Celebrating the United Family of Malaysia: 51st Merdeka 08

During our last performance in the house (80s Nite) I mentioned that the students of Rock City are too comfortable playing in front of family and friends and that it was time to take them outside to perform for strangers.

And this we have done (way before our year end deadline) when we put on a rapturous show at Jalan Bukit Bintang in front of Sungei Wang plaza for the 51st Merdeka on 30th August 2008 night. And since our students come from various walks of life, comprising of different races and religion, we find it appropriate to celebrate the United Family of Malaysia with songs of different languages and cultures. We even threw in a Japanese number for our foreign friends…(though of course we can’t represent every visitor to Malaysia present by singing a song of your nation, but our hearts are with you and we want to thank you for celebrating our country’s independence with us)

Our grateful regards to all the teachers and students involved for your invaluable sacrifice for coming for the countless practices to perfect the music and in the process I think we unearthed hidden talents and gems in many of you.

I am inspired by all of you for taking on this challenge and making it a success, but most of all I’m glad you had fun…a crucial element of life. I know most of you had butterflies in the stomach, but fret not; even the most seasoned performer gets nervous before going on stage. But you know once up there rocking it out, the fear disappears. So I’m very encouraged you chose to face your fears to live a part of your dream, developing that confidence in you that gets you going in life.

Therefore I’m already looking forward to more performances by the students of Rock City School of Music in public in the future…up to the time you are so damn good the public is screaming for you to grace the stage.

Kit

Recording the Rat

Finally! After months and months of practice, planning, logistic nightmares we finally got to the studio for the recording of the Year of The Rat, (though the album may be named something else - have not really decided on the name)

For most of the students it was a new experience, first time stepping in to a recording studio, so you can imagine all the cameras snapping away - you know everyone looking cool on their instruments in a room of warm lights, timber flooring and a rustic carpet...now you know why everyone likes to hang out in studios. Some pretended to be sound engineers (when Chee Meng the engineer was not looking) in the control room.

But it was great, we had fun, recorded 5 tracks - Fazly, Razak and Tony letting out in the smooth rock tunes of Left Behind and Happy Birthday, the younger ones - Afendi, Fauzan and Felix ripping it with the punk infused Goddesses and Onion Rings...with the solid Rock & Roller guiding them on bass, and of course finally our rose amongst the thorns Siew Yee who laid down her laid back hypnotic keys on VDentata after David and the Rock & Roller recorded the raunchy riffs and pulsating basslines.

3 takes each song , and I'm now going through them to choose the best to lay the vox and solos. Will be going back in to the studio to polish things up a bit while the vox students rehearse and the guitar soloists perfect their runs.

So happy practising guys...will let you know when we will be recording the Rat part 2.

We caught the rat!

Mad Jan Guitar Workshop

The phenomenal Mad Jan from the unassuming sleepy town, Ipoh. For those who miss the workshop fret not, for we have compiled an Instructional Guitar DVD featuring Mad of course and its on Sale Now!

Mad Jan





Wan (Bass), Mad (Guitar), Shah (Drum), Mad's brother (sorry forgot your name)

more pics from the " 80's "......

A big 80s thank you!

It was a blast. Every performance, it keeps on getting better and better. I'm really happy how things are progressing. Thank you again to all the students that participated especially to Hakim and Izzah cos they only had 1 practice with the teachers and 1 practice together. Also thanks to all the teachers, especially Jonie who did such a splendid job with the vocal students in such a short time. I love the fact that the singers are now dancin and shakin on stage!

Next round, we will be taking you all outside. I think everyone is very comfortable performing in our hall, so the next one (end of the year) will be a big one in public space...maybe Bukit Bintang or the Curve or depending who we can work with. Will fill in the details as we have them. It's high time we performed to strangers, take the level one notch up.

Also want to thank Mad Jan and his team from Ipoh for the guitar clinic in which his turbo powered fingers sped with blistering pace. We were all left in awe...especially when he said he's not a very good guitarist...haha. The DVDs should be ready soon.

So thanks again to everyone for making this a success.

Kit

80s Night and Guitar Clinic

Our next performance is on 30th April 2008 (ignore the earlier mentioned date on the 18th). It’s a Wednesday, but the next day is Labour day so it's a holiday! This time we are going back…way back, to a time of big hair and bigger earrings. A time of tight gaudy pants, carrot cuts and even more ridiculous hairstyles. Thankfully we are musicians and not a fashion school.

Come listen to your favourite 80s hits like Sweet Dreams, Every Breath You Take, Pour Some Sugar On Me and more.

So remember to make a date with us.

Then in order to celebrate Labour day, we are having a guitar clinic on 1st May from 2pm-4pm conducted by a guitar master from Ipoh who was the teacher of one of our very own guitar masters. Call us for more details.