If magic is illusion, are magicians deceivers?
I like to call us entertainers rather then deceivers!

And what’s one illusion you wish you could do?
I would love to turn a landmark building in Singapore invisible for a moment and then bring it back. That would be something no one in Singapore has done before.

Why must illusionists have a beautiful assistant? Is it to distract the audience?
I guess one of the reasons is that we don’t want to have ugly assistants! Kidding. Magic as a form of performing art involves factors such as acting, dance and music as well. If there is sex appeal, the show will sell better. And yes, magicians use a lot of misdirection in their acts; the female assistant can be one.

What’s hot in the world of magic right now?
The latest craze is street magic, made popular by David Blaine. We have also seen newer and more modern presentations performed by Criss Angel and Cyril Takayama. However, stage magic is still hot. There is an Olympics of magic held every three years whereby magicians compete with their manipulative stage acts and illusions.

Wow. And are magicians tied by any oath not to reveal the secrets behind magic tricks?
In Singapore, we have two societies called the Singapore Association of Magicians (SAM) and the International Brotherhood of Magicians ring 115 (IBM Rings 115). Members are committed to the rule of non-exposure for our magic. However, I do teach simple magic tricks to friends. I don’t teach them stuff that I use to make money. I also share deeper secrets with local magicians through special workshops.

James Lavelle is a familiar name in the art and music circles. Part of the act UNKLE and the man behind the Mo’Wax label, he has collaborated with the likes of Thom Yorke, Mide D, Ian Brown and Alice Temple. Recently, he has set up Surrender All, a fashion, art house and record label all rolled into one, and kickstarts it with a series of club nights all over the world. We caught up with the legendary Lavelle for a quick banter.

We heard you’re working on an album. Can you tell us more about that?
It’s done with Chris Goss. There are more live elements and it’s more dynamic than my last two albums. It’s a lot rockier. There’s no official release date or name for it yet. We’re working on it. Maybe it’ll be out in May.

Speaking of Chris Goss, it’s your first time working with him…
Yes, he’s the best. We have very different ideas when it comes to music. But there’s good understanding about what we’re trying to achieve but we’re pushing ourselves into new territories individually, and that’s the exciting part about working with him.

Anyone else you would want to work with in future?
There are lots. People who are just coming up now for example. Erm, I don’t want to be specific. But there are lots of people I would love to work with.

Alright. About your Surrender All club nights. What’s the concept behind them?
They’ll feature the kind of records which tend to be quite eclectic. The mood is reflective on where and how I’ve been playing for the last few years. And the stuff is quite dark too. I’ll be heading to Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Korea after Singapore. Before this, I was in Berlin, America and England. The response has been pretty good.

Cool. Can you sum up in one sentence what about your label Surrender All is about?
It’s about my music, my independence and my control.

Last question. How are you like when you’re drunk?
It depends on how drunk I am. Haha. Sometimes I can… I tend to go a bit crazy. But I’m a happy drunk, not a sad drunk or angry drunk!

Yes, news of a good concert brings a smile to our faces. But with two smashing concerts just three days apart, now, surely that’s reason enough to get us grinning from ear to ear. If you haven’t heard by now, blues musician Eric Clapton is coming to electrify audiences on Jan 13, while Brit rock act Muse will seize the stage on Jan 16. We bring you a quick lowdown on these two live acts, so that you’ll be able show off your pop culture knowledge to other music lovers while queuing to enter the concert arenas.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton, nicknamed “Slowhand” has garnered three inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his talent, and is arguably, one of the most influential and respected guitarist cum singer around. Surely, many would agree with the graffiti in London and New York, which proclaims the famous slogan “Clapton is God” in the late ’60s. And he is most known for hits such as “Tears in Heaven,” a song which is inspired by the death of his son Conor.

Clapton has a whole host of musical experience under his belt. Obsessed with blues, he was expelled at 17 for playing guitar in class, and in time, he was a member of bands such as Yardbirds, Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos. His career came to a hiatus in early ’70s, when he had a heroin addiction, but made a successful comeback with albums such as Just One Night, Another Ticket, Money and Cigarettes, Behind the Sun, August and Journeyman, safely acquiring for him, an increasing number of fans. Clapton is no stranger to Grammys either. So anticipate nothing short of a spectacular concert from this veteran who has collaborated with people to the likes of George Harrison, Phil Collins, Roger Waters, BB King and John Mayer come Jan 13.

Muse

Formed in 1994, Muse is a Brit band comprising vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Matthew Bellamy, drummer Dominic and bassist, vocalist and keyboardist Chris Wolstenholme. The band was contemplating names like Gothic Plague, Carnage Mayhem, Fixed Penalty and, hold your sniggles, Rocket Baby Dolls, before members finally settled on the name Muse. To date, Muse has released five albums and has performed in major festivals such as Glastonbury and Big Day Out. Their dancey rock tracks have also led them to open for acts such as Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Muse’s sound is a searing blend of indie rock, electronica, progressive rock and metal, and critics have compared the band with Queen and Radiohead. And much of Muse’s works have dabbled with themes relating to conspiracy theories, science, supernatural, the apocalypse and the works. In the album Origin of Symmetry for example, the song “Space Dementia” is named after a mental disorder that astronauts may face due to spending long periods in space. And in Black Holes and Revelations, the band’s interest in space, Mars, the Book of Revelation and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse were apparent in the artwork and the lyrics. Intrigued yet? Drop by Muse’s concert for more. We think this band has more up its sleeves.

The human body has long been an object of fascination. Just think Leonardo Da Vinci, the traveling Body Worlds exhibition and erm, pornography. And in homegrown artists Jeremy Sharma and Toh Hun Ping’s latest work Athlete, stop animation footages of the human body come together to form a gripping montage that’s inspired by artist Francis Bacon and thinker Gilles Deleuze. We suss Sharma out to learn more about Athlete.

So what’s the concept behind Athlete?
I conceptualized Athlete years ago. I actually came out with the sound work first and featured a part of it in a production. I always imagined a video of the human figure to go with it because the sound has a constant pulse and rhythm to it, but it was only till I met Toh Hun Ping that this vision was finally realized.

Cool. Tell us more about your sound work.
It is a series of delays behaving like sound loops. The repetitive quality creates a rhythm, which includes noise breaks to percussive to melodic sounds. It is very primal and it was created in one take and layer without editing. It is presented in the same way I first recorded it.

And what’s the human figure portrayed as doing in the video?
Basically nothing. We wanted to show not so much the cause of the action but the action of the figure itself. Deleuze wrote in his essay on Bacon’s works that Bacon did not paint the “horror” but the “scream” itself. The figure in the video is more or less seen as convulsing and in fits of spasms.

This is the first time you’re working with Hun Ping. How did this collaboration come about?
When I first saw Hun Ping’s works, I was blown away by what he could do with video. They have an intensity and urgency I have not seen before. His techniques are incredibly rudimentary yet painfully time-consuming. I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for his craft. I suggested the idea of working with him for this project as I think he was the perfect man for the job. It was a gradual thing. We do not meet up often but when we do, we’ll always talk about art or ways we could work together.

Well, we noticed you’re involved in a myriad of art forms, from music to painting. Are you focusing more on the video medium nowadays or…?
No. I’m just very restless and a bit of a schizophrenic! (Laughs) I think artists have always dabbled in many art forms. It is just that in this century, it is faster and easier to do so, and we work with all kinds of media.

What’s the kick you get out of mud-wrestling?
I’m a very hot tempered person...

Some believe that the nutrients in the mud are good for the skin. Has your complexion improved?
Actually yes! It took a while for me to notice the difference though.

And why must girls wear cropped tops and tight shorts to wrestle?
It’s not a must wear. We wear what we’re comfy in because it is hard work to mud wrestle and you don’t want to be stuck in something that irritates you. But, hey, I don’t think people are complaining about what we wear, don’t you think? (wink)

What will happen if your opponent accidentally pulls your clothes off?
If my opponent does that, he or she won’t be standing much longer. Ha ha.

OK, give us some tips on winning at mud-wrestling.
The main aim in mud-wrestling is to pin your opponent’s shoulders to the ground. To be successful in doing so, try and get them beneath you as much as possible... And a couple of sneaky fouls here and there never REALLY hurt anybody.

If you can get two celebrities to wrestle with you, who would you pick?
Woahhh... Probably the Rock and Brad Pitt—you never know, I just might take them both on!

Mixing elements of house, techno, breaks, electro and more into potent tracks, Paolo Mojo is rapidly gaining attention in the club world. We sit down with him for a lowdown on what makes him tick, and what doesn’t.

What’s the latest record that has caught your attention?
The Chemical Brothers’ Electronic Battle Weapon 8. I love how they use real elements and electronic sounds to create raw, atmospheric moments. I don’t like everything they do but when they get it right, they hit the spot. My friend Eric Prydz is another one who can make those moments. The best dance music tracks are always about these moments—basic things that hit emotional touch points.

More people seemed to find your music touching too. So what’s the weirdest compliment you’ve ever received?
A girl once came up to me at a gig in London and told me she loved my set (OK, great), that it made her feel horny (OK, not QUITE normal but absolutely fine) and that she was going home now to take lots of heroin and kill herself (errr right-ho). Fortunately, it never got that far, but the rest of the evening was interesting, persuading the poor girl that it would be better to go home and get some rest.

That’s a bit scary! Well, and we heard Danny Tenaglia left you a phone message praising you before…
He left a message way back in 2001 to thank me for sending him my “Music Is Freedom” demo mix, left a few compliments and how it made him feel. The fact that he listened and phoned me was a classy and unexpected thing to do. He’s the kind of DJ I really respect, so it was a nice moment. Most messages tend to be fairly mundane; usually reminding me I owe someone some money somewhere.

Haha. OK, and what do you consider to be a sin at the dance floor?
Night clubs are places where people go to let off steam, so I don’t think too many rules should really apply. The only thing I get irritated by is if people get in my way while I’m playing. If you’re rude and persistently distract me, I’ll get a bit cheesed off. However, I don’t mind people coming up to talk to me while I play. I dislike musical elitism. It usually covers up insecurity. It’s the whole “My dad is harder than your dad” school of thinking that’s ridiculous. I’ve never been able to understand how people can dismiss entire genres of music, particularly musicians. You’re just locking off whole areas of potential ways to get inspired. I often hear little things in music I wouldn’t necessarily play and then think of ways to use that in stuff that I would play.

What makes you happy then?
Peace of mind is the main thing that makes me happy. It’s not something that’s easy to achieve. Music makes me happy because it’s a channel for our emotions and thoughts and memories. I really enjoy DJing too. I love the fact that when you get it right, the atmosphere in a room really changes. Something “clicks” whether it’s 50 people or 3,000 who lock into what you’re doing and once you have that, you can take them wherever you want to go. I’m constantly searching for that “click.” I try to learn from every experience. When you stop learning or thinking, that’s the day you start going backwards.

Debuted in October 2004 with a self-titled album, pop opera group IL Divo has since been busy crafting its resume. No stranger to awards, IL Divo has topped charts and toured the UK, US, Europe and Australia. Made up of David Miller (tenor), Urs Buhler (tenor), Carlos Marin (baritone) and Sebastian Izambard
(voc populi), this band founded by American Idol’s Simon Cowell has even shared stages with Barbra Streisand.

For the uninitiated: Members of IL Divo come from different countries, only to come together as a group. As a result, there were communication barriers at first. Carlos Marin admits, “There were language and culture hurdles. But those things are minimized now, because we know each other so well. Through the course of coming up with a new sound and going around the world to tour, there have been many different kinds of bonding elements. And the humor we have together always pulls us through any disagreement."

The greater understanding between members has accordingly led to a third album Siempre that surpasses its previous releases. Izambard quips, “Il Divo has grown over the last two and a half years. We know each other better, and we’ve been on tour prior to recording this album. Our voices have just got much stronger and they blend even better here than in our previous two albums.” He adds, “We’ve included more up-tempo songs, and we have a couple that have a bit more rhythm to them. The rest are power ballads. That’s the kind of thing we’re famous or are notorious for. The whole flavor of the album is very Latin. Except for one song, ‘Somewhere,’ which is sang in English. The rest are in Spanish or Italian."

Undoubtedly, IL Divo has a distinct sound and a decent list of achievements under its belt, but that doesn’t mean the band has been immune to criticisms. Purists, for example, have lashed out at them regarding technicalities in members’ singing. Check the group out as they arrive for a sizzling concert come Jan 18 and judge for yourself. Especially if you’re into sentimental tunes and dig the increasing popular sub genre some has termed as the classical crossover, pop opera, popera or what have you. This is still a must if you are into pretty boys with even prettier voices.

One moment Kira from the movie Death Note, the next, a German S&M dominatrix from the musical Cabaret, and another moment, Jessica Alba from the Tiger Beer ad. Actress Judy Ngo is going to poke fun at several familiar characters in the show Forbidden Chestnuts: Portrait of a Brokeback Geisha. One thing’s for sure, a wacky time is guaranteed in this crazy musical. We engaged her in a quick banter as she spoofs the role of the auntie featured in the counter-terrorism ad you see in MRTs (yes, that one).

First, what was the audition for the video on counter-terrorism like?
I rehearsed for months before the audition. It was an extremely hard audition. All of us had to do three rounds of screen tests, plus a 100-meter dash to the MRT emergency button, plus show extreme fear calmly, plus display our ability to talk without being heard at all!

Now, tell us, what should we do when we see an unaccompanied bag?
Never open an unaccompanied bag in the MRT, it might be a Recycled Bad Christmas Present (RBCP), which you would have to claim if you so much as touch it. Anyone who disclaims ownership of their RBCP is not only extremely suspicious, they are liars as well.

You sound a little paranoid… Erm, do you get very nervous when you see people carrying bags on the MRT?
Yes, and the bigger the bag, the more nervous I get! Once I even attacked a mother who was carrying a huge diaper bag, and I only realized my mistake when both she and her baby started crying! Another time, it was a student with his oversized tennis bag. Then there was that incident with the soldier and his Ali Baba bag…

And has any one asked you for autographs after the release of the video?
Yes, I even get offered free taxi rides, which is my main mode of transport after making the video. I can no longer take the MRT without fighting with fellow passengers.

Well, do you think making this counter-terrorism video is your step towards fame?
Of course, I now get free chicken rice at hawker centers just like some local celebrities!

Any producer approached you to be starred in another film yet?
I think Jerry Bruckheimer has spoken to my agent about casting me in CSI season 7 as “Panic Metro Lady No.3.” Also depending on Bruce Willis’s schedule, we might co-star in a local version of Die Hard titled Die Already Lah, to be released in 2008!

Some of the best parties happen on New Year’s Eve. Clubs bring in the best DJs, bars get dolled up, and thousands count down to the New Year excitedly, and are suddenly friends with every stranger within an arm’s vicinity (or more), when the clock strikes 12. For the most happening parties to go to on New Year’s Eve (or an easy way to make friends), check out our list.

Tear Up the Dance Floor

A number of clubs have invited some brilliant DJs to herald in the New Year. The legendary DJ Danny Tenaglia will summon up deck wizardry at Zouk (17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988) this year. A cult figure in the ’90s, his anthems like “Music Is The Answer” and “Be Yourself” have got punters, even Carl Cox and Deep Dish, moving like the night will never end. And every cool and avid clubber should know Tenaglia is a master in various genres, from tribal to techno, minimal to electro.

And, if you frequent Zouk’s Mambo Jambo nights and Phuture’s Holla with Nervous nights, don’t miss the countdown party at Singapore Expo Hall 6 (1 Expo Dr., 658-8308). Residents are going to play classic retro hits and hip hop grooves.

Not to be outdone, Ministry of Sound (#01-02 Blk. C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6235-2292) has an awesome act lined up too. Breaks ambassador Adam Freeland, who has collaborated with BT, has thrown the genre into the spotlight, and is constantly pushing musical boundaries with his fresh sound. Fans are in for a splendid time as he headlines the party.

Hailing from the infamous Ibiza club Amnesia is Les Schmitz. His sound has elements of house and techno. We advise you to watch out for your socks as he rocks Attica (#01-03 Clarke Quay, 3A River Valley Rd., 6333-9973) on New Year’s Eve. And if you can’t wait for New Year’s Eve to make merry, hit Attica as Dimitri from Paris helms the decks on Dec 29. His house music has brought him to Chanel and Gaultier fashion shows and he has remixed for artists such as Björk and New Order.

If a beach party is your thing, go to the Siloso Beach Party (Sentosa, 1800-736-8672), and listen out for an eclectic assortment of tunes, from funk to latin, hip hop to trance. There will be a foam pool, a beat boxing performance, and MTV VJs Denise and Utt are the hosts for the night.

A Gastronimical and Aural Feast

If you don’t want to dance till you drop, and prefer to chill out to live acts while enjoying good nibbles, these spots may gratify. Jonathan Badon joins resident songbird Michelle Montero at the Atrium Lounge (4/F, Marina Mandarin, Marina Sq., 6 Raffles Blvd., 6845-1111). Badon has been touted as the “Prince of Operatic Pop,” and if you’re looking for a voice to melt your heart this New Year’s Eve, this man definitely makes the cut. There will be finger food and party packs and look out for the balloons which will be freed from the ceiling as midnight arrives too.

For a lavish way to while away your New Year’s Eve, go to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (1 Fullerton Sq., 6733-8388). Award-winning chefs will prepare a six-course meal to be served right under your nose in The Ballroom, while you down premium champagnes and quality wines. Aussie band Savvy will entertain while you indulge in post-dinner cocktails and apéritifs. And for a sumptous buffet, head to Town Restaurant to enjoy finger lickin’ variety such as risotto with white truffle shavings, foie gras and unlimited beverages before dropping by The Courtyward to catch Aussie girl ensemble Shimmer. The group will be pumping out Billboard hits and popular favorites, ensuring a whopping good time. Oh, balloons will (again) run amok at midnight too.
For fresh oysters, tiger prawns and traditional Japanese noodles, go to The Lobby Court at Shangri-La Hotel (22 Orange Grove Rd., 6737-3644). Seven-piece band SYRA, fronted by Beverly Morata, will be dishing out dance, retro and Top 40s while DJ Glenn Ong play host in this countdown party. At the lounge of Intercontinental Singapore (80 Middle Rd., 6825-1008), savories like canapes will be served as jazz singer Wendolina entertains.

If you’re looking for a laidback spot to hang out at, go to The Pump Room (#01-09/10 Blk. B The Foundry, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6334-2628) where modern Australian cuisine will be doled out as Jive Talkin’ plays rock, jazz and pop. Timbre (45 Armenian St., 6338-8277), where local bands Timmy and The UnXpected will be delivering rock numbers to woo the crowd on New Year’s Eve, is a good choice too. Or head to Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub @ Orchard (#B1-01/01-06 Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade, 442 Orchard Rd., 6735-0400) to pamper yourself with Irish stew and pop, rock and Top 40s played by local band Blue Jade.

Whether you’re a clubber, a foodie, or a live music enthusiast, various spots have activities lined up to make your night. Gather your mates and hit these countdown parties. It’s only fitting that 2007 should be welcomed with a blast.

Forgotten Resolutions

New Year resolutions are often made in the spur of the moment, but forgotten (very) soon after. As 2007 nears, we ask various resident DJs to tell us about the resolutions they have made (and failed to keep).

Damian Saint (Ministry of Sound): ALWAYS to quit smoking!!! Every year it’s the same one! This year I’m gonna nail it though and stop!

DJ NDC (Loof): To take part and win Singapore Idol. But I didn’t. Reason? I can’t sing...

Daniel Yeo (Attica): First, finishing my production. Second, doing more charity and the third resolution which I didn’t keep is toning my body!

Aldrin (Zouk): I don’t make New Year resolutions so there’s nothing I’ve failed to keep. Life moves too quickly and things can change overnight, so I rather just go with the flow.

Adrian Wee (Powerhouse): To take a crap in a Mercedes cab!

Come Jan 6, and you’ll see energetic and well-liked performer Eason Chan taking to the stage and delivering powerful tunes that span across his approximately 10 year musical career. This man hailing from Hong Kong has coveted numerous awards such as Most Popular Singer and the Grand Media Awards, and his chart-topping hits like “Shall We Talk,” “King of Karaoke Songs,” and “Ambush from Ten Sides” have many howling away in the karaoke rooms.

Earlier this year, Chan put up a series of concerts in Hong Kong entitled Get A Life, and his solo show Live at Shanghai in Nov was well-received. For his coming concert, Eason Chan Live in Singapore 2007, Chan will perform with a live band, with a stronger focus on his music instead of dance moves or stage antics. Music fans will surely be appeased.

The heavyweight has recently released a Cantonese offering What’s Going On…? When talking about it, Chan quips, “The original goal for the album was to have ten Cantonese and 10 Mandarin songs, and was originally called Divided. But What’s Going On…? has 10 Cantonese songs because there was not enough time to release 10 Mandarin and 10 Cantonese by Nov. I should be releasing the Mandarin songs in another album in Apr next year.”

So besides a startling concert in Jan, fans can look forward to another album by Chan next year. No doubt, as this versatile performer, who can play a wide assortment of musical instruments such as the piano, guitar, violin, harmonica and trumpet, has won admirers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and China with his talent and rich voice. And his forthcoming projects may just garner him more recognition.