Danny Howells has been whipping up music infused with house and techno for about 14 years. Chided by some for his loud, paisley shirts (but hey, some of us like it that way) and loved by many for his ability to read the crowd, he has been touted “the clubber’s DJ.” His 10-hour sets in New York, coupled with his love for throwing the occasional obscure track, made him even more lovable. We chat with Howells about music, homesickness and his quirky fashion sense.

How did you first get into music?
All of my family members are really big music fans. They’ve been buying records for me since I was around four or five-years-old, for my birthday or for Christmas. So I’ve been collecting records since I was a young child. When I got older, it turned into a crazy obsession and so I became a DJ.

You’ve remixed for artists such as Madonna, Robbie Williams, BT, Stonebridge and more. Which is your most memorable collaboration?
Madonna. It’s a big dream to do something with her. I grew up with her music and one of my friends is a huge Madonna fan. It’s one of the more exciting challenges I had to work with her.

Now that you’re successful, does it get more stressful making music?
Making music is about the same. But for DJing, it’s more stressful. The more people know me, the more I put pressure on myself to be better. In fact, I’m more nervous now DJing than when I was first starting out!

You’ve toured around the world DJing. How do you deal with homesickness?
Nowadays, I try to not to leave home for more than two weeks. I love traveling. But if it’s for too long a period, I’ll miss my family and my girlfriend. It’s difficult. It’s boring playing in the same place, so I love playing in different countries. Whenever I can, I like my girlfriend to tour with me.

How does it feel like to be ranked as one of DJ Magazine’s “Top 100 DJs in the World” for the last seven years?
It’s a great feeling to know that people have voted for you. But DJ Magazine’s Top 100 is different now from what it was. Now it’s mainly about who can create the most amount of support in the poll. People send out emails, asking others to vote for them and saying in return, they’ll vote for them… so the poll results don’t really matter a lot to me.

What do you think you would be if you were not a DJ or a producer?
Before I was DJing, I was a nurse in a mental hospital. So I might still be doing psychiatric nursing if I weren’t a DJ or a producer!

Wow. Besides music, you’re also known for your loud shirts! Anything to say to people who dislike your clothes?
Get some taste! Haha.

You intend to fill 2,248 seats at Suntec for your event Showdown in Singapore. Will you buy 4D for that number?
Thanks for the reminder! I hope the stadium is going
to be full. It will be a real shame if it is not as Singapore was the Mecca for boxing in Asia in ’60s and ’70s.

Do you box yourself? Do you aspire to be the next Muhammad Ali or Rocky Marciano?
I train only to keep in shape, but you never know—I might bring white-collar boxing to town and you may see me in the ring against a friend! But you cannot mention me in same breath as Ali or Marciano. I am most definitely not worthy!

We’re curious. Do boxers wear anything beneath their flimsy-looking shorts?
Oh yes! An absolute must is a groin protector. It’s where the expression “below the belt” originates. Boxers are not supposed to hit below the belt.

Kangaroos are known to be good boxers. Do you think they’ll make good opponents?
Erm, I’m an animal lover, so I rather I not fight them. Besides, I think one would get kicked more by a kangaroo. Maybe they belong in a Thai boxing ring?

What is your long-term dream for the boxing scene in Singapore?
To hold world class fights on regular basis in Singapore. And I want to start a decent downtown boxing gym. And I hope corporate companies will get behind world-class boxers who compete at top amateur level such as in the Olympics, and subsequently on a professional level.

Fashion illustration sees a decline as fashion photography gained the hearts of those in the publishing industry in the ’50s and ’60s. And it wasn’t until late ’90s that it reemerged in the pages of magazines. Banking on this newfound interest in fashion illustration, traveling exhibition Traits Très Mode arrives for a stint at Alliance Française de Singapour.

Fifteen leading illustrators are being featured in this trendy exhibition. Some of the bigger names to take note of include Florence Deygas, Monsieur Z and Jean-Philippe Delhomme. Florence Deygas has bagged the D&AD award for his title sequence and print ads for the movie Catch Me If You Can, while Monsieur Z has produced cartoons and videos that have been screened in cinemas and TV programs. Jean-Philippe Delhomme fuses wit and sociological viewpoints to produce riveting works.

Despite the different artistic styles prevalent in Traits Très Mode, one commonality between the works is the merging of different genres with the aesthetic rules of traditional French fashion illustration. Executive Director of Alliance Française de Singapour Pierre-Emmanuel Jacob quips, “Commercially, the illustrators have forged a visual language of their own. Incorporating the principles of graphic arts, it sipped into the world of contemporary arts, street art, ever-present photography and new technologies, and still keeping to the principle of its aesthetic heritage—a development that is shaping the unique artistic world of contemporary French fashion illustration.”

Considering the quality works being showcased, and the fascinating ways in how fashion illustration is evolving currently, Traits Très Mode is an absorbing show to catch. A visual banquet of colors, pen sketches and pencil markings is lined up and it just might inspire you to look at your clothes a little differently.

Our concrete jungle will see the establishment of a new wildlife rescue centre come April next year. The Acres Wildlife Rescue Centre (AWRC) will house animals which were smuggled into Singapore, and later confiscated by the AVA (the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore).

Tell us more about AWRC. What kinds of animals will be housed there?
Primates, marsupials, reptiles, small carnivores and small ungulates. It’ll house approximately 400 animals.

What does the AWRC need the most currently?
Funds! We need over a million Singapore dollars to establish the Acres Wildlife Rescue Centre and we urgently need help from the public!

What’s the worst animal trafficking incident you can think of?
A smuggler packed six baby orang utans in two crates and checked them in as luggage at Changi Airport in 1990. They made it through customs but during the transit in Bangkok, the custom officers heard the orang utans crying. They opened the crates and found the babies upside down. They were packed so tightly that they could not even move. All eventually died.

That’s sad. If you had free reign, how would you punish animal traffickers?
Kidnap them from their homes, tie them up, pack them in crates and send them to live in a prison on the other side of the world!

What’s one lesson that you think animals can teach humans?
There is a chimpanzee called Washoe who can communicate with humans using sign language. Washoe previously had a miscarriage. Her caregiver was pregnant and also had a miscarriage. When she returned to see Washoe, Washoe asked, “Where’s baby?” She replied “Baby died.” Washoe then signed, “Come hug.” Animals extend compassion to other species and this, we can learn from them.

Zai Kuning and John Sharpley are familiar names in the local music circle. Working hand in hand for the first time, they infuse different sonic elements in the show Homage to the New Skin, in an attempt at self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. We chat up the two guys to find out more about their abstract piece.

First, what musical elements are involved in Homage to the New Skin? What can audiences expect?
John Sharpley: The show is about the coming together of two musicians, Zai and me. Through improvisations, we seek to communicate at a spiritual level. I will play the piano—from the outside as well as from the inside, and will also utilize gongs, tam-tams, special tools and more. Zai will play guitar, the gong, hand drum and sing. Given our different backgrounds, the results of our collaboration have been rich and startling. Audiences can expect the unexpected.

Homage to the New Skin uses skin as a metaphor referring to the boundaries one imposes on oneself, as well as the perceptions inflicted by others. How does this collaboration depict this?
JS: The “skin” separates the inside from the outside. We easily define ourselves by all that lies within our own “skin.” We may define others by what we perceive to be their “skin.” To what extent am I you and you me? Through our improvisations, Zai and I explore connections and divisions, individuality and union. The “new skin” implies the awakening of the self. Music improvisation is a powerful caldron for both one’s inner awakening and the realization of the oneness of all things.

One’s inner awakening? What have you learnt about yourself in this work?
JS: I learn more about myself by learning about Zai. I learned that there is a real person called Zai Kuning. My previous notions of Zai were rather artificial and somewhat defined by the media and other people’s perceptions. I always battle labels such as classical music, fusion, sound artist, East and West. This collaboration with Zai intensifies this battle.

You mentioned there is a oneness to all things too. Are you guys asserting that humans have a common essence?
Zai Kuning: Yes. I describe that commonality as the emptiness or innocence inside us. As we grow up, many things like perceptions, interests and desires are being put inside this void and a “make-believe” world is created.

Zai, how do you personally relate to this show?
ZK: It is said that when a man reaches 40— I’m 42— it’s time for some self-interrogation. And one of the things that needs questioning is the skin or mask we carve onto ourselves. The title metaphorically suggests that I need to strip this skin or mask bit by bit and grow. It’s a process of detachment. I am not religious, but I think if I need to grow and glow from the inside, one way for me to do so is to question my understanding about my attachment and detachment towards things in life.

DJ Logistics is rapidly becoming one of the more notable deck masters in the UK. He plays drum ’n’ bass so deep, uplifting and soulful that we couldn’t resist grabbing the man for a quick banter.

What kind of audience is the most fun to play to?
One that is open to all styles of drum ’n’ bass. I love being able to play right across the spectrum. It also helps to have a good amount of girls in the club. Far too many drum ’n’ bass nights are full of nerdy guys and that can kill the vibe sometimes.

And what’s one song you wouldn’t be caught dead spinning?
DJ Hazard’s “Hand Grenade (Clipz Remix).” I just can’t seem to get my head around that one particular tune and I don’t know why!

Tell us about your worst gig.
One gig in Slovenia stands out. I was in Slovakia and had to travel across the country. When I reached the border, the car broke down. My flight was late, so I was really pushed for time. When I reached the venue, I played about four records, all of which skipped. The club owner told me I had to stop as they weren’t earning enough at the bar!

What’s the one achievement that you’re most proud of?
Releasing my debut album on Hospital Records was a bit of a milestone. There’s no better feeling than completing a project, especially when it’s something you’re passionate about.

Complete the sentence. “People who get drunk during my set should…”
Get rowdy! Oh, and buy me a drink too!

More people will be inspired to pick up the air guitar as musician Yngwie J. Malmsteen arrives for the second time to bombard fans with his scorching blend of metal and classical music. Along with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eddie Van Halen and more, he has been credited as one of the world’s leading guitarists. We sat Malmsteen down for a chat.

When was your first rock show?
My mother sang in a choir, so I did attend other shows before I went to my first rock concert. My first rock show was when I was 12. It was Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow, with Cozy Powell on drums and Ronnie James Dio on vocals.

Do you prefer touring and playing in shows or producing music in the studio?
It has to be both. When you play live, it’s the instant energy from the audience that’s captivating. When you’re in the studio, it’s like you’re building a house, adding on stuff, and thinking about it. Both are two different things, and both are exciting in their own ways.

You’ve played solo as well as in G3 with Vai and Satriani. What’s the main difference between playing alone compared to playing with them?
The main difference is that when I do my own thing, I don’t have to worry about finishing the solo in, say, five minutes or so. When I play alone, I can just play. Don’t misunderstand, I really love those guys Joe and Steve, and I had a great time with them. But I’m more comfortable doing my own stuff.

Some claim that you focus too much on technique and speed in your music. Any comments?
I don’t agree. The most important thing for me is melody. It’s the passion and energy in music that matters.

You’ve had a long list of albums since you debuted about 20 years ago. Is there any album that you’re not very happy with, and which one do you really love?
I’m not exactly unhappy with any album. I would never compromise when it comes to music. It has to be the best album that I could do at that point of time. Even if I think I could do better now as compared to, say, 1994, I wouldn’t dislike the album, because it’s the best I can do back then. And the album I really love is my latest release Unleash the Fury.

We love Unleash the Fury as well. How did its title come about?
It’s referring to me unleashing the fury musically and it’s also referring to a funny incident that happened in Jan, 1987. I was flying to Tokyo, and the whole band was getting drunk and misbehaving. I fell asleep and about an hour later, a woman came and poured ice water on me and screamed at me to cool down. I shouted something about unleashing the fury. Someone recorded that. And it’s put on the internet 20 years later, which is weird! I just take it in fun.

How do you think you’ve fared in terms of songwriting in Unleash the Fury?
It’s like my baby. I think most forget that I write, produce and arrange everything in the album. Some only remember me as a guitarist. But I really spent a lot of time and effort in making the whole product.

First, how did you get into beer brewing?
I was working at a bar in Seattle where they sold micro-brewed beer. I tried home brewing and started to pester the local brewer. He gave me a job pulling the bungs out of kegs. I moved to keg washing, keg filling and then to cellar operations and eventually, I got to make beer.

We heard you ploughed through places like Geylang sniffing out stuff to make beers with. What is your fondest smell?
I enjoy the wafting aroma of durian. Seriously, I do! It is an aroma unique to Southeast Asia and a flavour like no other. It is too bad that I cannot make durian beer. It would never sell. Many believe durian and beer when combined causes death, which is not true. I have tried durian and beer together several times and I am still here!

Is getting tipsy part and parcel of your job?
Not really. Drinking beer is part of the job, but one learns how to drink without getting tipsy!

The legal drinking age is 18. Do you think this should be so?
Eighteen is a reasonable age for young people to be able to buy alcoholic beverages, but people should be allowed to try these beverages at an earlier age while they are in the company of their parents. Parents should teach children about responsible consumption and the dangers of abuse. Eighteen is reasonable age if you had guidance when young. Otherwise, 40 is probably a good age!

Do you ever think that you’re increasing the number of alcoholics in the population by producing such yummy beers?
No, in fact it may be the opposite! I focused on quality not quantity. It’s always been about enjoying the flavours, not getting inebriated. I think the more one knows about and appreciates something, the less likely they are to abuse it!

The Auntie

Name: Florence
Occupation: Car Park Attendant
Are bags a must when you go out?
Of course! How am I supposed to carry my umbrella without my bag?
We love your hair! Do you think the higher the hair, the hotter you are?
Not really. Your hair must suit your face—it can’t be too excessively high! Actually, I have had this hairstyle for 20 over years already. It’s fake hair.
Get the look: Blouse, pants and bags, stores in People’s Park, Chinatown.

The Uncle

Name: Ah Chew
Occupation: Coffee Shop Uncle, Fengshui Sensei
What’s with the gold-rimmed specs?
They were a present from my best friend. He was helping me out by giving me glasses because I’m poor. I change the lens regularly at my optician at Bras Basah Complex. It’s pretty affordable over there.
What do you think of the super big sunglasses that celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham wear?
Big is good! I like big specs because with them, I can see a lot more things! But I don’t like shades. I prefer the light to the darkness. I walk in the righteousness.
Get the look: Singlet and pants, CK Department Store, Chinatown. Big, gold-rimmed specs, optician. Towel, any market.

The Surveyor

Name: Salim Sarip
Occupation: Land Surveyor
Why do you wear so many layers of clothes even though the sun is scorching?
I work in the hot sun all day and I get exposed to harmful rays. I have to wear a lot of clothes to cover and protect my skin. Otherwise, I will start to itch.
Does the sun make your hair grow white faster too?
I think so. People in my line get white hair faster than other people. I have a lot of white hair. But I have to wear a hat everyday which hides it anyway.
Get the look: Hat, jacket, t-shirt, pants, stalls in Golden Mile Food Centre (aka Army Market), Lavender.

The Yuppie

Name: Oscar
Occupation: Associate Banker
Do you think smart-looking dudes like you get the girls?
Yes. People are just naturally drawn to people who look good!
And a major fashion faux pas in your line?
T-shirt and jeans are a no-no.
Get the look: Shirt and pants, Men Tradition, Peninsula Plaza.

The Gym Rat

Name: Terence Lim
Occupation: Senior Legal Editor
What’s the best and the worst piece of fashion advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice is that a good body is the best fashion accessory. The worst advice should be anything the local mainstream media dishes out—by the time it’s in print, it’s already passé!
And what fragrance do you wear?
Does the smell of sweat count?
Get the look: Tank top, Bangkok. Shorts, Nike, Wheelock Place. Asics sports shoes, Queensway Shopping Centre.

The Girl-Next-Door

Name: Sandy
Occupation: Executive Assistant
Is your dress code always this simple?
It’s Monday, and I’m having the Monday blues. I just wear whatever I can find and step out of the house.
OK, what’s one fashion trend on the streets right now that just hurts your eyes?
It got to be the Harujuku-inspired kind of dressing. It’s so passé and so not “in” now, but you still sees people wearing that stuff.
Get the look: Blouse and skirt, Space, Takashimaya. Bag, AvantGarde, Holland Shopping Center.

The Young Gun

Name: Nicholas
Occupation: Student
Who do you think is the best dresser in the world?
Me.
OK, and who is the worst dresser in the world?
Me.
You can’t be the best and the worst! There’s more than one person inhabiting this world you know...
Aiya! I’m not really into fashion! I’m fine as long as the clothes feel comfortable and can cover my skin!
Get the look: Top, a shop in Peninsula Plaza. Pants, Metro, Causeway Point. Bag, a stall in Golden Mile Food Centre (aka Army Market), Lavender.

The Emo Duo

Names: Irah and Fariq
Occupations: Student and waiter respectively
Why are you guys all dressed in black? Don’t you find the color a little emo and boring?
Irah: Well, black is easy to match with other colors.
Fariq: I am dressed in black because it makes me look thinner.
Tell us, who has a kick-ass dress sense?
Fariq: Kumar! He has a wonderful fashion sense because he wears all black. He’s so stylo! Regardless of whether he’s a man or a woman.
Get the look: (Irah) Top, 77th St., Far East Plaza. Pants, a stall in Bugis Village. (Fariq) Top, Hang Ten, Takashimaya. Pants, a stall in Bugis Village. Cap, a store in Heeren.

The Mall Prowler

Name: Sharon
Occupation: Poh Piah Seller
Do you think the branded stuff from Prada and Gucci is worth the price tags?
It’s subjective. Well, the quality of their products may be better, but their designs may not be very different from what you can get at the boutiques in neighborhood malls. For me, I like to change my outfits a lot, so I don’t go for branded stuff. I couldn’t bear to throw them away. As long as I look presentable, who cares if my whole outfit costs only $15?
Any places with cheap buys to recommend then?
IMM and West Mall. I don’t like Bukit Panjang Plaza, it’s not as spacious. Actually China is a good place to shop too. It’s much further ahead in terms of fashion compared to Malaysia.
Get the look: Top, a store in IMM. Jeans, Chengdu, China.

The Slacker

Name: Terence Lau
Occupation: Musician, Event Organizer
How long does it take for you to achieve this slacker look?
I can get up and go out straight away in five minutes flat. There’s no need for me to take, say, three hours trying on clothes and accessories to see how they fit together and all. But this probably means I stink, too. Hence the handy deodorant I carry with me.
Do you think your Bermudas show off your sexy, hairy legs?
Well, I’m blessed to not have too hairy a leg. Or legs. So I’m spared from leg hairs getting caught in my socks.
Get the look: T-shirt, a shop in Peninsula Plaza. Shoes, World of Sports, Funan. Bermudas, SAF.

Little Shop of Horrors tells how a wicked mutant orchid creates chaos and tries to take over the world. We quiz the geeky Seymour (played by Hossan Leong) who is the hero in the production, and size up his ability to stop this evil orchid.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your favorite pastime?
I’m an assistant florist. I have no friends but I like reading books about plants and flowers. That’s my hobby.

Plants and flowers? Where’s your favorite hangout then?
The Ginger Garden in the new Botanic Gardens!

Do you have a secret ambition?
My secret ambition is to own a whole chain of florist shops in every major GRC.

We heard you’re in love with a ditzy girl called Audrey. What’s the noblest thing you would do for her?
She’s the only girl I’ll ever love. We’re friends and colleagues. She’s everything that I could ever wish for in a girl. And I would step aside and let her marry someone else if she loved him.

And what would you two be doing on an ideal date?
We’d be having a picnic in Botanic Gardens.

Alright, let’s turn to the mutant orchid. How the hell did it come about?
Errrr... It was my fault... I bought it from an old Chinese man in Mandai. And let’s just say it’s a man-eating plant!

Have you ever thought of setting fire to the evil orchid? Like how the Indonesians are burning the vegetation?
It did cross my mind, but a parang might work better!

Well, the orchid is also our national flower. Anything to say about that?
Our orchid is also a mutant. Enough said.