AMF14 Ticket and Bus Shuttle Service

Something new that the organizer had done for this year's Asia Music Festival is providing bus shuttle service. Now, on that day itself, if you're too lazy to look for a parking at Eastwood Valley, just use this service. Refer to the below schedule :

As for the ticketing, the price for PRE SALE TICKETS are at RM25 per day for adults and RM10 per day for children (age 3 to 18). Now this offer only valid until 2nd Oct. During the event itself, the ticket price is about RM30 per day for adults and RM15 per day for children (age 3 to 18). Other than that, you can purchase the ticket from TicketPro. For more details, please visit AMF Tickets Sales. 

Asia Music Festival 2014 Performers

Hey y'olz! Back with more updates on Asia Music Festival 2014 performers.

As most of you know (if you read my previous post), I've mentioned almost all of the performers from Malaysia and International. Well, forgive me cause I've missed out on another Malaysian act. The band will be mentioned here in the post.

Alright. Lets get started.

Pisco. A band all the way from Taiwan. I believe most of you have looked up for the band's background at AMF14 website but found that they only posted video and photographs of the band. Well, here's a little bit about the band (with the power of Google). This band have a unique "set-up" whereby they combine dance and rock genres. Their tagline "We Should Not Hesitate To Bring Hapiness" says it all. They have performed at major music festivals throughout Asia such as, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau and China. So basically, for those that like to dance, here is a band that you should not miss out on. Really looking forward to what this band can do this coming AMF14. For more on this band, you can visit their website at Pisco

Next up we have Soulmate from India. A band that inspired by the sound of Blues, Blues-rock, Soul, Rock 'n' Roll, Funk and R&B. In October 2002, Rudy Wallang and Tipriti Kharbangar form this band dedicated to play the Blues and spreading the awareness on this particular genre of music. Now, that is what I call heart and soul for music. Last year we have performers from India and they were awesome. This year? With a little bit of Soul, Funk, Blues and R&B, you know you're about to have the time of your life!

Last but not least we have a performers from Malaysia. They call themselves Salammusik. After listening to their music, they brings a unique taste of Ska, Reggae and Rap. Well, another unique performance that all of you should watch out during this year's AMF14.

So, there you go. All the of performers have been mentioned in my blog posts. Looks like its going to be one hell of a weekend ahead! Cheers!

Performers For Asia Music Festival - International Act

In my previous blog, I mentioned the performers from Malaysia. Now, its time for some international scene.

Beginning with a performer from Singapore, Masia One. My first impression of this performer is........how do I put this.....I was expecting a dude but guess what. It's a GIRL and she can rap dawg! I'm a huge fan of hip hop beats and believe me when I tell you this! Her beat is sick! Now, I'm exited! Ok. A little background info on her, she was born in Singapore and she became a fan of hip hop music since the age of 8. She moved to Vancouver, Canada at the age of 9 and she started to develop her interest in break dancing and graffiti. But the fun really kicks in when she start studying architecture at University of Toronto. That is when she started to write her own rhymes and performing. Thus, began her music career.


Next up, we have Pancake 80 all the way from Philippines.This is a band comprising five musically talented individuals who share the same interest and love for music of different genres. From reggae, rock, pop alternative and especially new wave music of the 80’s to which they add their own flavor when covering songs.


Moving on, we have Ras Muhamad from Indonesia. This is a multi-talented man. From, recording, performing, bi-lingual lyricist, book author, radio host and producer. Also, self-proclaimed Raggae Ambassodor of Indonesia. He has relentlessly and ceaselessly spread the message of Raggae from the aspects of culture and history throughout Indonesia and to the likes of South East Asian regions. Now, we get the chance to listen and enjoy his message through the sound of Raggae!

Retrospect from Thailand is next in the list. Now, this is another rock performance being showcase at Asia Music Festival 2014. The band made of Big (guitar), Bomb (bass), Not (guitar) and Nap (drum/vocal). The specific genre of rock that this band carry is industrial metal rock music, a mix of death metal and thrash metal. Another head banging session and most probably mosh-pit.

The line-up above shows it all. I'm not going to say much other than I'm excited about all the performance this coming Asia Music Festival 2014. So, that's all for now. Nope I'm not done yet, still got several more bands to blog about and will post it in my next entry. 

Performers For Asia Music Festival 2014 (Malaysian Performers)

Like I said in my previous post, I'll talk about the performers that are going to be at Asia Music Festival 2014 (AMF14) but for this post, I'm going to introduce the performers from Malaysia.

First off Drumcall. The band started with less than 10 members early June 2014. Now (2014), the community grew to more than 30 members. The interesting fact about Drumcall is this, it is a community made to give platform for drummers to practice together trough consistent drum shed and lesson. They have been performing in Kuching, Sarawak and this community is currently growing.
Please also check their Facebook page DrumCall



Next is Mad August. The band was formed in 24/08/2011. The name for the band was derived from their critical decision in the month of August. They have to choose between pursuing their dreams in the music scene or live an ordinary life. The name "MAD" come from an abbreviation of a philosophical slogan "Make A Difference". It simply shows that anyone can make a difference in life, even with a least of strength. The word "August" which in numerical "8" refers to success, opportunities and strength. The band plays modern rock and emo rock music (guess there is going to be head banging).


Last performers from Malaysia is MISALUVI AND MOTION FAMILY. This is not a band but its a dance crew. This is something new for this event. Normally when it comes to music festival, more of us would think of music but this time around, AMF14 showcase something different which is dance. I've heard of this dance crew before and they have a studio based here in Miri, Sarawak.









So, there you go! For more details on the performers, click on this link AMF14 Performers

Asia Music Festival 2014

Most of you already heard the news about Asia Music Festival 2014. Same as last year, the huge event will be held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, Miri, Sarawak.

I attended the 2013 edition of AMF and it was AWESOME!! People are dancing and having the time of their life!

From my personal experience of last year's AMF, I find that this particular event does not focus on 1 specific genre of music. It can be instrumental, rock, dangdut, and etc. That is what makes this event different from Borneo Jazz Festival, RWMF and so on.

The line up for this year performance consist of 4 performers from Malaysia, 1 from Singapore, 1 from Thailand, 1 from India, 1 from Indonesia, 1 from Philippines and 1 from Taiwan.

Now, looking at the list of performers, its gonna be one hell of a night peeps! Will tell you guys more details on the performers and the price rate for the tickets in my next blog!

For more details, here is the link Asia Music Festival

ETHNO JAZZ WITH A TWIST AT BORNEO JAZZ

Kuching, Monday–YK Samarinda is an ethnic jazz band from East Kalimantan who started out as a fusion jazz band and eventually made and combined ethnic songs of Kalimantan in jazz rhythm.

The YK Band is a quartet from Samarinda whose music is an unique blend of Indonesian Borneo tunes built into western jazz techniques and improvisation. Yusuf and King formed the band in 2003 when they established some projects of ethnic songs. In 2005, the keyboardist and studio arranger Yin joined the group and later on Thrash Metal drummer Avant joined, which resulted in the group growing bigger.

In 2013, Avant decided to go for a solo career, and M. Iqbal came to join the YK band. Since then the band has found more groove and has showed impressive performances at the Java Jazz festival in Jakarta and the Mahakam Jazz Fiesta in Samarinda.

Come and see them at the Borneo Jazz Festival 2014 on Saturday, 10 May in Miri, Sarawak and enjoy their South East Asian ethno jazz with a twist.

Borneo Jazz Festival 2014 - Performers Line Up

This blog post will focus more on the performers of Borneo Jazz Festival 2014.

Every year, this festival attracts local and international acts. This year is no different. So far, 7 performers was announced and I'm not sure whether there will be more performers added into the list soon.

So, the 7 performers are, JunkOFunc (Malaysia), Vocal Sampling (Cuba), Brassballett (Germany), Anthony Strong (U.K), Mario Canonge (Martinique), Iriao (Georgia) and Diana Liu (Malaysia). So, there you go, 7 line ups of the jazz festival.

Quick review of the performers :

1. JunkOFunc of Malaysia.

A band made of 12 members (a large band indeed). The first debut of this band is on 2008 at Genting Internation Jazz Festival. Their genre is funk/soul with the powerful gospel influenced voice of Elvira Arul and Russel Curtis.

2. Vocal Sampling of Cuba.

All male a cappella group. The members are Rene Baños Pascual, Pedro Bernard Coto, Reinaldo Sanler Maseda, Oscar Porro Jimenez, Hector Crespo Enriquez and Luis Alzaga Mora. Founded on 20th December 1989, most of their music style are based on the rhythms of Cuban music.

Heard their music online and trust me, it will make you move.

3. Brassballet of Germany.

Before I begin, after reading their bio at their website http://www.brassballett.com/, I go WOW!!

What can I say about this band. They claim that their name is not just a band's name but a musical revolution. They play music fuses with dances style like hip hop, salsa, street dance and etc. A must see act at Borneo Jazz Festival.

4. Anthony Strong of U.K

A man that has been claim as England new jazz superstar. Read about his bio and comments of other superstars are like "F**king amazing - Rod Stewart". Now, when an artist received such comment from a legend in the industry, he must be good, really good. Another must-see act people!

If you don't believe me, here's the link to his website and go check it out!

http://www.anthonystrong.co.uk/index.html

 5. Mario Canonge of Martinique

A pianist held from Martinique. He's been playing since he was at the age of 10. After watching his video in youtube, I find his music is calming. The kind of music that you would listen during your Sunday afternoon drive or just chilling. Beautiful, smoothing and calming. That is how I describe his music. Looking forward for his performance at Borneo Jazz Festival 2014.

Below is the link to his website:

http://www.mariocanonge.net/en/musique.html



6.  Iriao of Georgia

Name Iriao comes from the common phrase “Iriao-uruao” of the famous Georgian jodling singing style ” Krimanchuli”.

Iriao’s repertoire is based on Georgian authentic folk instrumental and polyphonic music, which has been recognized by UNESCO as being a masterpiece of oral immaterial heritage.  However, the band is not aiming to modernize the unique Georgian polyphony music, but to saturate and adorn it with jazz elements.

7. Diana Liu of Malaysia

Diana Liu, one of Malaysia’s most celebrated jazz musicians.  Her latest collection of songs treats listeners to a fresh burst of original and upbeat sound, bringing together Diana’s various musical influences in pop, jazz, bossa nova, funk/soul, gospel and experimental music.

You can also checkout her website at http://dianaliuwy.weebly.com/

Asia Music Festival 2013 Day 2

Day 2 of Asia Music Festival start out strong with the opening act from The Mountain Wind Band, a local band from Bario. I should say that the local acts that performed on Day 2 were awesome!

Well, here are the photos from day 2.

Now this is a surprising view. The younger generations are loving the performance.

The "Poco-Poco"

Up next is another local Sarawak born singer, Melissa Francis.

View of the sunset right after Melissa's performance.

The Starlets Band return on Day 2 of Asia Music Festival and this time, they did something different from their Day 1 performances.

They even did a "Dangdut" act

Right after The Starlets Band, Mr. Fakhrul Razi take the stage and he was not alone. On this performance, he was backed up by a local band called Camouflage.

After the Brunei's singer done with his performance, Boy Thai Band takes the stage.

 

 From the crowd's point of view

Now, here's where the party really start to heat up. Up next, is Antony Dassan Yen Party all the way from India.

The crowd really enjoy that act from Antony Dassan. Next is a all girl band called Foxy Girls from Indonesia. Another act that the crowd loved.

Now, here are some of the "participant" that join them on stage and dance like nobody's business.

I call them "The Trio".

And are some feedback on the event.

1. Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) should held this event once again next year but this time, try focus more on the publicity.

2. The use of coupon to buy food. In term of "Go Green", the coupon is not helping. Whats wrong with buying food and drinks using direct cash? 

3. The venue this year was fine but there are hazards. As I was taking photos in front of the stage, I can really feel that the platform is shaking or wobbling. Now, luckily on that day, no unwanted event happened. But if there is another event such as this, the stage and the dance floor should be on solid ground, just to ensure the safety of the crowd and/or visitors.

4. Selection on the performance. Now, I was shock to find out that most of the local act performed early. I do not know why or how does they choose on the performer's turn but if you really talking about supporting your local musician, try to put them "in-line" with the other international act not as the "opening act". 

5. Another issue was brought up during the event was the photographer pit pass. As we found out that the barricade was a wooden barricade with pots of greens in between. Which was easy for the crowd to move and enter the pit (easy access). And surprisingly there was no RELA or policemen guarding in front of the stage. Try and improve on that.

So basically, that's it. Thanks again to STB for organizing such event here in Miri and we hope there are more similar event in the coming future. Cheers!