Eileina Williams is as comfortable singing jazz and blues as she is unleashing her voice in a gospel choir, or belting out one of her chart-topping hits on the European club circuit. The versatile and truly international singer, who is now based in LA, has been honing her talents since her first performance at the age of three in her minister-father’s church in Birmingham, England. Since then she has scored pop hits in Italy, sung for Moroccan royalty and worked with greats like Nina Simone, Randy Crawford and Paul Young. Eileina will be singing for the first time in Asia at The Living Room.

What was it like being a star in Italy?
It was an absolutely wonderful experience for me, and I miss it terribly. The degree of admiration and respect that you get from people in Italy who know you are an artist is incredible. To have people come out to see you perform and listen so intently that you can hear a pin drop is a wonderful thing.

Why change to jazz?
Well, I was living in Italy, and I was singing a lot of R&B. I saw Gloria Gaynor perform. And she was huge. They actually had to sort of hoist her up on the stage! And I thought, “Oh my God! That will not be me at that age, singing disco! It kind of scared me. (Anyway, Gloria is much thinner now. She looks fantastic.) One of the very first songs I worked on was "I Cover the Waterfront", originally sung by Billie Holiday. And I felt as though I had come home singing-wise. The same emotions and the same elevations that I get when I sing gospel were perfectly fit to jazz and I thought, “Wow! This is what I am going to be singing!”

Was it difficult coming from R&B?
With R&B you get into the groove, jump around, move your head and sing at the top of your lungs and inject 10 different notes into the word “baby”! With jazz you really have to listen to all of the elements—there are the drums and the piano and the bass—and then lay your vocals in the right places. You really have to have your head in a different mind space.

Biggest jazz influences?
Shirley Horne, Carmen McRae, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn.

What else do you listen to?
I really like to listen to opera, having lived in Italy for so many years. There is so much power behind their voices.

From your recordings, it sounds like your voice also has a lot of power.
I actually have to move the microphone away sometimes, so I don’t deafen people. I did a concert once in Italy in a club adjacent to a mink coat factory. I was singing so loud I set off the security alarms!

To try and categorize Singapore’s The Observatory is to flounder amid labels that don’t stick: This technically-proficient yet soulful sextet draws influences from classical, jazz, experimental and rock. Coming for their third show in Thailand (the 2005 Pattaya Music and Fat festivals were #1 and #2), so::on’s Signalized Soul, The Observatory is like your favorite plant—it just grows with time.

How has Blank Walls been received?
Leslie Low [vocals, guitar]: We seem to appeal to people who are laid-back and quiet. We’ve been fortunate to garner some interest locally, and there’s been a small group of supporters that attend our gigs. As for overseas, it’s been a slow climb up a steep hill. But we’re enjoying the climb so far.
Evan Tan [programmer, bass]: People, especially girls, have been telling me they prefer the first album, Time of Rebirth. But [these same] people later told me Blank Walls is a grower and that they understood why we were doing what we were doing.

Despite its plaintive beauty, your music is dense and Leslie’s lyrics are quite impressionistic. Does this prevent you from getting radio play and mainstream acceptance?
Vivian Wang [vocals, keyboard]: Singapore radio has serious hang-ups when it comes to something local, firstly, and secondly, when it doesn’t mimic the typical MTV/radio- friendly band, music and persona. It’s about ratings, as well as keeping advertisers happy.

Unlike your last two gigs here, the so::on show isn’t supported by a corporate sponsor and won’t be pulling in crowds in the thousands. Do you think your actions could influence more performers from the region to play smaller shows in Bangkok?
Leslie: As I’ve mentioned, we are quite independent ourselves. Corporate sponsorships or not, if the vibe is right for our music, we would definitely love to take part in it. Our music isn’t stadium rock [so] it actually works better for us not to play huge festivals.

Like Singapore’s Crazy Horse, one of our more recent French imports comes straight from Paris. Located on a sub-soi of swanky Lang Suan, Le Pré Grill is a charming little restaurant located in a converted house painted cheery yellow. Unlike the original on Rue Saint-Séverin, which is a bistro, the younger Bangkok sibling offers a full menu of authentic Gallic delicacies. The terrine de foie gras de canard des Sandes (Le Pre Grill duck liver, B520) goes down great with toast. Mignon de porc á l’orange (fine pork fillet with orange sauce, B340) achieves a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the cote d’agneau gillé (grilled rack of lamb, B580) is magnificent. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert: Try the mousse au chocolat (B280), which isn’t too sweet, or the house specialty blanc manger (vanilla cream, B200), a guilt-free pleasure that is low in both fat and sugar.

In addition to the dozen or so tables inside the restored home, there are a few tables on the front balcony for pleasant alfresco dining. Service is friendly, and the overall experience is more like having a meal at someone’s home—with a great chef—than stuffy fine dining.

After a quick tour of the property, we have a chat with the half-French, half-Thai chef, co-owner and general manager, Jai Lafon.

What’s the story?
The owner of Le Pré Grill has been visiting Thailand three times a year for a long time, and he is in love with the country. This is the first branch before we expand to other countries in Southeast Asia.

How is it different from other French restaurants in Bangkok?
We use only original recipes—no fusion or modified recipes. If there is something we can’t find in Thailand, we import it from France. The head chef from Paris has made sure that the taste, presentation and service are up to Paris standards. So this is real French flair and taste.

You say your prices are lower than other French restaurants here. How do you do it?
Other restaurants may set their prices based on what others in Bangkok charge. But we calculate the price based on the cost plus just enough for us to survive as a business. So customers can enjoy our food at very reasonable prices.

How can we tell what’s authentic?
Flavor, to be honest. If you try our dish and fly to Paris, it’ll be the same taste and of course different from other restaurants here.

How about a short phrase that sums it all up?
Simple but chic with full Parisian flavor.

Dining Details

Try French flair in a cozy Thai atmosphere at Le Pré Grill. Open Mon-Sat 12-2:30pm and 6-10:30pm, 73/2 Lang Suan Soi 4 or Ton Son Soi 4, Pleonchit Rd., 02-253-5919. AE, MC, V

When she was the host of the controversial game show The Weakest Link, Dr. Kritika Kongsompong’s grim-faced demeanor and fierce voice gave everyone the impression that she was a mega-bitch. But that wasn’t the real Ajarn Kritika. In person she has a cheerful voice, a smiling face and a gentle manner. She also has unlimited energy. She is a teacher at the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration, the host of a morning talk show on Channel 3, a businesswoman, a writer and a sweet mom and wife.

I do everything that I think will give me the opportunity to live my life to the fullest.

I’ve learned to take on different roles since I was very young. Modern women must be able to multi-task. You have to shift back and forth between your different roles; you have to wear different hats.

No matter how independent you are, when you have a family, you have to take good care of your husband and children. When I’m home I am a mother. I cook, I still braid my daughter’s hair and when my husband comes home I squeeze the toothpaste for him, prepare his pajamas and the next morning set his work clothes out on the bed. I don’t think it’s weird, difficult or boring. I’m happy to do this for them—it’s a major part of my life.

Lots of young people who are left to be alone or with maids will not turn out to be high-quality people. My daughter is now 15 years old, and I need to be with her as much as I can because I want to make sure that she’s quality.

I enjoy the entertainment business, because the money is good and because I get to dress up and get to meet a lot of people.

I accepted the offer to be the host of The Weakest Link because the role was interesting and I thought I was a good fit.

In the beginning, I got lots of negative feedback. My students at the time defended me. Later someone got up and said, “Silly you, it’s just a game.”

Even now people still remember me as the lady from The Weakest Link. This is the amazing thing about first impressions—they last for a long time.

That wasn’t me—it’s all about the acting. Right now what I’m involved in is semi-entertainment where I don’t act.

On my talk show, Kui Fueng Rueng Pooying, we address social issues such as pre-marital sex and the pros and cons of sending your children overseas. We invite people who are experts on these topics to be our guest speakers. Is it entertaining? Yes. Is it informative? Yes.

People who watch TV need to be entertained as well as informed. I don’t really watch soap operas, because I don’t want to talk like that—all that screaming and high-pitched squealing. And I don’t want my daughter to be like that either.

I enjoy doing everything because it seems like everything I do is inter-related. In February, I’ll go to India to give a talk on multi-cultural marketing. And I write academic articles and practical articles on marketing in Marketeer, Biz Week and Prachachart Turakit.

Marketing can be applied to day-to-day living—you just need to think about what is best for your target audience. If your target audience is your family, they have to be the center of attention. If your customers are your target audience, you have to satisfy them. Even if my show is entertainment, it’s still marketing.

I don’t want to be a teacher who takes things from books and repeats them. I want to enjoy teaching, and I want the students to learn from me. They can read about the things in books on their own.

Why have you entered so many contests?
I knew my future would be in advertising. So I entered a lot of competitions to gain more experience. Every award would be a great accomplishment and something I could include in my portfolio, so it would help me in my career.

Why did you choose to compete in the print ad category?
Personally I prefer commercials, because the audience is able to grasp ideas easily and quickly through motion and sound. Print ads are pure advertisement—you have to communicate with people with pictures alone. So it’s more challenging, as an ad needs to be really exceptional to attract people yet simple enough so that the ideas are easy to understand.

What was the assignment you were given?
The product I had to sell was Benlo, a supplement drink for women. I had to present Benlo as something that would make women’s skin look flushed and healthy.

How did you do it?
The concept comes from the product itself. Because it nourishes the skin internally, from inside the body, my concept was “Beauty From Inside.” It’s hard to describe the genre of my work; it combines pure art with commercial marketing. In this one I used old-fashioned Thai illustrations.

Why do you think you are able to win?
Three reasons: My work achieved the objective. It was different from the others. And it was weird.

How do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself as one of those cool advertising people. So now I’m trying to get a job at an ad firm—it’s hard, I know, but it’s worth a try. I’m also interested in the production side of advertisement and commercials.

Are there any commercials you’re really fond of?
The recent ad by DTAC, the one with Khun Pa lying down and acting funny. It looks so Thai and is full of humor. It communicates to the audience in the easiest way—people don’t need commercials that are hard to understand. Another one might be the Thai Life Insurance commercial.

Who would you most like to make an ad for?
Any children’s foundation.

How would you advertise BK?
A new lifestyle you don’t have to pay for.

Why bikes and not cars?
Cars have less kick than bikes do because even though they have matching speeds, cars have a slower pick-up. It would take a car seven to eight seconds to achieve optimum speed, but a good race bike takes only three seconds. Lately, I tried cars again in Sepang. And they’re still too slow!

Would you say you’re macho?
I don’t really think “macho” is the word, because for me danger is an accepted part of the sport. I accept that I can get hurt when I race. I accept that I can die on the track. Of course at the end of the day you need guts. If you have fear, this sport is not for you.

Are you afraid of big burly Harley riders?
Why should I be? I first rode a Harley two years ago, after 26 years of riding sports bikes. And that’s when I realized why people ride Harleys—it’s a totally different aspect of riding. It’s a lifestyle. Ninety-nine percent of Harley riders just want to cruise around and have fun. I see myself riding a Harley in 10 years when I’m 60. My friends and I like to tease our Harley friends—they can go fast but they can’t stop in time!

If there’s one thing you’d like to say to car drivers, what would it be?
Improve your driving! Frankly, I think most of our drivers are not competent. I think what they learn while they’re getting their licenses is not sufficient for their day-to-day driving. I sit in taxis and I don’t know how they drive! They’re always braking, and they can’t change their gears properly! How you conduct yourself on the road is important to me, because I train my riders to be fast and smooth.

Would you EVER spray your bike pink?
No! I had a black and pink helmet once, and the guys used to laugh at me. The thing is if you’re wearing a black suit, it’s okay. But black is my jinx color. Every time I wear all black I crash!

What do you think of the ah bengs who mount speakers on their bikes and play loud techno music while they ride?
I don’t have anything against that, but I don’t understand it. Riding itself is so much fun. Music is a distraction because you have the wind factor. Music mixed with wind becomes noise. If I want music, I wouldn’t want the wind blowing around.

Why did you decide to be a criminologist?
After receiving my Bachelor’s in Criminology, I realized that lawyers who defend do not always understand the real reasons behind their clients’ actions. My criminology professor inspired my interest in pursuing a greater understanding of why people commit crime at the macro level.

Are criminologists profilers?
Some aspects of criminology do involve profiling, especially criminal psychology. Criminology is not all about CSI. It’s about the study of crime and criminals.

What is your weirdest case to date?
Several houses in a suburban residential area were burgled with the same MO—no sign of a break-in. But each house had a small window in the bathroom, so small that none of us could figure out how any grown person could fit through. Finally, when the
gypsy gang was busted, we discovered that the burglars were training and using a three-year-old to slip through those windows so that he could open the main doors for the others.

Name one thing about crime or criminals that members of the public least know about.
I used to hand out a group of photos to my criminology class and ask my students to identify the “real criminals” because criminals do not necessarily look like Mr. Freeze from Batman. Another message I like to stress is that crime is defined by law. A low crime rate may not mean less crime. In some countries, citizens may be reluctant to report crime and so a low crime rate gives a false sense of security. This is especially true for property and personal offenses such as theft and rape.

Who is your favorite CSI investigator?
Lieutenant Horatio Caine. He is a three-dimensional thinker. His “think out of the box” approach and professional instincts are easily identified with by criminologists.

Are chicks intrigued by your profession?
The truth is I used to have problems finding a date. As a Certified Fraud Examiner, I often involuntarily assess a person’s credibility during a conversation. Many people feel threatened by this. It’s an occupational hazard.

If I vanished off the face of this earth right after this interview, what would you do to find me?
Call the police.

Fans of progressive heavy rock will be familiar with the five mean and talented guys from Dream Theater—James LaBrie, John Myung, John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess. We shudder as we near the legendary band, and pray that keyboardist Jordan Rudess will not notice our trembling hands and fake tattoos as we chat with him.

So many bands have come and gone, but Dream Theater has survived 20 years. What’s the secret of the band’s longevity?
Dream Theater has always been very honest. We are not catering to fashion or trends—this is what makes us unique. We are just making our own music. Many appreciate us for what we do, and that’s why we’ve survived for so long. We are not just another passing fad.

What are some of the ups and downs that Dream Theater has gone through?
Before I joined the group about seven years ago, there were a lot of personal problems within the band. There was also a lot of pressure from the record company to make the group commercial. That was one of the worst periods for Dream Theater. Now we are recovering, and things have been smooth sailing for the past eight years. We just got back from South America; it was very exciting to see we have a big following there.

What keeps Dream Theater’s music evolving?
Dream Theater has always been about creativity. We always keep our ears open to what’s happening in the world. That keeps our music changing, growing and progressing.

All of you are masters of your crafts and excellent solo musicians. What is it about going solo that you can’t do as a band?
The music we make as Dream Theater is a fusion of our individual styles. Our solo projects allow us to stretch out and go into a style we wouldn’t go into as a band. I am into classical piano and I find it very rewarding to pursue that. I also use synthesizers to create very heavy and deep rock music that wouldn’t fit into the usual style of the group. John Petrucci recently has a solo album that has no keyboards at all.

What are the highlights of your coming concert in Singapore?
Our 20th anniversary concert in Singapore takes a retrospective look at all the music we’ve made—tunes from our first to our newest album. We will be playing for about two and a half to three hours. It should be fun.

We admit we are guilty of sneaking in cameras and recording devices into concert halls. What is your opinion on bootlegs?
We are fine with them. They keep the energy going. A true fan will have everything related to Dream Theater—including bootlegs. Bootlegs are dangerous for groups which follow trends or fashion, because these groups die out fast and bootlegs will affect the album sales. But we are not one of these groups. So bootlegs don’t really affect us.

Tell us more about your newest album, Octavarium.
Dream Theater writes lyrics that are deeper than a standard love song. Each song in Octavarium has its own story behind it. For example, “Sacrifice” talks about the 9/11 incident. There are eight songs in total, and each song is like a different step in a musical scale. Everything in Octavarium, including the artwork on the album sleeve, plays around with the number eight.

So, what music is Dream Theater listening to right now?
We listen to different genres of music. I am currently listening to electronic music. Some of the stuff I’m listening to includes Porcupine Tree and RadioHead.

Any words for fans?
We are very appreciative of fans. They make our careers happen. We enjoy going to different places such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. New places, new people, new fans.

We’ve always had a secret fear that attending Subvert’s drum ‘n’ bass gigs will give us a headache that throbs in sync with the music. Hiding our painkillers, we chat with Zul Othman, one of the cool guys behind Subvert, and discover we need not have feared.

What’s the philosophy behind Subvert?
We’re pretty free and easy, so I guess the main philosophy behind the Subvert parties we’ve been doing for years is just to have fun! It’s all about good tunes and coming together with your mates for a laugh—just what clubbing is basically about, really.

So, why drum ‘n’ bass?
Apart from house, drum ‘n’ bass is quite possibly the most eclectic genre in dance. It oozes flavors from funk, soul, jazz, techno, bossa nova and even trance. No other genre can lay claim to that, and that’s what makes it exciting.

Will we get a headache attending Subvert’s gigs?
Just moderate the booze intake and you’ll be fine. Trust me.

Subvert has been organizing parties since 1999. How has the DJing scene changed since then?
Things are more organized now. Clubbers are educated and know what they want. Back in those days, you had DJs playing everything from house to techno and drum ’n’ bass in one night. The focus now is good, because that means promoters are now more dedicated to putting together better nights. And, of course, the caliber of homegrown DJs now is just unbelievable.

How do our homegrown talents fare compared to the DJs in other parts of Asia?
We have some serious DJ talents here, and not just in drum ’n’ bass. My personal favorites are Vortex, Dean, Stingray and Ajay. These guys have played to enthusiastic crowds in the region and they’re definitely talented.

What are some of the notable DJs that Subvert has brought back to tease clubbers into ecstasy?
We’ve brought in a fair share of international jocks. Since 1999, we’ve had a hand in bringing in big names like UK’s Aphrodite, John B, Friction and London Elektricity, as well as regional jocks such as Kuala Lumpur’s Low and Mac, Bangkok’s Dragon and Wen, and Jakarta’s Jerome and Random.

What’s the crowd like at the gigs Subvert had organized?
Proper, rowdy, but a lovely caring bunch as well—just the way we like it!

How do you think the party scene has evolved over the years?
By leaps and bounds! Parties are getting bigger, DJs are getting better, and promoters are more inventive. It’s all sunshine for the scene really.

What are your thoughts on so much competition happening now, and does it affect your sets, considering that you guys are more indie?
Competition is everywhere, but I guess I’m lucky enough not to do this full-time. At the end of the day, this is a hobby as far as I am concerned. It’s all about escaping from planet employment as someone said, we just get a few friends together for some good tunes and a laugh over the weekend. Worrying about competition would spoil the point, really!

How do you think Subvert will fare in 2006?
We’ll be doing the same thing as we’ve always done, trying to put on good shows and having a good laugh. Oh, and maybe come up with some surprises along the way!

Complete the sentence. “A party rocks when…”
… people realize it’s not rocket science and have fun!

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Well, originally I wanted to be a zoologist, then a photographer, then a designer. But maybe I’ll move on to film soon, or something else.

Has fashion always been your first passion?
It’s always been a big interest, but there are a lot of other interests too. Sometimes I love fashion, other times I hate it!

What is your biggest achievement?
Just being here, where I am, I guess. Life’s not that easy, really, is it, and just to achieve a little bit you have to give a lot. Although I must admit I’m lucky at times.

What inspires you?
Anything inspires me. I enjoy finding out about new things and it can be literally anything: From a person to a song to a photo or a film.

How do you recharge?
Diet Coke and music.

What’s playing in your iPod/MP3/CD player?
Ron Hardy mixes and the Annie soundtrack, weirdly enough.

What do you collect?
A selection of ’70s and ’80s London designers from Leigh Bowery to Rachel Auburn to Vivienne Westwood, along with records, books and my own photographs.

Where would you like to live?
I’ve lived all over Africa and South America along with other places. I wouldn’t mind living in South Africa for about two months a year, and Brazil for a month. I guess I already stay in New York for one month a year anyway. But a nice island somewhere like the Maldives would be good for a few weeks a year too.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
At the moment, it’s a suit by Christopher Nemeth. It’s really beautiful, almost Victorian but modern too.

What are your thoughts on the fashion world right now?
Well, I’m not sure. People seem so happy with things that are totally unchallenging, that I find a little boring. It is the 21st century, so let’s have a little fun. It does seem that people in the ’20s, ’30s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s were having more fun and pushing the limit a little bit more!

What accessory sets you apart?
My Kim Jones hotdog necklace, which no one has yet.

What about you scares others?
Not much. I think I’m fairly normal looking, polite and easy to talk to! I think people have a bit of a different impression of me to the real me, and I’m a bit boring when you meet me.

If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
Oh, that’s a hard one! Probably one of the extras in Star Wars so no one could see me.

What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
Honesty and loyalty. Don’t we all?

Do you have a cause or do you support one?
Conservation. I am a nature freak, and we do have to take care of the planet. I do try my hardest even though what I do doesn’t help it.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
Paris Catherine Dupree, and I’m trying to arrange it!

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
Sleeping or reading papers.

What is your idea of hell?
The dentist. I hate them.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
Nothing at all, except my friends and music.