Life's everchanging!

moving forward!!

2009-08-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why the U.S is so ever ever moving forward, when in our local, Malaysia, is not ? Well, in many cases, I have!

Noticed to learn that, whatever you do, somehow, people there seems to be faster? better? Superior?

In terms of music, I'm sure many of you snap away, yeah, the music over the seas are great! Who doesn't? Even I do

But have you all gave it a thought? What if?

What if? YOU , can be even more brilliant then people there? Would that be great?

Personally, I've given myself a whole mountain of this thought.

Peering around, I see former classmates entering different studies, pursuing different careers. So many to list! Lawyers, accountants, doctors, business people, journalists, etc. and oh even some musicians! Even my girlfriend is advancing in her studies. haha

Well, budge on. Get new ideas. Come out with new stuff.. That's what people around you expect, right?

Being a musician is one dream job for me. Actually, it sounded a lot better, when I was bragging about being one, previously. But, it still inflicts anxiety, unfortunately.

Speaking of new stuff, I'm gonna come out with an orchestra! Sounds great? hmm, maybe to musicians... Not so interesting to many, of the general, I've noticed!

So, before we go there, again I had moved forward, venturing into something not done by me before. Orchestration!

I'm assuring you'll hear better stuff from me.. :P

I'm serious about this, are you?......

Slowpoke

2009-07-23T20:10:00.001-07:00

Slow in updating and always outdated.. That's the Reuben we're talking about.

This have to change, I'm a producer. Knowing just a pinch of people is not enough.

Anyways, despite being so outdated, we were called for performances again. Recent ones includes the 'Toastmasters"

Kids did a great performance, but ended up I had to play with them too. Rushed so much and again I only had a little food for myself. Others were just snatched away. hahaha

Picasa Web Albums

2009-07-13T22:32:00.001-07:00

Anyone uses Picasa? I found it to be even better just few minutes ago! I didn't know you can access an album in Picasa Web Albums, by posting images up here on blogger..

Enough said.. I'm posting up a road map to my The CAT.

This is intended to be on my webpage @ kiddyspot.

Here's the link for all of you to check out.

www.kiddyspot.com/thecat

I'm just gonna find out more features on Picasa. I never knew such stuff. Web & Graphic Design dummy I am.

Updates..Continues

2009-07-13T09:41:00.002-07:00

I've not been updating for some time now.

Well, that's what I always do.. No, I just can't find time to discipline myself and start blogging. I prefer to blog all at once.

Let's look through what happened through the week.

Event 1

A big(well I think it's big), monitor lizard came into our centre, through the drain. A parent saw it walking inside the drain, and started to go frenzy. So, anyway, the poor lizard got caught anyway and placed inside a cage. Look at it!

It's a beauty I say.. And The CAT Studio is turning a music zoo soon. :P

Event2

ABRSM Music Exams are coming soon! For all the students enrolled at The CAT and are taking exams next month, you HAVE to come!

Well, we had a mini recital for the students on a Saturday morning, quite a cold and wet morning too, btw.

Oh, you see students coming with green faces too! haha

Zhi Yang- An autism child, played very well, despite the large group of people watching!

We had every parent, waiting impatiently for their child's turn to play their recital. I would say many did very well. And yes, being the accompanist for most of the students, I can hear a few students are still struggling with their recital. I hope you students practice well for your exams!

Always remember, exams are 'Progressions' not 'Pressure'.

After recital? We had a pot-luck party! Makan time.

by looking at the student's expressions? Oh my, they forget their pressures immediately, and starting enjoying food brought by everyone.

Looking at these children, I missed those times when I was in their state too. No worries! All happy faces, enjoying away, playing around with friends..... oh well. :P

Just had a little of sponge cake for myself.

It's really nice having most of the students here, gathering and spending time together. I would want to have more occasions like this and have everybody to have a great time at The CAT. Anyway, to those students that got so scared that refused to come, it's okay. We'll just urge you to come again, on the next event!

Reuben

Spring cleaning..

2009-07-03T22:16:00.001-07:00

What I did couple of days back? Clean up.. Major clean up..

Keyboards, tend to get dusty and oily after some time. Imagine those millions of fingers dashing and hitting away on the keys, not by a user, for my case, many many users..

Anyway, here goes..

My M-Audio Keystation 61-es.

See that keyboard beside Me & Moy? That's the one. Well, it's a great midi controller. Go view it at www.m-audio.com . You'll find many fascinating stuff there too. "Keystation" is now, newly branded as 'Key Rig' if I'm not mistaken.

What I did, was I opened up the unit. Unscrewing at least 20 screws. I guess they need that thing to hold in the plastic enclosure, no matter how hard we play on it. Well, after the long work of unscrewing everything, being very careful ....... you take the cover out . :P

Look under the rows of keys, and you'll find anything there. From dust, nail-bits, hair and so much more. It's not a pleasant scene, I had to vacuum them straightaway.

Doing this, I was being extremely careful. Not to damage the IC board and components in there. But all in all, the keys build and action in there, was kinda awesome. haha.. Well, that what I thought of it anyway. :P

Stressed up!

2009-07-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

I actually googled 'music studio in penang' , and to my dismay, I noticed many music schools, and studios , are actually on the net.. Wow, I've so many potential competitors and I didn't do anything! Am I sensing threat?

Something must be done, really.

Anyway, coming to the point, I noticed many of this schools, and business, uses blogs as a website or what I formally called 'open diary' of their business. And, their websites, i mean 'blogs' are NICE.. This is where I lose out now. I'm not any good at designing website, links, attachments, html and all those stuff.. I DONT UNDERSTAND them..

Like how do you guys do the headers, and all that? I need knowledge in photoshop to do it?

I really need some help..

Any super bloggers out there, who could lend a helping hand to me?

Phantom Soundtracks!

2009-06-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hi All..

Any of you enjoyed The Free school's concert? Well, you enjoyed it of the music right? haha just kidding..

Anyway, I've uploaded the soundtracks into my imeem playist. You can definitely check the songs out at the imeem player to the right.

Short post today!, I'm out

I never get by these things

2009-06-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

I don't just sit in the studio, be shined upon some spotlights , faced by a few speakers monitors and surrounded by foam. No way! I'll turn a zombie.

Sometimes you gotta go out! What I do?

Performances yes!.. Every musician's must. What is the use playing music only to yourself, correct? So to those learning any music instruments or playing them for fun, or even taking music exams!.. Please do not , DO NOT, forget performing in public. Music from you, just have to hit the roads. Trust me :P

Even Michael Jackson performs. ( i actually felt sad for his death ).

Play good music, create a good show, and people may eventually start dancing.. :)

You'll get the chance to see Big Shots close-up too! lol.. Nothing much here

A day at the zoo!

2009-06-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

The Zoo!! A fav for guys like me.

Unlike girls. haha.. Maybe they're just too afraid of playing with the animals there.

Yeah!@#$ We're in some truck , obviously going too fast.. I wanted to see some living stuff man.

Well, 4 of us, Kelvin, Yen, Jasmine & me of course. The guys had fun playing around with animals, when the girls started getting angry.. lol.. 'sorry!' NO more playing & kacau-ing yeah?

This one nearly bit Kelvin. .. Kelvin is the next crocodile hunter.

This one was cool.. This wonderful piece of God's creation was throwing pebbles at us. Throw pebbles back at it, what happens?

Mr. Orang Utan then threw the whole piece of branch to us.. haha.. Frightened the girls like mad.

sorry ler, but it's a guy must to play around! :P

Presenting the BIGGEST, BADDEST ,MEANNESS & STRONGEST!.. We bring you the MALAYSIAN GAUR!

Seriously, it's big..WAY BIGG..

Kuok enjoying feeding some deer.. No feeding was allowed, but being us, we feed almost all animals there. Fun!

Try communicating to animals with music.. Seems 'sang kancil' is attracted by me :)

Farid the Melayu Rocker!

2009-06-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

Yeah... Melayu rocker is now singing in French!!
Did a simple one mic recording..

Check it out at the imeem pop-out >>>

Regards,
Reuben!

The CAT Slideshow

2009-05-31T08:47:00.001-07:00

Well, again video sucks here..

Voice Talents: Rebecca & Christine (This 2 girls were..... lol!)
Music & video arrangement : Reuben!
Lyric Writing & Singing : KelvinLim (Crispy-nia!)

So much for a last minute slideshow, meant for BNI presentation..Nevertheless it was a great presentation I did..
I never thought we'll do a malay lang. voice over..crazy ideas..
Thank you Seasides & Seashells.

I'm back!!

2009-05-27T01:56:00.000-07:00

It's been long..

Wayyy long, since I last posted around here.

Well, things have been busy. All sort of nonsense start pouring in.. Who knows! Apparently, nonsense can be great too!

Alright. Let me think. I just wanna write what hits my brain now. . . . .

Rights!

It's Free School. The Phantom Of the Opera drama concert coming up soon

- It's gonna take place on 26, 27 & 28th June @ Free School itself.

So yeah, why do you all have to go for the concert. Why?

Cause, I did the backing tracks & music for them! You all should go..!

Well the guys and girls can go there, do some social dating or something also lah, free school is BIG enough. :P

oh! btw, speaking of the Free school spirit, I joined OFA! (no young dudes there though!) Hence the name OLD Frees Association

Then next item on my mind would be, The CAT Studio presentation!I got Kelvin to sing on this again. Well, it sounded pretty silly.. But I think Kelvin did a great 'fast' job!

I'll definitely upload it on my next post...

Then.. till the next post. :P

Kelvin Lim

2009-04-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

I've knew him for about near 3 years now. Though that isn't a long a time, it feels I've known all stuffs and matters he has in him.. lol. He is always around. Well, my point here is, Kelvin is a supportive friend when it comes to real matters. Alright, before I go on, pls be reminded I'm not GAY or being sentimental.
It just came to me I've a blog and write a little bout this guy.

Back then, I still remember he rode pillion on my C70(Nice Honda Bike) nearly everyday, how we went fishing, and played throughout the SPM year,(even in the midst having the examinations)!.
Also we started playing pool, how we went to KL to stay with Lim Peng Chew... Ok.. That's one awesome gayness...

Lots & lots of stuffs. It seems I've grew up with him, untill now , we are still growing of course :P.
Well, I started a recording studio recently, and again he was one of the first customers, again! This time it was a song for his mother's birthday.. Sweet
You're really supportive..Thank you macha!

Now to the main topic in this post..
The CAT studio presents Kelvin Lim in 'Because I Loved You'.

I'm no videographer/editor - No comments on the videos.....PLS!
(That means, I'm looking for a videographer to collaborate with in business!)
It's awesome, you've to check it out..
First the Video and then the finished Mp3 version on the Imeem box on the right hand corner.

To all Kelvin Fans.. We present to you.. Slash!

I think it's awesome for him as a 1st tryout..Although, yes, the music and the voice can also be improved. Oh, thanks to Warren for getting the videos too.
Happy viewing!

Of Images

2009-04-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

A person's image, are trully some important stuff. And at the same time, interesting!
I'm talking 'image', like when you spot a girl, finding her pretty, cute, adorable, ugly, cacated, whatever and you start staring at her more, before she notices you, and finally walks away.

When it comes to guys, it's always the hair.. I dont know why. It seems hairstyling is the only thing guys do, for the sake of image.
For me I rather be formal at times..I meet many students and people everyday. I rather be well dressed then. I'm 19 years old!,.. I don't know why many , find me above 23.. Damn, at this rate when I'm 25? I'll look like I'm 35.

Enough of talking.... let's see a few, ugly but adorable faces.

This innocent looking boy, with some baby fats, eating some soup thingy..

(Not innocent alright? Cherokee repeats, NOT INNOCENT, )
Please take care of yourself girls.

Became the model of Kelvin Klein Glasses
Also, not so macha after the hairstyle change.

Little boy Warren, decided to get naughty....

Now he believes he can pimp, and get chicks..
(Warren: I'm a dvd seller, macha!)

Ahh.. forget him.. He's apek Kuok
Very.....very.....retarded.. Goes into frenzy when drinking see koh t'ng

Not missing me,

This is called an 'S.S' picture.. Syiok Sendiri.. Ah well.

Get funky with Kez's Hairstudio..
A retard, with middle line hairstyle.

My personal favourite.. A nerdy side of Reuben

This one looks like MOY... Moy Wei Sern..
Kelvin and me finds this hilarious.

BNI

2009-04-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

You see my potrait picture in my profile?

Half the world asked me, what the heck is that BNI ? What is that?
Lol, it's, Business Networking International.

Back to those histories, it's founded by Dr. Ivan Misner & some bigshot people, who wants to break through recession back those years.
I'm not a history teacher, you want to know more? check it out at www.bni.com

So, this BNI, it's a business and professional networking organization that offers its members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly referrals. It's operating in 36 countries and of course not missing Malaysia!
And so they have groups, known as 'chapters' in the different regions of Malaysia. The one I'm in is named 'Power Chapter'.. Well, 'chapter' is just a BNI jargon, it's merely means group, dont worry!

And so, ME!... I've to wake up real early every Tuesday morning, probably around 5am to get ready for meeting at 6.15am - 9.00am.
Well, so in the chapter, it consists of members with all sorts of different professions. You get Lawyers, Distributors, Printers, Web Designers, Bankers, Security Guard, Health consultant, Hairstylist, Accountants, etc.
As for me, I'm representing my music business!: Music & Dance School, Music Recording & Production.
So basically, what we do there, is we exchange referrals, to members in our chapter/group.

Get a view of some snapshots in the meeting.

Mind you! It's 7.15am in the morning currently

Some of you might recognise that guy in front. He's KEZ the Hairstylist
(Hey!, That rhymes!.... 'Kez the HairStylist''Kez the HairStylist')

And then sometimes we eat together
Ahh.. get on the business relationship..

Left: I'm not satisfied with the food..duh!
Right: Wow! curry, Indians' fav!

Personally I've learnt so much from BNI being someone who does business. I highly recommending newbies like me, to join BNI, and it becomes like a REAL business school, just its Better, and heck!, you're in the real world, boy.

Of course, BNI is not flawless, and of course, it has it's cons, in my point of view. Well, I'll not share it here. This post, is becoming boring too.. haha

Lastly!, BNI has a song too! It's really creative. Composed by another member in an euro country i guess....
Check it out here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPZetC8jPhY

BBQ & Potluck

2009-03-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I blog.. Well, lazy lah..

Lol, yesterday we had a bbq & potluck party, at the CAT .. It's a pity I don't have any pictures taken during the night, but, I think everyone had fun last night. Though we started sooo late.. aobout 8.20pm..
Well, I really like to thank everyone for coming, from students, to teachers even my BNI president, Catherine! I know everything was really really unprepared, so sorry for that.

Anyway, we had some fun , after the party too! Haha.. Take a look at some of the blurrish pictures!

The jokers , who sang, something else.... Brilliant!

At least this two wasn't tone deaf!

Well, my mom comments? Kuan Ming was the best.. Haha.. Steady la you guys, all tried recording.
I got the sung recordings of Amos, Adrian, Kuan Ming, Yang & Warren.. All of them. Wait till I post their voices on youtube!..

Reuben

Giving life to a studio....

2009-03-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

What would you need in a studio? Computers, mixers , pre-amps, equalizers, monitors, etc.. (Without them it''ll be a joke right?)

Okay, 1st the sound acoustics are very important, you've to create a reverb-less & at the same time not to DEAD room too!
Why so? You need a 'dry' signal from those singers, musicians, noise-makers so you can tweak and change their sound to anything you can think of, from 'singing babies' to 'singing dinosaurs'.
Well, this is how I got it started..

This was before everything.. Looks pretty bare ain't it?

Everyone wondered, including myself, how the heck you're gonna turn this into a recording facility!? Well, with some research and some self work, it's possible!

I'll share a little here..

Well the studio i own, consists of two rooms. If you're doing this, you have to do a wall plate, something that connects signals from one room to the other. I'm sure you wouldn't want to open a hole somewhere between the rooms and cause sound bleed!

Mine is built-in 8 'xlr' connectors.

You can buy this sort of things, however there are few cons.
1) Expensive
2) Little inputs/outputs
3) Lousy material built
4) Size not custom able
If you want to avoid all that? Build it yourself!!

Next, would be treating the rooms so, it sound ideal for recording and tracking.
So we start off, carpeting the floors.
And then to treat the walls next.... What I've used here are acoustic treatment sponge. ( those egg-shaped sponge..... :P)

Then to stick them to the walls.. Many people would think of 'double-sided' tape, nails, etc.
I believe, 'adhesive contact' glue would be good. Oh yeah, it's also known as 'Dunlop' glue.

Then...

Half-done rooms... :)

Well starting out a studio, is never easy.. Even through my setup, I've stumbled upon many many mistakes and problems, that I didn't foresee before the construction and setup.
In every setup you do, most importantly, know your budget, and know what you wish to achieve.

How to request a song from a band :
'If a band tells you they do not know a song you want to hear, they either forgot they know the tune or they are just putting you on'

It also helps to scream your request from across the room several times per set followed by the phrases, "AW COME ON!" and, "YOU SUCK!"

Alright, so much for those jokes..
And now, the end product, *phew*..

The CAT Recording Studio

More snapshots!

The CAT recording studios are now operating. Do visit us! :)

I love this phrase by Paganini ( a legendary violinist ).. :

I am not handsome, but when women hear me play, they come crawling to my feet.
-- Niccolo Paganini

Reuben Ch'ng.

Why should you come to The CAT?

2009-03-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

The CAT

School of Music . Dance . Performance

At The CAT we create Artistic Talents, hence - Creating Artistic Talents!
What makes us different then?

We have a spacious dance studio, a number of room classes, reliable teachers/instructors. Also, we are coming up with a state-of-art recording studio which will suit people, (yes anybody!) not just singers and artist to make up a personal album as an achievement or to try out something new!
The best thing about The CAT is, the students who enroll and start courses here, WILL make use of what they've learnt!
Alright, so they go for performances, do recording, show tours and many more!

This should mean they don't just learn and learn and learn and learn endlessly! Great?
Okay, pictures and more description on The CAT another day!

Now, I would like to take a moment to prove how we can 'Create Artistic Talents'.

Alright, I was just coming out of the studio, all tensed and stressed up after fixing things and finalizing. Guess what I saw? The Super-Tortoise! A creative & artistic tortoise who flies..

(err.. I've no name for it though!?)

We've proven to teach even a tortoise to dance, convinced to join us now? :P

Not Productive

2009-03-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 18th 2009.....

Track lines for this day wasn't cool at all.
Woke up, had some music classes starting at 9.00am! .. Duh! That's early. A musician gotta sleep you know.
Next, after classes about 11, started making calls. Cold Calls! What you expect? Got fed up after sometime.. Then came the not too bad calls. .. etc... alright, that goes.

Headed over to my business partner's place, got some equipments from him. Chatted for like 2 hours, then quickly head back to 'The CAT'.. ( can anyone who does not know what i mean, raise his/her hand please? ) :P

Then came the not-productive part... I went back to my studio, started patching wires here and there, here , there, here there, till everything messed up.. Even my brain too!
The case started 3pm and lasted till 7pm.. That's awesome.. NOT PRODUCTIVE.
Oh yeah, also my sincere apologies to my those two buddies, Ivan & Willazz, for waiting through the process with me.

Stop hacking pls, Ivan..Dont be a child...lol!

Sorry to take your time, will treat both of you next time!

Crash

2009-03-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

An unseen event, meant to burn a deep hole down everyone's pocket.

What a waste..

From the pictures, yes I Reuben Ch'ng hereby admit my mistake!.. And now 'slash' can laugh at me all he wants.. lol!

Cherokee down! cherokee down!

Look on the bright side though!

I'm talking about that '1' second time frame before you get hit by another car.. if you don't understand you can ask Slash about it.

yes, and your mind starts to think fast and silly.

Mine went like this :

My '1' second thoughts

In the 2o0th millisecond, 'Shit, my car is a goner'..

In the 5o0th millisecond, 'Damn, where I'm gonna get money to do repairs?'..

In the 800th millisecond, ' uh , I'm just dead'

Then the 900th millisecond, ' *tries to avoid the accident by swerving to the right* 'ended in vain'.

Crash! That's how stupid some mind can get.

And after that, not to mention all those hassle and waggles , I had to undergo in the police station and all. Nothing is great, plus, except the '1' second sensation.. oh yeah. :P

New Start!?

2009-03-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

I started a blog!.. I didn't know why. I use to discriminate bloggers, saying it's an open diary of some sort. Now I discriminate myself! haha.. Not really.

Maybe I've decided to share more of my music and happenings with more ppl.

Well that goes.. :P