Articles from RocketFuel (2013 - 2014)
A friend of mine, who was fresh out of college, decided to start a music blog. She wanted to bring me along for the ride. I was doing my degree that time. So without hesitation, I said yes. I have always enjoyed music and have a strong passion towards listening to to the many of songs out there in the world. Although my interest was first fixated on rock n' roll, my taste has branched out from one genre to the multiple facets music has to offer. During the time of writing this blog, I was still fresh as a writer, but I learned a lot from my friend, the editor of this blog, who had way more experience when it comes to writing articles. All in all it was an experience filled with discovery, of finding new music and finding my writing voice.
Below are the few articles I wrote for RocketFuelMag:
HAVE YOU HEARD: DIA FRAMPTON
Working with roughly 50 different musicians for her debut single album, especially famous artists like Kid Cudi, Mark Foster and Isom Innis from Foster The People. Even Blake Shelton, her mentor from the voice and her own sister, and band member from Meg and Dia, Meg Frampton helped out with the album. The album received positive reviews from music critics; highlighting the production, features and ultimately, her lyrics.
By listening to her album, one will notice her versatility; producing pop electronic beats such as, “Walk Away” and “Don't Kick The Chair”, a country vibe in “Billy The Kid”, and an acoustic melody in “Daniel.”
This will be the third time I mention this song, so please bear with me; this song has captivated me to the very tingle in my bones. A line within the song “Walk Away” would in itself tell them boys and girls on how love should be: “love is what you give, not given up”.
The songs she produces would mainly attract the feminine crowd but it could even attract the masculine crowd; not only because of the sweet and loving vibe that surrounds her benevolent aura, but because the poetic insight within her lyrics, will give you a gist of how life is.
Meg and Dia was a great platform for Miss Dia Frampton to have; for one can take notice to how her songwriting has developed. She is definitely like no other musician, and though expectations for her would be very high, I am looking forward to her new album and hope she keeps up the music she produces.
For your leisure, here is a live video of Dia Frampton's walk away:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyW8VGmejTg
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
TREASURING THE IMPACT OF THE 90s
Besides the pop singers and the boy bands like Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys, the sounds of alternative rock were pumping the sound systems for the generations who embraced the 90's - giving music fans of the mainstream scene a diversity of music to tune in to.
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
TREASURING THE IMPACT OF THE 90s
"Grunge music had taken meaningful songs to more personal level as their songs were personally cryptic – about being the outcasts of society. Their music allows us to look within ourselves – the tortures out of the goods that life comes to offer."
Ashraf writes his point of view on the impact of Grunge today.
Besides the pop singers and the boy bands like Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys, the sounds of alternative rock were pumping the sound systems for the generations who embraced the 90's - giving music fans of the mainstream scene a diversity of music to tune in to.
Alternative rock came about and spread the headbang phenomena through the radio stations; household names like Blink-182, Weezer, The Smashing Pumpkins and ultimately, Dave Grohl's Foo Fighters.
Many might wonder what were the roots of alternative rock. Music does evolve from one genre to the other, as the former always inspiring the latter – in this case grunge had played a big part in inspiring the sounds of alternative music. It was Nirvana's rise to fame that paved the way for the alternative scene to get a spot in the limelight.
It could be seen plainly in two particular songs:
Blink-182 used Nirvana's hit song Come as you are in their song, Adam's Song, “I took my time, I hurried up, the choice was mine, I never think enough,”
In Weezer's Heart Songs, their second verse is dedicated to Nirvana and referring to them as their inspiration.
As Kurt Cobain passed on, grunge music sadly faded with him, thus is the fate of all genres. Like true friends, they came and they went, leaving an impact to lo and behold; just as the beat niks of the 60's, the heavy sounds of the 70's and the dance themes of the 80's.
Grunge music had taken meaningful songs to a more personal level as their songs were personally cryptic – about being the outcasts of society. Their music allows us to look within ourselves – the tortures out of the goods that life comes to offer.
Today, the grunge scene can barely be seen within the music industry. Out of all the bands the current generation's music has to offer, only three bands come close to being comparable to grunge music: The White Stripes, The Dead Weathers and The Kills – with their distortion and vocals which has evolved from the prominent sound of grunge music.
The emergence of grunge was only realized when the drums of Dave Grohl, the strings of Krist Novoselic and the voice of Kurt Cobain blasted through the sound systems; as music fans started headbanging to the sound of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. It became one of those phenomenons musicians all alike dream of.
Their album, Nevermind, hit the charts and replaced Michael Jackson's Dangerous at No.1. It was only after that, did Pearl Jam's album Ten, became a hit in the charts and Soundgarden had 2 Grammy Awards to their name, Black Hole Sun and Spooonman. Everyone simply tuned in to the sound that was grunge.
If there are anyone who would say that Nirvana had sold the grunge scene out, tell them to stop being the hipsters they think they are. Music has always been around for all to indulge in - to be shared amongst everyone; not specific target audiences. If a song becomes mainstream, it only comes to show that it's simply that good. Nirvana proved a point, just like what The Sex Pistols did in the 70's: even outcasts can swindle their way into the spotlight.
Grunge had played a vital part in rock and music history alike. They were defined as rock music categorised by a raucous guitar sound and lazy yet powerful vocal delivery. These were people who are categorised as Creeps – being “half the man they used to be”, living a life in a Nutshell where “privacy is raped”, in which turned their world to Black, “tattoos all they see”, as they wish upon a Black Hole Sun to “come and wash away the rain.”
Through their music, they came as they were, as a friend and how music fans and musicians alike wanted them to be: a memorable treasure worthy of remembrance.
These are my heart songs,
They never feel wrong
And when I wake for goodness sake,
These are the songs I keep singing.
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
The world will criticise you in a myriad of ways, and it may just disrupt your emotion, but you with your voice, with your mind; that inner strength that makes you, you, can disprove their degradation, by doing what your passion drives you to do best.
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH MY BODY! (NOT LITERALLY THOUGH)
Say what you want about Lady Gaga, but it's difficult to deny the extraordinary quality of the dynamics she projects through her voice. “You can't have my heart and you won't use my mind but... DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH MY BODY!”
Inspiring and sexy, Lady Gaga has done it again; expressing independence through connotations of sex. Out from her 2013 album, Artpop, the song just makes you wanna scream along with her, “DO WHAT YOU WANT WITH MY BODY!!!” (as I do numerous times on a daily basis. Sometimes it comes off as me being a little creepy, but.. do what you want with my body!)
Lady Gaga is known to scream or in this case, sings out sex, though merely as metaphoric means to enunciate individualism. The song’s simple yet expressive lyrics denotes, beyond the obvious sex and independence, a very poignant and emotional melody. Prying into the fact that everyone wants to be known as an individual, the song blends in well with the thoughts of the current generation.
The world will criticise you in a myriad of ways, and it may just disrupt your emotion, but you with your voice, with your mind; that inner strength that makes you, you, can disprove their degradation, by doing what your passion drives you to do best.
The song is suggested to be directed to her critics. When she amplified, you can't stop my voice, she certainly turned the tides against their "write what you want, say what you want" attitude; giving music critics no choice but to ironically acknowledge the voice that made the simplistic melody exceptional - some even comparing her to Tina Turner and Christina Aguilera.
Upon first hear, I actually mistook her voice for that of Christina Aguilera's. A while later though, I stumbled upon a video on Youtube, of Lady Gaga performing the song with Christina Aguilera on the TV series, The Voice. The impact of their combined energy was undeniably exhilarating. Two powerhouse voices searing through your speakers.
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
A sight into the mind of 'Raksasa'
The Eccentric who followed a guiding light
Note: This article was written in July 2012
A time traveling vagabond who warped into our times, rambling without a place to call his own and adopting a wherever-I-lay-my-head-that's-my-home philosophy.
His eccentric style makes his life story very intriguing. Pushing society's expectations out the window, he instills his own deep, nonchalant and cryptic lifestyle. Reaching his 30's, he like every other human being has gone through a rough patch of life. Though unlike most people, he had to face time in prison.
Going through prison, he felt the chimes of freedom flash before his very eyes. On the top side, he managed his 9 months doing time without much complaint. Considering the fact his fellow inmates were at times being a nuisance, stealing his blanket among other acts, he, however, did not have the heart to apply such acts to his fellow inmates. All he wanted was to do time with a peace of mind. Though he did have a few interesting chats with his fellow inmates.
While most people have not had the slightest clue of who they'll become, he had 9 months to give it more than enough thought. And it seemed to have worked, seeing as he spent most of his time alone which gave him plenty of time to create new thoughts and deal with old ones.
He found liberation while in rehab. However, he was quoted in saying, “unsure whether it was freedom by force or free will.” Like how movies usually decipher what rehab centers are like and the cynicism of psychiatrists.
The worst experience he encountered in prison he said, “Brainwashing. They know you for 5 minutes but they consider you as someone like that.” Saying as if they expect him to be just like everyone else when in reality, every person has their own individualistic aspect.
After this endeavour, he had a very strong urge to turn his downfall into a new dawn. Buying a guitar for RM300, he indulged into his struggles by escaping into the world of music and begun to create songs straight from his soul.
By having an interest in music since he “hasn't been born,” his passion for music is truly serenic. He creates his songs out of a storyline. He picked out 10 songs he had written, out of a list of 50, to include in his recently produced album, jualbeli tanggapan.
He doesn't place his songs under any specific genre as he doesn't believe a singer or a band should belong to one. “Every song is a different genre. It depends on the emotions portrayed within the song.”
He also added that, when he writes a song, it was as if there is an entity guiding him to produce his songs. With his deep and eccentric explanation of music, he reminded me of all the great songwriters who have fallen and are currently rising.
When it came to current listenings, he felt that Lady Gaga emerged from the rest. “She is a punk rocker without a claim. You can tell when you listen to her lyrics and style.” This statement further emphasize his philosophy when it comes to music.
From listening to Bob Dylan's 60's mayhem hit, The Times They Are a-Changin', he realised that grammar plays an important role in creating music. Also adding to his comment that, “Without all this language, just listen to your heart,” referencing Roxxette.
Flowing through what he listens to while he's creating his songs, he “fights the moonlight” - challenging himself against Leann Rhymes' hit song Can't Fight The Moonlight. As he stays intact with his emotions when he performs, he amplifies his poignant lyrics towards the audience and cause them to feel the ambiance of the song rush through their veins, encouraging goosebumps to appear.
How he got the name Raksasa? “I am into cartoons and animation. They make better jokes than people.” Going on about cartoon characters like Spongebob and Chowder. There was no surprise that he, with his eccentric character, had a certain bond with cartoon characters. “Raksasa is a myth, a Malay word for monster.” He is a dying breed within the music industry and I truly believe he has the right combination of passion and ability to make a difference in the Malaysian music scene.
When it came to his future aspirations, he simply answered, “I'm looking forward to having my own band and to be able to get shows that will pay for the band.”
After learning much about him through his full honesty, we complimented him by saying he was a dying breed when it comes to music. Ending the answer with his trademark laughter, he merely said, “Yeah you know, I'm Raksasa.”
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
WE'RE BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME - BOB DYLAN STYLE
Note: The article below is of the opinion and observation of the writer - his own analysis of Bob Dylan - and not in it's entirety backed by facts
Album:
Bringing It All Back Home
"Johnny's in the basement mixing up the medicine, i'm on the pavement thinking about the government."
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Presenting to you Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home - an album like no other. Mixing his signature folk-ish melodies with a gland of rock n' roll, and his acute observation in life, he had created a poignant work of art which poetically expresses insights on the socio-political circumstances his generation (and coincidently the generations to come as well) had to endure.
"You will start outstanding, Proud to steal her anything she sees."
She Belongs To Me
Before the release of the album, at a time when he thought songs could change the world, Bob Dylan was known as a political songwriter - labeled as the voice of his generation. Being a part of the political movement at the time, following the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. to the road of freedom, he sung out, beautifully in verses, what the people wanted, or even needed, to hear.
"Well, I try my best, To be just like I am, But everybody wants you, To be just like them"
Maggie's Farm
Tired of giving the people what they wanted to hear from 'Bob Dylan', he rebelled against the system and took his melodies to a whole different level - as he sung of emotions beyond the political sphere. Thus, Bringing It All Back Home was produced. Though essence of socio-political issues could still be heard within his songs, a difference could be felt in this album. By no longer being a part of any establishment - organisation or movement - Dylan became freer than free, bringing his music along with him.
"She knows there's no success like failure, And that failure's no success at all."Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Though most people believed that Dylan had distanced himself from singing protest songs, in actuality, he couldn't. He always sang about the struggles humanity faces and he continued on to do so throughout his living life. His die hard folk fans didn't turn their backs on him because he stopped singing "protest songs", they went against him for the electric melodies he included in his songs. Nevertheless, Bob Dylan never fails to create songs that provides people with the urge to decipher. The poetic style placed into his songs never falls short of encouraging insight for the listeners - leaving them to dwell into the meaning behind his songs.
"Don't ask me nothin' about nothin', I just might tell you the truth."Outlaw Blues
Disgruntled by the anomalies of life, his writing in this album became more surreal. (Surrealism reference: He may have been inspired by surrealist masters Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel for all we know). It escaped the traditional methods of songwriting, further enhancing thought amongst listeners. One could even say his cryptic songwriting paved the way for the psychedelic movement in music... Besides the LSD that is.
"Then you ask me why I don't live here, Honey, how come you don't move?"On The Road Again
Due to the death of John F. Kennedy, he felt disjointed. He had lost all hope in the political landscape. Thus, his adventurous soul had urged him to move on - leading him to venture away from political driven folk melody. No longer was he the voice of a generation. Fate lead him to take on the role of a rebel, singing songs of a more human level; becoming a voice for every generation.
"I said, "You know they refused Jesus, too" He said, "You're not Him, Get out of here before I break your bones, I ain't your pop."Bob Dylan's 115th dream
The electrifying Maggie's Farm performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 had enraged his political melodies' fan base, as boos and disdain were echoed throughout the performance. Though the fans of his folk melodies objected to his rejuvenation, rest assured, his songs never run dry. Bringing It All Back Home managed to attract a wider range of audiences which adhered to the melodies of life Bob Dylan had produced.
"Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin' ship, My senses have been stripped, my hands can't feel to grip"Mr. Tambourine Man
Though he had ventured into the path of electronic melodies, the song Mr. Tambourine Man proved that Bob Dylan was still Bob Dylan. A dreamy soothing feel that creates a silence amongst his listeners, as they dream of a meet with the Tambourine Man, mesmerized by the inquisitive sophistication the melody produced. A trademark Bob Dylan melody.
"At times I think there are no words, But these to tell what's true, And there are no truths outside the Gates of Eden."Gates of Eden
What is true to you, would be proven untrue by another. To me, Bob Dylan's sophisticated mind proved he was wise beyond his years. He was a knowledgeable adventurer - linking his predicaments in life to the books he read and the thoughts he dwelled in. The end result: Poignant and intriguing melodies of life. Some critics would agree with me. While others would prove otherwise.
"An' though the rules of the road have been lodged, It's only people's games that you got to dodge, And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.."It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
The album Bringing it all back home, is an album of rebellion. Every essence of the album was a rebellion. His lyrics, his choice of words, his beats, heck even the album cover was a form of rebellion. Though his folk fans had abandoned him as being the voice of the generation, rock n' roll fans welcomed him with open arms, and thus his fate is inescapable. Due to his socio-political driven poetic melodies, he had no choice but to accept his fate: a voice for the people.
"The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense, Take what you have gathered from coincidence"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
The album is a compilation of stories continued from his previous album, Another Side of Bob Dylan. The personal story of Bob Dylan, of how he had endured an evolution, transforming from being a wise and naive (definition of naive here is: lacking worldly experience) songwriter to a rebellious cynical one. Nonetheless, he created melodies people could adhere to and he wrote songs in a manner the audience could relate to. This itself justifies his claim, "I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I'll die like a poet."
The fortune of going to a Bob Dylan concert, even though he is at an old age, was a blessing. The experience was phenomenal. Albeit, the crowd could barely listen to his venerable voice, they stood there in silence, listening attentively.
Bob Dylan has shared his knowledge and wisdom through the melodies he has created, with what I would consider honest feelings (even if he disagrees with me). From his self-titled debut album to his most recent, he has not failed to deliver; creating songs that would last and be felt at a personal level by the generations even long after his time. Duly a popular figure amongst his peers, with modern artists who contributed to the 'Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan, honoring 50 years of Amnesty International' album, which included the likes of Rise Against, Tom Morello and even the likes of Miley Cyrus and Kesha, is a statement in itself, as they turned his songs to a melody the current generation could tune in to. Even during his prime he had musicians covering his songs - from Peter, Paul and Mary, The Byrds and Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few. His voice may not be appealing to all, but he has done what he set out to do, produce compelling music that could be shared amongst the English literate audience.
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
CHANGE: A CONSTANT ESSENCE OF OUR EVERYDAY LIVES
Note: Throughout this article we will be extracting lyrics from songs that are in relations to change and how music, no matter the genre, can create a melodious tune concerning the same felt emotions.
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same
They'll all look at me and say,
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
WE'RE BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME - BOB DYLAN STYLE
Album:
Bringing It All Back Home
"Johnny's in the basement mixing up the medicine, i'm on the pavement thinking about the government."
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Presenting to you Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home - an album like no other. Mixing his signature folk-ish melodies with a gland of rock n' roll, and his acute observation in life, he had created a poignant work of art which poetically expresses insights on the socio-political circumstances his generation (and coincidently the generations to come as well) had to endure.
"You will start outstanding, Proud to steal her anything she sees."
She Belongs To Me
Before the release of the album, at a time when he thought songs could change the world, Bob Dylan was known as a political songwriter - labeled as the voice of his generation. Being a part of the political movement at the time, following the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. to the road of freedom, he sung out, beautifully in verses, what the people wanted, or even needed, to hear.
"Well, I try my best, To be just like I am, But everybody wants you, To be just like them"
Maggie's Farm
Tired of giving the people what they wanted to hear from 'Bob Dylan', he rebelled against the system and took his melodies to a whole different level - as he sung of emotions beyond the political sphere. Thus, Bringing It All Back Home was produced. Though essence of socio-political issues could still be heard within his songs, a difference could be felt in this album. By no longer being a part of any establishment - organisation or movement - Dylan became freer than free, bringing his music along with him.
"She knows there's no success like failure, And that failure's no success at all."Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Though most people believed that Dylan had distanced himself from singing protest songs, in actuality, he couldn't. He always sang about the struggles humanity faces and he continued on to do so throughout his living life. His die hard folk fans didn't turn their backs on him because he stopped singing "protest songs", they went against him for the electric melodies he included in his songs. Nevertheless, Bob Dylan never fails to create songs that provides people with the urge to decipher. The poetic style placed into his songs never falls short of encouraging insight for the listeners - leaving them to dwell into the meaning behind his songs.
"Don't ask me nothin' about nothin', I just might tell you the truth."Outlaw Blues
Disgruntled by the anomalies of life, his writing in this album became more surreal. (Surrealism reference: He may have been inspired by surrealist masters Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel for all we know). It escaped the traditional methods of songwriting, further enhancing thought amongst listeners. One could even say his cryptic songwriting paved the way for the psychedelic movement in music... Besides the LSD that is.
"Then you ask me why I don't live here, Honey, how come you don't move?"On The Road Again
Due to the death of John F. Kennedy, he felt disjointed. He had lost all hope in the political landscape. Thus, his adventurous soul had urged him to move on - leading him to venture away from political driven folk melody. No longer was he the voice of a generation. Fate lead him to take on the role of a rebel, singing songs of a more human level; becoming a voice for every generation.
"I said, "You know they refused Jesus, too" He said, "You're not Him, Get out of here before I break your bones, I ain't your pop."Bob Dylan's 115th dream
The electrifying Maggie's Farm performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 had enraged his political melodies' fan base, as boos and disdain were echoed throughout the performance. Though the fans of his folk melodies objected to his rejuvenation, rest assured, his songs never run dry. Bringing It All Back Home managed to attract a wider range of audiences which adhered to the melodies of life Bob Dylan had produced.
"Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin' ship, My senses have been stripped, my hands can't feel to grip"Mr. Tambourine Man
Though he had ventured into the path of electronic melodies, the song Mr. Tambourine Man proved that Bob Dylan was still Bob Dylan. A dreamy soothing feel that creates a silence amongst his listeners, as they dream of a meet with the Tambourine Man, mesmerized by the inquisitive sophistication the melody produced. A trademark Bob Dylan melody.
"At times I think there are no words, But these to tell what's true, And there are no truths outside the Gates of Eden."Gates of Eden
What is true to you, would be proven untrue by another. To me, Bob Dylan's sophisticated mind proved he was wise beyond his years. He was a knowledgeable adventurer - linking his predicaments in life to the books he read and the thoughts he dwelled in. The end result: Poignant and intriguing melodies of life. Some critics would agree with me. While others would prove otherwise.
"An' though the rules of the road have been lodged, It's only people's games that you got to dodge, And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.."It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
The album Bringing it all back home, is an album of rebellion. Every essence of the album was a rebellion. His lyrics, his choice of words, his beats, heck even the album cover was a form of rebellion. Though his folk fans had abandoned him as being the voice of the generation, rock n' roll fans welcomed him with open arms, and thus his fate is inescapable. Due to his socio-political driven poetic melodies, he had no choice but to accept his fate: a voice for the people.
"The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense, Take what you have gathered from coincidence"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
The album is a compilation of stories continued from his previous album, Another Side of Bob Dylan. The personal story of Bob Dylan, of how he had endured an evolution, transforming from being a wise and naive (definition of naive here is: lacking worldly experience) songwriter to a rebellious cynical one. Nonetheless, he created melodies people could adhere to and he wrote songs in a manner the audience could relate to. This itself justifies his claim, "I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I'll die like a poet."
The fortune of going to a Bob Dylan concert, even though he is at an old age, was a blessing. The experience was phenomenal. Albeit, the crowd could barely listen to his venerable voice, they stood there in silence, listening attentively.
Bob Dylan has shared his knowledge and wisdom through the melodies he has created, with what I would consider honest feelings (even if he disagrees with me). From his self-titled debut album to his most recent, he has not failed to deliver; creating songs that would last and be felt at a personal level by the generations even long after his time. Duly a popular figure amongst his peers, with modern artists who contributed to the 'Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan, honoring 50 years of Amnesty International' album, which included the likes of Rise Against, Tom Morello and even the likes of Miley Cyrus and Kesha, is a statement in itself, as they turned his songs to a melody the current generation could tune in to. Even during his prime he had musicians covering his songs - from Peter, Paul and Mary, The Byrds and Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few. His voice may not be appealing to all, but he has done what he set out to do, produce compelling music that could be shared amongst the English literate audience.
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
CHANGE: A CONSTANT ESSENCE OF OUR EVERYDAY LIVES
When things are going well, the devil looms around the corner, readies itself to pounce and take your happiness away. And do know that, at any given moment, once the devil has played its part, an angel will leap out of the sky to sway you away from the darkness the devil has bind you with. Thus, do enjoy every blissful moment and learn well from all the indignations.
The wind of change
Blows straight into the face of time
Like a stormwind that will ring the freedom bell
For peace of mind
Blows straight into the face of time
Like a stormwind that will ring the freedom bell
For peace of mind
-Wind of Change, Scorpions
We, as human beings, are bounded by the chains of change. From young to adolescences, and beyond, we witness within ourselves the changes that we have adapted into. The nostalgia we endure is proof of that fact.
And we all know it's better
Yesterday has past
Now let's all start the living
For the one that's going to last
Yesterday has past
Now let's all start the living
For the one that's going to last
-Changes IV, Cat Stevens
Slowly we turn away some of the hobbies and habits we once put into practice as we pave the way for the new generation to indulge in the shoes we once wore. While we, who have embraced those moments, have to endure the stresses of our predecessors, as we learn to be more responsible, hardworking and money driven... or maybe not.
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.
-The Times They Are A-Changin', Bob Dylan
As we listen close to the song of Bob Dylan, we come to realise, as time passes by, the social environment around us begin to change.
Take Malaysia for example. The country has gone through so much change, yet, apparently, there are still people out there who actually think the citizens live in trees. Darwin had truly taught them well, where evolution claims us to once be monkeys. Heck, the citizens may even be the ancestors of said people.
Back to the point... Malaysia has blossomed itself into a developed and educated country, which never seems to stop growing. Though they have their flaws, the beauty of it is still intact. They have endured change, but as powerful as change is, it can never change the basic forms of human nature.
I see no changes. All I see is racist faces.
Misplaced hate makes disgrace to races we under.
I wonder what it takes to make this one better place...
Misplaced hate makes disgrace to races we under.
I wonder what it takes to make this one better place...
-Changes, Tupac Shakur
Sadly however, the world still hasn't change much since the demise of Tupac, who was rather disappointed with what was going on within the 90's (in actuality, it hasn't even change since the beginning of time). Though change is inevitable to us, we, as human beings, never truly change. Being human, we still have within us, the hatred of Kane, the kindness of Abel and the lust for sex (don't deny it), whereas slavery is still at large, wealth is more important than humanity as wars between nations are still in effect with millions still living in poverty.
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same
-Evverybody's Changing, Keane
As the people around us begin to change, there are those who would rather be left behind. Some of us are afraid of this inevitable phase/s of change we are bound to and would rather stay within the comforts of that which we are used to. As people begin to adapt to the new dawn of social environments, some would rather stay as they were. The emergence of Facebook has played into effect where those without a Facebook account are considered as the walking dead.
They'll all look at me and say,
"Hey look at him! I'll never live that way."
But that's okay
they're just afraid to change.
But that's okay
they're just afraid to change.
-Change, Blind Melon
Don't be so quick to judge our fellow beings. The world consists of so many different people and there is nothing wrong if some refuse to be a part of the brave new world. We all can learn from one another, as every individual has their own wisdom of the different changes one has lived through. Change comes unto us in different ways thus making everyone unique - having their own story to tell.
It took so long
To realize
That I can still hear
Her last goodbyes
Now all my days
Are filled with tears
Wish I could go back
And change these years
I'm going through changes
To realize
That I can still hear
Her last goodbyes
Now all my days
Are filled with tears
Wish I could go back
And change these years
I'm going through changes
-Changes, Black Sabbath
No matter how psychotic or badass a person may seem, they are still human – and being human, they too, succumb to emotions. With change, people go through a whole spectrum of emotions. We can take witness within our daily lives, how an action, as simple as a gesture, could change the way we feel.
Even with music. Although every genre has a special rhythm and beat to them, as it caters and sends out a message to its own target audience, doesn't necessarily mean a metal band won't go all mellow on you. Honestly speaking, I wouldn't be surprised if Justin Bieber will turn out to sing a different genre altogether. Def Leppard changed from being a heavy metal band into a pop rock band and they excelled in the genre. Change has in itself, that much power - It can turn a devil into an angel and vice versa.
I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
-Changes, David Bowie
Though there may be certain heart breaking moments or failures that has caused us pain, do not fret or regret those indignations from ever occurring; for those hardships have accumulated into wisdom – bringing forth the person you are today.
When you feel your life ain't worth living
you've got to stand up and
take a look around you then look way up to the sky.
And when your deepest thoughts are broken,
keep on dreaming boy, cause when you stop dreamin' it's time to die.
Change - Blind Melon
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
HAVE YOU HEARD: THE IMPATIENT SISTERS
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
HAVE YOU HEARD: THE IMPATIENT SISTERS
The Impatient Sisters; patiently awaiting for their time to achieve prominence.
One breezy evening, towards the end of 2011, me and my fellow a-friends attended a poetry event at The Bee in Jaya One. We stayed through most of the event and as we were deciding whether or not to leave, one of my friends, who was close to the organizer, told us to stay till the end for an intriguing band will be performing. It tickled the curiousity of me and my buddies, thus we stayed on.
As the event was reaching to an end, three girls came up on stage and introduced themselves as the Impatient Sisters. The moment they began to perform, I sat there captivated, astonished by their songs which projected an ambience of tranquility straight to the core of my mind - easing the thought and soothing the soul. Their music was relaxing and romantic, yet it had this haunting feel at the same time. From that day on, I thought to myself, 'Man, they're gonna make a huge impact within the Malaysian music scene.' I fell in love with their music instantaneously.
Their music shook me as those of Peter, Paul and Mary's, who are famously known for singing Leaving on a Jet Plane and Blowin' in the Wind during the 1960's.
The Impatient Sisters, with their distinctive lyrics and melody so plain could be compared to the likes of Peter, Paul and Mary; without the hippie vibe of course.
They are yet to release a single nor have they produced an album, and yet they have accumulated a number of loving fans. If they continue to carry themselves the way they currently are, they could become a sensation the country never had; and even having the possibility of being Malaysia's new sweethearts.
The three sisters who have come to Kuala Lumpur from Kuantan, Pahang to further their musical career, got themselves involved in the Malaysian music scene by performing alongside the likes of OJ Law and Zee Avi, and getting a slot in Urbanscapes 2012. The Impatient Sisters have embarked on a journey to greatness; and this is just the beginning.
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
The rise of reggae within the local scene
“Janganlah kau berduka, jiwa lara yang merana, ikutlah rentak naluri hatimu, jangan biarkan batinmu yang terseksa."
(Don't you be sorrowful, from this disquietude soul that's pining, follow the beat of your heart, don't allow your spirit to suffer any longer.)
These are the words of Republic of Brickfields; the first verse of their first track, Rahsia, from their Ganjaran album. The Republic of Brickfields are an indie reggae band which consists of 4 members – Aru, the main man behind the band (vocalist/guitarist), Ijam (bass), Jijoe (guitar) and Bakri (drums).
Aru is also their songwriter. The songs they create connotes them as promoters of peace and love – the definition of Reggae music. An example would be their song, orang planet (people of the world), which promotes the fact that all humans are the same, reflects the dream of reggae legend, Bob Marley; “Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together – black, white, Chinese, everyone – that's all.”
As mentioned in The Star Online, it is the kids that drive Aru (and his band Republic Of Brickfields). He was quoted in saying, “There are metal-heads and punk aficionados and they’re very loyal to their music and bands that they support. Reggae, however, is the only form of music that brings all these kids together.”
Having a contract with EMI, they have been performing at musical events such as One Love Reggae Festival 2012, KL Indie Music Fest 2012 and Rock The World (a multiple amount of times); continuously spreading, through music, love and peace amongst Malaysian music lovers.
Though they may not be so famous, they are a band of true reggae music. They feel and understand what music is and it can be seen that it reflects through their music and lyrics. Through their recordings, I daresay they are a great band. Live, however, I can only share with you my opinions once I attend and experience one of their performances.
For more information about Aru, the main man behind the Republic of Brickfields, visit: http://ecentral.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/29/music/18019831&sec=music
Written by: Putera Muhamad Ashraf
Comments
Post a Comment