Spencer Parker concocts underground music so new and fresh that we just couldn’t stop our bodies from moving. We danced to the decks and caught the man for a quick chat.

How would you describe your music in a sentence?
I play upfront, underground electronic house music.

What makes a rocking good track?
Anything that is produced well, sounds interesting and most importantly, make people lose their minds on the dance floor!

What DJs or producers do you like?
I’m a big fan of producers such as Nic Fanciulli, Gabriel Ananda, Ame, Das Glow, Radio Slave, Marcus Worgull and Ripperton. The list could go on forever!

Tell us about your wildest party to date. What happened?
I can never remember what the hell happened during my wild parties!!! My motto is “It was a time I’ll never forget, but can barely remember.”

What are some lessons partying has taught you?
No matter what, get your arse to the airport on time. You can sleep on the plane.

What turns you on?
Mainly answering interview questions like these, so, thanks!

Let us in on a dark, secret desire which no one knows about.
I am 100 percent committed to having more trainers and shoes than Imelda Marcos.

Complete the sentence. “People who can’t dance should…”
“...dance near the DJ booth with me—I’m a terrible dancer so I’ll make you look better!”

How do you think you girls will complement each other in the competition?
MC: We thrive on a good balance. Sharon’s the strategist and I am the taskmaster.
SW: Mel is adventurous and intuitive. I am structured and focused on facts and figures.

You may have to eat yucky stuff, or get all dirty. Do you have any training regime for that?
MC: When something needs to be done, it shall be done. No training needed. Just sheer gut strength!
SW: My training regime is called “mind over matter.” Everything is a matter of perception.

Will you cry if you get eliminated?
MC: If there are any tears to be shed, they will probably be due to exhaustion more than anything.
SW: I’ve not thought about elimination at all. The focus is to stay in the race!

A cameraman and a soundman will follow you throughout the race. What are some things you will do to stay pretty for TV?
MC: I’ll rest whenever possible and keep my skin hydrated. Even if there’s no time to add light make-up, sun block is a must.
SW: I’ll sleep and eat well whenever possible to look bright and fresh. Light make-up and face or eye masks help too.

How will you spend the money if you win?
MC: Save and invest! And of course, I will also treat my loved ones to a fabulous holiday.
SW: If I win, I will give my loved ones a big treat and put some of it away to finance my MBA studies.

There’s always a reason to go out and party. We grooved to the sounds of percussion band Wicked Auro Batucada and Jonathan Ulysses when the series of Spanish-themed parties Carnival Ibiza ’06 kicked off in May. And now in October, Carnival Ibiza ’06 draws to a close with—what else?—another rocking party.

Depending on your preference, hang out at different sections of Attica for different kinds of music. This closing party sees Attica featuring R&B and hip hop, Attica Too showcasing house music by renowned DJ Kid Chris, Lilypad taking things to a high with soulful and funky disco, and the Courtyard being filled with Samba percussion beats. Needless to say, a whole slew of aural candy is in store.

Of course, music is not the only plus to this party. There will be Brazilian dancers, percussionists, and a fashion show put up by Venue, Toni&Guy and M.A.C to up the hip factor. Come dressed up in an outrageous and exotic outfit, arrive before 11:30pm, and you might just enjoy complimentary entry to Attica. A good deal? You bet.

Things are going to get exciting at Attica come Oct 7. Don’t stay at home in front of your TV set. Come out, and be prepared for a good party to get you through your Saturday night.

Foods, drinks and parties are small joys in life. And with the myriad of events, German delicacies prepared by Vila’ge and the endless supply of wheat beer Erdinger at this year’s Erdinger Oktoberfest 2006, be prepared to be elated. Hit China Square Central, and various restaurants, pubs and bars to see what the buzz is all about.

A street parade and a keg tapping ceremony at China Square Central on Oct 12 mark the beginning of the Erdinger Oktoberfest 2006, which is organized by Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore. Unicyclists, bar maids, jugglers, stilt walkers and a six piece German band Hüttenpower will get the party going, while pork knuckles, sausages and roast spring chickens promise to keep your stomach happy.

China Square Central will still be a place of celebration from Oct 13-15. Make friends with strangers as you partake in fun games designed to get you rolling with laughter. There will (not to worry) still be lots of yummy German food and beer to get your head spinning. Otherwise, hit various party areas such as Le Baroque, Timbre, Fluid, Rouge Outdoors and Father Flanagan’s Irish bar for more wild times (and drink promotions). Roving band Hüttenpower will also perform from Oct 16-19 at various venues.

So party it up at the Erdinger Oktoberfest 2006. With such an array of food, drinks, music and games all planned out, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun. And as Marketing Manager of Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore Desmond Tan quips, “Just do as the Germans do—eat lots, drink loads and leave your car at home!” We couldn’t agree more.

What is it that you love about basketball?
Absolutely everything! It’s such a great feeling to be able to do something I love day in and day out. It certainly doesn’t feel like work.

OK, so what is your position in the team?
I’m the Power Forward or Centre. I do a lot of rebounding and I run the floor.

What is your training schedule like?
We train five days a week and six hours each day. Court work, weights, and conditioning are some of the areas we focus on.

Tell us what you are like on the basketball court.
I’m pretty athletic. I’m an animal on the court!

So what is the most difficult stunt you’ve pulled on the basketball court?
I once ran and jumped two feet from the free throw line to slam dunk the ball.

Well, beside basketball, what other kind of balls you play with?
Mmm, I like all balls! I’m trying to get the patience to learn to play golf properly, but the ball is so damn small.

What other sport do you love that gets you all dirty, sweating and panting?
Erm, I can’t divulge those aspects of my private life.

Let us in on a ritual you always do before you head to a competition.
I always listen to music on my iPod. Currently playing are some old tunes by Elvis and the Jackson 5. The song “Brimful of Asha” by Cornershop is getting a good run of late too. It really gets me going.

Honestly, do you think cute cheerleaders are distracting when you are competing?
Not in the least. I focus 100 percent of my attention on the game at hand.

Is Singapore Sling your favorite drink?
I’ve tried a Singapore Sling, but I have to say coffee is my favorite drink!

Based on the life of Jonathan Larson, the idealistic composer behind the Broadway hit Rent, tick, tick… BOOM! is a poignant yet lighthearted production on how aspirations—no matter how far-fetched they might seem—keep us alive. We sit down with Christian Campbell, who plays the pivotal role of Larson for a lowdown on the show.

Tell us more about the role of Jonathan Larson in the musical.
Jonathon Larson was a young composer in New York looking to create a Broadway musical with a sound and style that better represented contemporary times. He was determined and resolute that it could be done and it was only after his death that his musical Rent proved his lifelong ambition.

OK, what are some of the crazy things he has done to achieve his dream?
He lived a life of poverty in New York. He was taking whatever jobs he could to survive and leading the typical “starving artist” life.

tick, tick… BOOM! has been performed in Broadway, London and Los Angeles. What is your most unforgettable moment on stage when playing the role of Larson?
We opened two days after the London bombings in 2005, and the show and Larson’s lyrics became even more meaningful for me.

Which scene in the musical do you like best?
The final song of the show “Louder than Words” is a song that to this day, gives me chills when we sing it. Its words and meaning strike a chord in me and have a prophetic relevance to the world we live in today.

Is this musical personally relevant to you in any way?
Every artist struggles often with choosing to pursue the life of an artist, as it is, more often than not, a life of struggle, with little money and constant self examination. I’ve lived the “starving artist life,” and although I am now relatively successful, I still question whether I should have pursued a career where I would have more stability even if I may not be as fulfilled.

What is one message you hope the audience will take home?
Follow your bliss. It’s not results, such as the acquisition of money, material objects or power that matter. It is the effort that matters. Our efforts are the sum total of our entire existence. The effort is our life.

Pay a listen to New York blokes Astro & Glyde. This up and coming DJ duo, which is signed to John Digweed’s Bedrock label, serves house beats so dirty, they’re hot, hot, hot! We catch up with Astro for a little banter.

What draws you to DJing?
It’s the feeling on the dance floor. That feeling a group of partygoers share as the music rocks the room attracts us.

Describe your sound in five words.
“Eye of the tiger, biotch!” or “Get the party started yo!”

Who are your influences?
Danny Tenaglia, John Digweed, John Creamer, Tini Tun and Stevie and The Beastie Boys are just a few.

At what speed do you normally work at?
We like to write music at 128 bpm and DJ at about 130 bpm, but it goes up and down, thank God.

Name your top 3 DJs or producers.
Eric Prydz, Angello and Ingrosso, and Tom Novy

What are you guys listening to now?
We are listening to Goldfrapp, Tom Yorke and bad-ass house music.

What are some killjoys in any party?
Technical difficulties and minimal dance snobbery would be it.

What gets you grooving non-stop?
Bass lines and diggity bomb tracks!

Thrash metal act Slayer, which comprises of Kerry King (guitar), Tom Araya (vocal, bass), Jeff Hanneman (guitar) and Dave Lombardo (drums), came into being about 25 years ago, and has banged out album after album of very dark and menacing songs. Often credited as one of the pioneers of American thrash metal, and named as one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal bands (alongside Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth), Slayer is going to give fans a big treat as they arrive for a destructive concert (or so we hope) come Oct 13.

Slayer has often raised controversy with their lyrics. Their songs dabble with subjects such as serial killers, the Holocaust, war, hell and Satan, and conservatives have often attacked the band for being obscene, and having racist and Nazi sympathies. Slayer’s latest offering Christ Illusion (which has been hailed by some as a sequel to the classic Reign In Blood) is not spared from controversy either. One of its tracks “Jihad,” which looks at the September 11 terrorist attacks from a terrorist’s standpoint, has raised much anger and debate. However, it seems, the darker their songs, the more crowds their draw, as evident from a loyal following who mosh wildly (and leave with bruises) at their every concert.

Aggressive and heavy, Slayer’s music has played a huge role in influencing several notable bands today. Slipknot, Mayhem, Emperor, Sepultura and Killswitch Engage to name a few. This act is definitely worth catching if you are into metal.

If you are in the mood for some “evil” music as some will call it, this concert will be the one to catch. Besides an aural onslaught, it just might be a visual indulgence as well. After all, who can forget how fake blood rained down on Slayer as they performed “Raining Blood” in one of their concerts in 2003?

One of the halls of Suntec Singapore is transformed into a massive gallery as contemporary art fair ARTSingapore 2006 is being put up for the sixth time. And with outstanding art pieces from 72 renowned galleries from different parts of the globe up for grabs, art connoisseurs are rejoicing.

The focus of ARTSingapore 2006 is on Asian contemporary art. Fair organizer Chen Shen Po explains the rationale behind this: “We wanted to differentiate ourselves from other art fairs by showing primarily Asian contemporary art. Most art fairs in the world show a mix of international contemporary art.” She adds, “Asian contemporary art is moving up in the art world and gaining recognition and popularity.  Some Chinese contemporary art pieces are also fetching high prices on the auction circuit.”

The emphasis may be on Asian art, but the fair has a section casting the limelight on Australian art. Not to be missed are 15 glass sculptural works of Gerry King. This artist has been credited with being at the forefront of Australian contemporary glass scene, and some of his best works from the ’70s to the present are being showcased.

Other artists to look out for in ARTSingapore 2006 include Beijing-based Miao Xiaochun. He has created a riveting installation named “Image + Imagination,” which comprises a series of large format photographs and a video. Miao digitally altered Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment,” substituting the figures in the fresco with models of his own body. He then created five prints and a video investigating the famous art work in different perspectives.

For some edgy stuff, check out Thai artist Chatchai Puipia. This award-winning artist has painted eight expressionist self portraits with varied expressions. His works intrigue, oozing disquiet and desire. The prints, paintings and objects of the acclaimed Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama will be featured too. The works of both individuals are put up by 100 Tonson Gallery and can be found in booth A10. Other artists to take note of at the fair include Kit Tan, Chen Ke Zhan, Cai Zhisong, Bai Yi Luo and Jim Thalassoudis.

If you are scratching your head for some much-need inspiration, check out ARTSingapore 2006. Many more splendid art works are in store. There will be talks by industry experts as well. Get those check books and credit cards ready.

New York act Scissor Sisters, with its signature OTT electro-glam look, burst into the music scene in 2004 with a self-titled debut album. Made up of Jake Shears (vocals), Ana Matronic (vocals), Babydaddy (bass, guitar, banjo and keyboards), Paddy Boom (drums) and Del Marquis, this band have recently produced some rather dancey, fabulous and kitschy tunes (again) in their sophomore effort Ta-Dah. Marquis talks to us about the music and what success has bestowed on them.

How did your love for music start? Have you always known you wanted to be a musician?
I have an older sister and older brother. I borrowed their albums, and begged them to take me to concerts, and that started an insatiable appetite for music. I never knew I would be a musician. It was more of a daydream, I thought I would move on and do something else. (I studied in a design school and worked as a designer previously.)

Is there any guitarist that inspires you a lot?
Robert Smith, ’80s rockers, and moody guitar players inspire me. But right now, I am equally inspired by great songwriters or piano players.

Scissor Sisters shot to fame with the remake of “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd. What inspired you guys to record that track?
We are all Pink Floyd fans to different degrees. At that time, it was more of an exercise to just record it and when you do a cover, there’s not much point in sounding just like the original. It wasn’t a conscious effort to make it a hit, but we all recognised that it was a good cover, and it got us lots of attention. But we don’t want it to overshadow our other songs at the same time.

OK, let’s talk about the new album Ta-dah by Scissor Sisters then. What kind of issues do the lyrics deal with this time round?
Jake wrote a love song, and there will be songs from a third perspective, songs about nothing at all and songs about death. It’s about different points of view.

Some people say your music is electro-dance, some say it’s pop, others say it’s rock. Do you care about such labels?
Not at all. But I think pop music is a good category. It encompasses EVERYTHING!

Many people dig Scissor Sisters’s wild stage antics. Do you think that stage antics help people to notice you more, or do you think that causes people to take you less seriously?
There are certain people that look at us, and are completely put off by our music. But when you are performing live, you want to capture attention. Else you might as well stay home. And we are excited when we play live, we feel a lot of adrenaline and what people see on the stage is the result.

Would you say success came easy?
The fact that success came at all is amazing. But we toured a lot, and we worked very hard for it. Touring is definitely tiring, but we’ve just started this time, so we are still fresh and new. Both touring and playing live, and staying in the studio and making music have their merits and drawbacks.

Sum up Scissor Sisters in a few words.
We are about the celebration of life.