Leaven

Need a good jam?

2007-08-23T13:48:00.000+08:00

Hey brothers and sisters of Leaven...

I've been thinking. We haven't had a reason to jam, nor a place to play for a few months now, and it almost seems that Leaven isn't Leaven anymore. But I know this isn't the case, coz as soon as there's a gig, I know we'll all be back in gear again.

I know the I myself have been busy with things, namely, Jubilate, my personal life, and work. And I'm sure all of you have been busy too, with 'A' Level exams, Army, Poly, weddings, family.

What I wanna say is that, if any of you wanna jam, and would like my presence there either to teach, to listen, or to simply jam, I'll always be there if you ask. Please don't feel like I don't wanna jam with Leaven anymore (if you feel that way lah) coz I am always up for a good jam.

I know of a good outdoor place where we can 'tong' jam (acoustic), where our dear percussion boys can beat their drums as loud as they want, and our singers can 'shout it from the mountaintop' so to speak. Details as follows:

Bedok Reservoir (Bus 65, 66 from Circuit Road, Bus 22 from Upper Paya Lebar)
Sheng Shiong Supermarket Carpark, Level 5

It's really a good place for practice, only drawback is that there isn't a power-point so amps are out of the question. It's openair, no roof, so it overlooks the reservoir. Nearest HDB block is 200meters away, so sound levels are no issue. Really. I jam there so many times, middle of the night also, police come, police go. Serious. It's cool and windy, and if it rains, there's a sheltered area any of you could use.

So far, this is the best free outdoor, non-public disturbing place I've found. Here's one avenue some of you can use for jamming, hanging out, just making music and learning the main thing in an outing, where you can learn from and with each other.

I guess that's all I have to say for now. My main purpose is to let you know that 'jamming', not practice, is the key to becoming a better player, and a better band. And that I'm there as your reference and guide, and as a fellow musician, anytime you ask for it.

Cheers Leaven. =0)

Leaven P&W Charts Updated

2007-06-20T23:07:00.001+08:00

Ok, charts updated with all the songs shortlisted for the PW Session. Get them from the link on the right.

Ok go practice.

7 Jul - SS Praise Event

2007-06-17T20:42:00.000+08:00

Hello.

We need to start practising for the 7th July event soon... I mean, NOW! We are less than two weeks into it. It'll be our first performance in SS since the establishment of Leaven and it is our chance to shine and showcase what wonderful talents we have developed over the past half a year.

Fudge has selected a list of praise songs for the event, not exactly the most ideal list but Cliff & I are arranging to meet up with him over the week to discuss proper.

Need to know however, who will be involved in this gig coz from my last understanding, Randall, Zac and if not wrong, Fonz will be having their exams next weekend (i.e. 25-29 Jul). I also need to inform all of you: Please be prepared to have Fudge as the Praise leader for the gig. From our last compromise, he said he wouldn't mind coming down for practice and rehearse with us.

So... TAG AND LET ME HEAR FROM YOU!

Update in upcoming plans

2007-05-11T00:59:00.000+08:00

There are some changes to the Confirmation Camp gig. In short, they are in need of a simple praise and worship team who is versatile and experienced in "praying over" and to play impromtu songs. Right now, none of us are able to do it.

Hence I pulled the band out of it, and ask them to look for another team to do it. Another reason is that I think you guys will have problems with logistics. Going there is one thing, but to bring everything by ourselves is another thing, especially since that guy in charge is quite an amateur when it comes to camp, I don't think I want to risk another 'canteen operation'.

But all of you can volunteer to be facils, it would be fun for you. But most importantly, by participating in the camp you would be able to see how the pw team does it. Just in case we have a chance to do a camp in the future.

As for practices, we will carry on. Since we have no gigs upcoming other than the tentative campfire, we will now concentrate on learning new songs and go through the old ones. Especially since we did not adequately learn the songs we were playing recently.

It will be a good time to build up our pw repertoires so that whenever there are any opportunities to play for mass, the band is ready.

Likewise, build up the pop repertoire so that there are any opportunities to play for any gig, the band is ready.

It is no secret that the band is not ready, for any form of gigs.

Gigs can ALWAYS turn out bad...

2007-05-03T17:13:00.000+08:00

Let me tell you about my own self-experiences in gigging.

I tell you this: in ALL my gigs, we are NEVER ever, fully prepared for any gig. No amount of preparation will get you 100% ready for any public performance.

BUT.

It's all in the SONG.

The song.

Yes boys, the song.

It's about knowing the song.

Me, Kazaaa, knows ALOT of songs. Yes? Agree? Good.

BUT. Does kazaaa know ALL the different parts to all the songs he knows? Chances are - no. I don't. Normally, it's the bridge that I won't know. But that's cool. See ah, for me, as long as I KNOW the song, I'll put EXTRA effort only in the bridge parts of the song.

Coz the rest of the song is repetitive. Normally lah. Serious.

And that's my point. Point is about practice. I think we're all very busy people, with very little time to practice, which is ok. We're not a pub band who performs every night for hundreds of people.

BUT.

We do have monthly objectives, yes? And we have practices that last really, really long. The thing about this is, there is only so much we can learn during practices, no matter how long we're willing to stay.

And that's exactly what happened for the last gig. We used the practice time to learn songs, and work out stuff. Which was really anybody's fault, coz I came out with the songs last minute. My fault la!

But we need to take a step back and ask ourselves - could we have done more? If I knew all the songs already, and I was waiting for the charts from Clifford, then would the practice have gone faster? Would we have covered MORE songs? Would we have sounded better?

Chances are, NO. The sound system was crappy. I blame that alone for making us sound terrible. But combine that with the fact that we weren't THERE as a band yet. Chords were off, rythyms were out at times, and singing was out of sync with the band at times. Then we'd have a really, really scary sounding band.

All I'm saying is, if we had done our homework, then we could deal with ANYTHING else that comes up, against us. You haev to expect that we'll be playing in really crappy places at times, with terrible acoustics, and bad microphones etc. Always prepare for the worst, it's what you have to expect when you gig, dudes.

But nonetheless, I think we did an ok job that day, except for those ladies who kept coming up to us and telling us to quieten down. You think we CD player ah? KNN.

I remember seeing people singing along, and smiles around as well know? And you know what? That made the gig good for me. I stood there the first time, with you guys, and I can proudly say that we're Leaven. Coz this is about entertainment. If just ONE person likes the song we're playing, while the rest ignore us, I'll focus on that one person. Coz that's what we're up there for.

So keep it up, people of Leaven.

Have a good choir session at St Stephen's on Sunday kay! I'm going to Phuket!

Debrief of Pop gig

2007-04-30T09:30:00.000+08:00

Pop gig didn't go as well as we all imagined. I believe its basically due to 2 reasons.

1) We got complacent and didn't practice as hard, putting in lesser effort. And the songs are harder cos of the more intricate parts like solos and licks and the pressure of wanting to sound like the original form.
2) Sound system wasn't good, thus we got affected by people's comments.

But to me, I think it's a learning experience for us. We learn how to perform and learn how to be on stage in public. We learn how to notice everyone's and learn how to adapt. That to me is learning something.

What we have to learn individually, like singing and playing on our own instruments should be done individually at private time. When we come together, its to learn how to be a band. To react and to adapt.

I think everyone did well enough, perhaps there is not enough time to learn so much. But nonetheless, I see major improvements. Esepecially Zac's ability to sing. He has improved drastically. Zac you might want to choose songs that are within your range, so that you don't have strain your voice, cos songs in your range you sound really wonderful. Very proud of you.

Randall, you have great talents at times and yet you sound like crap at times! I know its hard to keep up when you have school work and all. So you got to find a way to do some learning or at least listen to the songs in your mp3 so that you know all the songs and learn with Aloy. With little practice now, you are almost there, I'm sure you will pick up if you have a little more time.

Aloy, don't say you have peaked. Some people are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them. You are the band leader of a band that wants to be great. Do you think Clifford and I spend so much time in this band just to play play? Surely not, you need to learn as much as possible so that we can be better. Remember what I said? 2 years from now, we will have an album. So let's do it.

Bass and drums, you 2 have been wonderful. Continue to keep up the good work. But please voice out more. I know you are quiet by nature and seldom share your views and thoughts. But this band belongs to all of you as well, and I need you to share with me your thoughts so that I know what you are thinking. I believe you have issues or suggestions that are important.

So can we have more open-ness? Let's talk more and communicate our thoughts more. I know sometimes all of you wonder where this band will take us. I too have that confusion. But since we have performances coming up, then we just let God decide for now. There's no need to look too far off, just each gig at a time.

T-Shirt Part III

2007-04-24T00:25:00.000+08:00

Logo?

2007-04-23T02:59:00.000+08:00

Ok here's how the logo will look on a T-Shirt. I tried in both white and in orange. Anybody with other ideas, please tag =).

And here's the logo, in full size:

Ok go.

New Directions

2007-04-18T23:55:00.000+08:00

Dear Leaven-ians....

I have chosen to leave Holy Spirit with effect from end of the month. To summarise, the church is looking for a permanent youth worker and I'm not willing to take the risk with them cos I don't think they can pay me enough.

Anyway, we have a situation now.

1) We need to shift out our equipments
2) We need a place to practice
3) We need to have a church to go mass for
4) We need an audience to play for

Now we have a solution. Somehow God works His ways...

As you all experienced on Easter Vigil, the mass was horrible cos the choir was horrible. And it was hot and uncomfortable. However, what happened was that all of us sat together for a mass for the first time in the last 8 months.

The solution is to go back to Saint Stephen, for the following reasons.

1) We can all go mass together again, especially for those who stopped going.
2) We can help the choir and boost up the morale of the people.
3) Its near everyone's home, easy for practices
4) The place will be air-coned from this week onwards
5) We continue our mission to bring pw music to the people

Thus, from this sunday we will go to the 10am mass. But please be mindful of the following...

1) We are there to be part of the choir, to inspire the dead church again
2) We must not act like attitude bunch, at least in the beginning :P
3) Start being courteous to the people
4) Be focused to the goal which is to stay together to serve the church. We must overcome the hostility people may have initially cos we did leave.

Please tag for any comments or thoughts you may have.

Wallpaper!

2007-04-18T15:46:00.000+08:00

Ok I made wallpaper so that you'll ALWAYS think of Leaven when you at your computer. BLEH!.

Check it out.....

2007-04-18T12:14:00.000+08:00

ok just dabbling....

Ok Go.

Logo?

2007-04-17T00:35:00.000+08:00

Hi dudes...

Logo. Look. See. Comment.

Kaz. =P

A Little Leaven

2007-04-16T04:32:00.000+08:00

Found this site during a Google search for 'leaven band':

www.alittleleaven.com

Check it out.

Random Revelation

2007-04-09T12:52:00.000+08:00

Guess who?

Lenten Vigil 2007

2007-04-06T17:40:00.000+08:00

Pics, New TLLOM and Fonz

2007-04-04T00:27:00.000+08:00

Hey dudes and dudettes,

I honestly thought that today's practice was good. A few things to brush up on, but you guys managed to pull through pretty smoothly. And you should hea yourselves from the centr eof the room lah. I don't know how to say it. You gotta hear it for yourselves. The sound is lovely I tell you.

Also, I edited TLLOM (This Little Light of Mine) in the charts, to change the key to G. Please, please, please go download and learn it. Fonz, I'm especially counting on you for this gig. Remember, the bass leads people into the parts of the song, so just be confident to play THE note. And remember, if in doubt, always play the root note of the Chord. You'll be great lah.

Ok, finally got some time to do band photos. Hope my pics do you all justice. I picked the most garang ones lah. Enjoy:

Kaz.

More vids...

2007-04-01T14:41:00.000+08:00

Transitions into Hosea and I Wish You Jesus:

Lenten Vigil

2007-04-01T12:40:00.000+08:00

DipDip

2007-04-01T04:59:00.000+08:00

Sequence for Lenten Vigil

2007-03-31T01:12:00.000+08:00

Our 4 hours of hard work and discussion:
Please familierize yourself with the sequence.

Priest Talk

(Opening Prayer)
As We Gather

(Emcee)

Warm-The-Crowd-Songs:
This Little Light of MIne
Dip Dip
I Will Celebrate
Lord I Lift Your Name onHigh

(Prayer)

I could sing of your love forever
Heart of Worship

Mediatative Mode
Come Holy Spirit

(Prayer with scripture)
A Quiet Time

(Pledge & Reflection Moment)

He will carry you
Praise her with a flower

Open the eyes of my heart
Hosea
I wish you Jesus

(Peace Hug Moment)

I wish you Jesus (Final Chorus only)

Finale Song: Tell the world of his love

Just dabbling...

2007-03-27T04:35:00.000+08:00

Nice not?

Prolly abit too holy for us yah? Heh.

Stuff for Saturday...

2007-03-21T00:04:00.000+08:00

Ok guys,

We have 2 more practices till 5th April, so here are the songs that MD has selected to learn on Saturday:

Hosea - G
Blind Man - Am
Romans 16:19 - D
Tell The World Of His Love - C
Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord
Lord I Lift Your Name On High - G

Come Holy Spirit - C
Bless The Lord My Soul - Em
A Quiet Time - G
You Are Mine - Bb
You Are My Hiding Place - F
I Wish You Jesus - F

Also, for those who don't know, here's the schedule of what's gonna happen on the night of Maundy Thursday:

2300 - Appetizer Songs (Leaven)
2315 - Talk by Fr Andrew
2400 - Praise & Worship (Leaven)
0100 - Break
0105 - Intro to Washing of Feet and Songs (Youth Choir)
0110 - Washing of Feet (Fuel)
0210 - Break
0215 - Intro to Last Supper and Song (Youth Choir)
0220 - Last Supper (Nick)
0250 - Long Break
0325 - Intro to Garden of Gethsemane & Song (Youth Choir)
0330 - Garden of Gethsemane (Youth Choir)
0430 - Break
0435 - Intro to Stations of the Cross and Song
0440 - Stations of the Cross
0540 - Breakfast

So we got a hour's worth of music to fill. Thus, this Sat, will be fully concentrated on learning the rest of the songs we don't know. It's gonna be acoustic again, so my favorite guitarists, let me bring my acoustic guitars for you once again. Randall, please bring the Church guitar back for me to fix. Tag if you acknowledge.

For our drummers, we want to try real acoustic first, that means with bongos only. No drumset. Reason being, we got a packed schedule and majority of the time will be spent on learning. So please understand, we learn first, then we incorporate later. Can? But need to learn hor, so we need you both down as well. Tag if you disagree or have any comments.

This Sat practice will be in the Attic, for us to get used to the place, and gauge what we can or cannot do.

Last thing is, let us know your attendance, by telling us on the TagBoard, so that everyone knows.

Kamsia.

Logo to sew on your skin, coz we're true Leaveners...

2007-03-20T15:32:00.000+08:00

OK I was really productive at work today. I made these for fun. Only for fun. NOthing set in stone. Nick think's they're pussy, with wings. I did the wings coz Leaven looks like Heaven, and Heaven words normally have wings. Duh.

Ok go.

Please note down

2007-03-20T12:49:00.000+08:00

For the next 3 months...

Saturday 24th March, practice starts at 2pm. It would be at attic.
Saturday 31st March, practice starts at 2pm. It would be at canteen.
Thursday April 5th, practice starts at 7pm. It would be at attic.
Sunday April 29th, pop song gig at canteen for canteen crowd.
Sunday May 27th, pop/pw song gig at canteen for feastday crowd.
Fri-Sun 1-3 June, Camp in Johor. Fri night acoustic set. Sat electric set, sunday mass.
Sat 30th June, pw before mass or campfire concert in church carpark.

Behind the scene

2007-03-18T10:26:00.000+08:00

Nobody will remember the founder or the person who starts the ball rolling. Usually what they remember is what they can see.

And the only reason Leaven can play any form of music is because of the songs Dawn and Clifford came up with. Their passion and efforts shown and given to the band can never be replaced.

If any of you remembered, the band went through a lot of trying and searching. A group of boys with no prior knowledge, and me trying to come up with some directions after going around and asking around. It moves, but slowly.

But lo and behold, God works in astonishing ways. The Clifford that we thought we would never see again, appeared at the Swee Lee shop that I didn't want to go. The boys had met him once before but they didn't do what I would do, which was to invite him back to help us with a purpose now. And I was so happy that he did come back and help out. Initially thinking he would just come for 1 or 2 practices, he even shown interests to be part of our entourage! Right now, we can really look forward to that music I dreamt about, and in the near future be the Catholic PW band the church talks about.

Now Dawn is someone who has so much talent and knowledge but not given any opportunity to express them out in Saint Stephen. And the problem with such talented Arty people is that they want to talk about music with people who understands music. None of us can really talk to her about music cos we do not know much about music. We can only pretend. So it was with exuberance that she agrees to come on board of Leaven to help out with the music selections and bounce her ideas with Clifford. Thus the partnership is complete, with the music arrangements and the sound of the various band instruments. Basically letting Dawn's knowledge and Clifford's experience fuse into one magical body, into a worthy performance.

The last person to complete the picture is Zac, he who is shy and quiet with little confidence cos he sees himself as a bass, was most reluctant to sing much less before a crowd. He had quietly practiced loudly in his room thinking that his efforts had gone unnoticed. But we noticed alright, his melodic "Keane-ish" voice had wowed us and wooed us. For someone who thought he couldn't sing, had brought shame to me who thought I can sing. Indeed, a much pleasant awakening.

Right now, the PW band is complete. The direction is in line with the vision, which is to become a proper PW band. Now I only hope this band never stop being a band, not a band that is forced to stay, but a band cum choir that plays for the church, bringing music into the traditional Catholic scene.

And I quote the lady "can you play like that for our mass? We need something like that for our youths!" Such sincere words cannot be faked, and I believe we have something there that we never noticed before.

Drum Demon was quoted "this band has so many hidden talents, it's been 2 long years since I enjoyed playing drums in church!"

Kazaa was quoted "did you hear that? That was the song I'm talking about!"

Music Director said "The music was good, the harmonising was good, the singing was good"

Do not give up the efforts now, we have everything, talented leaders, talented musicians and a wonderful jam room. All we need to do more is to give our intended audience an experience they want to talk about and look forward to.

Let your heart of worship sing of God's love forever, and may our music rise on eagle's wings as we walk by faith with our Majesty.

I Was Wrong!

2007-03-17T13:41:00.000+08:00

Ok as much as I hate to admit it, I'll be a man and say I'm wrong!

Mutton IS from sheep. BUT.

Mutton

In Asia mutton can mean lamb or its more elderly counterpart, hogget or mutton; it can also mean the flesh of kids or goats. Goat meat is usually leaner than that of sheep or lambs.

This is not deliberate deception, it is simply that in India and among Indian populations in Malaysia, Fiji and Sri Lanka, it is considered quite legitimate to refer to meat from both sheep and goats as 'mutton'. The animals are closely related, their meat tastes similar and there is more likely to be a difference due to age rather than breed.

In some instances, the older meat is actually better as it stands up to long cooking. The following recipes may be used with lamb, but reduce cooking time so the meat doesn't fall to pieces.

I, being Asian, was taught that 'mutton' came from goats and 'lamb' came from sheep. So to Verena, you're really right. And I'm quite right. Heh.

Leaven's first gig...

2007-03-17T01:27:00.000+08:00

Ok, when you read this, we'd have finished our first gig at Holy Spirit Church for Fuel, for a Praise and Worship session in the morning, of all times.

And no matter how it turned out, I'd like to say that this practice was amazing for me, because I finally heard what I wanted to hear. And I got a glimpse of the true potential that this band has.

And strangely enough, it was acoustic. Yes, there were drums, and you guys proved me wrong by showing me that you ARE ready, as a band, to show people that you have something worth showing.

I was very much in favour of an acoustic session, and although both YOU and ME love playing electric guitar, hearing the band come together liddat by using acoustics was simply very pleasing. Randall, I'm sure you realize that you can't cheat when playing acoustic guitar. Aloy, you sounded good today, and truly, you are the leader of this band, and it showed in both your playing, and in your (however feeble) attempts to get everyone in place.

Fonz, we missed you quite abit, and you have to know that you're a very, very important part of the music we're making. The responsibility of 'being heard loud and clear' is that people hear you and follow you, instead of the usual distortion guitars. You have your job cut out for you in future man.

For Drum Demon, and Almost Drum Demon, you both very important. If I say no drums, doesn't mean I dun like the way you play. It means that sometimes, not playing is more important than playing. Clarence you are an asset here, and you know it. You showed alot of self-control. Thanks for putting up with my anal-retentiveness when it comes to music. Auggy, hope to see behind the drums too, in practices and of course, for Lent and other gigs that are definitely coming our way.

Zac, I meant it when I said I finally have a lead singer. You really sound good, and you have a pleasing, unique voice. It's normal for all people to hear their own voice and think it sounds wierd. This goes out to Verena and Dawn too. Trust people when they tell you your voice is good. Trust me. I don't know if anyone has told you this but in my books, the lead singer makes or breaks the band. No matter how good the musicians are, the lead singer will always represent how good the band is. You got a big job ahead of you bro. But you're on the right track lah.

Nick, when you read this, you'd probably be very happy, because Leaven had done a wonderful job of the PW Session. A BIG, BIG part of today's final pratice was because of you. Believe it or not. Your first prayer, your earnest prayer, be it role-play, set everyone in the correct mood. The full-dress rehearsal made everyone sit up and pay attention, kept us on our toes, and you made it all the more real. We ARE doing this for God, and we are playing worship songs. This is the first time I felt we were doing worhip. And your harmony today was good. You also showed self-control, because you are a naturally louder singer. It takes alot of self-control to let Zac take the step forward, while you step back. Respect.

Verena, thanks for your guidance in this. Your experience, as well as Nick's, help streamline Leaven into what it's should be, and what it set out to be. I know it's hard dealing with people who love hearing themselves, and love loudness in general, so thank you for your patience.

And Dawn, your presence was truly missed today, which was a pity, because it's the best I've ever heard Leaven play.

Aiya, bloody, am I the only EMO one here? And who the hell gives thank you rants BEFORE the performance.

PS: If anyone reads this BEFORE the gig, please call and wake me up. 92278547.

Lenten gig for Fuel

2007-03-13T22:59:00.000+08:00

This Friday's practice would be in church from afternoon 5pm. We will set up the place first, for the performance on saturday.

Saturday would be from 10-1045am.

All recalled personnel, please report to church as soon as you can with all your file and equipment. Please bring your FILES if you want to use it on sat, we must look clean and professional. Even if we need to look at files, at least its a file.

You can stay over at my place but please bring your sleeping bag or blankets, my aircon temperature will not be changed whatsover.

Practice Photos...

2007-03-12T09:53:00.000+08:00

Even tho' someone mentioned that my pictures effect make him wanna pee (or something to that effect).... I still like it. So enjoy!

Non-Pee Inducing Photos Link:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2094581303

In Action...

2007-03-12T00:17:00.001+08:00

Aloy, The Leg Shaker

A Short Clip of the never-bored Rain Down

Erm... Here we go again.

2007-03-11T23:19:00.000+08:00

I don't know if this is of any cause of worry but after some research, here is what I found:

Definition of Leaven:
In Matthew 16:12, yeast (or "leaven") is, in New Testament usage, a symbol of corruption and great sin.

So how?
Bleh bleh bleh?

March 17th small pw session

2007-03-07T12:05:00.000+08:00

After thinking through the list our Music Director chose for Lent, I have come up with the list of songs we would be playing for the March 17th unplugged P/W session for FUEL.

As this is a simple gig, only a few guitarists are needed and no percussion or keyboard is needed.

1) The Heart of Worship
2) I will run to you
3) Majesty (Here I am)
4) He will carry you
5) Romans* (I prefer our band version though)
6)Eagles Wings

I think we need more, will think of more (I mean when the MD thinks of more)

All recalled personnel, please standby.

The Acousticity of Lent...

2007-03-05T01:38:00.000+08:00

Ok.

A few changes in the gigging schedule, just like to state them out.

Mar 10 choir session was canceled by Nick, because they wanted us to play on Mar11, 7am MASS. Being the lazy bastards we are, I say that was a good call. Heh.

Now, big event is Apr05, which is the Maundy Thursday, Lenten Vigil, PW Session. It's acoustic with piano, so basically means we gotta practice acoustic guitars with Dawn, and drummers gotta play percussion.

So....

This Sat, can all guitarists bring their respective acoustic guitars for practice, and drummers bring all percussion instruments known to man. Or bongos.

Bassist will use normal electric bass (as practiced for the Yam's place), and guitarists will plug into main sound system. Please let me know if you need me to bring electric-acoustic guitars for you, my favorite guitarists.

Dawn, MD, will be teaching us lot of songs, some we know, and some we don't, so I'll be adding this into our arsenal of Holy Songs that we can use to fight evil. Dawn please gimme more songs during the coming week.

Currently, 3 songs:
- Draw Me Close (Key of G)
- Make Me A Servant (Key of F)
- We Hill Carry You (Key of Ab)

Ok go.

Updated: Urgent Choir Members needed

2007-02-25T10:24:00.001+08:00

We will be having our first Youth Mass on March the 10th. Problem is, we don't exactly have enough to form a choir for it. Hence - HELP!

It'll not be a weekly commitment, just once in awhile where we gather to sing some good shit together. Because we are so incredibly talented and have the knack for creating magic on call, we will only have one official choir practice THIS coming Sat (3 Mar), 2-6pm to create some great music & harmony together(By default, band members will be a part of the choir. Please see Nick if you have violent objections against it.)

Guys
Aloy
Alphon
Auggy
Benedict
Clarence
Kaz / Clifford Gomes
Nick
Randall
Zac

Girls - Almost non-existent already
Celest (School commitment)
Dawn (might not be singing, stuck on the organ chair)
Na (Will be late due to work commitments)

If any of the above will not be able to make it for our one and only practice this Sat, please inform us now.

Lastly, the members-by-default + our first enthusiastic official member (i.e. Celest) would like to open this invitation out to any of you who are interested to sing some good shit with us.

What's in for you!

Air-Conditioned Practice Room
Wide array of food selection (outside Church) for dinner after practice
Cool and Funny Ppl to keep you entertained, but noise level will be controlled by a self-installed Discipline Mistress, once again.

How to Join:
Kindly tag at the side to show your interest, or if you're shy and need some privacy (for whatever reason which of coz, I'll respect), email me @ iyeel@yahoo.com . (Subtle Hint: WE NEED GIRLS!)

Homework...

2007-02-24T19:54:00.000+08:00

Ok, I have this unusual need to blog numerous posts man. Bear with me, and take the time to read when you can.

These are the areas of improvement of everyone, as seen by me, Kazaaa, musical advisor:)

Randall:
1. Get familiar with the tone of your guitar. Know which pickup to use for which area of the song. You can go by this general rule: If the song is slow, love-love, use the neck pickup (the one farthest from where you put your palm for palm-muting.

2. Your rhythmic strumming / picking can improve. Have more confidence when you pick, like for songs like Heart of Worship. You are now guiding the drummer and singer, so be a good rhythm guide.

Aloy:
1. You choice of pickup also needs to improve. I know you love the sound of the bridge pickup (closest to palm), but it's only useable for some songs, and will appear very harsh sounding for love-love type songs. As a musician, try to experiment with the different tones of your guitar, and pull yourself away from the 'clearest' sound.

2. You strumming is steady, so keep it up. But sometimes, your choice of strumming pattern may be a bit unsuitable for the song. Try and choose something that's good for the song, and not just something you like. Good musicianship is knowing when to hold back, and not how 'heard' you are.

Fonz:
1. Having your equipment spoil on you is a bitch. Trust me, I know the feeling. Really.

2. Your playing style is normally very rock-ish. I showed you something today, which I didn't really explain, sorry. But what it was about giving space to the song.

3. Also, the tone of your bass (previous practices, today can't help it) can be improved. Try and find that right bassy sound. And if you can, get the amp replaced. I also think that it cracks a bit when you play, and shouldn't be the case, coz it's a bass amp. Just check it out, maybe ask the guy to tes and see if there's something wrong with the speakers inside.

Auggy:
1. You timing has improved tremendously!

2. Have more confidence, that's all I can say. And hit the bass drum louder, it gives groove to everyone. =)

Clarence:
1. Good work on drums today dude. I must say your fills are nice.

2. Watch those transitions between verse and choruses, your tempo is steady, but the fills sometimes throw the tempo off.

Nick & Verena and Dawn
1. As singers, we need to strike a balance and we haven't found it yet. I'm gonna be sending the recordings of today's practice to your respective emails, and just take a listen to how you blend with each other. Or don't blend.

2. We have girl voices now, a refreshing change from before. We need to use as much of the choir style as we can, because it is our forte. Dawn, few ideas on this?

For Everyone Including Me:
1. We need to try playing softer. Must. Die die must. Must try.
2. We need to set up faster. I know we say this all the time, but really, we can save a lot of time practicing, and leave. In fact, we only need a practice time of 3 hours, if we're all do our homework, and setup fast. Serious.

Ok tired.

Is This Getting Tougher?

2007-02-24T19:01:00.000+08:00

Hi guys and gals of Not.Crazaand.

What a practice huh? Somehow, morning practices feel like it's a total work day for me heh, so I'm thoroughly shagged by the end of it.

I have mixed emotions right now, and since I express myself better in writing, I'm gonna talk about a few things here.

Is there a bit of tension in the band?

Firstly, I didn't start this band. God knows it's you guys, all of you, who loved music so much that you wanted to form a band and make music together. And God bless Nick for helping and guiding you along the way, amongst other things. And you've done so well, that Nick thinks you have the potential of becoming a very good band. And I agree.

And now, he has roped me in to 'musically advise' the band. And I dare say (with good feedback of course) that you, nay, 'we' have improved as a band. But as we all know, we still have work to do.

What's this 'we' thing?

Guys, when I get involved, I get involved. I treat myself as a member of this band, because I am contributing to it, just like everybody who is contributing to it is considered a member. And what am I contributing? My experience, how ever little of it I have. And I'm still acquiring it. I may not know everything, but I do know some things. And believe it or not, I share it wholeheartedly with anyone who asks, and is interested in what I have to offer. And I say again, you can ask me anything about technique or about 'how you do that ah' and I will give you all that I've got.

I can go around telling you what to do, although I don't like doing it. Who likes telling people that what they do is not nice, or wrong? But I do it with intent of making us better. And if I've offended anyone in the process, I apologise. I hope you understand.

I also need to stress this, that I am not a fixed musician in the band. As I see it, there is a core group of people who make up the band, and I am not one of them. I'm not here to replace anyone either. This idea is for you to stand on your own. If I do get to play (and I would be lying if I said I don't want to, I'm a musician, don't be stupid), I do it knowing full well that I can, and not because I am a guitar god, but because I tried learning these songs and was successful.

And guess what?

I think today was a tense day, I sensed it and I'm still trying to figure out why. One of the reasons I came up with is that everyone now, I sense, wants to make this work. And with that 'wanting', expectations are raised. And when things go wrong, frustration is higher.

But it only shows that we want to be better. And that's a good thing. All it takes is a bit of homework, a shitload of pirated mp3s and a bit of love.

My next post will be addressed to all individuals of the band, and how 'we' can improve.

And I'd like to hear from everyone of you too. I realised that only Nick and Dawn accepted the Blogger email to be an author. I'll be inviting Na and Clarence in as well. I can re-invite everyone again, but only if you ask me to. I think you just need to check your emails and you'll find it there.

'Let this blog not just be, the words of us three.'

New Songs for Practice

2007-02-23T13:40:00.000+08:00

We have decided to add in some Catholic Praise Songs, so for this week's practice, here they are:

My Life Is In You Lord:
http://www.higherpraise.com/Lyrics4/MyLifeIsInYou.htm

Be Excellent At What Is Good (Romans 16:19): http://www.worshiparchive.com/worship_chord_sheet.asp?t=song&id=243

For the related MP3s, kindly approach Kazaa for the illegal files. :)
Bring your own chord sheets ya. Cya then, Jelly Bean-ers.

New stuff...

2007-02-21T01:54:00.000+08:00

Hello!

Ok, done some site changes, including a Notice Board, an Upcoming Gigs and Practice Lineup sections.

Upcoming Gigs
This one is for us to look forward to, and plan our schedules accordingly. As you can see, Nick's really piling on the gigs, so I guess we have lotsa stuff to look forward to.

Practice Lineup
OK, this one is so that all of us know whether the other is turning up for practice, so that we can plan what to do instead of coming for practice blindly, and just hoping that the others come. I think we waste a little too much time during practices currently, so hoping to just get right into the practice when we come.

Please let Nick or Kaz know if you can't make it, or are going to be late, etc, so that we can plan practices accordingly.

Equipment Setup
Nick suggested too that setup of equipment takes too long. Let's aim for 15 minutes setup time for this Saturday.

New Songs
Dawn will be teaching 2 new songs to everyone on Saturday, and we need to learn and then arrange how we wanna play this. This will prolly take a lot of time the first round, so just prep yourselves for a learning experience =). Dawn will be doing this a lot, so our learning curve as a band needs to improve. We'll see what happens on Sat, and maybe she can do more songs per week, if necessary.

Ok go.

Chivas...

2007-02-20T04:55:00.000+08:00

I really, really had a good time today. Blog more later. Tired, sleepy, fingers numb like fuck.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Ok go.

Events coming up

2007-02-19T01:57:00.001+08:00

Gigs coming up for notcrazaand.

Praise and Worship performance: Every 4th Week of the month, starting from March.
Camp P and W session: March
Overnight P and W session Unplugged: April
Camp P and W session: June in Johor
Campfire performance of pop and P and W: June in church
Camp: November
Unplugged for Youth Mass: December
Christmas Party: December

As you can see, our gigs are very real. We are no longer playing for fun, but to do something which we set out to do 2 years back, which is to play for Church. On top of that, we are also playing for the public and even able to ask for love-offering.

How many bands you know can actually play for public regularly, with opportunity to earn some pocket money? I think none... at least I don't know anyone else other than kazaa.

So we must do even better with what we have now, cos I have gigs even for corporate events which I do not dare to advertise as yet. But I'm pretty sure we can soon.

We now have all the necessary equipments, expensive toys... nothing should stop us from doing better and becoming better!

Jamming at HQ.

2007-02-14T22:11:00.001+08:00

Fans of Crazaand...

Please note that Crazaand would be jamming at HQ on the 2nd day of CNY, 19th FEB. Please make your way down at 1800H.

All are invited to this Chinese New Year celebration. Per entry is 1 potluck dish, comes with freeflow of drinks. And homemade "fish rise".

Please tell the mistress of the house, Celestine what you would be bringing for the potluck.
Do spread the word around.... for LC is revived on that day, at least for that one day!

There would be a special guest.

A VVIP... Tall, dark and handsome guy. Look out for him!

To the lonely hearts club band, Happy Valentine's Day.

Dawn's Selection

2007-02-13T23:47:00.000+08:00

Hello!

I finally understood the meaning of Kaz's previous entry.
Initially, I thought he put the list of songs there for the respective people to go practice... Ahh. Thought I was too pro for any practice. Haha :D

Ok. Here's my contribution to the song list:

Dawn
Jason Mraz - You and I Both
Third Eye Blind - Deep Inside of You
Keane - Somewhere Only We Know
KT Tunstall - Other Side of the World
Dishwalla - Every Little Thing
Dishwalla - Angels or Devils (slow version)
Eagles - Love Will Keep Us Alive
Edwin Maccain - I Could Not Ask For More
McFly - Obviously (Pls pls pls pls...)
Michael Buble - Sway
Bic Runga - Sway

No one is allowed to judge if they are pussy songs.
We should play more emo-songs. Songs catered to the soft and dainty female audiences, ya?

Oh. And if we want to be a Catholic Rock Band, we should play SOME Catholic CHurch songs as well. Like, Old Rugged Cross? Ha. We'll see how that goes.

Updated songs and shit...

2007-02-13T23:33:00.000+08:00

OK,

Updated with new potential songs and names. This list is huge I tell you. There's no possible way we're going to learn of of these songs, coz it would take too much time lah. So we need to narrow down. BUT.

We obviously cannot do this on the blog. I say we have a jam session, to decide which songs we CAN do, and which songs are simply out of our league. And I say we ALL get together with some wooden guitars and a bongo and some shakers and some singers and more singers, and then sing these songs which were suggested. THEN, at the same time, we choose band name.

What y'all think? Time and place anyone?

And please ah, those who suggest please either learn the song on your respective instrument, or learn to sing it. Or both. Wor. =)

Nick
Dire straits - Money For Nothing
Dishwalla - Angels & Devils
The Eagles - Tequila Sunrise
Los Lonely Boys - Heaven
Matchbox 20 - If You're Gone
Creep - Radiohead

Zac
Collide - Howie Day
Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
High & Dry - Radiohead
I Will Survive - Cake
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Interstate Love Song - Stone Temple Pilots

Auggy
Faith - George Michael
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
Speed of sound - Coldplay
Clocks - Coldplay
Living Next Door To Alice - Smokie

Clarence
25 Mins – Michael Learns To Rock
Child’s Anthem - Toto
Jaded – Aerosmith
Photograph – Nickelback
Other Side – RHCP

Fonz
100 Years - Five for Fighting (For Dawn to show her killer piano skills =-] )
Far Away – Nickelback
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynard
Flavor of the Week - American Hi-Fi
The World is Black - Good Charlotte

Aloy
Back In Black - ACDC
So Long Self - Mercy Me
Real Gone - Sheryl Crow
Just The Girl - The Click Five
Dirty Little Secret - The All American Rejects
Iron Man - The Cardigans
You Put The Lime In The Coconut - Coke Ad
New Age Girl – Dead Eye Dick
I've Got You - McFly
Original Prankster - The Offspring
I Walk Alone - Oleander
Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz

Cliff
Hard To Handle – The Black Crowes
Maroon 5 – This Love
Maroon 5 – Harder To Breath
Closing Time - SemiSonic
Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry

And more band names:

Aloy
Holy Groove
Ambiguous Chord
Groove Crusade
Nick 4 Knack or Nick 4 Nack or Knack 4 Nick???
Music Revenants

Cliff
The Lazarus Projects
Straight Down
Crossworthy
Jelly Bean Fairy
New Blood
Kith And Kin
Smell The Love
Pillar

Fonz
Cloves of the New Millennia
Divine Prodigies
The Prodigies
Protagonists
Eternal Supremacy
Holy Panda

Nick
The Sion Sound
The Zion Project
The Beatolics
Crazaand
The Beaters

Zac
Shouting Mountains
Drowning Kids
Criss Cross Intestines
Disappearing Acts (I somehow feel this is about me.)
Undying Flame

Good morning...

2007-02-12T02:30:00.000+08:00

Ok guys, here's what I got so far.

Auggy
Faith - George Michael
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
Speed of sound - Coldplay
Clocks - Coldplay
Living Next Door To Alice - Smokie

Clarence
25 Mins – Michael Learns To Rock
Child’s Anthem - Toto
Jaded – Aerosmith
Photograph – Nickelback
Other Side – RHCP

Fonz
100 Years - Five for Fighting (For Dawn to show her killer piano skills =-] )
Far Away – Nickelback
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynard
Flavor of the Week - American Hi-Fi
The World is Black - Good Charlotte

Aloy
Back In Black - ACDC
So Long Self - Mercy Me
Real Gone - Sheryl Crow
Just The Girl - The Click Five
Dirty Little Secret - The All American Rejects
Iron Man - The Cardigans
You Put The Lime In The Coconut - Coke Ad
New Age Girl – Dead Eye Dick
I've Got You - McFly
Original Prankster - The Offspring
I Walk Alone - Oleander
Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz

Cliff
Hard To Handle – The Black Crowes
Maroon 5 – This Love
Maroon 5 – Harder To Breath
Closing Time - Semisonic
Save Tonight – Eagle Eye Cherry

As for the band names, here goes:

Aloy
Holy Groove
Ambiguous Chord
Groove Crusade
Nick 4 Knack or Nick 4 Nack or Knack 4 Nick???
Music Revenants

Cliff
The Lazarus Projects
Straight Down
Crossworthy
Jelly Bean Fairy
New Blood
Kith And Kin
Smell The Love
Pillar

Fonz
Cloves of the New Millennia
Divine Prodigies <--- should be ok ( Or just "The Prodigies" )
Protagonists
Eternal Supremacy
Holy Panda

Nice. Remember, we don't have to consider every song. The idea of this list is to get more ideas on what we want to do as a band. We all have different influences, but we also have similar liking for songs. The idea is to see what we like, and pick and choose. As for the names, just take a look, and we discuss on the tagboard, or in person again lah.

Night. And remember to practice!

Leaven

Need a good jam?

Leaven P&W Charts Updated

7 Jul - SS Praise Event

Update in upcoming plans

Gigs can ALWAYS turn out bad...

Debrief of Pop gig

T-Shirt Part III

Logo?

New Directions

Wallpaper!

Check it out.....

Logo?

A Little Leaven

Random Revelation

Lenten Vigil 2007

Pics, New TLLOM and Fonz

More vids...

Lenten Vigil

DipDip

Sequence for Lenten Vigil

Just dabbling...

Stuff for Saturday...

Logo to sew on your skin, coz we're true Leaveners...

Please note down

Behind the scene

I Was Wrong!

Leaven's first gig...

Lenten gig for Fuel

Practice Photos...

In Action...

Erm... Here we go again.

March 17th small pw session

The Acousticity of Lent...

Updated: *Urgent* Choir Members needed

Homework...

Is This Getting Tougher?

New Songs for Practice

New stuff...

Chivas...

Events coming up

Jamming at HQ.

Dawn's Selection

Updated songs and shit...

Good morning...

Updated: Urgent Choir Members needed