President Obama Pre-Inauguration Concert and Inauguration Ceremony

In less than 24 hours, President Obama Inauguration ceremony will begin and the new president of the United States of America, the First ever Black President will take office in White house.
How appropriate that sound and how inspiring this historical moment will be.
Obama office will face a tough year ahead with the recession and the War continuing.
Yet this moment marks the change of tides. Black is no longer a bad word. Multiple skin color will become a celebration of the most colorful life.
2 days before the ceremony, all of the stars have gathered in the Lincoln Memorial to host a celebratory ceremony for the President.
Stevie Wonder, Usher, Fergie, Beyonce, Mary J. Blidge, U2, Bono, Bruce Springsteen are all among the Attendee. It is star Studded.
In His emotional speeches, “In the course of our history, only a handful of generations have been asked to confront challenges as serious as the ones we face right now. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in crisis. you came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.
‘There is no obstacle that can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change.
Despite the enormity of the task that lies ahead - I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure - that the dream of our founders will live on in our time.
A – List Star Samuel L. Jackson is in attendance to rally support for the president. Of course Oprah will be among the audience too tomorrow on the main ceremony.
Besides the star-studded event. Millions of people are pouring into Washington D.C. to witness the moment. There will be triple even quadruple amount of people that will be in the Capital tomorrow compare to any of the inauguration ceremony. You’d again see that a black man truly with the wits and wisdom standing the same place that Martin Luther King were delivering his infamous speech over 45 years ago.
Back then Black and White are pretty divided because segregation is still very much a part of the life of the Black people then. Now we have come a long way to a young president that truly have the mind and power to be the president.
So Those of you in New York that is planning to go to D.C. tomorrow. You are strongly advice to move you butt now. Because it will be jam packed and even the subway is going to be filled up. The Hotel is definitely fully booked and over booked and booked through the roof. The price is 7 times the usual price.
We celebrate with the people of this great nation and God Bless America.

Movies night: Outlander and Yes Man

Yup it’s a Sunday and I’ve gone for another movies session.
This time it’s some of the past USA movies.
Outlander and Yes Man
Outlander is the first return of Jim Caviezel since the Christ movie.
It’s not a bad movie, a pretty original movie about the Viking and the dragon. Only it came from outer space, just as Jim’s character. Capture by the Vikings he tried to explain the existence of the creature. But the tribes doesn’t believe him and the 2 tribe that lost their family and village go to war. While in the midst of the battle, the creature shown itself and only the Jim is accepted as one of the Vikings. And both Vikings and Jim try to kill the creature and hunting of the dragon begins. The story is acceptably realistic. And the battle scene is fantastic.
There’s a small side story to me going to watch the movie. While I was waiting for the show time, I took a walk around the mall, and caught my eye on the DVD that is sold a bit more than the ticket I just bought half an hour ago. HAHA! The same movie Outlander. The shops are already selling the DVD while the movie is still on screening. It’s either the movie have been release for too long before it reaches Malaysia or this is a tactic to try to out run the piracy trend. Either way it is really funny now people have a choice of paying half the price to watch the movie once or pay more to own it and watch it whenever they want as many times they like.

As for Yes Man it is one of those comedy that is both funny and profoundly philosophical. You have a guy that’s saying no all his life after his divorce and trap himself in a rut. After attending a seminar, he became the Yes Man. Who could say nothing but yes to everything. Online dating, driving a homeless person and giving everyone loan. And in the process he found a new life in doing all the crazy thing by saying yes and not reject everything, even gaining the heart of a girl. It is more of a story of droping your past and start living a life instead of feeling sorry and regret all the time. I love this kinda story that make you think while having a great laugh about it.

Kicking Off AI this week!!!!

The American Idol broadcast has started last Wednesday. I usually skip and not listen to most of the preliminary participant because it is really hard to listen to.
The first day there’s a couple or singer that I didn’t really remember have came on as the Good pile and shown on the show. Pretty good but not many memorable ones yet, the bikini girl. I don’t think she can do it every episode until the final round. It’s just for fun entertainment.
Well, after the first day I was thinking of dropping the first few weeks. But I was home early the next day and got no where to go. So I watched the second episode. Finally some of the good one started to pick up the pace for the show.
There’s one participant that actually caught my eye then, Michael Castro, last year’s Jason Castro’s younger brother. Besides the last name, Michael has almost nothing in common with Jason. He is cocky and young and energetic. There’s that rebellious tone to his character but the judge is not wrong on him, he got the looks, he got the voice, now is the chance to see how far will he get. He is a little bit inexperience vocally. There’s much training and tuning to be done which AI usually is the best ground for that because of the competition. I just hope that there’s no bad mouth incident later in the show.
Of course the producer vows that the best is yet to come. And the Hollywood week have not started yet.
AI is a show that’s both merciful and cruel. There’s the mercy for those that really show talent and potential and there are cruelty and almost non-empathy towards those that have non, or lack of.
There’s one almost blinded musician that got through the preliminary round, that sang almost out of tune in the try out. He is more of a piano guy. Let’s hope that he can sing with a piano and be more comfortable when he is in Hollywood week.
All the Best to all that Got through the preliminary ground and leaving for Hollywood.

Double Feature, Double the fun!!!

this week we have a double feature for out interview section!! I hope that everyone enjoy as much as I have!!!!

Have Fun! Don't Sweat the Small Stuff everyone!!!!!

Jonathan
Evol, http://perfectlifestylemag.blogspot.com/

Jason Soudah is a Pianist that did it all before he is 30!!! What's nezt for this bright star only God knows!!!!

Jason is a world traveler, globe hugger and one of the most amazing piano player I’ve ever heard of. It’s been a really great pleasure to finally got into the interview with this great musician. It’s beautiful how simple music can touch the deepest of our heart, yank out all the hidden emotion we never show and release ourselves to the universe and be free. Jason did just that and it’s marvelous.

Here’s my conversation with this fabulous artist.

Hey Jason. How's life in Wales? We hope and everything is great and Happy New Year.

Q: Let us begin by introducing yourself to the world. Who you are, where you are from?

A: I am Jason Soudah. I was born to an Irish mother and Cypriot father in Tokyo, Japan and spent many years living there, some in Hong Kong, some in London, England, some in Cardiff, Wales, some in Bahrain, some in Luxembourg, and I'm sure I've forgotten some places. I'm thankful for all these experiences living in different places, and I love travelling.

Q: We know that that your life started from Japan, tell us something about that. Does it bring any influence to you musically?

A: I definitely think it had an influence being in Japan, mainly on me as a person. I especially appreciate how people show each other so much respect when interacting so politely.

Q: We love your music obviously, How would you describe it?

A: Piano-driven alternative rock.

Q: Who would you say is your inspiration in your life and musically?

A: I have a very strong desire to help other people, and I am often told I have a healing nature. I feel this was enhanced by meeting Mother Theresa when I was a young boy.

Q: How do you get your inspiration in writing such complex music? Do they just comes naturally or should I say fly off the keyboard when you play the piano?

A: I think a lot of my inspiration for the piano comes from classical music, and a love of excitement. The best songs seem to flow naturally.

Q: Your songs are really piano oriented, how long have you been playing piano. Have you ever one time think that you'd be a professional classical piano player or do you know straight away that you'd like to be a more contemporary pop musician?

A: I started playing the piano when I was 4, learning classical pieces, but when I was about 7 I started writing my own pop/rock songs and that's when I decided I wanted to be a singer/songwriter.

Q: Well, we heard that you are supposed to be getting a doctorate academically (or have you actually got the doctorate degree) before you decide to get into the whole music career. How did you actually come to that decision and how is the experience of the transition?

A: I was always encouraged by my parents to keep up with academic school in parallel with music. While I was doing BSc Psychology at University, we had to do a very important project, which normally takes a year. It was the Monday before the deadline and I had not even started...I ended up with second-highest grade in my class! So then I was asked to do a Doctorate. I started it but then had to withdraw because my music career was taking off.

Q: It's been a long way from doing commercial, to composing music for TV (not to say the least for Japanese series), to playing on stage. All the experiences are so different. Does it help to enrich your music and you life?

A: Absolutely - It was especially cool to do the music for the Japanese TV series, as I just played the piano to what I saw on the screen, it all came very naturally, and the producers loved it. I will do more composing for films in the future. Then there is performing live...that is magical.

Q: Which part of the music making you like? Producing and composing for shows and series? Singing solo on stage or writing and singing your own songs on records?

A: I like the way music can take so many forms, so I enjoy all the experiences it brings.

Q: Now the ultimate question that every woman in the world would want to know. Are you single? What do you like in a woman?

A: I'm single, and my ideal partner has to love carrot cake as much as me!

Jon: HAHAHA!!! Nice!

Q: if anyone wish to contact you for any shows or performance, who and how would they contact you?

A: email jsoudahmusic@gmail.com or check out www.myspace.com/jasonsoudah

Q: Now are there anything you'd like to say to all our readers out there before we leave?

A: Read "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho - it is a very inspiring and uplifting story about making your dreams a reality.

Jon: We love your music Jason, and we wish for all the success to you. Thanks again for doing this with us

Jon: All the Best

Jonathan

Evol

Exclusive interview with Tatiana!!!! Our first female artist feature!!! NY country Pop, undefiable force!!!

Tatiana is the country girl that gone to NY to pursue a dream. And she has really found one. Recording her first album now she is ready to shine. The instinctive country sound with a blend of artsy jazz and smooth rockin pop. You can’t categorize it. But it’s damn good to listen to. Is she a country girl? Is she a metropolitan diva? Is she a nice chick with the beat? You’ll have to listen close and choose your own poison. I personally love it all. Which is why she is the first female artist we feature on our page. you can check out more of her music on www.myspace.com/tatianamorozmusic

Q: How's your holiday? Having a great New Year? Let's begin with letting everyone know a little bit about yourself.

It's so nice to be here, thanks for having me! I am having a fabulous new year so far. For the past few years, I've been working in NY, trying to formulate what my sound is going to be like, my plans for the future; it’s been a long road. I am really excited about my upcoming record, which I have been working on for over 2 years. When I started, I never thought it would take this long, but I know everything is coming out how it’s supposed to. By the end of it, I am finally letting go (sort of) and just letting it fall into place naturally. Don't get me wrong, it has been a stressful labor of love, and that push was necessary. Now that I am wrapping up though, it’s a great relief, but its also a little sad. It feels like I am coming full circle, and giving birth to a child that is way too big to carry alone. But I'll miss the little bugger when he's out in the world.
J: Well said Tatiana! Just let it flow!
Q: We know that your album will be out pretty soon. What's the album really about?

The record is about me, my experiences, and the way I deal with my issues. Sometimes it’s not exactly me that's singing the song, it’s a version of me going through something that morphs into art. Like a story about someone else, or what I imagine them to be like, but that has part of me in it too. It's a way to say things I can't say, or be things I can't be. But that truth is always there. Which is kind of what it’s all about anyway. It’s my attempt at creating a connection, an emotion or experience that people can relate to and get comfort from. It's my way of justifying any pain or misery I have to go through to make me who I am. Knowing that I can write something that will allow someone to realize they are not alone, I love that.

Q: Where did you get all the inspiration to write all the great music? Did you write all of them yourself? Who did you collaborate when you write your music?

It was inspired by my own love experiences, but also life experiences. Yeah, some songs are about a guy, but a lot are about being my own cheerleader and motivating myself and the listener. Like, "Don't Stop Believing" is a pretty obvious message ; ) or "Won't Let Me Down" is about me relying on myself to lift me up. "They'll Never Change" is a reminder that despite those expectations you may think someone should live up to, it just doesn't always work out like that. Getting upset about it every time is pointless, so it’s a reminder that there are certain things I have no control over. I could go on, but I want people to have their own interpretation too. It's not up to me to tell them what each song means ; )

I wrote all but one of the songs by myself. I did have a couple co-producers like Chris Conway and Ari Raskin, but for most of the songs, they were my productions as well.

Q: Who is the one person that's most influential in your life?

I have a teacher (music and otherwise), who, before I even met him, had been sculpting my songwriting for years. He is my guru, and I will do whatever he suggests or instructs me to do without hesitation, or at least give it serious consideration. I have been blessed to have his influence in person for about a year now, and it has kept me sane and on track and I am very grateful for that.

Q: Any artist in particular that you are interested in doing collaboration?

If I could work with anyone, it would be Ryan Adams. I met him once, and he listened to a bunch of my songs and really liked them. He talked to me about songwriting like we were equals, not talking down to me like some underling. It was an incredible feeling. It gave me a sense of validation, like if he liked it, I shouldn't give up cause I think he's one of the best songwriters of my generation hands down. It was one of the most flatteringly great compliments of my career. If I could write a song w him, or do a duet, not much could top that!

Q: What makes you choose a music career over other work?

Insanity.

Q: You’ve been to quite a few place and coming from Berklee it must be a fantastic musical experience. Tell us some of the most amazing journey you have while you are abroad?

All my stories from abroad are too wild for print...from the states for that matter too! hehehe I dunno! It was fun, I was probably drunk for most of the amazing stuff....

Q: Which one you prefer more, performing live or writing music in your own space?

There's something to be said for both experiences. Ideally, what my goal is now that the record is done is to integrate the experience of playing in my apt and playing on the stage. I want it to be as intimate and comfortable on stage as when I sing at home. Writing does have its reward... like if I write something I think is particularly clever, heart wrenching, or that gets to the heart of the matter eloquently and precisely, I love that feeling. It's a different release- once again- a justification for any wrongs.

Q: How would you describe your sound?

I have no idea and have been polling people for years to figure this out. NY Country Rock? I dunno.... its a blend of jazz, blues, pop, rock, folk etc.

Q: As a song writer you must played some instruments. How long have you been playing them? Is it hard?

I play the guitar, I'm OK- I mean, my rhythm is pretty good, but I am sick of my own playing. I do it really for writing purposes. I am starting guitar lessons in a few weeks to improve and go further with it. I would like to do the same for piano, but finding the time is really difficult.

Q: Now, the most important question of them all…. Guys listen. Are you single? What kind of quality you look for in a guy? HAHA!

Obedience. HA.. Jk. I want someone to be passionate. Not crazy, the guy has to be a little more stable than me. I would like him to be supportive of what I do but have his own thing going on. Someone who gives a shit about things, and maybe wants to save the world at least a little. Someone who reads, follows politics somewhat, has a good sense of humor, is kind, compassionate, and of course really friggin hot. I mean- I like dorky hot, so don't think I want some muscle man w gel in his spiky hair. Oh and someone w integrity, character, and loyalty.

Q: Last but not least. Is there anything that you'd like to tell all the readers?

Happy new year!

J: Yeah!! And Happy New Year to you all too. Have a fantastic 2009 Everyone!

The 2009 Golden Globe is well over, star is partying and the surprise is well formed.

Yesterday’s Golden Globe is a big surprise. All the usual suspect is shut down (well except for some)and the underdog becomes the biggest winner.
There’s surprise everywhere.
First Kate Winslet finally win something, and it’s a double whammy to say the least. Best Actress and Best Supporting for Drama at the same time for 2 different movies? That’s a first.
Of course it’s no surprise that Mickey Rouke win the Best Actor for drama. Actually there’s no surprise if any of them win cos everyone in the category is really great this year. The biggest surprise is that Sally Hawkins win for the Best Actress in Musical or comedy. Who’d have thought that a virtual unknown would win over such great as Meryl Streep. But….. that doesn’t mean that Happy-Go-Lucky is not a fantastic realistic and funny movie to watch. Our congratulation to a great start for this young actress.
However the funny thing is Colin Farrell win for the Best Actor for Comedy, never in a second that I’d thought that Colin is the material for comedy central. HAHA!
I personally love Burn After Reading, so Vicky Cristina Barcelona winning Best Comedy is a big let down for me, not that it’s not a good film, just that it’s more of a funny romantic to me that a comedy to me.
Wall-E another win for the biggest animation company around for Best Animation. And the winning for foreign movies comes down to an animation is a great gesture for the HFPA to acknowledge that even animation can be serious. But the war torn story Waltz With Bashir is far too close to reality at this moment.
Of course the best publicity and greatest present of 2009 all goes to Slumdog Millionaire, the real underdog turn dragon of the night. The Dog rises, Best Movie, best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Score, I guess the actor ensemble doesn’t matter much haha!!!! It is a great day for independence really.
Well, the night’s highlight to me is Bruce Springsteen win over Clint Eastwood HAHA! With the Original song for The Wrestler. HAHA! Bruce is the Clint Eastwood of Music.
Well, moving on to TV, it’s the fight for the best Comedy and Drama, like always when awards doesn’t really amount up to rating in this region. There’s no doubt that 30 rock will again Rock the whole Comedy central, winning almost every award there is for Comedy, Best Comedy Series, Best Actress in Comedy, Best Actor in Comedy. I guess they are heading for the Best Ensemble in SAG too.
In Drama, all bets are off, there’s so many new faces there you could hardly pick out one that’s bad. I love True Blood, it’s bold, and reckless, and I’d love Hugh Laurie take home another Globe, but… it is time for a new guy on the seat and who better to top it that the great Gabriel Bryne. Anna Paquin win for Best Actress in Drama is a surprise. The actress that actually got an Oscar now have a globe to go with it. And though I’m not a great fan of Mad Man, there’s no contest that it is a good drama. So the honor is suitable for Best Drama series. As for the rest of the fights is between the TV movies, in fact is the Dragon and Tiger fight for the 2 great political moment of our time. The formation of USA of the old and the new Recount of the Florida 2004 Election. Who can beat the fore father of the whole nation eh? HAHA! Of course John Adams take home the Best TV movie and Mini Series, the Bes Actress – Laura Linley (Always love her), Bes t Actors Paul Giamatti (The Strangely Talented), and the always modest and funniest, Tom Wilkinson for the Best Supporting. Recount only grab of the night is the Best supporting for Actress, Laura Dern, who I think is totally underrated since she drop out of scene with the Ellen incident, she is a fantastic actress.
Golden Globe is always the more modest and relax affair with the jokes of Gentleman and Ladies that makes up the night. No doubt there’s plenty of jokes flying around there. Sacha Baron Cohen take some sucker punch on Madonna, talking about people in the audience getting younger as they gets older like Benjamin Button (with the miracle of Botox of course), and commented the Economics slump effect on cinema and promote his movie seamlessly to the joke and the joke on Victoria Beckham figure and Charlie Sheen story. There’s Seth Rogen take on Mickey Rouke bad habit in the past. And Ricky Gervais take on Ghost Town not nominated as a sign that HFPA love him but not his film, and his suggestion to Kate to do a holocaust that really brought her the Best Supporting. And joke on how he tried to get one Globe with Sex favor for all the HFPA members HAHA!!
It is a great night. Always in the best color of Hollywood old time glamour. And last but not least, our fond memory will always be with the late Heath Ledger who takes the Best Supporting Actor. And of course the highest honor of the day, Cecile B. DeMille for Steven Spielberg.

30 is the new 20 HAHA!!!! Forever young guys!!!

Well, as I march into my 30, there’s a couple of friends that I’d like to thank. Thanks LC, Kian, Siew Ngaan Eddy, Hong Yeo and Jason for reminding me of my heritage. Kenny, Wah Chong, Boon Ching and everyone from my home for keeping my on the ground and my origin. Chow Kin for being a friend with unconditional friendship and all the loan haha!!!

Warren Zent s and Zach Mendez, for being the start of all this. HAHA! You guys have no Idea how you are involve but you are my first inspiration to do all this. J D, Zac, Jimmy Robbins, Dan Vargulans, Michael Stoltzfus for the generosity and opening up for new possibility. Last but not least to my cousin for taking on the journey with me and bring us both the new life we are living and looking forwar to many more great ones ahead.
Nick, Will, Beck, Tom, Jason, you guys will always be in my heart for what you left on earth will always be a reminder of how life is most beautiful and worthwhile while it last I will join you guys on the Kingdom when it’s time and we’ll be friends again forever. Thank you for letting me know that life is about living and not the anticipation of death for even death is not an ending but a beginning and there’s no fear needed.

Humbling and beautiful start for 2009

It’s been a humble beginning of the year 2009 or in Chinese the end of year of the Mouse. Before reaching into the year of the cow, my Chinese horoscope suggest there will be some trouble in the making and trouble indeed came, got a ticket from traffic for driving with non-renewed license and the complete broken down of the engine that cause me a great fortune.
What so amazing about this is that, if these happen in the previous year I’d be so angry that it’s uncontainable, yet this time there’s hardly any spark at all. There’s just this calm emotion when I’m dealing with the police. It’s a mistake, admit it, pay the price and move on. Nothing much to be angry about or blame anyone or myself. Yup, I forgot to renew my license, renew it, pay the compound and move on. So do with my car breaking down. The engine is hanged, taken out and replaced almost everything and put back on. So it’s over 3000 bucks of repair fees. I admit, I did get a bit overwhelmed by the fact that I have to pay so much. But after all, the car is fixed, the payment is made, now I just need to pay off the credit card. Not much harm done but one more month into clearing my credit.
Some suggested I change car, in this economy? And the car is as good as new now. Why bother to pay 30k more? I have a good car that served me for over 10 years now. No holes, no nothing bad about it, and the engine runs even better than 10 months ago, so why change? I did pay for the repair already. There’s no fuss. Besides I do have plan to buy a new car with cash in due time. Not when I’m lost or frustrated or simply because the old one broke down. It’s mechanics, it’s bound to be break down someday. So when I really want to buy a car, then I’ll buy one.
Which is why it’s humbling. We learn, to control, to release, to adapt, to pick things up faster. While everyone around me is like pity me and think it’s a shame that I should pay all the money right before the Chinese New Year. And think I should be more careful or judge about my misjudgments, (don’t get it wrong, I do learn to take care of my car and remember to renew the license and avoid paying more unnecessary thing) but I’m not emotional or angry about this “small stuff” that have already come and passed and all there is to do is fix and pay. Spare the guilt, everything changes, for the better or for worse, we just learn and adapt and work it out. That’s all there is to do isn’t it? Oh and feel good about me being able to pay for it, and being grateful for having the fortune to notice the problem before the new year comes. Just feels great.
Just like they ask me how to reduce credit card interest or how to fix a problem in a mail server that’s not your own server. Simple just contact the person, the manager and ask them to fix it. Negotiate with the bank and come out with a way to lower them. Send a report or official complain letter to the server company and ask them to rectify it. Sometimes the outcome may not be as you expected, but sometimes you might be surprise by an even better outcome. That beats you sitting in a corner, thinking profusely about the problem and blaming everyone including yourself every second that passed about problem that takes about 10 seconds to pay off or fix or reschedule or some patience that in due time when you have the money or follow a schedule of payment it’ll be solved.
From my past experience with the credit card thing, I find that I put in a lot of effort to calculate how I can clear the credit, what to pay with it and what not when I have too much to pay off and not enough money to. And the more I do it, the more I think about it the more I get frustrated and the more I spend with it. So to make things simple, take out all the bills, calculate what you need to pay in one month, save the actual cash for it every month and the rest pay off the card. And one more good suggestion, closes the card and the account, and call the bank to negotiate a better interest rate. Then you’ll be done in one year or 2 year or more but eventually it will be pay off. No fuss. Just use cash. And it does feel better to be able to pay with cash. It felt more real actually.
I don’t mind telling all the story and be judged. For it is the person that judges that suffer the emotion and the tantrums. I hardly have any reaction to this kind of things now. Because I move on, learn from it, do the right thing, make a decision and move on. They say the emotion is a motivation, yup, the enthusiasm to fix the problem with a part time job and focus and do it well and enjoy it, that’s the motivation, not the blame, the guilt, the alternative reality, you could go mad, looking at numbers and punching the calculator and yourself every hour every single day. Just face it, the reality is such and such, take responsibility for what you have done, regardless it’s a fortunate or accidental or misfortune that cause it at first, and then start moving and fix the problem. That’s all, simple, easy and no stress, no frustration, no psychotic break downs. And thank God for giving you a lesson, to learn faster, to know that you have what it takes to solve it and for giving you the courage (when you ask for courage and love, you think God will give you courage and the fuzzy feeling of love? Or give you the chance to love or be courageous?).

So Relax and enjoy your life and enjoy this 2009

Over 2009 Present to you all. A Fantastic Musician, Matt Emery. Get his Album This 19th

Matt Emery is one of the best musicians I’ve ever met. His skill on the keyboard is perfection. Yet it is not your common classic that’s boring to the teens. It is the sound of nature. It is a sound so beautiful, I can bath in it for days and have great night sleeping. Matt is the person with the touch. It is breathtaking and wonderful. Here is our interview with Matt up close and personal.
********************************************************************
Hey Matt, How’s your life lately?

Hello, life is great thanks, very busy but an enjoyable busy.

Let us get on with business right away.

Q: Let’s start with the basics. Tell us who you really are and where you’re from?

A: Well my name is Matt Emery, I’m a musician from just outside of London from a little town called Dorking which is in Surrey. I have a lot of projects, it’s pretty much a 24 hour affair at the moment as I write and score music as my day job, writing all sorts of music from soundtracks to meditation music, I also write my own solo music, and play drums and a bit of singing in a Band called Stagecoach.

Q: We love the musically heavy composition you created and you seem to play a lot of instruments. How did you get started with the whole writing and playing all the instruments?

A: I’ve played drums since I was 6, which was the first instrument I learnt. Then from 13, I started writing music on a little midi keyboard, was kind of dance type music, and I had just an ordinary computer mic, and I just sat and wrote songs every night when I got home from school. So as soon as I left school I went to a music collage called the ACM, where I studied for 3 years, receiving diplomas in Music Production and Composition, Vocals and Drums. Throughout the three years, I’d managed to buy myself a couple of guitars and a nice keyboard/piano, and just had been writing constantly and teaching myself how to play, although my techniques and styles maybe quite weird to some as I didn’t read any books or learn chords I just tuned my guitar in funny tunings, and experimented, although I now play in standard tuning, I still love just experimenting, and play the notes or progressions I want to hear rather than worry that I’m in a wrong key or theoretically doing something incorrect. If something sounds good stick with it and do what pleases your ears. My next instrument I’d love to learn is Cello.

Q: We heard that you’ll be releasing an album, “Elysian Fields” after the New Year. So how would you describe the album?

A: Yes it out on the 19th Jan. Elysian Fields itself is a metaphor for heaven in ancient Greece. All of the tracks/songs of ‘Elysian Fields’ have Ancient Greek titles, So for example ‘Aeolus’ is a Greek god of wind and there are other tracks representing love, and other gods and goddesses, and two tracks dedicated to the two ancient greek characters Icarus and Daedulus. But the sound is quite hard to describe, a lot of people have described and compared it to all sorts of different bands or styles, including Sigur Ros, Hans Zimmer’s ‘Gladiator Soundtrack’ and also some people compared it to some Radiohead stuff, which is cool, as they are all amazing and inspiring bands and musicians who I have the upmost respect for. Personally I’d say it has a classical element in places, but its not a classical album, its very ambient and atmospheric music, a lot of it focuses around the vocals, I think that’s where musically my strengths lie, and I have multi tracked my voice many time in some of the songs so I literally have a choir of Matt Emery’s singing.

Q:How do you get an idea to write a song?

A: It always starts off from a riff on my guitar or a little idea on the piano, then it evolves, I would normally write the whole song just on piano or guitar first, then I fill in or write string parts or anything else. Then drums or vocals would normally come last. The vocals are normally the most important part and they carry the main melody, and normally my favourite part of writing, as everything sounds complete with vocals, there’s nothing more satisfying than writing a catchy or killer vocal melody as that’s the bit everyone will be singing or remember….well 9 time out of 10.

Q: How is writing music and scoring for movies or shows different?

A: Well in a way a lot easier because you have a guide line something to right to or for. When you write just a song it can be anything you want, but for instance with a film if you have a scene where someone is crying, you already have your mood which is upset, you write something a little dark or minor. If you have a happy scene, you write uplifting music. Obviously its not quite as easy as that but I just love it as when you have picture or words come together with music, it just really connects with people, you try watching a film without music, it wouldn’t work, adding music has the power to reduce you to tears or put those hairs on the back of your neck, its powerful stuff.

Q: Which one you like better? Doing your own music in the studio or playing live on stage to thousands of people?

A: They’re totally different, and I couldn’t live without either, they’re like the ying and yang of music, they are both equally important and enjoyable. When things come together when recording it can be so exciting, you can just sit in the studio and listen to a twenty second bit you’ve just recorded for hours, and can be the most stressful thing at time if things don’t sound right or parts don’t fit, but I suppose it’s like cooking, when you get the right recipe and it all comes out perfectly you want everyone to taste it. But playing live is just as good if not better, performing live and seeing people sing your own words or dancing or jumping around to your music that is what its all about, just getting lost in the music up on stage is my idea of heaven, sometimes I just don’t want to come down from it, I think if your going to play live you always have to give 110% or why else do it.

Q: Who is your inspiration musically and in life?

A: This is one of the hardest questions, my favourite artists at the moment are Max Richter, Ólafur Arnalds, Armour For Sleep, and Joanna Newsom but I suppose musicians I love and look up to most are probably Björk, Thom Yorke / Radiohead, Martin Grech, and Dave Grohl. They’re just people who have the power to give you the same feelings as I described about how you feel when music and pictures/words are put together, just tugs on the heart strings, that’s all I want to do is write music that gives you that very feeling.In life, I’d have to say my parents for believing and supporting me.

Q: You have come a long way. From Playing in stages that most artist only dream of to playing in Skins, and with your talent there must be a lot more coming. Tell us some of the projects that will be coming in the future.

A: I think 2009 is going to be a good year, the band I’m in Stagecoach are recording early February and will be releasing an EP early spring, and we will also be touring around the UK and hopefully France too. I will be writing a soundtrack and setting author Louise Langley’s new book titled ‘The Aquila Chronicles’ completely to music. I also hope to release another album by the end of the year too that I’m planning on calling colours, along with hopefully doing some gigs too, hopefully with a quartet.

Q: if anyone wish to contact you for a show booking or projects who should they go to or contact?A: You could either message me at my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/mattemerymusic or you can reach me directly at mre_music@hotmail.co.uk

Q: at Last, do you have anything you wish to say to all your fans out there?

A: Yes have a great 2009, thank you to anyone who has supported me in anyway whether coming to gigs or bought CD’s, and please purchase a copy of ‘Elysian Fields’ on the 19th Jan. Will you be getting a CD when it comes out? Haha!

Well, Matt it is a great time to start a career and a fantastic musician as you are, we love you and hope for all the best for you.

Matt & Jonathan

Music Crack, Once you hear it, you're Hooked, Jason Mraz, Twilight, Il Divo

Don’t the best things come to those who waits.
You all should know by now that I’m a big fan of Jason Mraz music. But I’ve never gone out and buy the album We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things, until now that is. It’s the limited DVD concert edition of the album for the same price as the CD. How grateful I am.
It’s another testament of how good an artist, a musician Jason is. His music is diverse, from unplugged to the jazzy sound to the easy lazy pop tunes, he is the king. And when you watch him perform on stage, there really is no need for any of the fancy light effects or the LCD screen for him. The beat is booming and the guitar is rolling like thunder and the honest lyrics is both relatable and quirky and totally on another realm. You get one of the most humorous, most sensible, most up to your heart, there’s no one lyricist I’ve imagine more at heart peaceful than Jason. It is my vacation at home perfect. (not to mention my car is in the garage for a 10 overhaul HAHA!)
Throughout the concert, you see the people sing along, dance shout and shut up and listen quietly whenever they’re supposed to. The attraction that Jason have on the audiences is undeniably perfect harmony spiritually. And it’s not the heavy spiritual searching type of music, it is relaxingly comfortable as your own skin.
*****************

Now you won’t think that I’ll go for only one album do you?
As much as I like a perfect design music for movie. Twilight is the one soundtrack that all teenager will gonna have in their CD rack or IPod for life. It’s packed with some of the most amazing musician that in my opinion have been too much too under promoted. Paramore from the first time we heard them is a hit wonder, and who have not heard of muse? That gothic and dark atmosphere is the wonderful rockin sound of the teenager. One surprise you get is hearing Rob on this album, like you have never heard before. You think his voice as Edward is special? Wait til you hear him sing. It is…… not his voice at all…. Youwon’t believe it is him singing. Really! HAHA! It is one of the most amazing album with one of the most complete collection of great artist of our time. Trust me. Oh! This one is not for the waltzy, artsy, jazzy, easy listening people.
********************

Those with a softer heart, you can get your feed on Il Divo, The Promise.
This is one promise that doesn’t disappoint at all. Many of the classics and a hell lot of new sound to be heard from this quartet. Who could beat this combination of classic versus pop and in the most amazing voice that deliver it. You just have to grab it and hear it.

Australia, It's not just a movie, it's the exact spirit of the country

Australia is always a country with more mystery than America and Europe and Asia to me. The illusion is that an apparent 70% oh desert waste land. How could any person be possibly be interested in staying in such a harsh place. But, the movie Australia explain it all perfectly for you. Because of the environment, the people a great and overcome tremendous obstacle and in the process gain love and fall in love with everything that resemble the whole spirit of Australia. They are warm, grateful, happy and incomparable in strength.
Australia I believe would be the first I’ve watched the whole year that I think is a total contender for many nominee and most probably the first to take the first nomination for best movie. (other movies I think in for the treat are all small time crook, like Revolutionary Road, Doubt and the Letter, the Dark Knight could grab a couple of the best actor nominee too.)
Well, back to Australia, Nicole Kidman is always gem to watch on the big screen. She is really one of the most beautiful people in the world no doubt. Of course don’t forget the sexiest man alive, Hugh Jackman. HAHA! Well, that makes the most sexy movie of the year here. The aboriginal child of the movie, Brandon Walter is up for a challenge for a contingency on the supporting role definitely.
The cinematography are pretty 300-esque here. Which makes the natural comparably much more beautiful, but I guess some people just love the fantasy effects Haha! But it does make the moment more magical. The normal heroism that spread from the most important moment is just fantastic. The most important of it all of course, is there we finally have a movie with true movie music. Not any music or songs that just come out of a CD box. Real music that’s done specifically for this movie only,
Yup, this is the ticket. This is going to be a big time for the award. A great classic to be watched over and over again. The movie without the trouble of too many details and focuses on the character and their journey, with a charming humor from down under and a great cinematic appeal. I love the simplified complexity. I love the love story that comes with plenty of humor. it's both relaxing and cultivating. I completely captures our hearts and invoke imagination that's filled with feelings.