More new things in 2010

Wow, 2010 is turning out to be an eventful year with so many new things happenings.

In some earlier posts I mentioned some new personal directions in work, musical theatre and even fencing. And this time round, the new plans for Songcraft this year is kind of in motion.

We just had a discussion with MTL on possible collaboration with them in terms of organising songwriter showcases. It has been great that in the past 3 years, we have seen how Songcraft have shaped some of our songwriters (some have come out of their closet and taken to the stage) and also how we have gotten to know a lot more songwriters. We have also seen a lot more support and groups that are promoting local original songwriting. Songcraft has served its original purpose well so far.

It has come now to a point where we can expand the scope of Songcraft to have a more "public" face. Hence the collaboration to help with the organising of songwriters showcases that MTL periodically organises, promising members of more exposure. We will still have our cosy & intimate sessions to provide an environment of the "in-between", where songwriters, budding or seasoned, can come to explore, test out their songs and even jam, but on a less frequent basis, like quarterly. We hope this collaboration will produce some synergy.

3rd Songcraft Mini-Concert

With aching feet (high heels) & tired eyes (contact lenses), I can finally take a breather to write about tonight's concert. But it was worthed it because it was a success! The setting was beautiful & intimate, and the set up went generally well. We achieved almost full capacity, with close to a hundred guests!
This year, we "upgraded" to a more pro place at the Playden@Arts House, which was more a black box theatre, but the acoustics and staging was better than the previous venue. The setting was also cozier and more comfy. We could also have refreshments here and people actually stayed around to mingle after the concert.

Everyone did really well and the songs were all great as each talented songwriter presented their songs. It was a really good mix, with each song being really "heartfelt" songs...I think that's the way with singer-songwriters.

I presented one too (my song "Hi"), but being nervous, my starting was a bit soft, but it slowly rode out more confidently (while closing my eyes in between to get into focus and be less conscious of the audience...yah, it looked like I was immersed in my song right? haha...). As B said, maybe my newly started vocal classes helped a little as I recalled it was worse last year when my voice was really stuck in my throat. I tried to recall how to breathe in between, partly to calm myself down and I actually managed to memorise my lyrics! It was a good experience.
A big THANK YOU to Jeremy for helping me play the guitar. Also a big THANK YOU to V and S.E. who came for the concert. It really made a difference.

Well, the night passed really fast and the adrenaline rush from the concert is still lingering (B said I was a bit "high" after the concert). I really enjoyed it and hopefully, next year we'll have another!

rehearsal for Songcraft Mini-concert

Well, after the musical, my friend & I went in search of a venue to rehearse my song for the concert tomorrow (or rather today since it's past midnight now). And we found a rather nice place - the City Hall steps. I really liked the place. Upon reaching, I realised the countdown timer for the YOG was brightly lit and couldn't resist a photo.

Anyway, I think the steps was a great place to rehearse (if weather permits) and the feeling was pretty cool. It felt open, but yet private & carefree at the same time. ok, I admit there wasn't really anybody around except a small group of people packing up after a photo shoot. But I think I'll still feel the same if there were people around. The important thing was it was bright and we could actually hear ourselves, despite the noise from the traffic. (Actually, I felt my song seem to fit into the environment)
After rehearsal, as I departed, I realised I have not been walking this area for a while and seeing the new buildings coming up (Marina Bay Sands) and the lights made me want to dwell a little longer, except it was getting late and I was pretty tired after a long day. I should take half a day off some day to come here again for a walk like I used to. The colonial district always has this effect on me.

Anyway, we managed to settle on the final structure to present my song, which was a simple standard one, verse-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus-repeat last 2 lines of chorus. Initially we though we go "fancify" the ending but it didn't work out. And a simple intro was chosen with G C G G. I think this sounded a bit more "uplifting" than Am C G, which will help set the mood of my song. And there! We're all set for the concert (well almost). Just need to rehearse again before the concert. Hopefully I don't get stage fright and "lose" my voice.

The concert is at Play Den@Arts House, 7.30pm, Sat 21 Nov.

Moon-Sun Wait

Finally got down to uploading my latest song presented at Songcraft last month.

Lyrics:

Female:
Each night, I look out the window
I see the cold and lonely moon
Am I like it, waiting for the sun

To shine its light upon my face

Male:
Each day, I wish for someone near
To set my heart ablaze with fire
I’ll give her joy and chase away her fears

Like the sun that warms her inside out

Chorus (Both):
I’m looking for true love
A love that was meant to be
A love that’s just for you and me
There will be no other
’cause that’s the way it is
’cause you’re the chosen one for me

Written in December last year, this was inspired at a time after I watched a couple of musicals I think. I was inspired to write a duet in a musical kind of setting and had the idea of the relationship between the sun & the moon in my mind. Originally I named it "Like the Moon & Sun" for want of a better name at that time, I didn't want it to sound too cliché with "sun & moon" (and definitely not like the restaurant!). So I changed it to "Moon-Sun Wait". Also becoz I started the song with reference to the moon. It sounds weird still, but never mind lah.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not a song of hopelessness based on the "sun-never-meets-moon" theory. It is in fact a more positive song based on the fact that the moon gets its shine from the sun (a reflection of the sun), hence the words "am I like it, waiting for the sun, to shine its light upon my face". Just like a girl waiting for someone to light up her life.

I also tried to be metaphoric in the lyrics where in the 1st verse, the girl is the moon, while in the 2nd verse, as a reflection of the 1st verse, the guy is the sun. Notice the "like the moon" and "like the sun" references, also the way it's written with "to shine its light..." "that warms her...". Also little things like "night" vs "day" between the verses. These all tie in too to the concept of the moon's shine as a reflection of the sun.

I was imagining one of those classic scenes where the girl is on the balcony (Romeo & Juliet?) looking up at the moon and singing the 1st verse, followed by a guy who is somewhere else, wishing away. Haha...must have been dreaming of a "hero" who will rescue the girl from the loneliness.

The chorus is actually depicting the search of "The One" where there will be no one but the 2 leads meant for each other. I was even thinking of a reprise of the chorus later on after the 2 finally get together where the lyrics would change to:

I've found my true love

A love that's meant to be

A love that’s just for you and me

There can be no other

’cause that’s the way it is

’cause you’re the chosen one for me

A fantasy love song.

Happy Birthday Songcraft!

Another memorable Songcraft session!

Tonight, we celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the set up of Songcraft (official date 27th April - 1st session) and we were all cozying up at Ear Shot Cafe @ The Arts House. The night began with all of us presenting "emo" slow songs, fitting the ambience of the place. Old & new songs were played and many heartfelt ones.

It ended with us cutting the cake and singing Happy Birthday (this year we managed to play the song properly...haha...) and it was the actual day of D'fusion's 1st anniversary! So it was a double celebration. There was a great jamming session thereafter.

I felt in high spirits for the whole day probably because I was looking forward to it and it was great to catch up with these friends of mine, some whom I've not seen for 2 months or more.

Thanks Songcraft for the great times we had so far & I pray that there are more to come. You're like family!

State of shock...or no.

Am feeling a bit angry right now as was actually fooled by a friend.

I had heard/read that the founder of Songcraft Songwriting Circle is closing it down after our final session this Wednesday and I was like "is this for real?" (I wished I hadn't logged onto the PC last night or I would have only found it out today which was almost the end of the joke). At that moment, I was speechless as a mix of feelings filled me. Feelings of confusion like "what's going on" and more than anything, a sense of loss.

Ok, there were signs that this was a joke. Firstly, he posted it on his personal blog, not the circle's blog. He labelled it "humour" (which I only noticed it later), and he noted that it's a late post, like "about one and a half weeks overdue", which judging from the humour tag, it could have been April Fool's. Then there was the rationalisation that he would at least have forewarned us? But of course, reeling from shock made us missed the signs at first but as we rationalised, we questioned him and he still pretended to be serious about the whole thing! Shortly after, he confirmed it's a joke in his next post, which made me feel like "strangling" him. It wasn't funny lor! I nearly cried you know (sorry, been a bit sensitive recently). But I guess it wouldn’t have had the same kind of effect if he had posted it on April Fool’s Day itself. Fortunately, I'm quite forgiving in nature or else...（奸笑） :P
Actually, I think this is not the first time he cracked a "serious" joke.

Honestly, with all the big reaction, I must say that this shows how important the circle is. It has helped me find a group of great friends and also led me to discover my innate desire (and I hope to say gifting) to write songs. It has become a part of me & my life and is something that I look forward to each month. I can't imagine it just disappearing all of a sudden, without warning. But to face the fact, we know that some day, it might not be a joke anymore and it will come to pass. But please, give us some preparation first all right?!

Songcraft's 2nd Annual Mini-concert

I survived my first (singing) solo performance! Had a friend to play the piano for me while I sang my song "Will You Sing Again". I knew I was nervous coz I was trying very hard to recall my lyrics and afraid I would forget them! Well, got a little out of breath along the way too. Phew! The last time I did a solo performance (Songcraft sessions not counted) was more than 10 years ago at my piano teacher's annual "Musical Night", which was also like a mini-concert for families of her students at her house. Recalled I played the piano 1 year and the violin for another.

It was a good concert. The songs were great, all originals from my Songcraft friends and the venue was full house! Though just family & friends, but it was a good crowd, more than last year's. Most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves.

The only thing that disappointed me a teeny little bit was that a couple of my friends didn't turn up at the last minute, not that they could help it. Well, one was down with a bad virus while another was having mild food poisoning, and another had some other programme. So unfortunately, none of my friends came. Ok ok...I admitted that I only invited very few coz also a bit paiseh. Well, guess they would have to wait for the video. Looking forward to that.

Songcraft session

It has been 2 months since my last Songcraft and I was already beginning to miss it earlier this month. Maybe partly because we haven't met up since, and have been busy at work, overseas for work trip, that I needed some time off. And I always love Songcraft sessions coz I give myself an "excuse" to take leave from work and do what I like and hang out with people I like. :)

Anyway, it was a cozy Songcraft session today, with about 10 people this month. Heard last month was overwhelming due to the new Facebook group set up, which gave little time for everyone to share something. So this month, everything was low-key and it was really good as we could have more time for chatting, go at a more relaxed pace and ended off with a mini jam session.

We had some newcomers and I think it was good that it was a small group as they were a little shy. But in the end, I think they shared more songs than they intended to. :P
I also shared a song "Will You Sing Again" which was done about 2 months ago and posted up in an earlier entry.

Of course, to end it all off, we went to our usual after-Songcraft hangout at Coffee Club.

A Chinese Worship Song

I finally got down to writing a Chinese worship song (yeah! 1 resolution fulfilled). Haven't got a title for it yet, but I'll just share the lyrics. Haven't had time to record it yet too, and also have been down with the flu.

你是我生命的清泉
将我罪孽洗纯净
你是那无罪的羔羊
将血流尽十字架

Chorus:
啊。。。我的主
因为你的爱让我获得永生
唔。。。耶稣我的救主
只有你能把我护

© 2008

This song was written as part of a songwriting exercise when someone suggested that we (Songcraft) all try to write a song with the chord progression "C F G C Am F G C" and see if they would sound the same. Well, I started trying out the chords (yeah! learnt to play a new chord) and somehow, the tune followed. I just did some “la la la” humming and added the words later. Although it was an “exercise” the words were actually rather focused coz I wanted to build up on the theme "All About The Cross", and of course from the heart. I had initially intended to add another verse, but due to my "rusty" Chinese and that the verse started to make the song complex (too many relational aspects), I decided to keep it simple & stick to the theme.

I had always wanted to write a Chinese worship song and the chords were just right…it sounded like those Chinese worship songs that were sung in church.

Logo for Songcraft (2)

Did more try-outs for the design. (Do I not have other things to do?...ok, once I start, it's hard to stop, and wanted to do something productive & fun after work, at home)

By way of putting simplicity into the design and explore the guitar tabs concept, here are 2 logos that I found alright.

For the 2nd design, I kinda like it. It was a different attempt with a guitar tab from the 1st one coz I tried different fonts for the word "Songcraft". Rather than use the treble clef for "S", I used another musical symbol, the Segno. Also used a semibreve for the "o" and the forte for the "f". I initially intended a harp-like design for the words "Songwriting Circle", but as I worked on them, I decided that they are like headphones and sort of create the suggestion of a circle.

Logo for Songcraft

Our chairman was calling for a logo for our little group, so I thought why not try something? So here's what I got.

Well, it's a bit too colourful & big for a logo, and it totally doesn't look "simple" which he wanted, but it's a nice try-out just for fun...an excuse to do something. So what's the concept behind this and how was it done?

Actually the backdrop was from 1 of my photos of a sunflower and I inverted the colours. Looks nice right? The idea was also because we're a "Circle". The centre part looked like a circle and I liked the surrounding blue (petals) coz u see different shades and a nice glowing effect. There's also some contemporary, yet mysterious but also vibrant feel to it. I also liked that stray petal that is slightly in the circle. It makes the image seem less dull and adds some quality to it which I can't describe. Hmm...come to think of it, maybe it can mean we're open and inclusive.

As for the design proper, well, I chose to do a (music) staff/stave-like circle to indicate we are a music group and doesn't it also reflect composition since we use the staff/stave to write our music? Also, it being in a circular form signifies continuity (that's what this Circle should have).

Next, I tried to fit the words "Songcaft Songwriting Circle" into the staff. The mirror image of the words was purely accidental coz I over-pulled the words while trying to make it into a curved form and it suited the purpose coz I needed to put the words at the top & bottom and having it twice seemed... So the mirror image made it all the more interesting and looked logical...hmm...it might give some other meaning too like being reflective, or the sharing atmosphere as peers, as we face our own group of audience...well, the explanation is rather abstract but think you can imagine what I mean.

As for the centrepiece "Songcraft", it was really trial & error. See the guitar tabs? Well, it was also another "accidental" attempt. I was scrolling through the various fonts for a nice one for the word "songcraft" and I chanced upon this font (Seville). It depicted the word as guitar tabs which was pretty cool & relevant. So I used it and put the word "Songcraft" in English over it instead.

Yup, it sure was fun trying out for this. I tend to follow themes so given a theme here ("create a logo") gave me an excuse/opportunity to find some inspiration to do something artsy. :) Some of the ideas seem a bit abstract and requires some thinking, but I like to do stuff like that...gives the piece of work a deeper meaning.

A cover of my song All I Want is to Live For You

My friend did a cover of a song that I wrote some time again, which I presented at a recent Songcraft session. It's a Christian song. I had composed it using the guitar (just chords) but he has done it with melody on the PC I think (electric organ/piano?). You can listen to it here.
http://jerronlee.wordpress.com/2007/12/27/all-i-want-is-to-live-for-you/

About the song:
I wrote it back in 2002. I had learnt a few more chords by then (initially I only knew "C" "D" & "G" which I used for my other song Dear Child) and one day, this phrase "all I want is to live for you" came into my mind as I felt convicted to really do this for GOD. So the song came. It must have been GOD-given for how would I have written a song simply based on a phrase? I was also inspired by the song Lover of my Heart, a worship song which starts with the lyrics "All I want, is to see your face..."

I do hope I'll be able to write more worship songs...especially a Chinese one at least.

Anyway, have finally completed my song Loner in a Crowd after a lapse of 2 years. Had done the verses some time in Nov'05 and only recently managed to get a chorus. However, as expected, it might a bit mis-matched coz I can't loop the tune of the chorus back to the verses! So yah, after the chorus, can't repeat the verses, only the chorus.