking wait!

lev

look at the stars! No, there are no stars in the east

2007-01-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

It's been some time since I met someone who has made me feel light hearted, whom I make phone calls to just to hear her voice on the phone, whom I want to hold hands with and be overwhelmed by that sweet sickly feeling of affection, like rubbing glue down the spine and the twitch of the heart you feel when you look at really cute rabbits running around with small little puppies. It's been years and years.

I think you make sense in a world that isn't completely insane, or not insane enough. In a world that is consumed with normality. This urgency to fit in, this tendency to conform to the confinement of the soul. It isn't a joyless world. It's filled with happy lovely things if we took the time to stop and admire it. But few of us really do. And I'm glad I took the time to realize that you are one of those who won't be content with normality as well. That doesn't think the world sucks even though shit is thrown at us all the time. That no matter the hurt and railroads of misery that track themselves across the world, the simplicity of joy, friendship and love is the universal truth. Not the Bible, not Mohamed moving the mountains, not turning water to wine. But our stripped selves.

You are a wonderfully generous person. And you don't even realize it. You don't realize your simple joy. And that is what makes you special.

I'm still getting to know you day by day, word by word, minute by minute. And I'm loving every bit of what I see. :)

I'm in a surrounding of people who assume what I am. Who think that I am a particular something. But you took the time to look past it. And I hope I have done the same to you. :) But I think it's easier for you. You're more likable by nature. Me? I'm that green grotch in the garbage can on Seasame Street. He gets less airtime than the Elmos.

I don't have to be somebody else when I'm with you.

"I don't need somebody to be somebody, I don't want nobody but you". I wrote that line for you. That song actually.

I could say anything or be anything with you and I needn't fear. What if cars were made from leaves, and our heads were giant mushrooms and our spines were made of rabbits with legs like spiders! And what if we took a hot air balloon made out of cotton candy up to the skies made from irish cream?

I could strangle myself with my own tie and look at the stars all night, stars that I don't really bother to see sometimes :P

And only you, the girl I'm referring to here, the girl in my heart right now, would understand anything of what I just said ;)

"I see you lying next to me.
With words I thought I'd never speak
Awake, and unafraid
Asleep, or dead"

love ya darling!

Lerps

The Music Of The Night

2007-01-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

"In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came. That voice which calls to me, that speaks my name. And do I dream again? For now I find, the phantom of the opera is there inside my mind"

I've always been a huge fan of musicals; from RENT to Les Miserables. The theater movie (The adaptation of the musical) of the Phantom of the Opera was an IMMENSE disappointment, with bad directing and a sissy of a Phantom that sounded like he was about to break into an emo ballad and start crying buckets of tears because the girl in school wouldn't look at him in the canteen. But the staged musical is finally coming to town again and I wouldn't miss it for the world! Already have my tickets. Yay!

The irony of it all is that I loved musicals more than I loved hard rock. There's something sensual and sensational about the grandeur of a full-on musical production. Do yourself a favour and purchase the COMPLETE SYMPHONIC RECORDING of LES MISERABLES. I love the romanticism of it all. Men fighting for freedom, a love triangle doomed for demise, revolution on the streets, etc. Les Miserables, the novel by Victor Hugo, is perhaps my favourite book of all time. Not recommended for casual readers because it is immensely long-winded and detailed. I wonder how authors of the past could have the patience to PEN down everything with ink.

Anyway, for new years eve, I was 'stuck' at Downtown East performing a countdown show. We were amongst the only english performers of the whole night, and watched by a crowd of mostly cheena piang Project Supersissy fans and chinese pop idols. I've nothing against chinese music, mind you, but have you ever noticed how Mandarin male singers/idols have that same clean teeth/glittering happy eyes/boy next door smile/generic gelled spiky hair style on them that makes you feel like smearing their lips with solidified fart? Highly fucked up.

Headde to East Coast Park afterwards while my friends and I wandered around aimlessly and ended up in Parkway eating tidbits and chocolate.

So it's another year of fun and work ahead, which I actually look forward to. We're starting on the recording of the second album and the songs are being worked out.

I've had friends telling me their sisters / brothers / friend's friends think highly of me as an 'idol' and that I'm 'hot'. People who know me know how permanently warped I feel about this. It's very strange. For one thing, I know for a FACT I am not hot, and I also know that my general public behaviour isn't something to look up to HAHA! Still it is flattering. Makes me feel like giggling like a school girl into my pillow at night hee hee heeeeeeeeeeeeeee cough.

I've always wanted to sing as the Phantom of the Opera one day. Erik. Go read the book. It's great.

WILL IT BLEND --- AN IPOD!!!

2006-12-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Doesn't your heart just break?!

Here's the spoof which I thought was hilarious as well!

MERRY XMAS TREE!

2006-12-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

Went to Leonard's studio today and built ourselves a XMAS TREE :D
One of the most satisfying things I did this year. A lot of heart, and a lot of love. Love ya all my darlings!
We actually added the lights into the star at the top, at the very end before we left the studio. Not shown in most of these pictures because these were taken earlier, but the glowing star can be seen in one of the closeups below :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Drop by Leonard's studio and leave your presents under the tree!

Total cam whoring!

2006-12-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Me, smiling at something funny. Can't remember what!

Still smiling at something funny Still can't remember what :P

My feeble attempt to look 'manly'

The new pink in the hair!

photo of joycelyn my darling friend. She looks particularly sweet and cheery
here, like she always is anyway :)

another darling friend Fiona, pulling the 'emo' look for the camera! Does a pretty good job I must
say!

omg gabriel, wearing SHORTS! A PHOTO MOMENT IN TIME!

When I was in Melbourne catching u2... a cake I bought that was like the size
of a cupcake. Shocked the hell outta me.

Cost me S$10 bucks for that small piece of...tasty...shit. Ranks as one of the
worst financial investments ever!

"Turn away if you could get me a drink of water cause my lips are chopped and faded"

2006-12-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

My darling friend Nat, and myself.

My friends and I have decided to build a christmas tree as a treat to Leonard at the recording studios. It'll be really pretty with a lot of lovely lights! :) I've never had the joy of having my own Christmas tree, and even less so, people to celebrate it with (My family isn't Catholic). It'll be a welcome change and I really look forward to this year's Christmas! We're also all heading to Thailand for a shopping spreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee in the first week of January which I'm GREATLY looking forward to. Thailand is one of my favourite places in the world, apart from Paris.

I had a blast @ LIME SONIC BANG. I don't think it was mistake free, but it was such a welcome homecoming from our fans who have stuck around waiting for the new material. All I can say about the new upcoming album is that it will be a change in direction; where we will be focusing on aspects and the trials and tribulations of life, and love. The thing that inspired me most in the development of the album's new songs is my observations of our youth culture; and h ow it is such a lovely but tainted thing. The oddity of how we all feel so alone in a world of lonely people, when all we have to do is reach out and touch somebody's life.

Also I have made a new year's resolution for myself. My immediate vice is I have a soft spot for pretty girls. I love pretty girls. Which sane guy doesn't?! I will try to cut down on my instant attraction to lovely ladies.

This has been such a roller coaster year for me, both career wise and personally. But it has also been the most soulfully rewarding year of my life. I've met new friends that I truly love and adore to bits. I've built up relationships with people I truly care about. I can't think of a better reward. I'm getting used to being in my own body, and learnt to reach out to more people through music and words. I'm financially secured and the optimism is good. I've learn to deal with my critics and bitchsters with the adequate "fuck yous", and I've kept the ones I care about close to my heart with the never-enough "I love you"s.

There are some people I know personally who are going through hard times in their life. All I can say is hold on, have faith, and keep that chin up. We will never be the best at what we can do in life, but we'll never be the worst either. I'll be there for you.

It seems that the viewership of my blog has gone up quite a few notches in this year. YAY!

Heading down for a smoke now. Yes I know it's bad for health, but how can anyone deny themselves Viceroy Super Menthol Lights?

levan

Sometimes

2006-12-05T03:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes. The silence cracks the pores of your skin. A soothing bleed. A silent plea. Unheard. How tainted we are, to be living in a world of silence and wishing for more.
Sometimes.
As the darkness wraps around me, a sigh escapes my lips. Only to be heard by an inanimate sheep and comfort pillows that soak the tears away.
Sometimes.
We wonder why we are.

Here is a question to ask ourselves in our time of wanting and in our time of isolation.

What do we want more than love in life?

The answer is nothing.

LIME SONIC BANG

2006-12-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

DATE: 9th DECEMBER
VENUE: Behind Orchard Cineleisure
TIME: 8PM
ADMISSION: ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Performances by RONIN, SINGAPORE IDOL FINALISTS HADY AND JON, ELECTRICO, SAW LOSER, ASTREAL, WEST GRAND BOULEVARD, PROJECT SUPERSTARS, and many more!

Hope to see you there! Bring your friends kay?

We dedicate this show to the freedom of speech, choice, and expression in Singapore. Something our country is sorely lacking. So expect the politically unexpected, and get ready to rock the hell out of everything in a gigantious moshpit of thousands!

:)

my ideal girl

2006-11-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

my ideal girl!

my ideal girl would have all the following qualities. Given how ideal people are nearly impossible to come buy, i shall make this a Wish List and nothing more.

my ideal girl would..

1. have lovely soulful eyes that speak louder than her boobs.
2. have nice legs.
3. believe in my pet sheep Bobby (and friends)
4. have a better sense of direction that I do
5. be gung ho and never lets anyone (including me) define who she is, what she can achieve, and who she wants to be in life
6. be capable of making me feeling stupid and have an opinion on things from politics, music, and has a strong sense of individualism
7. would not even know i was from a crappy band called Ronin, and wouldn't care either way.
8. must be kinky in bed
9. be more sociable than me
10. mummy me from time to time because i'm a mama's boy
11. be quirky and spontaneous
12. be both selfless and selfish on the right occasions
13. care for me conditionally, so that when i fuck up, she can put me back in place and let me know what an asshole i'm being
14. be unafraid to cry from time to time.
15. be honest
16. never allow me to call her 'my girl', because that's just fucking gay and derogatory to women
17. love her mum and dad
18. smile, and light up my life

given that those qualities are too numerous, i shall just settle for

WORLD OF WARCRAFT

See you 5 hours later :P

2006-11-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

WILL IT BLEND?!

2006-11-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

WILL IT BLEND?

This is totally trippy shit. The music, the 'scientist', and the fact that it's a blender commercial proving how effective the blender is. Love the MacDonalds meal one! UNCLE DOESN'T HAVE TEETH, so he BLENDS HIS BURGERS! lol. Oh yes the COKE CAN SMOOTHIE too

check it out folks

Cheers!

World Of Warcraft

2006-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

World Of Warcraft - I still debating whether to get it or not.
WOW isn't just a computer game. It's become a hapless addiction to many of my friends and 6 million people in the world.
Debate...debate...debate. Should I pay 40 bucks for an addiction that is extremely fun but time consuming?!

Singapore Ranks #146

2006-11-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Singapore officially ranks #146 in the international list of freedom of the press.

Check the link out here people
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=19388

Singapore ranks below countries such as Congo, Kenya, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and ranks slightly above Iraq, Vietnam, China, North Korea. That's, yes, Iraq.

Iraq; the country formerly owned by Saddam Hussein.
North Korea; where nuclear tests are as common as picking your nose.
China: A country where, if the national population jumped simultaneously, the sudden force would be enough to shift the Earth out of its orbit.

What does this mean?
It means I can't type the following

1) The guh-men can suck my cock
I also can't say

2) LKY is a monkey
I definitely can't spell it out blatantly at least
I should never say

3) "...to build a democratic society.."
Because you never know whose national paranoia might be watching and waiting to plug you up to a system built up around corporations, corporations whose shares are owned by majority by important members of the guh-men

Remember what they say folks

Hammers don't kill you, lightning will.

In the name of...

2006-10-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

those are my fingers. not anything else

A World Without Heroes

2006-10-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

I remember her so well. More than a year ago.
I'll always remember her. Loved her like I've loved no other. Still love her. Will always love her.

Do you people believe in soul mates? I do. And I know I've met mine.

We don't keep in touch. She has a new boyfriend. She's happier now. I'm happier now. We were so beautifully unhappy with each other, and in that sense it made the love perfectly pure.

You'll know when you met your soul mate when you have. Simple as that. It's that tingle at the base of your soul, that swelling of the heart. It's beyond true love.

In times of despair, even today, even till now, she would always message me automatically to ask how I'm doing. Always at the precise moment when I feel like giving up, she'll appear out of the blue, out of the sudden to show her face and to let me know she's still there. It's a profound moment of realization when that happens. It's like God letting you know you're never alone, in as clear a way he can possibly let you know without popping out of the heavens and going "Hey bro I'm here for u"

Always at that precise moment. I don't know how it happens, but it happens every single time.

She was suicidal. Chaotic. An untamed soul that wanted more in life but was afraid to ask for it. When she was suicidal, I'd catch the first bus and head from the East to West for her. I'd cradle her in my arms and always let her know that the world would get her down but it would never break her.

We broke up. And I'm still sure we hold each other in irreplacable spaces in our heart. No one else will ever fill that space. Yet I think we thrive as human beings apart from each other.

There is an almost serene certainty in this. To know, with every fibre of your being, that at the end of our lives, we will find ourselves together again. Not even as lovers, not even the closest friends. But is soulful entanglement. Not a word exchanged, not a kissed given, but still...there. With each other.

And so this goes out to everyone who reads this.
I know how sometimes sitting in your room alone, you feel like crying
How when everything falls to pieces, you feel like dying
Like giving up your possessions and your faith for the easy way out.
How the world misunderstands you and tries to break you
When you feel that way,
Know that I am always there for you
I might not know who you are, I might not be your friend
I might never be your lover, I might never count in your life
But whoever you are, reading this, know that I will always be here for you
As a human being in a world that threatens to kill us.
Fight on.

Love,
levan

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS!!!

2006-10-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you listening to music's current tango machine of commercial music...follow the next few steps and receive reincarnation powers and complete enlightenment

1. Head to any good music store, HMV, Gramphony, etc
2. Search under SMASHING PUMPKINS
3. Pick out a copy of MELLON COLLIE AND THE INFINITE SADNESS
4. Buy it

Without a doubt, THE #1 album that defined the teenaged years of my friends and I. We grew up to this. It was our anthem, our bible. 28 beautiful songs that deal with teenage angst to love, to hate, to the gorgeous exploration of wildly inventive music. Those were the days. The days we spent at playgrounds listening to the album, memorizing the lyrics, and filling our English composition with words from the songs. Heck, I stole lyrics from this album, placed it into my O Level composition, and did nicely for it. Breakups, heartaches, joy and teenage devastation. Didn't matter, MELLON COLLIE was always there for us. The teenage bible.

Forget that bombastic emo invasion. LISTEN TO THIS PLEASE.

You won't regret it.

Here are some youtube links to inspire you. Nothing sounds like them these days, not even themselves. Check out the videos below. Then go get the album!

"Goodnight, to every little hour that you sleep tight"

TONIGHT, TONIGHT

My god, I LOVED THIS SONG, and I loved this video.

1979

The song that made me buy the album

BULLET WITH BUTTERFLY WINGS

"The world is a vampire" "Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage"
!!!

ZERO

"Emptiness is loneliness and loneliness is clenliness and clenliness is godliness, and god is empty, just like me!"

Although from another album...still a great song

AVA ADORE

"It's you that I adore. You'll always be my whore. We will never be apart"

PLEASE GO GET THE ALBUM!!!

lyrics are posted in my comments page :)

Love, levan

the haze

2006-10-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

wah lau the haze is horrible.
was walking with friends from Tampines Mall to back home and I swear all our noses were running, our throats dry and our lungs filled. I hear it's worse in the west side of Singapore.

the musician's life

2006-10-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

a short history on how i got into music:

Giddy giddy gee gee! Ok I feel like ranting today.
I attended Victoria School. Love that school to bits. I don't know about how it's like now, but when I was in VS, those were the best years of my life.
I wasn't a jock stud. No. I wasn't on the debate team. No.
I was a LIBRARIAN! And also a gawky kid doing dreary paintings in the ART CLUB. :)
Didn't know any girls because I was always reading books. lol
I had 8 points for my O Levels, minus 2 for VS Affiliations and and 2 for CCAs. So that's 4.

Qualified for the various JCs.
Decided...hmmm...OK , I would rather not be exposed to horny mid-life crisis PE cum discipline masters strutting around in their fucky pants while secretly nursing hard ons staring at the JC Girls. Decided against having strict principals and the A Level thing also.

So I headed to Temasek Polytechnic to study....

...internet computing...
My classmates hated me because I never paid attention in class, I always copied my assignments, erm..... mocked their cheena accents. Played Pikachu Volleyball game in the computer labs and served the internet + played Doom 3 while my lecturers rambled on about servers, routers, and programming shite.

Formed my first band in school. Consisting of (And i'm being serious here), a gay drummer, a butch guitarist, and a lesbian bassist. I was the singer and was horrible (Still am) and the butch and lesbian players had a fling going on. They had a huge disagreement, and they both left the band. As a result, I was stuck in a band with a gay drummer. 'nuff said. No offence to faggots, but the combination of a gay guy / straight albino guy in a band is not very marketable or appealing to the masses...or anyone.

This gay drummer said to me "What's the point? If you play English songs locally, radio won't support, media won't cover, and we'll never have a #1 hit single"

Then I said "Eh fuck you, one day I prove to you that it can be done! Knnbccb"

So I quit the band and luckily I didn't get assed fucked by him. No offence to gay people, but yeah.

Graduated from Temasek Polytechnic as the Top 5 overall best student in the entire institution. Not bad for a half-fucked student I must admit! The computer geek in me is strong!!!!!!!! I can break a motherboard with my teeth. Ok maybe I can't.

Joined an internet computing firm owned by Indian immigrants, with peers from India. No offence, but I was totally outta my element there. Plus I'm albino, so the contrast in skin colour was really quite amusing if you think about it. I'm ridiculing myself, not the Indian immigrants btw.

I had a 3k salary a month.
Sat at a desk from 9-5
Day in day out
sat at a desk
day in day out
sat at a desk

then one day Sean asked me to join this rock band called Ronin.
I said no

day in day out
sat at a desk

sean asked me again, i said NOOOOOO I"M NOT GONNA JOIN ANOTHER BAND. Is the drummer gay too?!?!?!

Then one day I relented.

And the rest is history.

2 years later, I contacted the gay drummer in my original band and told him "Hey my band has a #1 hit. Just to let you know, you were totally fucking wrong!"

And since then, I never looked back. I was offered positions in overseas Universities and scholarships to study abroad. I gave that up because I couldn't be half fucked to get a piece of paper to certify my worth to a gawky overpaid boss.

I'll never look back with regrets.

Remember folks, live life once. And live it to the fullest. Because you'll never get a second chance.

...unless you believe in Buddhism and you'll be reborn...

But there might be a chance you'll be an ant in a second life. With a 30 second life span before somebody steps on you.

So yeah, do what thou wilt and thou wilt be the law.

Sorry, just rambling here.

blah blah bleeeee bleee bleep

yours,
levan

PS: I'm happy with our achievements as a band, but I hope we can become and develop into something much more. The pseudo rock posing getting a bit boring and predictable. I think we should all start wearing WALRUS OUTFITS with yellow helmets and strut around with my teeth hanging out. YOU ARE THE EGGMAN!!!

i saw eggtarts dance

2006-10-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

i saw eggtarts dance!

whee!

2006-10-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on a solo album with Leonard Soosay and Wayne Thunder (Of the Suns) are both producers and sound engineers. And with talented musicians from bands such as Ronin, Electrico, , The Suns, Parking Lot Pimp, and many more, and vocal talents from the above mentioned bands and many more. Looking for a release sometime early next year. And support from my close friends, it's one of the best things I've ever embarked on. Looking forward to it! Will keep everyone posted :)

To the rumour mongers, and the rumours about moi.!

2006-10-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Oh... I've heard some juicy rumours about myself circulating through the vines!

This always baffles me because people who know me and are close to me know this really well; I like seclusion and I always hang out with a very selective group of friends. I hate social parties, light conversation and I love void decks and the East. No one will catch me at clubs regularly nor social parties. If they do, it is probably a case of mstaken identity (i.e. some other albino person with long hair? lol ok I know, chances are low haha)

Anyway, here are some rumours I heard about myself. It might be a tad bit narcissistic to post them aloud, but hey it's my blog!

I've tried to address all these rumours with as much professionalism as I can master. Those of you reading will find my answers very eloquent and comprehensive. I've put much thought and effort into getting the words just right...a balance of politeness and a clear explanation is necessary in addressing these important issues...So here goes..

Rumour #1: "Hey Levan, I heard that you have AIDS!"

My reply:

Rumour #2: "Hey Levan, I hear your band Ronin think they are better than everyone else!"

My reply:

(And I think we suck btw...)

Rumour #3: "Hey Levan, I hear you fuck all your female teenage groupies!!!"

My reply:
Fuck you, kangaroo! lol

Rumour #4: "Hey Levan, I hear you keep 6 girlfriends at once!"

My reply:

Rumour #5: "Hey Levan, I hear you drink a lot and love the wild partying life!"

My reply:

____

And there it goes!
I think I've handled these rumours very nicely! It fact, I might have been overly nice to a fault! I am seriously considering the option of running as a politician for our lovely government.

Now to the mother fuckers who call my close friends my 'teenage groupies', I think you need to find better things to do. Like maybe take up a hobby or re-introduce the rave of stamp collecting. Or start masturbating and saving your semen in a jar and give it to your mother as a Mother's Day gift.

Eeee that's gross. Levan you are one sick fuck! I slap myself then you know.

HUH?!

Ok I shall start a rumour about myself now.

I dress up in women's clothes and I eat bras for breakfast!

Ok nevermind I"m not making sense.

hee hee! :D
_____

I remember how it was growing up, always feeling like such an oddity and out of place. In fact I still feel that way. No matter how many times we hit the stage to perform. I've accustomed myself to it, and I wear it on my sleeve. I believe that all of us, in our own little ways, feel out of place sometimes. I believe we all have our moments sitting in our room and not knowing where we fit in in this world. Perhaps mine is of a more physical obviousness, but I think on the inside, somewhere in our soul, we feel that pinch of loneliness sometimes. Of being misunderstood, and misinterpretted, and feeling unimportant to the grand plan of things.

To those that feel that way, don't.
Don't let anyone ever tell you what you are worth and what your life means. Because that is a decision left in your own hands.
And remember, everytime that tingle of loneliness and uncertainty creeps in, love is everlasting. And you see it in your friends and family.

Never give up on your dreams.

Because if you take away your dreams, what are we left with but an empty shell of broken promises to ourselves.

The Reality Of It All

2006-10-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

On the porch somewhere near the basketball court, beyond the haze that looms over us, I discovered a relative reality of myself. I look up to the everything that is above and I wonder; have we been conditioned to believe in our sense of self worth? The idealism of destiny and wishfulness of fate? Or are we just deluding ourselves into thinking that each of us has a pre-ordained importance to the world and people around us? Is everything that happens to us part of a greater plan from our divine master, or is it totally random shit?

There are days when I believe in my own destiny; where everything happens for a reason, and each learning curve is a stepping stone to where I'm supposed to be in life. That there are no boundaries, only obstacles to over come. There are no limits, only imaginary lines. And then there are times when everything comes crushing down and I look about me and I think to myself; "FUCKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

Is it better to live in our own delusions and be comforted by them, or is it more important to face the facts of reality? Maybe we all try to be martyrs to ourselves and to others, and are just forgetting that the world is eternally fucked

Then that relative reality passes, and everything's alright again.

Because at the end of the day, I believe that living happy in our sense of self worth and respect is much better than feeling sad and sorry for ourselves.

I know there are a number of people who are reading my blog. I'm surprised! Delighted! I shall start posting nude photos of myself on this journal space.

I'm kidding.

FREE DOWNLOAD TIME!

2006-08-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ho ho hum it's time for more free music downloads. This is a track off the upcoming charity album I've been working on. Do go out and get it soon at all 7-11 outlets and hostpials and cd shops. More details in the upcoming weeks!

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=11DF99BF1BC0E205
OR
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=8E970FE061FF3D76

LOVE WILL SHINE ON THROUGH
RONIN + FIONA XIE in a love song duet. - featuring Fiona Xie's english singing debut, and members of a choir

Soon to be featured on Chn 5 on Channel 5 Cares, along with 98.7FM
Made free for distribution :) Will be part of an upcoming charity album to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation and the Joan Chan Trust Fund.

LOVE WILL SHINE ON THROUGH
"Baby when I met you
In the streets out in the cold
I took your hand in mine and I knew
That love had shone on through

And darling when I met you
In a bittersweet embrace
Through the hurt and the pain, I remember
That love will shine on through

CHORUS
I said
Love will shine on through
Love will shine on you, my baby
No matter what you do, matter what you say, I'll be there for you, my darling
And love will shine on through

Fiona Xie - Spoken
"And darling, the first time I met you, in a bittersweet embrace...through the hurt and the pain..I'll always remember...love will shine on you, love will shine on true"

CHORUS

Fiona Xie, me, and bobby (The LAMB!)

2006-08-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

a day of recording with Fiona Xie and BOBBY (The LAMB!)

Love Will Shine On Through

2006-08-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Love Will Shine On Through

photo taken by Elsa!

I'll be the first to admit; i fucking hate kids.
Kids annoy me, they run around and they create a mess. They are the one thing that make me screeeeekkkkkkkkkk louder than them. They are a general nuisance and most of them need to be banned from public places in a lawful manner.

BUT

On a hot summer's day (which describes almost every single day in damned Singapore!), I was thinking of Stella's book; the editor of LIME's upcoming book soon to be published about cancer patients survival stories, and some who didn't survive their cancers as well). And I thought it'd be great to come up with a cd album full of local bands contributing songs to the album and releasing it to coincide with the book. And hopefully to include family members of those affected by the deaths of their friends or loved ones to sing on a song together and record it for release. In the hopes that some of the songs might help listeners going through the same ordeal these people went through in some small way or another; even if it put a tiny smile on their faces or kept them from shedding a few more tears. I think it matters really.

With the great great and irreplacable help of my friend, a kind soul named Leonard Soosay, and working hand in hand with Stella of LIME, we managed to pull together this project from scratch; and it's shaping up nicely. RONIN ourselves are contributing two tracks, with Daphne Khoo & West Grand Boulevard, a talented singer and friend Elsa, a talented young man Jamie, and two very special guest vocalists; FIONA XIE and SUN HO!. (FIONA I HEART YOU!), and various famiily members and loved ones of those who have lost their battle with cancer, the album will soon be released by the start of September. Please support the cause, and buy the album and the book, and all proceeds will go to a cancer foundation charity.

Ok back to the point;

I've always hated children. Eeeee!!! freaks out!
But when I went to Snakeweed studios one day to stand aside and observe the recording while Leonard did the engineering, there were kids eveywhere; children whose parents both died from cancer. Families and friends all coming together to sing on a song not to be famous or to get recognition, but because it was part of their healing process. And it was them trying to lend a supporting hand to others who might need it.

And just for that day and that moment, these kids actually made me smile and glad. And it was truly touching to see how joyful they were to be part of the project and excited to be recording their contribution to it.

I'm happy that such a small idea has grown so big. I don't know how well the cd sells, but if these songs touch but a single soul somewhere, somehow, in a small little way, I'm happy that we put our minds and efforts together to do it.

These things in life we strive for; money, fame, power, status; they are fickle and they fade when we are dead and buried six feet under in the ground. But the thing that will last forever is when, through an action or deed, you inspire someone else to make their lives better and through that, let them do the same blessing for another. These things transcend time.

Because, folks, at the end of the day, when everything is dead and gone, faded, and when the lights dim and the penumbra of our life disappears, love will shine on through.

Levan

thank u

2006-07-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

"the path you choose to walk in life always leads back to your heart, the hearts that you choose to walk the path with will always lead you back to life"
Leonard Soosay, friend

Things have changed a lot for me recently, through events that have happened in my life, a lot of personal reflection, and being surrounded by people whom I truly care for.
A life is only worth leading if through it, you improve the lives of others. :)
This is the ultimate goal I have set for my life, and from hereon I will dedicate myself to that belief

levan

My friends

2006-07-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have been doing a lot of deeper reflecting. Feeling my age getting to me, waking up cynical to the sun, jaded by the forces of time acting on a fractured will to live fowards. And then Sean, best friend in the same band Ronin, lent me this self help book. I've always thought self help books were fucking lame and meant for delusional people, but something in me wanted to give it a shot. I wasn't heading anywhere anyway, and my insides were churning from the friction of being idle in life.

I've met some very special people in my life recently. And although we haven't known each other for more than a few weeks, the time spent with them have been deeply meaningful and rejuvinating to me. For the longest time I've been viewing life as something owed to me; i am living, I deserve the best, it is my right to be happy. The irony is that my perception on life before meeting them was the fucked up thing about it. Nobody owes you a living, nobody owes you happiness.

And I've discovered the secrets to living a good happy life.

The best way to seek happiness in life is to seek happiness for others.

My new friends are young. They are like 16, 18, 20 year olds teenagers. And while most people my age might put them down as bloomers that have not yet 'realized' the 'reality' of life, I don't see them as such at all. Initially I was hesitant to get to know them better, simply because I feared what others would say of me; why bother with the immature 'kids'?, but I've come to realize something that has changed my life completely. Something that has made me a happier livelier and rediscovered person.

What is life? What is REAL life? Why, as people age, and accustom themselves to the bustle of our surroundings? As we age, we get more cynical as we face new 'realities' to life. So many people my age lose that spark that triggered them to push forwards in the first place. They stand jaded, passion faded and feel forced to abide by the normalities that our society place us in. Till they forget the simplicities of life that make us happy. I'm close to people my age, and I see them unhappy and angry at the way life has turned out different from what they expected it to be. They feel cheated. Disowned by the dreams they had.

But they forget the simple things that make us smile and laugh and feel loved. I was like that too for the longest time.

My friends have made me realize differently. :)

So I opened my heart, my mind, my time and my love to these people. To Natasha, to Gabriel, to Fiona, to Samantha, to Joycelyn. to Mel. And for the first time in a long long long time in the journey of my life, I let them inside. I rememebred, once again, how it felt to share. To give to and receive, and to do things for people not expecting things in return; but simply because it made you happy to do it for them. I received flake and criticism from people who thought they knew better, but in actual fact, know and understand less about the simple things in life because they have gotten caught up in the rat race to nowhere. And to these people I will give an official FUCK YOU.

My friends you have touched me with your hugs and your kisses and your love for each other and for me. And I love you all dearly. I will stand by you through your thick and thins, your love and your lost. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me rediscover a part of me that I thought I had lost forever. The abililty to love, and to feel loved.

Thank you. XXOOXXOOOXXOOOOooXXXoooXXXOx
:D
love,
Levan
(p.s. My name is NOT Ronin. lol)

Venturing into Myspace...

2006-06-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

photos

2006-06-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Totally crashed a pretty lame ass party a few days ago
was playing daidee with Fiona, Gabriel, and Joycelyn when in comes 3 peeps we've never met before. Seraphina, Lyn and Liyi. Turns out they're cool people..----> the ONLY people who knew how to had fun @ the party. Great meeting them.

Here we are, already wasted and totally fucking drunk.

far

2006-05-28T03:06:00.000-07:00

The blistering pace of life sometimes leaves us lost to its cause. We spend most of our time seeking for a solution for life's betterment, an antitode to the loneliness that sometimes consumes us in our darkest hours. Happiness, joy, love, admiration, respect. These things make us happy, wholesome, complete to the world; and keep us away from man's biggest fear; to be alone, unwanted, unneeded and unloved.

There have been fleeting moments in life that I recall. Temporary moments which, in the blink of an eye, were gone. Most of this life I have spent evading and avoiding people, an endless trail of paranoia. Mistrust. For no apparent reason, other than the fact that I didn't want to feel that collective frustration of disappointment again.

In a world that never leaves you alone, wherever you head to wherever you walk and everybody is expecting something from you, or expecting you to be a personality. Be it for a positive reflection or a negative stereotype. The bustle of self importance is nothing but a reflection of water. Nothing.

I wonder how you did it Joan. How you let people in, let your guard down and embraced your mortal weakness, while your soul soared through its endless struggle. How you found love in others and made others love you. I have been trying for the longest time but there is too much mistrust in me towards others. I remember too well how it was like before the roller coaster ride started. The antagonizing the misunderstanding. And I can't let it go, but yet you did. You surrendered yourself to your greatest friends and the ultimate love affair; in death you hugged your days close like a worn out teddy bear. By your side they stood by you, unwavering, unchanging, and the one constant you could rely on. You achieved life's greatest feat and accomplishment; unconditional love.

I think you could have been a teacher to me, even if you are younger, you are much wiser. I can only hope one day I will be able to open up to people the way you did.

My greatest self defence is physical intimacy; shallow interactions and listless conversational dissections. To hope that they would fill the lull in me. To be in control of something I can easily control. A temporary escapism that, if I concentrate hard enough, might almost seem real and fulfil a sense of attachment. Then when it ends and the sighs die down, there it comes again. Invisible but solid like a brick wall. To kiss the lips of someone you hardly know and then pretend that for that moment in time, it really matters.

And as the wisps of your lingering memory wrap around me one last time, I can't help myself from slipping away even further.

levan

Joan Chan Shu Fang

2006-05-26T12:49:00.001-07:00

I went to a wake today. You might have read about her in the papers. Her name was ShuFang, and she died on Wednesday from cancer after months of struggling and going through pain. She wasn't a personal friend of mine, but a friend of a friend. Yet when I visited the wake toady I couldn't bring myself to look straight into the coffin. There was a profound sadness. She was only 19.

Then I looked around me. And looked at all her close friends, who were like sisters to her. So close, so real, so genuine, that they stood by her day and night from the time she was healthy and happy, to the time when she knew her days were numbered. When she was strong, till she became frail and a shadow of herself.

When her body was broken, they suppoted her soul, kept her spirits up, through her pain and suffering.

I never got the chance to know her in this life.
Bless her soul, for she is in a better place now. She may have lived only a short period of time on our mortal earth, but if a person's life is measured by the friends he/she makes, then may she live on forever and ever.

Be safe Joan Chan Shu Fang. You are in the arms of an angel now. And you have touched me greatly with how you chose to lead your life.

http://joanchanshufang.blogspot.com

Bring me back all your wild whimsical fancies

2006-05-24T15:05:00.001-07:00

I remember the days and nights we'd spend alone in your room. Where we didn't need to do anything or say anything and we would just be as we are, soulmates. I remember the times where I would wipe your tears and hold your hand and, though weakened by the blades of love myself, I would try my best to be there for you. Because i wanted to. Because we touched each other's hearts in a way that nobody could ever replace. Because ours is a love that transcends our physical distance. And though I know that in his arms you sleep tonight, in each other's souls we stil reside. Even after all this time, even after all this while, I still miss you from the bottom of my heart.

When I finish shows with the band, I walk and stand and I greet our fans. The fans who make us happen with their love and enthusiasm for our music. The very people who keep us passionate. And I thank them, I thank them as much as I can personally. But there'll always be that part of me that knows all this will be temporary. The moment we fail to produce another hit single, or the moment we start getting predictable, it'll all go away like the blink of an eye.

We've struggled and we've prevailed for so long that I've become numb to the essence of the person I used to be. I've grown so detached from everyone and I can't relate with anyone anymore, because I don't even know how to relate with myself. It's safer to retreat and reside and refrain from committing yourself too much to one person. At least that way they won't ever take you for granted. They won't ever get the opportunity to see you weakened. and you will continue being the two dimensional person they believe you are. It's easier that way.

But every once in a while, for a few minutes or so, it seeps in.

Seeps into the cracks and erodes.

And then I find myself missing you again

Why do I do what I do, why do I keep going when I feel there's soemthing broken on the inside.

One day we will meet again
High up far away and above the rest of the world.
Isolated but not alone
:)

Bring me back all your wild whimsical fancies

2006-05-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Bobby's friendster

2006-05-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.friendster.com/user.php?uid=28698099

this is bobby's friendster account. go add the spastic sheep to ur friends list! add a testimonial for the spastic lamb also!

lyrics

2006-05-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

“Through the rubies in the sky
I think of you and wonder why
Have we become what we never wanted to be?
Made wretched our vices and never see
That if we had just made our way and carried on
Beyond our listless woe and petty scorn
We’d be holding hands and gazing through
The mirrors of our soul"

levan, lyrics

66.6 - the number of the beast!

2006-05-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

Please, everyone, read this
(cut and paste)
http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/singapores-farcical-election-undermines-its-achievements/2006/05/02/1146335732352.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

then read this
http://soft.com.sg/2006/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=14494

then read the daily PAP newsletter
..
Sorry I mean the Straits Times

2006-05-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

at times i am everybody else's
and nobody's own
chasing an endless dream
just to get back home
and they say time will tell your fate
but who's to know what's too early
and what's too late

Ronin @ Istanna

2006-04-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

The five of us will be meeting the President of Singapore for tea @ the Istanna this coming Saturday, where we shall mingle, joke and be jolly! :) I don't know what we're supposed to do there actually.

But as long as there's a buffet, I have no complaints.

I should field some tough politically-charged & thought-provoking questions to him, seeing as how Elections are coming up, such as

"What DO you ACTUALLY do?"
"Do you watch porn?"
"Wanna grab a beer?"
"How much is a room for rental at the Istanna?"
"Do you want us to perform at the next National Day Parade?"
"Are you anything like Clinton?"
"Ever had the hots for young school teachers?"

Shall think of more things to ask the President. Photos to be uploaded.

Daily Routine

2006-04-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is how most people ---assume--- a usual day goes
1. Gets up,
2. plays a show/performance,
3. brings the groupies backstage, shags them all,
4. do drugs and alcohol till we're wasted
5. smoke
6. go disco disco dance dance party feel up girls
7. 'rockstars' don't need sleep!!!!!!!!!

this is how the day REALLY goes
1. gets up
2. plays a show/performance
3. rush off the katong for game of DOTA at Katong Asteroids LAN Cafe with the other four bastards int he band
4. 3 hours later still at the LAN Center with the other four bastards
5. go tampines mall, check out second hand bookstore
6. go home, watch dvds in my room
7. best time of the day! supper time, head to Simpang Bedok to meet friends, talk for 3 hours minimal, eat chicken wings + milo dinosaur
8. head home, read book
9. sleep

fucking boring right? haha
always been a geek

2006-02-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

from visiting at least 20 schools and with us visiting at least 20 more, it's safe to say one thing

THE SINGAPORE EDUCATION SYSTEM SUCKS BALLS!

The number of anal teachers far outweigh the number of cool ones we've met.
It's a system that snuffs out creativity and 'encourages' you to obey what others tell you is the right thing to do, and if you don't listen, you're fucked up. There's little space for alternatives, and very little tolerance for students to actually stretch themselves creatively. But in every school we've been to, there's mostly a strong underlining vibe of rebellion, probably stemming from disciplinary oppression. The irony is that most of the 'top' schools in Singapore have a slightly more laxed discipline approach, while the 'neighbourhood' schools are usually the stern and obnoxiously anal and self righteous ones. I'm talking about the people in charge of the schools, NOT the students. The students are cool. At least those had the chance to meet.

We are a country educated by many soul-less uninspired individuals.

HAPPY V DAY!

2006-02-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

Alamak, VALENTINE'S DAY IT IS!

Commercialism to the max!

And as usual I had no Valentines :) Year in year out I've never celebrated a single Valentines.
When I was in secondary school with the gawky glasses and tucked in uniform, not on the school track n field team, cannot run x country like shit, always reading books, nobody ever asked me to be their Valentine's :)

So now that i'm in this silly thing called a rock band, with the gawky glasses and still cannot run for shit and most definitely not in the track n field team still, always reading books, still not having any Valentines! :)

Anyway here are the lyrics for a Billy Joel song. Yes, Billy Joel, one of the greatest song writers of all time, no thanks to local radio which never plays his songs (except Class 95)

ohh when will you realize, vienna waits for you? :D

Slow down, you crazy child
you're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart, tell me
Why are you still so afraid?

Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out
You've got so much to do and
Only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told..
That you can get what you want or you get old
You're gonna kick off before you even
Get halfway through
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Slow down, you're doing fine
You can't be everything you want to be
Before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight
Tonight,...
Too bad but it's the life you lead
you're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong, you know
You can't always see when you're right. you're right

You've got your passion, you've got your pride
but don't you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Slow down, you crazy child
and take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile
it's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two
When will you realize,..Vienna waits for you?
And you know that when the truth is told
that you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get half through
Why don't you realize,. Vienna waits for you
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

U2 SWEEPS GRAMMIYS!

2006-02-09T01:04:00.000-08:00

U2 sweeps the GRAMMYS!
Winning ALBUM OF THE YEAR, BEST ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR<, SONG OF THE YEAR and winning all five categories they were nominated in.

OMG, u2 rocks!

Rock For Good, Catholic High

2006-02-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Rock For Good + Catholic High were a blast.
It's incredible how crazy people are getting at our shows these days.
Brings me back to the days when we only had 10 or so disinterested people in the audience.
Here's a clip from the Catholic High performance I took from stage! Think I'll do this from now on!
CATHOLIC HIGH - SCHOOL TOUR - QUICKTIME FORMAT
http://s18.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=30SEMCP04IE2W2BGEQAHJCJ254

CATHOLIC HIGH - SCHOOL TOUR - MEDIA PLAYER FORMAT
http://s12.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=32MRTHGNR73B21J17H47PFOKXD

Never celebrated Valentine's Day in my life! Totally forgot what date it was too until somebody reminded me. It's the day where people bank on the idea of romance to make profits. Shouldn't we all be celebrating the idea of Valentine's Day everyday? :D

2006-01-01T04:01:00.000-08:00

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

Shared to me by a frien. Which completely captures why I do what I do. Here's hoping to a great 2006 ahead for all of us!

DVD Craze

2005-11-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

Borrowed DVD - First season of Lost from Leonard
Must say, the show IS captivating, but I feel somewhat overrated. It does have a knack at cliffhangers though, which is the vice of every dvd-addict (like me) The cast members aren't exactly great though, even if I dig Locke (the bald hunter guy) and Hurley (the lottery winner).

Just got Seasons 4 and 5 of SIX FEET UNDER. Another vice. Other stuff I've seen this year include OZ (Love that) and best series I've seen so far; SEX AND THE CITY. Yes, I am in touch with my feminine side. But that one the one TV Series I couldn't get enough of. Even downloaded it.

Still to catch Southpark later seasons.

The new Zouk looks kinda like a crossbreed between an alien ship and a hangover in the 80's.

Sometimes you can't make it on your own

2005-09-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

We, as human beings, are more inclined to feeling miserable. We face an eternal struggle of wanting more than what we have. I know I am just part of this consequence. The things we do, the things we strive for - everything is just pathfinding our way to something rare and beautiful called happiness. Happiness is a warm gun.

Who we are what we do the friends we make , does it equate to the person we are?
There are countless times that all of us just sit and think and wonder if what we are doing will amount to anything at all in the long haul? Everybody has an idealistic view on their purpsoe in life; everything has a purpose, everything happens for a reason. But there are more than a billion of us that populate. Are there enough roles in our humanized universal to fill out a billion? Is it remotely possible that some of us are here for greater purposes while the rest are meant to be filler?

And if we are filler, does that make us inconsequential?

I wonder

Yours,
Levan
msn: lerping@msn.com

Interview Answers

2005-08-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

A recent interview I did with a fan who sent in his questions. If you guys are interested in knowing anything else just send your email to wolf@roninriot.com and I'll try my best to answer everything! Ask anything you want. Thanks!

> 1. when did you guys meet, and tell us how your name came about?
Every member of Ronin came from the same school; Victoria School. The best years of our lives really. But the funny thing is we never actually knew each other

in secondary school. We only formed when most of the others were in JC and everyone just wanted to form a rock band together. Initially, we all hated

each other's guts. We still hate each other's guts but it's very amiable and productive now! The name RONIN came about when Bang and Derryn were

deciding on the philosophy of the band. If you research on what the word RONIN actually means, you'll know that it follows through (and true) to what

we represent. We're all quite fucked up people but we do have a sense of humour and aren't afraid to laugh at ourselves. That's what works for us.

>
> 2. tell us more about your music influences.

Most of us listen to the classic rock stuff. Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Black Sabbath etc. Bang listens to a variety of things that go beyond

normal human comprehension. Sean digs Pink Floyd and the works, Derryn's into Metallica and Simon was into Canto Pop in the past. I'm a fan of KISS

and U2.

>
> 3. what do you think of the local music scene?
I honestly think that it's been striving and thriving a lot lately. There is a lot of interest amongst youths now; everyone wants to form a rock band and become

a rockstar these days. But the main problem with the local scene is the lack of foundation. Even if you're signed to a major label like Electrico, Pug Jelly or us,

you're still left to fend for yourselves in the media circus anyway. Bands are still in charge of their album production, video productioon, media exposure,

radio airplay etc. It's all VERY tedious and very hard work but few people realize that. The local music scene has a long ways to go, but it is getting there. But it's not gonna get any easier.

> 4. is there enough exposure for local artists? are you personally struggling
> for support?
There is sufficient exposure for local artistes, but it could be better. Radio is making efforts into giving more exposure to local music by making airplay much

more frequent. But for every step forward, there's always a mile ahead to go. The main problem is that nobody is yet willing to finance bands and their

marketing side. These things aren't mutually exclusive.

>
> 5. do you think the lack of support is due to the existence of music from
> overseas artists?
Our scene is still young by international standards. So as long as we keep the momentum up and keep the quality there, the support will come. Too many fuckers whine about the lack of exposure and do nothing about it. All bands should take that extra initiative to gain exposure if they don't have it.

> 6. do you think a competiton (e.g. school of rock) or a long-term project is
> better to promote local artists? any suggestions?

The thing about competitions is that they tend to be fads. They do support the scene and make it the new cool for a bit, but it is up to the bands themselves to keep the whole machine operating, the whole scene alive. Competitions are temporary solutions and they don't really promote a new level of support. They just give the band's families and friends a few weeks for something to cheer about before the popularity sizzles and fades. Kinda like Singapore Idol and the whole fucked up thing with Sylvester Sim the moron. The best long term solution to keeping the scene up is simply convincing the government bodies to push for bigger exposure, better venues, more publicized events, and to lay the groundwork for musicians to survive with their craft.

> 7. do you think locals should support local music? why?
Yes, they most definitely should; for the simple fact that it's easier to relate to a local musician than with 50 Cent singing about his 'ho girls', overweight american people talking about President Bush and Mariah Carey slutting herself. I'm not saying local bands should talk about Katong chicken rice, but somehow local musicians will be able to give a more accurate perspective of how our culture thinks and comment on it.

> 8. tell me how important you think it is to have a programme to promote
> local artists in Singapore.

It depends on the programme. If the programme is well produced, it's a definite gem and green light for local musicians,a and it'll help tons. But if local programmes are forever portraying musicians as the poor struggling musicians, the general public won't give a fuck. There's nothing to idolize and to look up to; only a sympathetic nod and a 'carry on you sad poor fuck' commentary. To push local music to new levels, the portrayal of local musicians needs to change for the better. Perception and first impressions are KEY to creating that buzz.

> 9. Any advice for young musicians?

Do what thou wilt, and just fucking never give up on your dreams and ambitions. Believe in yourselves and the world will believe in you. If anyone gives you shit, ignore them for now but plot your revenge later! haha!

> 10. plans for the future?

Rock n roll till my bones start to grind themselves to dust. Either that, or retire and start a cafe or start a label to help promote local bands in marketing and promotions.

> 11. if there is a gig held to promote local artists, will you be willing to
> perform?
Most definitely.

2005-07-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

People who abuse charity money should be castrated and publicly embarrassed for being the fucktards that they are. And when they try to rationalize and back up their reasons for doing so, it makes it worse.

Anyway we had a gig at Bishan Park this past Sunday which we didn't advertise to anyone about. We didn't even have a fixed setlist to play, and the songs we decided to perform were decided on onstage. A refreshing change from everything once in a while.

The album will be released by the end of August. This is a confirmed deadline.

It's another rainy day. Perfect weather for another stint with Grand Theft Auto SA. ho hum

and i feeelllll.....feeelllllllleeelllllllellllll!

2005-07-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

People start blogs in optimism! Because everybody has an ideal perception of their own perception, and we all believe that we have a divine duty to share our thoughts and emotions to the world. To let everyone know we're real! reallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!

:D

:|

levan

2005-06-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

MONEY
Oh the devil may do what the devil may dare
But that devil doesn't give a damn now
So you can take and you can make what your money can buy
And you know it's gonna be alright now

Ma-ma-ma mary wanna be my baby
Mary wanna be mary wanna be rich now
Money gets in the sack
Saying money makes the world go around and around

So come on baby, show me the money! Yeah, yeah, yeah

Money money
Give me what I want now
Money money money
Money Money
It's all I ever need now
Money Money money

Get a car, get a woman, get a credit card
Yeah I know what I want and I know how to get it
So don't you try to deny that there's nothing money can't buy
I'm a wolf in a dog eat dog world

So come on baby
I want a nickle of your love!

CHORUS

BRIDGE
So you spend your life spending all your money and you won't go far
Cause at the end of the day it won't matter anyway what you do or say
That's the price you pay
It doesn't matter anyway now, way now honey way now honey, yeah!

CHORUS
Give me your hard earned money
Give me, give me your hard earned money
That's all

PROPAGANDAGENDA

2005-05-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

PROPAGANDAGENDA

Time is a ticking 'A' Bomb,
Waiting to explode
Your propagandagenda
Deception overload
You're stepping in a minefield
Standing on a razor's edge
Just listen up and you will find
The system for the blind

CHORUS
I ain't believin' what you believe in, yeah
I ain't believin', and I will not take your lies

Suicidal mission
Nothing criminal
Just take him down and take him out
So democratical
Wasted like a broken man
So you take him to the court of law
You break him down and spit him out
You propaganda whore

CHORUS
I ain't believin' what you believe in, yeah
I ain't believin', and I will not compromise

We won't take no more!
We won't take no more!
We won't take no more!
We won't take no more lies!

SOLO

*spoken*
In a technicolour world, where the colours bleed into one
All you know is all you are is all you'll ever be

CHORUS
We won't take no more!
We won't take no more!
We won't take no more!
We won't take no more lies!

The Ronin Album

2005-05-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Ronin album will feature the following tracks. Some titles are tentative. Loads of new songs, and all the old songs on the album will be fully re-mixed and re-mastered.

It was all fun, not so fun, and plain fuckin' stressful during the recording of the album. But we're glad to say that the work's been worth the while. Some songs will be along the lines of the stuff you liked on the EP, while some others will be total Ronin re-inventions; but hopefully all will be worth your aural indulgence.

We're in the final stretch now. The final haul. The mixing. Mastering will proceed on the 28th of May in the United States.

I'm so fucking glad! And we're all so damn glad to be getting outta the studio and gigging for you guys again. NOTHING gives us more adrenaline than playing in front of a live crowd. We'll be playing everywhere from school concerts to hitting the business districts at Raffles Place. We're also currently being filmed for a documentary on us Ronins for Channel News Asia, so check us out on TV soon taking the piss outta each other (as we always do)

ALBUM
Note: * = fully remixed and remastered!

Supercharger Blues
Take It Off
Black Maria
*Revolution
Hail To The God Of Rock N' Roll!
Propagandagenda
*Animal
*Crazy Son
Money (Give Me What I Really Want)
You Know (You Got It!)
Anywhere You Go
*Do What Thou Wilt
Just Another Fucker (JAF)

2005-05-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

it is easier to detest than to like.

2005-05-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

I just submitted my first article for MTVasia.com! Hope it'll be up soon and I'll post the link

Currently listening to U2- Miracle Drug. Go get it!

2005-04-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

You run down this tunnel. Hoping to find the light somewhere at the end of it. It's supposed to make it worth the while see. It's supposed to validate the reason why you do it in the first place.

Hopefully it does. Because I know this is the crux.

God give me strength to see this through.

2005-03-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

i cheated on tests occasionally during primary school, once in a while during secondary school, had to choose between JC and poly; picked poly. cheated in those tests too. If I had tests to take now, I'd be probably cheating occasionally too. But only for those that require me to memorize chunks of rubbish from textbooks. Because I don't believe proving my ability to memorize passages will prove very useful in a daily cnotext.