How long have you been playing together?
We’ve been playing for about 4-5 months now as TRIP. All of us met years ago but during the time we were playing in different bands and working on solo projects. We finally decided to start a band together because we realized how much we all had in common.

You guys are still very new—played any gigs yet?
Not yet but we're looking forward to doing so. We're excited to bring to music fans a fresh sound resulting from all our personalities fused together.

What inspires you?
We like artists who are different and aim to make their listeners feel something, like Queen and Lady Gaga. A lot of people nowadays are inspired by feel-good music. We'd love to achieve that, sure, but we also want to be one of those bands that can make you feel like you're not alone.

What's success to you?
Gaining popularity both locally and internationally. Our biggest dream is to play alongside bands on tours such as the Vans Warped Tour and Australia's Soundwave Festival. We also want to make something that our listeners will hit the play button over and over for.

What's coming up for you other than your marketing efforts on Gushcloud?
Our debut album, a self-titled EP, is coming out soon but we don't have an exact release date. We will definitely update our fans through our social media pages. There'll be six to seven tracks on this EP and we hope music fans everywhere enjoy it.  

When was the last time you went crazy?
We always go crazy when we're together. We never fail to surprise even ourselves whenever we're on an outing or practicing.

Any thoughts on the Singapore music scene?
It's still in its tender stage. There are many talented groups in Singapore that lack exposure. We hope to be a part of the revolution when it comes.

Check out TRIP's profile on Gushcloud.

 
 

Fairmont Singapore 
Exclusively for August 9, the Fairmont Singapore is offering the National Day Celebration Room Package ($497++ per night) for their deluxe room (with fireworks view). The package includes a complimentary buffet breakfast for two, complimentary 24-hour parking at Raffles City Shopping Centre, 20% off dining within the hotel premises and a promo price of $247++ for a subsequent night stay (August 10 only) with breakfast.

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
From August 8-12, book a premier room at $470++ per night and get upgraded to an executive suite at check-in.

Fullerton Bay Hotel
Enjoy the fireworks from their premier room ($750++ per night), bay view room ($900++ per night) or premier bay view room ($980++), and sit down to a breakfast for two at Clifford Restaurant the morning after. If you really have to work that weekend (though we highly discourage it), there's complimentary in-room internet.

Hotel Fort Canning
You don't need to be in the CBD to catch a glimpse of the National Day festivities. Check into this relaxing hotel surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy its 47% discount off normal rates. Promo price is at $290++ a night (includes breakfast). Rooms come with designer toiletries, an iPod dock and boutique teas.

Marina Mandarin Singapore
Stay two nights (August 9-10) for $818++ (executive deluxe room), $958++ (premier room) or $1,748 (suite), inclusive of daily buffet breakfast, as well as complimentary parking and internet. There'll be a view of the night's sparkly festivities too, of course.

Mandarin Orchard
Exclusively for National Day, Mandarin Orchard's offering a pretty swell deal on its deluxe ($260++) and premier ($280++) rooms, which includes breakfast for two. Reservations must be made before August 1 though, and promotion is valid for check-in from August 8 and latest checkout on August 12.

Mandarin Oriental
For $509 per night, get a great view of the fireworks at the hotel's premier harbour room or check into something on a higher level for $900 (includes breakfast for two) to see the floating platform. The club harbour room ($980) includes access to the Oriental Club Lounge, which offers a Champagne breakfast, evening cocktails, afternoon tea, exclusive use of the meeting room with teleconferencing and concierge services.

Novotel
From $260++ (super bayview room), catch the fireworks and enjoy a free international buffet breakfast after from now till August 31. Rates applicable only if you book through the Novotel website.

Peninsula Excelsior Hotel
The National Day Fireworks package costs $350++ per night (single/double) for their premier club room, inclusive of breakfast, internet and evening cocktails at Sky Lounge from 6-8pm for two.

The Ritz-Carlton
Lounge by their fabulous shaded pool or stay in bed all day but make sure you get up in time to catch the fireworks from their Marina deluxe room ($900++ per night), inclusive of breakfast for two.

Swissotel the Stamford
For $547++ a night, you'll get a classic harbour view room located no lower than the 20th floor, complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Cafe Swiss or Kopi Tiam, as well as 20% off meals at Cafe Swiss, Kopi Tiam and Out of the Pan. If you book a second night (August 10 only), you'll only have to pay $247++, which includes breakfast.

Those who missed out on the much talked about photo show The Last Station, displayed at the Photographic Society of Singapore last September will be glad to know it’s made a comeback in the form of The Return—exactly one year since the station closed—at new indie café and art space Crazy World Café in Chinatown. Now that plans are underway to turn the station into a lifestyle space featuring product launches and fashion showcases, it’s only apt that we recap the original spirit of the railway station through these nostalgic images.

“Memories fade as time passes, so it is hoped that through this rerun the public will be reminded of our heritage as it has been affectionately recreated once again,” says photographer Zann Huizhen.

“Nostalgia is important because we need to reconnect with our past which plays a role in shaping our identities today.”

She adds, “In capturing the images of the trains, tracks, the KTM workers and the emotions of the visitors toward the last month before the closure of the station, I’ve managed to preserve this as collective memories for all to share.

Zann shares with us five of her favorite photographic memories:

1. A scene from a train cabin as a little boy takes the KTM train with his family for the last time during the June holidays.

2. The ever so popular chapati stall with a never-ending queue.

3. A quirky scene of a girl sitting on the tracks next to a bunch of colorful balloons as a man rides by on his bike highlights the various activities which occurred towards the closure of the railway station. It evokes a sense of yearning to reconnect with heritage knowing that it will not last forever.

4. A portrait of the KTM train captured from the bridge near the Alexandra Hospital.

5. Two sisters dressed in their best as they came to see the railway station for the last time. Many farewells, adventures, tales of friendship and romance had been forged here over the last 79 years. The sisters symbolize the shared heritage and memories of Singapore and Malaysia as they held hands.

The exhibition is on through July 31 at Crazy World Café.

1. Get a massage.
A quick massage at Spa Esprit is the perfect way to relieve stress. A 30-minute Fastdraw Back Massage is only $55.

2. Get your hair done.
Visit the Toni & Guy-trained stylists at Essensuals for a sleek cut starting at $35 or simply a shampoo and style from $20.

3. Get a manicure/pedicure.
Manicurious offers an express manicure and pedicure service that only takes 15 minutes each. Express Manicure is $15 and pedicure is $18.

4. Go shopping.
Try the personal shopping service at Style Services. It costs $300 an hour, but the charge will be waived if you spend at least $1,000. Just book an appointment and tell them which styles you’re looking for. To make sure you’re back in time for work, stylists can email photos of merchandise and get your feedback before you even come in.

5. Go on a date.
Lunch Actually is the first and largest dating agency in Asia that allows you to meet people through lunch dates. They will do all the work for you, even make lunch reservations and individually interview each client; all you have to do is show up. Packages range from $1,000 for three dates to $2,500 for 10 dates. Additional online services are also available.

6. Get a tan.
Try Auriga Spa’s organic “Healthy Glow Self Tan Treatment” that only takes 45 minutes and costs $131.

Afiko Food Delivery
Look forward to about 26 options including The Song of India, Chili’s Grill & Bar and Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant. They also offer bento sets and a wine menu. Delivery is $30. 6223-3453

Cuisine Xpress
With 20-odd restaurants located in town, Holland Village and East Coast, find options such as Italian establishment Michelangelo’s and North Indian restaurant
Riverwalk Tandoor. Delivery from $5. 6339-9883

Dealivery
This three-month old newbiehas about 60 eateries offering a variety of cuisines such as Mediterranean restaurant Urban Bites and Italian stalwart Spizzico. Check out their daily deals. Delivery’s from $7. 6299-8012

Foodpanda
The ambitious start-up launched at the end of March but already has over 130 restaurants to their name including Tex-Mex restaurant Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Mosi Cafe which serves Moroccan cuisine (sadly, you can’t order a shisha pipe to go) and Al-Ameen Food Hub, which famously serves up a variety of menus like Thai, Indian and Malay. Delivery is free for many of them as well. 6723-8155

Hungry Delivery
The delivery arm of the famous HungryGoWhere team boasts around 42 restaurants like The Orange Lobster which serves modern Chinese cuisine, Al Qasr which presents Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine and Naive which specializes in vegetarian Asian fusion. Delivery starts from $4. 6352-2622

Is there something you know now that you wished you’d known when starting out on your career?
I have gained a great amount of experience and insight from everything I have done. You need those experiences to learn and grow. Without them I don’t think I would be where I am or who I am today.

What design trends do you anticipate seeing more of in 2012?
After several years of fewer and smaller-scale projects, more projects are emerging and a lot of pent up creativity is flowing. Increased optimism seems to be drawing designers to shiny, metallic products and warm berry tones combined with cooler colors like pistachio and taupe. Nontraditional floor plans have become popular, featuring open, flexible layouts and multi-purpose moveable furniture. But I think an interest will also remain on raw, crafted materials.

Do you sense a greater public appreciation for design now?
I think design has always been important in people’s lives. It creates connections and evokes emotional responses. Especially in the last decade, design has become more and more available to the masses. It is no longer fair to assume that only high-end customers appreciate well-designed spaces.

Do you have a pet hate when it comes to a certain element of design?
Poor lighting! Lighting is everything—it shapes the space, has a dramatic impact on atmosphere and perception of space.

Why do you think the W brand generates so much excitement?
The W brand fuses ideas of luxury with the hip and comfortable. Their hotels are not just places where guests sleep but oases, or cities within cities. W is constantly reinventing, modifying and updating to stay relevant.

What are you most excited about with the W Singapore project?
The W Singapore Sentosa Cove will bring a cosmopolitan vibe to a magical tropical setting. We studied Singapore’s traditional floral patterns extensively, particularly the native hibiscus flower. The flower is laser cut in rosewood behind the reception and on floor patterns at the bars and lounges.

Support local at this year's IGNITE! Music Festival, featuring bands like Cesspit, The Pinholes, Tiramisu and Youthwreck. July 6

Sentosa's Jazz by the Beach is back with acts like Ireson, bossanova group Sparkle and local band ChromaZone (featuring Richard Jackson). July 6, 13, 20, 27

We've only heard positive reviews so far over social media about Dream Academy's latest production Happy Ever Laughter starring Gurmit Singh, Kumar, Michelle Chong and YouTube duo Munah and Hirzi—go check it out. July 7-8

Having issues with buying property in Singapore? You're not alone, as award-winning scriptwriter Jean Tay explores in her play, BOOM. July 6-8

One of today's most talked about artists Damien Hirst experiments in Yayoi Kusama's blinding world of polka dots in the exhibition Spots & Dots at Palais Renaissance. Opens July 7

If you're looking to really impress friends at the dinner table, go for ToTT's Science & Cooking class, where you'll learn cool tricks like how to make eggless custard and dry sorbet. July 7

If you've been enjoying the onslaught of Broadway musicals that's been coming in, there's no reason not to catch Annie—the one with classics like "It's the Hard Knock Life" and "Tomorrow". Opens July 10

There's no time like the '90s, and Loof says it best at their first Loofapalooza night, with DJ Uncle Johnny spinning tracks from the pioneers of alternative music. July 19

Ballet Under the Stars is back at Fort Canning Park with both classical and contemporary performances, including the world premiere of Organ Concerto by renowned Dutch choreographer Nils Christe. July 20-22

A must-watch: the star-studded La Cage Aux Folles directed by Glen Goei, about a gay couple who run a night club. July 20-30

More events in Singapore, July 2012. 

1. Club Street Social

An unofficial hangout for F&B industry players including off-duty chefs, restaurant managers and bartenders, the area's latest hotspot offers a laidback alternative to the other watering holes on the main Club Street stretch. Tuck into Italian sandwiches like panini, tramezzini and crostini (from $9), while sipping on unique cocktails like Number 4 ($20), with rye whiskey and Vegemite.

Club Street Social | best bars and restaurants on Club Street

2. Luke's Oyster Bar Chophouse

Care of Travis Masiero is this chic brasserie that's classy (think crisp white linens and vest-wearing servers) yet relaxed. Comforting American classics such as New England-style clam chowder ($17) and pork chops with house-made apple jam ($60) pairs well with attentive and well-trained service; a real winner in our book.

3. Senso Ristorante & Bar

A true blue Club Street institution that's been around since 2000, this charming Italian stalwart occupies five adjacent shophouses (gorgeous courtyard, too). Not only do they offer good lunch sets, their Sunday brunch is also worth a visit.

Senso Italian restaurant | best bars and restaurants on Club Street

4. Platters Bistro and Wine Bar

Sample a constantly changing selection of mostly European wines and a menu of sharing platters (hence the name), including cheese and charcuterie (from $18) and duck confit for two ($28) at this barely three-month-old joint. The kitchen also invites a new guest chef to create specials every three months. Till the end of June 2012, it's local boy Jimmy Chok.

5. Bartini 

Cocktail bars are everywhere these days, but two things make the cocktails at Bartini different—they're made with premium and uncommon spirits (like Wyborowa's flavored vodkas and Diplomatico rum from Venezuela) and they all have an element of fun to them. Highlights here include signature creations like the Pornstar Martini ($22), a mix of vodka, raspberry liquer and passion fruit served with a shot of Champagne.

Cocktail bar Bartini | best bars and restaurants on Club Street

more places to go in Club Street

6. 83

From the folks behind L'Entrecote and Sabio Tapas Bar & Restaurant on Duxton Hill comes this bar-restaurant that's a mishmash of urban street art, art deco, Georgian, Victorian and modern furnishings—a great backdrop to enjoy Swiss beers, an extensive cocktail list and bubbly like Delamotte ($15/glass, $74/bottle). For bites, French-inspired fare such as drunken snail croquettes ($15) and penne served with duck leg confit ($24) should do the trick.

83 Club Street bar | best bars and restaurants on Club Street

7. Fry Bistro

A rooftop bar/bistro offering from FLY Entertainment CEO Irene Ang serving up beer-friendly bites such as Aunty Ang's wings with belachan chili ($14) and deep fried whitebait with paprika ($14), as well as easy-drinking brews like Foster's ($14) and Crown Lager ($14). Ang also runs HQ Karaoke & Bar just across the road, where you can sing your heart out while getting liquored up on mojitos (from $16) and apple shooters ($13 for a pair).

Fry Bistro's chicken wings | best bars and restaurants on Club Street

8. KKI

With jus a few tables, the space is tiny, but that's part of the appeal. The main draws here are the lovingly handmade cakes such as the Antoinette ($8) and Little Red Riding Hood ($8.50), dark chocolate mousse with a tart raspberry center. KKI shares the space with Little Drom Store, a retro retail shop.

9. Mamounia Restaurant & Lounge 

You might know this venue better as the five-storey Screening Room, with Mamounia Restaurant located on the ground floor while Mamounia Lounge has taken over the basement where Malt Vault now renamed as B28 (see below) used to be. After a makeover and concept change late last year, expect cuisines from places like Morocco, Turkey and Iran, and a menu built for sharing. There's also La Terraza Rooftop Bar if you're looking for a good alfresco booze spot.

10. B28

Formerly known as Malt Vault, B28 has relocated from one basement to another nearby at boutique hotel The Club. The swanky spot's still got a mean range of whiskies, regular jazz performances, an awesome lead bartender in the form of Aubrey Sim (check out our piece on notable female F&B folk) and $15 cocktail hour from 6-9pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Whisky bar B28 | best bars and restaurants on Club Street

more places to go in Club Street