KUCHING – The Asia Music Festival will be featuring DJ gig for the first time this year by adding the Malaysian famous DJ Roundhead into the program. DJ Roundhead will be playing at the post-festival late show on both Friday and Saturday night, 3rd and 4th October. He will also be playing a huge array of famous dance music during a break between each bands both nights.

Performing as a DJ for with at least 20 years experience, DJ Roundhead was once crowned as the ‘Malaysia DJ Champion’ 3 years in a row when he entered the Malaysian DJ Championship competition from 1995-1997.

When he was in high school, he would work part-time jobs during the weekend just to blow it all away on CD's and records. That made him the "go-to-guy" when it came to house parties from high school all the way to college. Roundhead would bring his own player and set up his own mini console and rock the crowd at the party. Only after college he join a company during the 90's called Clubworld Entertainment that supplied DJ's to entertainment outlets around Malaysia, where then only he started his professional career.

Among his best moment is representing Malaysia in the Rotterdam Love Parade in the Netherlands for a crowd of 10,000 strong on a 34 wheel trailer while proudly flying the Malaysian flag in front of his console. He played as a DJ residency in Melbourne, Australia for a year before returning to Malaysia and is currently attached to TraxxFM in Kuala Lumpur.

The major challenge for any real DJ is being able to perform under pressure. The most interesting bit is studying the crowd earlier before any performance without undermining their expectations of entertainment. According to Roundhead, a real DJ can tell if a record or a song is going to be a hit or a dance floor filler. Knowledge is the key for everything.

Asia Music Festival now in its second year will bring again the very best eclectic mix of live music together for one mind-blowing weekend in Miri, Sarawak. The inaugural festival last year saw incredible performances from headliners from Asian region as far as India, Thailand and Korea. With the main goal to develop the brand of Asia Music Festival to be an iconic music festival of mixed genre in the Asian Region, the festival has recorded around 3000 music fans attending the first edition of the festival last year.

Asia Music Festival will also incorporate a range of Asian food as well as tattoo exhibition so there will be something for everyone. The festival will start at 5:00pm daily with a tattoo exhibition as well as food and village mart. Stage performance will begin at 7:30pm until midnight, followed by the DJ set with DJ Roundhead until 2:00am.

Eight international bands has been confirmed for this year’s festival. Get your tickets now at a pre-sale price, only RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) at www.asiamusicfestival.net . Tickets also on sale at Visitors Information Centre in Kuching (+6 082-423600), Miri (+6 085-434180) and Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale tickets are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

KUCHING – Asia Music Festival is back for the 2nd year running and this edition will present to you Female Rapper from Singapore, Masia One.  She is all set to thrill the audience at the coming event to be held at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri from the 3rd to 4th October 2014.

In 2003, Masia One, began her own record label known as M1 Group (later renamed The MERDEKA Group) and subsequently released her debut album, Mississauga.  The album was well received and the music video for the lead single “Split Second Time” was nominated in the category of best rap video by the Much Music awards. Masia’s second studio album, “PULAU” was released in 2009. The album attained the number one slot on the Canadian College Radio Charts as well as charting on both CBC Radio 3 and South East Asian Radio.

Masia has developed into a well rounded multi-genre artist. Her sound reflects inspiration drawn from touring through North America, Jamaica and Asia and sharing the stage with acts such as The Roots, Floetry, Mos Def, DJ Neil Armstrong, Lady Saw & Ron Sexsmith.

Courted by Grammy Award-winning Aftermath producer Che Vicious (Produced for Lauren Hill, Kanye West and 50 Cent to name a few), Masia began working on what would later become the album “Bootleg Culture”. “Bootleg Culture” was released in September 2012.
and is currently nominated for “Urban Recording of the Year” by the Western Canadian Music Alliance.

In February 2013 Masia One won three South East Asian VIMA Music Awards. Best Hip Hop Song (Warriors Tongue), Best Collaboration (Errrybody feat. Pharrell, The Game & Isis Salam) & Thank You For Existing Highest Honor Award. She was nominated in eight categories, including nominations for Best Overall Female Act and Best Pop Song – “Make Up”.

In May 2013 Masia One got the opportunity to perform for the first time in Europe. She did shows in Germany and Sweden as well as working with Swedish producer team Musicano.

Watch Masia One performing on stage at Asia Music Festival. Other confirmed line-up this year includes SoulMate (India), Salammusik (Malaysia), Pancake80 (Philippines), Pisco (Taiwan), Retrospect (Thailand), Ras Muhamad (Indonesia) and Mad August (Malaysia).

Get your presale tickets now at only RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) at http://asiamusicfestival.net/tickets/ . Tickets also available from all STB’s Visitors Information Centre located at Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching (+6 082-423600), Jalan Melayu, Miri (+6 085-434180) and Jalan Tukang Besi, Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale tickets are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

KUCHING – Reggae music is not new among listeners and music lovers. The 2nd edition of Asia Music Festival this coming October 3-4 in Miri, Sarawak will bring you Reggae Ambassador of Indonesia, Ras Muhamad. He will entertain you with reggae music that will leave you mesmerized

Ras Muhamad believes that through the power of music especially Reggae, people can share and learn each other’s cultures through the messages it conveys. To find similarities and common ground, setting aside petty differences and finally celebrating life and all its dynamics through music. Such as the core and heart of Reggae, it’s a universal expression and a message of love.

Ras Muhamad musical influences other than Reggae, Ska, Dancehall and Rocksteady ranges widely from Hip-Hop, Indonesian traditional and pop music, Jazz, Metal and World Music. Besides Bob Marley, his Reggae “heroes” are Lee Perry, Peter Tosh, Augustus Pablo, King Tubby, Sizzla, Garnett Silk Gregory Isaacs and a very long-list of others. Lyrically, he draws many inspirations also from Hip-Hop icons such as Rakim, KRS-One, Nas and Wu-Tang. If one listens closely to any of Ras Muhamad’s tune his rhyme structure has subtle undertones and akin to a Hip-Hop lyricist.

Not just active in the Reggae Culture, Ras Muhamad challenges himself to collaborate with other genres in the Indonesian music industry. To express himself as an artist and give the “Reggae breath” to other forms of music is challenging to an ever-growing and evolving artist.

As an example, Ras Muhamad collaborated and recorded music with Indonesian Pop Icons such as Glenn Fredly, Tompi and Element. Indra Lesmana, a jazz legend in Indonesia also had experience in working with the Reggae Ambassador of Indonesia. Renowned, Indonesian Punk Band Superglad also collaborated with him in 2013 for their album.

Lyrically inclined, musically dynamic and Jamaican-influenced yet still Asiatic. Oneness Records boldly releases Indonesia’s first Reggae international album on July 25th 2014, Ras Muhamad’s “Salam”.

Among the many awards he received are; 2013 Nomintaed Best Reggae Composition for “Negeri Pelangi” by “Anugerah Music Indonesia, 2013 Best Reggae Song “Prosa Tinju Lima Jari”, 2012 Best Reggae for Indonesia Cutting-Edge Music Awards.

Watch Ras Muhamad performing on stage at Asia Music Festival to be held in Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri, Sarawak. Other confirmed line-up this year includes SoulMate (India), Salammusik (Malaysia), Pancake80 (Philippines), Pisco (Taiwan), Retrospect (Thailand), Masia One (Singapore) and Mad August (Malaysia).

Presale tickets is currently on sale only at RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) at http://asiamusicfestival.net/tickets/ . Tickets also available from all STB’s Visitors Information Centre located at Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching (+6 082-423600), Jalan Melayu, Miri (+6 085-434180) and Jalan Tukang Besi, Sibu (+6 084-340980).  Door-sale ticket are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

KUCHING – The second edition of Asia Music Festival this coming October 3-4 will be enlivened by the presence of the Malaysian band, MAD AUGUST.

The band consisting of 4 members who have their own musical skills and are ready to amaze the audience with their live performance for the first time in Miri, Sarawak.

The concept behind the name “MAD” is actually an abbreviation of a philosophical slogan – “Make A Difference”. It pledges that everyone can make a difference in life, even with a least of strength and the words “August” which in numeric 8 refers to success, opportunity and strength.

MAD AUGUST plays Modern Rock and Emo Rock music. They create an icon via music as a medium to manifest their ideology. This icon is a leader, an image and a symbol of encouragement about living life to its fullness with courage.

Asia Music Festival promises an extraordinary weekend of fun, music and more, against the stunning backdrop of the venue, Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club. A mixture of live music will be featured throughout the two days event and will include a mix-genre of music from regional, national and local talent.

Other than MAD August, the confirmed line-up of performers includes SoulMate (India), Ras Muhamad (Indonesia), Pancake80 (Philippines), Pisco (Taiwan), Retrospect (Thailand), Masia One (Singapore) and Salammusik (Malaysia).

Presale tickets are still on sale only at RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) and available online at www.asiamusicfestival.net . Tickets also available from all STB’s Visitors Information Centre located at Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching (+6 082-423600), Jalan Melayu, Miri (+6 085-434180) and Jalan Tukang Besi, Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale ticket are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

Thinking of purchasing a house?This could be your dream house!. Last Saturday, Naim Holdings Berhad launched their exclusive SouthLake Permyjaya development at the the ground floor of Permaisuri Imperial City Mall, Miri. Among the attendees was the Guest of Honour, Yang berhormat Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister for Communitcations and Assistant Minister for Sports, Tourism, Sarawak , The distinguished Mayor of Miri City Council, Mr Lawrence Lai and Senior Manager of NAIM, Mr Zamry Ibrahim.  Before I proceed, here's a brief info of NAIM Holdings Berhad.

NAIM HOLDINGS BERHAD or better known as NAIM was incorporated in the year of 1993 with a start of its very first office at Bandar Baru Permyjaya. It's first project was developing the low-cost housing and also building the Pujut 7 bridge across Miri River which had given them much chances to grow. By now, they had more than fingers count awards and recognition from the state itself. I believe that's how they gained their brand name and reputation which give their customers the confidence for being so supportive after all these years.  For more information on the company and their projects, click here.
 

Back to the main topic, SouthLake is a chic, upmarket and precinct-based enclaved which as been master planned based on an appreciation for the environment, security and a healthy community living. Spanning over 450 acres,comprising of residential and commercial based components, its main feature is a 30-acre lake which provides the community with boundless lake side activities. One of the highlights of SouthLake is the Clubhouse,a nexus that promotes a close-knot community with facilities such as Badminton, squash and tennis court, Multi-Purpose Hall, Olympic sized swimming pool and much more. There will be educational centers, schools, commercial buildings and a Hospital within the vicinity as well.

What sets SouthLake apart from the rest is the SouthLake Innovation New Generation (SLING) lifestyle which focuses on four main components which is,

1. Exclusivity - A Clubhouse with full recreational facilities.
2. Rejuvenation - A 30-acre scenic lake for all your outdoor activities,lush landscaping and a river flowing across the township
3. Security - Precinct-based and a guarded sanctuary for total peace of mind living
4. Connectivity - Smart-security features and high-speed broadband ready homes.

During the launch, NAIM introduced 2 components  within the SouthLake which was the Terraces Homes located in SouthLate Willow Moss Precinct and their Twin VIllas, which are semi-detached homes located in River View Precinct.All houses in the SouthLake Permyjaya is categorize as NAIM Signature Collection. What is this NAIM Signature Collection about?

Under this exclusive property brand, the costumers will get to enjoy products with branded finishes, multi-tiered security, benefits of integrated developments and value added services.

In his speech, Mr Zamry Ibrahim also urged customers to take advantage of the early-bird discount which is offered for a limited time only. Twin Villas are currently selling at a special price starting from RM 793,888 meanwhile Terraces ranging from RM 558,888 on wards. As for now, the project is already on its progress,and NAIM is is hoping the show house will be completed  by the end of this year and hopefully these two components that was mentioned earlier  would be completed within 2 years. In addition to that, the early bird customers free legal fees for S7P, free clubhouse membership, free High Speed Broadband(UNIFI),free Smart Security System with CCTV,web-enabled arming and disarming alarm, a panic button and a Central Monitoring System (CMS), free security guard services for 6 months (at precinct entrance) and pre-installed underground gass piping.

If you wish to know more about NAIM or Southlake Permyjaya, click on the link below for their website or their Facebook.

MIRI : (+60) 85 - 491000 , KUCHING : (+60) 82 - 422001 , BINTULU : (+60) 86 - 339666
Official Website : www.southlake.com.my 
OR 
Facebookpage : www.facebook.com/southlakepermyjaya
OR
Drop by at their office at the location below. 
Miri Sales Office : Lot 223 - 226, First Floor, Permy Mall, Bandar Baru Permyjaya, Miri.

KUCHING, Friday – The Malaysian famous DJ Roundhead has been added to the Borneo Jazz main program performing both nights on the 9 and 10 May 2014. The 9th edition of Borneo Jazz will dedicate a special DJ slot right after the mainstage show each night held at the Pavilion, Parkcity Everly Hotel in Miri, Sarawak.

Crowned as the ‘Malaysia DJ Champion’ 3 years in a row when he entered the Malaysian DJ Championship competition from 1995-1997, DJ Roundhead has recorded a long history in the Malaysian music industry with accumulation of at least 20 years performing as a DJ. Among the best moment in his artistic career is representing Malaysia in the Rotterdam Love Parade in the Netherlands for a crowd of 10,000 strong on a 34 wheel trailer while proudly flying the Malaysian flag in front of his console. He also has served as a DJ residency in Melbourne, Australia for a year before returning to Malaysia and currently attached fulltime to TraxxFM in Kuala Lumpur. Roundhead was the producer, composer and the song writer for Malaysia’s very first techno group Asian Tech for Sony Music Malaysia in 1994.

He started career with humble beginnings but at the peak of his career, he never considered himself a celebrity. His passion is music so when he was in high school, he would work part-time jobs during the weekend just to blow it all away on CD's and records. That made him the "go-to-guy" when it came to house parties from high school all the way to college. Roundhead would bring his own player and set up his own mini console and rock the crowd at the party. He did it for free of course, but only after college he join a company during the 90's called Clubworld Entertainment that supplied DJ's to entertainment outlets around Malaysia, where then only he started his professional training.

Explaining on his early passions and influences, Roundhead stressed that he was heavily influenced by the styles and technique of DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Terminator-X, DJ Rob Base, Jam Master Jay when it came to hip-hop and Frankie Knuckles, Masters at Work, Armand Van Helden and CJ Mackintosh when it came to dance music.

For Roundhead, the major challenge for any real DJ is being able to perform under pressure. Studying the crowd that you are about to perform to can be real nerve wrecking because everyone has different taste in music. A real DJ can tell if a record or a song is going to be a hit or a dance floor filler. The most interesting bit in his humble opinion is studying the crowd earlier before any performance without undermining their expectations of entertainment. Eye contact plays an important role once he hit the stage.

Building a real relationship with the music played for his own approach is very important. According to Roundhead, knowledge is the key for everything. It's the main ingredient for a DJ like him to know what he is playing. “When you have knowledge of what music is all about, diversity becomes your ultimate weapon. Being able to perform just 1 particular genre might make you good in your craft, but being able to play any concept or genre and the showmanship that comes with it makes you immaculate” he added. Deciding what record to play next comes from the heart and soul, not to mention observation of the crowd and being confident.

DJ Roundhead is welcoming his fans and festivalgoers to Miri next weekend to celebrate the Borneo Jazz. “You have already gotten tickets to a world class event with world class performers supported by world class sound and lights. The DJ set will introduce to you the sound of the Future Past. Never experienced before in Malaysia. Classy, sexy, and prepare yourself to get lost in bass” he added. 

Sarawak Tourism Board, the organizer of Borneo Jazz has added value to the programme format this year by adding a Club Setwith DJ Roundhead after the nightly stage shows. Although the organiser encourage the public to come to the 2-nights festival, those who are only able to attend the clubset will be allowed in after midnight at a cover charge of only RM10.

Eight international bands has been confirmed for this year’s festival. Program detail as well as the pre-sale promotional tickets to Borneo Jazz are still available online at www.jazzborneo.com .

KUCHING, Monday – Outside of prize winning or free tickets to the festival, there is one reasonable option available to all music fans; volunteering. It’s not wrong to enjoy free music this way, but doing something you’d love, the money will seem less relevant.

For the next two weeks to come at the Borneo Jazz, Rose Au has embarked on the sixth year as a volunteer. She not only did this in Miri for the Borneo Jazz but Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching has also become her playground during Rainforest World Music Festival.

Really feel glad to be called back to help Borneo Jazz again this year and Rose will always make a return every year, for the love of this wonderful Jazz event that she has contributed in building from scratch in Miri.

Retired lawyer, but now teaching tour-guides, Rose Au Nyat Jun or Rose Au as she is usually known really enjoys doing things she loves. She found volunteering work as something that is very interesting to do in life.

“Volunteering is enriching, being given an opportunity to learn new skills, share and train first time volunteers. Not all paid jobs are necessarily fun jobs, volunteering is unique, rewarding to be part of Borneo Jazz - our State’s growing festivals”, says Rose.

Rose has been freelancing as a DJ with Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) for 20 years and used to present “Just Jazz” with RTM for many years. She’s been in the tourism-related industry for 13 years and it naturally follows that she loves to be involved in tourism. During Borneo Jazz, she will be assigned as the liaison officer to the performing bands normally of a foreign country. Very familiar with Sarawak’s tourism product is an added advantage to her task, as she can play well the part of an Ambassador for the state tourism.

“Music lovers should come over to Miri next month. Borneo Jazz offers a very charming ambience, beautiful garden setting, people are ever ready to help and there is good food. Not many places in the region have such mixes!, she added.

Borneo Jazz is organized by Sarawak Tourism Board. The volunteer program at the festival provides a learning platform for all the volunteers. Although ideal attributes will vary from role to role, all volunteers must be able to conduct themselves in line with the Festival’s core values, which is integrity and teamwork.

Running over the weekend 9-10 May at the Parkcity Everly Hotel in Miri, Borneo Jazz promises two days of fine jazz music with great food and a craft bazaar at a very beautiful beach resort ambience. The festival will be featuring bands from countries never featured before and also bands having repertoires that are unique. The performing bands will cover a wide range of jazz influences with participating jazz bands from Georgia, Germany, Cuba, Martinique, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Malaysia as well as Sarawak’s own jazz artist who has established well in the music circuit in China.

Pre-sale promotional tickets are still available at only RM50 for adult single entry and RM95 for a 2-day pass. This offer is valid until 8th May and can be purchase online at www.jazzborneo.com . Child ticket promotional offer is only RM25 and RM45 for a 2-day pass. After the promotional period, door sale tickets will be RM70 for a day adult pass and RM130 for a 2-day pass. Children tickets at the gate will be RM30 for a day and RM50 for 2 days.

About a week ago, Tiger Beer has officially launched their new beverage called the Tiger Radler. 

1. What is Tiger Radler? 
- Tiger Radler is Tiger Beer with natural lemon juice!

2. Where can you get them?
- Tiger Radler will be available in most places in East Malaysia soon. ( Ming Cafe has started selling them last Friday)

3. How much per-bottle?
- We were informed that it will be sold as RM 11.00 per-bottle.

4. Will it be available at Supermarkets?
- Yes.. It will be sold individually or a pack of six.

My take on Tiger Radler?
If you're not a beer drinker, i would suggest you to try this as it has this super zesty taste to it. Not like the normal beer which is bitter.It a beverage suitable for any occasion whether you are sitting by the pool side, enjoying the breeze by the beach, after a long tiring day at work or even when you're watching a football match with friends at home. I would love to have a few bottles of these kept in my fridge at home. Once I'm done doing some projects on my car (or friends cars), it would be perfect to pop a bottle...or two...or three of these. 

Here are some of the pictures taken during the launching.

Checkout my fellow bloggers blog on whats their take on Tiger Radler.

Fabian's Blog
Pei Pei's Blog
LadyBird's Blog

KUCHING, 24 March – Early bird tickets offer for the upcoming Borneo Jazz in Miri, Sarawak are now on sale at www.jazzborneo.com.

Early bird tickets priced at only RM30 for adult single entry and RM55 for a 2-day pass. Children under the age of 12 years will enjoy RM15 on each purchase of single entry ticket during this period and RM25 for a two-day pass. This offer is valid until 31 March 2014. After this offer, ticket price will increase to RM50 for adult for single entry and RM95 for a 2-day pass. Children tickets will be RM25 for one day and RM45 for 2 days. These will be available until the event day itself when ticket prices will be RM70 for adult for a day and RM130 for a 2-day pass. Children tickets at the gate will be RM30 for a day and RM50 for 2 days.

Running over the weekend 9-10 May at the Parkcity Everly Hotel in Miri, Borneo Jazz promises two days of fine jazz music with great food and a craft bazaar at a very beautiful beach resort ambience.

Now in its ninth year, the festival will ensure wonderful Jazz music in an exotic setting. Apart from the stage, the program this year will showcase marching bands from school bands who have participated in international competitions. They will kick off the programme daily. After the stage shows, those of you who have not had enough of the jazz music, you will be able to have a jam session with your favourite bands. For those who still want to party, we will have a Club Set with a well known DJ at the venue.  

The lineup this year is without doubt an exciting one. The festival will be featuring bands from countries never featured before and also bands having repertoires that are unique. Borneo Jazz will be featuring a band from Georgia - Iriao, which is an ethno-jazz band and their repertoire has been recognized by UNESCO as being a masterpiece of oral immaterial heritage.

 

Brassballett from Germany – the first and only show worldwide where musicians will play their instruments and dance at the same time, a unique performance not to be missed. Vocal Sampling – salsa band, and all-male a-cappella musical group from Cuba. They are a very well-known band and a crowd pleaser. In the last 2 years, a capella acts have been a show topper at Borneo Jazz. Their album “Cambio de Tiempo” was nominated for 3 Latin Grammy Awards. Mario Canonge - a great virtuoso and showman playing creole jazz with West indies rhythms from Martinique/France, also a first Matinique band at the festival. YK Band from Indonesia who will feature Jazz from Samarinda with hints of Borneo flavours. Anthony Strong – hailed as “England’s new jazz superstar" from UK. He beat Gregory Porter, Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr. to become No. 1 on the iTunes and No.2 on the www.amazon.com jazz charts in the USA.

 

From the local scene, Diana Liu the Sarawakian born artist who plays various jazz, bossa nova, gospel and funk/soul and will represent Malaysia/USA/Taiwan. Among members of her band will be our very own Lewis Pragasam who will be on drums. Another Malaysian band will be Junkofunc, a highly energetic rhythms with a touch of soul and lashings of func. The group plays a punchy brass, powerful vocals and pounding rhythm section. 

 

For more information on the festival program and for details of ticket outlets please log on to www.jazzborneo.com.