Tell us more about the installation.
There are two projection-mapping installations at the exhibition. Both works are poetic expressions of time-space in the city. The first installation, titled Path. 5, Silent Conversation with a Friend, involves projecting text and video onto 13 sheets of drawings on paper that's mounted on a wall, referencing the number of times I have moved as a foreigner in Singapore. The work speaks of time-spaces in friendship and the transformative potential. The second installation, titled Metron, is essentially a metronomic clock that doesn’t tell time but rather suggests its passing. 

How do the projectors contribute to your work?
The exhibition is held at a former military barracks that offer interesting and at times, challenging spaces. For example, Path. 5 is installed in a room that's only 1.5m wide. I needed a reasonable sized projection area. This is where the Canon XEED WUX 400ST full HD short-throw projector comes in handy—I was able to achieve a 1.7m wide projection area using a throw of 1.4m. Similarly with Metron, the high-resolution, short-throw projector allows for a compelling presentation of the work.

What is it about John Cage that inspires you?
The man was all about taking chances and making mistakes, so that is pretty inspiring to me.

How did your childhood experience in Surakarta influence your work?
I wish I knew. This is an ongoing question that I continue to ask myself, through the process of making art, one work at a time. Having said that, Drawing Cage seems to be concerned with certain peculiarities of the city, in particular the linearity of its physical environment and the non-linearity of its time. My childhood in Surakarta, being a rustic and much less urban place than Singapore, more or less contributed to this concern found in my work.

What strikes you most about people in general from all your years of observation? 
I find everybody I have met in my life to be creative in their own way. For instance, I invited my friends to draw a one centimeter line in 4’33'' for the making of Path. 5. It was an eye-opener to see the many ways in which such a line can be drawn.

Is Singapore a good location to do art? What could be improved?
Singapore is currently a very open and global city in Asia to base my art practice, given that my concerns revolve around Asian cultures, the city, home and identity. Having more centrally located art studios with low rent would be great.

Drawing Cage runs through January 24 at The U Factory. #01-06, Blk 38 Gillman Barracks. Free.

HTC Onemax
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Looks: The metal body’s plastic finish gives it a solid and corporate appearance, reminiscent of other editions in the One series.
The goods: What’s unique about this device is the fingerprint scanner that’s quick as well as accurate. Its lag-free system andBoomsound tech speakers make it ideal for gaming, especially with its exceptional battery life.
The verdict: This is a solid device for app-heavy users, both inside and out.
$1,028 from Harvey Norman

LG Optimus G Pro
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Looks: Gives off premium vibes with its glassy surfaces and an impressive display on its 400 ppi pixel density screen
The goods: Multiple TV-out functions and dual-recording on the camera will satisfy all your multimedia needs. It also has in-built organizing apps that are great for office applications.
The verdict: If you want the office in the palm of your hands, this is the device for you. It’s also by far the cheapest.
$728 from Challenger

Nokia Lumia 1520
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Looks: A solid and chic-looking device with five colors to choose from. Its rounded edges let it slip into your pocket easily.
The goods: Nothing beats the Windows platform when it comes to Office-related apps—document viewing and editing are free. The Nokia Pro Camera editing software compliments the Pureview Camera and its usability suits both novices and professionals.
The verdict: An impressive Windows entry into the phablet market—the power and features are on-par with the rest. App-loving users should think twice though as the Windows Store is still playing catch up with the Apple App Store and Android Market.
$999 from Nokia Store, #02-09, Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-8112, www.nokia.com/sg

Samsung Note 3
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Looks: Sporting a faux-leather back and stiches, this baby is good-looking and even smaller than its predecessor.
The goods: The super-fast Snapdragon 800 Qualcomm chipset makes this a juggernaut, running your apps with ruthless efficiency. The S Pen stylus allows you to control your apps and productivity needs on a whole new set of “air” features, a touch-free way to execute tasks.
The verdict: This device is nifty and more than sufficient for everyday use. It’s the best-seller on the market right now, despite being as pricey as they come.  
$1,048 from Samsung Experience Store

Sony Xperia Z Ultra (IS-PICK)
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Looks: Xperia’s mantra “Glass is great, slim is even better” is reflected in the device’s 6.5mm thickness, slim chassis and sleek glass surface, making it one you want to be seen with.
The goods: This is one of the fastest smart devices on the market with its Snapdragon 800 chipset, powered by a quad-core 2.2GHz Krait 400 processor. Sony has also increased its water-resistance, making it virtually impenetrable by water.
The verdict: Xperia’s stunning looks and raw power under its hood make it stand out from its peers.
$1,038 from Harvey Norman
 

How do you train for a race?
To prepare for a long distance race, I run five to six times a week, covering 10 to 15km each session. I have a minimum of one speed training per week, where I do at least 10 sets of 400m intervals. I also squeeze in a 10km tempo run twice a week.

How can running be made less mundane for the average runner?
Listen to music and run with pleasant scenery. Also, try to run in groups to socialize.

Any diet tips before race day?
Avoid alcohol and fried food when training; instead, eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink more water. Also, try to have a light snack, such as bread, before hard training.

What goes through your mind before you enter the octagon? 
I feel as though I am at the center stage and I own the inside of the space. I feel immensely confident and comfortable.

Biggest injury you've faced?
Back in 2009 or 2010, I broke one of my rib cages in a sparring session with one of the guys at my gym and I was sidelined for a while.

With so many MMA shows in Singapore like ONE FC, Rebel FC and UFC, what does UFC have that the Fight Promotions don't?
I just feel that UFC is much more professional in terms of planning and executing its schedule. They seem to be well prepared and world class in doing everything.

What kind of attention do fighters get? Any weird requests?
I haven't had too many people recognize me on the street as yet. However, it is funny that people think we don't hurt when we get hit just because we are MMA fighters. Folks, I got news for you; it hurts us just as much as anyone.

How do you feel about being in the main card? What do you want to tell your opponent?
This is an incredible opportunity for me and I plan on taking full advantage. My opponent has great moves and has a great kick so I am definitely planning on watching out for that. I realize that I am going into this fight as an underdog but I am going to show that I have what it takes to win.

Lee Hyun Gyu will be fighting at the Ultimate Fighting Championship® Fight Night Singapore event on Jan 4, 7.30pm. Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre Hall E & F.

How did you guys start out and where did the name come from?

We grew up in Sydney. We were supporting other bands and started to make music together. The name is an adaptation of my last name and a painting of a jaguar. It doesn’t have any meaning and was just made up. I don’t know where the hell the painting is. It must be at my friend’s house.

What would be your biggest nightmare in making music?

I don’t want to end up being too detached from making music and end up not liking it. It’d be horrible to wake up and realize you hate what you’re doing.

How are you guys going to end up five years from now?

I’ll be 27 by then. That’s the age when everyone dies. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

What do you think of social media?

We have social media but we’re not on it every hour. We post things every now and then. We don’t want to come across as a band that spends every waking hour on Twitter. All you need is a phone and you can be in touch with everything and anyone.

Have you experienced any stage invasions?

It’s starting to happen now. I don’t really know what to do. They’ll jump on stage and try to take things away. This girl asked for my sock the other day. And I said to her, “But I won’t have any socks to wear.” She replied, “Well you can have mine.”

Let’s play a game of Shoot, Shag, Marry. I’ll give you Rihanna, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. Go!

Shag Rihanna, marry Katy and shoot Miley. I love Katy Perry. Rihanna’s incredibly sexy and Miley’s kind of annoying. It’s ridiculous the amount of airtime she gets.

Jagwar Ma performs at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival on Jan 25 2014, 11am. The Meadows, Gardens by the Bay. $150 from Sistic.

People would think that being a musician is about glitz and glamor. What’s the most difficult thing about touring for you?
I guess it’s just about getting a good amount of sleep while moving. It’s about missing family too. I’m the only girl with a lot of guys. We’ve got a great crew of guys; they’re wonderful, wonderful people, but sometimes I feel quite lonely as the only girl.

You seem like the sentimental type. What’s the longest you’ve been away?
We’ve been away for months straight. Sometimes you’re feeling really down and you kind of want to see a family or friend, so we connect with Skype.

Talking about sadness, the lyrics that you write are very cerebral. Do you contemplate a lot about life and existence?
I do think about life and death and what happens after. I’m not really a very religious person, but I’m interested in the spiritual. There are plenty of things I find interesting, especially the afterlife. You could write about it forever—it’s what inspires me. I also write a lot of things about my personal feelings.

What is the most profound song in your latest album and what is it all about?
“Shallows” talks about hoping that when I die, people that I love the most would find me in some kind of way after I’m gone. It’s about myself and wanting to be with people after I’ve gone. I’ve spoken to my grandparents, family and friends, and I want to know if I can still find them. It talks about an unknown world beyond life.

What do you love or hate about social media?
I don’t really have my own personal account; we have our band account. It’s a great way to connect with people—very exciting to have that many people following what you’re working on. People are listening to us and our music, it’s beautiful actually that people around the world can listen to your music and connect with you. But I find the whole celebrity Twitter thing kind of strange—why would you want to know what someone is having for breakfast?

Did you read the article written by Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry regarding online misogyny? What are your thoughts?
I read the article she wrote and I feel proud of her—I think it’s very brave and honorable of her. This is something that’s happening in our age of technology. I admire her a lot; I’ve never experienced anything like that. It’s very sad that people find themselves in such situations.

Do you miss being less famous?
I don’t think we are famous. Yes, it’s growing and getting to a wider audience. But I can’t say that we are famous; we could walk down a street and no one could know who we are. We’re still very much living our lives normally. Playing music itself is just crazy.

Looking forward to coming down to Singapore?
We’ve had a lot of tweets for quite a while now asking us to come to Singapore; nice to see that there are people who’d like to see us in Singapore. The food is apparently really amazing?

If you woke up the next day in a body of the opposite sex, how would you spend that day?
(Laughs) I don’t know, I have no idea. What could I do as a boy that I can’t do now? Maybe I’ll have a few really big beers and go to a barbershop.

Daughter performs at St. Jerome's Laneway Festival 2014 on January 25, 11am. The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay. Tickets at $150 from Sistic.

If you’re not spinning for tons of people on new year’s eve, how would you typically usher in the new year?
If I wasn't working on New Year's, I would most likely be with my family at some type of family friend's party.  When I was a kid, that was always where you could find me when it hit midnight giving my parents hugs & kisses.

Out of 10 DJs spinning on stage, how many operate under the influence of alcohol?
I feel as though five years ago I would have said nine to ten. However, nowadays I feel that more DJs either don't drink much or at all. My guess would have to be closer to six or seven now.

What do you have to say to people who claim women get it easier?
People want what they want. I would also say models & celebrities get it easier.  In the same breath, I feel women, models and celebrities are also judged quicker. If a celebrity messes up, their two hour set may become a 20-minute set. Whereas a male DJ may have mistakes throughout the entire night. On top of that, the various categories that are said to have it easier may also not be given a fair chance or treated equally. It just depends on who you are speaking with and how much they embrace evolution. When I was first starting out, I received all sorts of opinions about myself.

However, a respected DJ of 20 years said to me, "It doesn't matter if you have been DJing for 20 minutes or 20 years, talent is talent and no one can take that away." I will never forget those words and I tell everyone who tells me that someone "has it easy" those exact words.

One place you’d pay to spin at?
I was actually recently asked this same question. I would love to play at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Everything about it from the costumes, colors, energy, passion, entertainment & excitement have me topping my bucket list with attending.

Holy grail of being a DJ?
I feel that for DJs who strictly DJ, it would be festivals for hundreds of thousands of people. I feel that for DJs who branch into production or have the talent to be an artist, it is having a hit record that is played by fellow DJs all over the world.

What’s your earworm?
It really depends on when I am playing my iPod. If I've just spun at a nightclub three days in a row and listened to only a certain genre of music, I will usually steer to the opposite in my off-time. If it was an EDM weekend, I may put on some old school hip hop or R&B. If it was all hip hop, I may be on a progressive house trip. However, I strongly believe you can never fail with the likes of Sade, Etta James, Al Green, & all that original feel-good music.

Weirdest request from the crowd?
I think whenever I DJ in a nightclub and someone asks for country or mariachi music, I get a little thrown off. It's just that they are two genres that are almost non-existent between the hip hop drumlines & EDM synthesizers. I will always try to find a way to please everyone in the crowd, but those are definitely requests I struggle with more than others. Haha!

What could be better in 2014?
As far as the music industry goes? I think that we (in the US) are embarking on a shift in genre popularity. Therefore, maintaining the energy in the clubs with new demands of the crowds will be crucial. I also hope that more of the "older generation" DJs will be welcoming to the "newer generation" rather than be upset or think of them as competition. If anything, it just challenges is to be the best that we can be in every way.

DJ Adriana performs at the Siloso Beach Party on Dec 31, 6pm. Siloso Beach, Sentosa. $45-65 from Sistic.

Was moving to Netherlands the best move you’ve ever made? Why?
Yes. It encompassed my mantra - being able to pursue my love for DJ-ing in a country that produces the best DJs in the world, and pushing myself to the limit outside of my comfort zone.

One thing not many people know behind the DJ’s console?
That we activate our supernatural powers of holding our pee till we are done with our set. On a more serious note, a great deal of thought process goes into moving the crowd through different moods, lifting and lowering the vibe and implementing a mixing style based on each individual DJ’s skill.

Is it true that male DJs get all the ladies?
Yes. I would be lying if I were to come up with some diplomatic answer. How the DJ handles all that attention, is down to his character.

If you could choose your dance crowd, whom will it consist of?
Every music lover out there except those who like to make song requests. You guys should just…play with your ipod.

Typical Singaporean meets a Dutch bloke in a room. What happens next?
A lengthy conversation about drugs and the death penalty.

Weirdest thing you’ve seen in the crowd from atop the stage?
A guy sitting on another guy’s shoulder to get a better view of the stage, but somehow he was so into the music that he start gyrating his hips in a certain way…

Your new year’s resolution?
A level up on my scratching skills and music production skills from a music perspective, and for myself to keep being motivated in DJ-ing and chemical engineering. And maybe one day meet a girl who doesn’t take question 3 too seriously.

Mantra in life?
Work hard, play harder, love hardest.

DJ Krumbs performs at the Siloso Beach Party on Dec 31, 6pm. Siloso Beach, Sentosa. $45-65 from Sistic.

In a SPIN interview back in April, you mentioned, "The idea is to fight against what people expect exactly, to make a new coffee shop for them to come to…” How’s that ideology coming along?
It's true that it's exciting for us to go against something, to resist, but it's never a starting point to anything creative. It's pretty much us only that we try to impress and then if we create something beautiful that we like, somebody else will appreciate it in a different way.

Do you guys ever get into arguments?
No. We spent a whole year shouting at each other when we were 14. I think we got it out of our systems then.

Most provocative gift you've received on stage?
I can't think of anything provocative. Sometimes during a live show people are less inhibited and tend to show affection in strange ways but it's never provocative.

Phoenix only became popular sometime after the fourth album was released. Did that sudden surge in popularity catch the group by surprise?
It did catch us by surprise. We are pretty naive when it comes to success.

Worst crowd-surfing experience?
We've had a stage collapsed once in France and that was scary. One guy broke his leg and that was it. 

What are some of the benefits of being in a band?
Getting to perform in some incredible places and meeting people you wouldn't meet if you were visiting as a tourist. You get a real experience of what the world is. It's very overwhelming and comforting at the same time.

We know the band grew up generally hating to jam. So how were your songs created?
We created music in a non-traditional jam sort of way. We are surrounded by electronic instruments more than conventional jam instruments.

If you guys had super powers, what would it be?
It's really hard to answer this question without sounding corny like a boy-band... time travelling would be a good one, if considered a super power.

Life is…?
That's a big question. I don't have big answers.

Phoenix performs at The Star Performing Arts Centre on Jan 15, 8pm. Tickets from Sistic $68-$148

If God is a DJ…
the airwaves would be overflowing with the hippest, funkiest, most amazing sounds this world has ever known. There would be a never-ending mix of diverse music from the four quarters of the globe for the mind, body and soul.

What’s the music scene in the 70s like compared to today?
Recording techniques were much more primitive back then and there were few, if any, gimmicks to enhance the performance of an artist. So, in essence, you really had to be quite talented if you wanted to be successful. There were music programs in public schools, so kids were playing instruments at a very young age and had the choice to continue all the way through high school, getting pretty thorough musical training.

What's your pet peeve of people?
Rude, inconsiderate people are a big turn-off. Folks that don't see the bigger picture and are just in it for themselves really rub me the wrong way.

Three constants in your entire career so far?
They would have to be the 3 P's–passion, persistence and perseverance, because that is what it takes to make it in this business. A close fourth would be courage, because I've had to stretch myself way beyond my comfort zone and try scary new things in order to succeed.

If your music was a type of person, what would it look like?
My show would be represented as a 30-something hipster, mixed race, multilingual, good-looking, sharp dresser, a few wisdom lines in the forehead from deep thinking and a captivating smile that brings joy to the world!