A tribute to ARCHUSTIC

Archustic: An architectural workshop hosted by UKM and co-hosted by Twintech and Taylor University for the very first time. 12th-16th of June 2010

My definition: A great platform for a performer like me to explore another breakthrough. A chance to record songs in the studio, to publish and promote an album. An opportunity for me to view another course closely at its best form and i must say i am very impressed.  

I went back to UKM on the 7th of June which was a week earlier for practices and preparation. 24/7 practises onwards and most of the time, the dancing and singing practices clashed. These ten days were the longest ten days ever, and well, every good thing must come to an end. Archustic finally reaches its end.

I was given a room at KDO, on the 3rd floor which was quite far from the entrance and also fairly a distance to the Dectar hall. I always fancy KDO’s room. Siewin and I became roommate. Well, we clicked in a snap. It was like i was staying with another Joanne. We both share some same thinking and we act in similar ways too. Well, you just can’t deny Leorians’ compatibilities. I knew Siewin since first year in New Tune but we hardly have time to spend some buddy’s moment together. I was so relieved when i first know we join this together. In these ten days, i got to know you deeper and I knew now why you were your friends’ darling. I am proud to call you as my dear friend and I’m looking forward for more activities involving both of us. 

I failed to decline dancing as I was told that there weren’t many dancers and that I should join to help out. I did not hear any negative opinion other than my inner voice that kept telling me to think twice. Do i really want this? Should i try doing both? The EGO me said that with much experiences collected over the years, it was time to challenge myself. The SICKO Joanne said that both activities are tiring and that I might suffer from exhaustion. I don’t have good cardiovascular system and am weak physically. Mentally, haha... do you need to know?  

Never once stable XD

It turned out that Joanne was right. Dancing is always fun. Knowing what I can do and at the same time exploring more new techniques make me feel great. Good things aside, the muscles aching caused me serious problems. Those sorta pains are only understood by trained dancers. Well, I came unprepared and i didn’t really dance for a whole semester except for Cha-Cha, the ballroom dancing. Anyway, i am thankful for that given opportunity. Though it was tough, I made new friends from other university, some great senior dancers (Khairul and Ar-ar) and especially the chance to dance with my dearest course mate cum best buddy Chin Fang again. Awh, I was attracted to a Sarawakian Chinese who couldn’t speak Chinese well. Hmm, what most funny was that we communicated in BM as I thought he was Malay, even after i knew he isn’t. 

There was a music video shooting using one of my favourite song ‘Hey, soul sister’ by Train. We the dancers shared a brief moment up on a high building pillar showing the wording P.E.R.F.O.R.M.A.N.C.E. representing the biro. Wow, that moment was a lil’ bananas as I have minor fear of height and we have to stay there for almost an hour plus. I kept myself busy by taking lotsa pictures just to get my mind off the fact that i could easily fall down and die on the spot. Luckily the shooting was a good try and the video with continuous shooting technique worked just right. 

I was famously known there among the AJKs as the Dancer cum Singer cum Kuli. Though i was like the walking zombie most of the time, seeing them all worn down without much help triggered the sympathetic JC. (*eyes role*) I didn’t have much time to make friends though as i was on the move all the time. I didn’t stay put in an area for long and many actually like being in their own groups of university friends. I remember many faces though. Well, I have faith to get to know them better in FB.

13th of June: The grand opening. The performers need to get ready early in the morning. I started the day as dancer for the opening gimmick. My face was half purpled sparkling with glitter. The opening dance went on smoothly and once it was finished, I need to rush to the back stage to clean up the makeup and get ready for the theme song in less than 20 minutes.

I thought I looked fantastic in the group singing and sounded amazing too. There were national television stations NTV7 and RTM1 too as the Menteri Pembangunan was invited to do the opening. At noon, fellow dancers and I were there to help out for final stage decoration for the night fashion show and performances. At night, first half of the fashion show and performances would take place. The back stage was a mess as abundant of props were everywhere blocking the way and many performers were waiting for their turn to shine. My mind was slightly blank as if i wanted this to end faster. Perhaps, fatigue set in and my body yearned for a good rest. My last dance was a little screwed up. For goodness sake, I messed up counting but luckily it wasn’t obvious as the dance steps, the mist, and the act all managed to pull the show off and made it believable. 

 the only time i stand still on stage is when i tackle my range and my eyes are always shut...damn

The designs from architecture students were great and I was totally in awed with many performances and their MMS. Lastly, the night ended with the re-run of the theme song as requested by the VIP. This time the mist and some barbaric attitudes of I-wonder which-uni disturbed me. The fast heart beating came strike me twice, I felt chocked. I might be diagnosed with panic attack, according to news i read the other day. A sickness that could strike with no reason. Huh?? Got cure ma?

14th of June: I helped out with the album selling at one of the stalls. We were doing a small karaoke, singing our album songs. 

Watching the sale of the album was like doing an experiment. Imagine cooking an egg on the tar road at 2pm. Well, excuse my biological insanity. It was slow but exciting at the same time. I was basically half expecting but doubting as well whether or not the album selling a success or just plain right flop. I finally tried ‘perfect ice’ for the first time. It tasted good. At night, I was there for the second half of the performances as audience, finally. The news of Arhcustic which was aired on NTV7 was played on the big screen and the crowd when wild. Then the video of our very own ‘Hey, soul sister’ was played as well. The screaming was insane and obviously i was one of the contributors to the noise pollution.

15th of June: The closing ceremony. 

At noon, like usual, Siewin and I went to the stall to promote the album. We got some goodies from the business crews. Like tradition, the rehearsal for the closing did not go according to plan due to many obstacles. At last, only some songs managed to sneak in for practices. Fortunately, my solo song was one of them. Since this time was an outdoor performance, the stage was small and all instruments have to be installed by technician crews instead of the pros. The speaker was facing the front and I can’t hear my voice clearly during the first tryout. It brought my confident down a little and I was a shaken.

Benjamin, Mun, Sam and Chin fang came as audiences and my band mates became my best supporters. Although there were some silly mishaps, I think it was good enough for my first outdoor stage performance. Many performers did well too even those from other co-host universities. I particularly enjoyed the medley O.M.G from Felix representing Taylor University. I noticed his voice when he sang ‘Don’t rain on my parade’ when we were busy setting the stage decoration before the first day was launched. That night was a BBQ night but I missed it for my makeup sake. 

Chin Fang actually gave me her 1st time, and ended my 1st time as well. Well, it is my first time being awarded with flower during performance. Haha.... I love you dear~muakkz XD

The end: I learned a lot from this function. I wanna thank Soo Yung so much. You are one truly gifted guy. Thank you for bringing me here and you taught me so much musically. Keep doing what you are doing. You could be the next Malaysian composer. Sansit... you are always busy. I can’t even find time to chat with you. You and your crews did a good job!!! 

Also not to forget, kak farah and kak aaliyah and many others. Although I was the imported performer from FST, I was given equal treatment. I never felt left out! Well, I almost changed my course to architecture if you must know, after much persuasion form a friend during my 1st semester in UKM. Obviously the idea x jadi as i love biology more. Unless, it was fashion design that lure me~

Nisha oh nisha. You are one wonderful singer, deep and soulful. Tapi jangan selalu ‘improve’ too much. Minta ajar bahasa Indonesia...

My band mates, especially the Indonesian geng, I totally solute you all. You guys are superbly talented! 

AL-AL the Cutie trumpeter,

 Ahkyal da Man a.k.a. da band leader,

 Rizky the cool Drummer,

Ediyan the-guy-next-door composer,

Hairil the miang Electric guitarist,

 Hafiz the Patrick looks alike,

Pearl the Chinese beauty,

Hadi the *poof* gone already, handsome KKM Felo,

 Kimleng the Big voice cum tiang,

Sooyung the all Miao Producer,

Nisa the ‘Drunk’ Driver, (oops. X Nampak, X nampak~ switch on the car’s head light, sayang)

Siewin my sweetheart aka the cat hater... *scratch*,

And also not forgotten Rira the Shy Gal, who failed to make it due some unavoidable difficulty.

When will there be someone who knows how to play a saxophone?

Finally: You guys thought me the unity regardless of different races, languages and nationals getting together purely for the sake of music. I didn’t know that group singing could also give me the equal satisfaction as solo singing. 

Each stage performances I have joined gave me losta marvellous experiences to boost about and undoubtedly ARCHUSTIC would be one of the many I am most proud of.

Oh yeah... the theme song ‘The Music Inside’ was aired on HitsFM, one of the leading Malaysia radio station... what else can i ask for??

Jcdagreat is thankful