Bubblebeam Magazine

by Armani Shahrin


On the 14th of December, I got a chance to meet Tilu at The Bee, Publika for their Come Back Show. The show was a hit with the restaurant completely full, even I had to share a chair with my mum. (Yes, she’s a fan.) There were people from all walks of life, both old and young, all of them enjoying the jazzy pop funk music from this band that has finally come out of hiding for a year.


For those of you unfamiliar with Tilu, they are a band consisting of Malaysians and Indonesians who came together to cultivate their mutual love for music. With catchy tunes and fun chemistry on stage, you can’t help but want to know more about them. So here’s a peek into what’s up with the band, Tilu…

Mira of Tilu

I had only first heard of them after they were announced as one of the performers for the now memorable Good Vibes Fest this year, and all I wanted was to know more about the band. Folk music should be more in the spotlight, and it's about time a band like The Cotton Field Scarecrowes soak up some attention in the Malaysian music scene.



But they aren't your regular riddly diddly jangly jiggly folk band. They're whimsical. They're fun. And they were good sports during the interview. 

Without any hesitation, and following my pure excitement, I present to you Bubblebeam Magazine's interview with The Cotton Field Scarecrowes, as well as a fun game of Truth or Dare!





Tell us about yourselves!

JOHANN SULTAN: Howdy, I'm Johann Sultan the principle songwriter and frontman of the band The Cotton Field Scarecrowes. Also the founder of an audio recording plant/label REV 9:9 RECORDS.

SHAHRHYL SULTAN: Hi, I'm Shahrhyl from The Cotton Field Scarecrowes. 

PRAVEEN MATHEWS: Praveen Mathews, the one sitting on a stool. I like soaking up the sun and eating nuts.

DAMIAN XAVIER: Hi I'm Damian on the bass.

            

Okay, now introduce yourselves as a whole band.

THE COTTON FIELD SCARECROWES: We are The Cotton Field Scarecrowes!... At your service.


So, who came up with the band's intro sentence first?

TCFS: Johann Sultan!


To the Sultan boys, what was the first song or artist that you guys have bonded over first?

JS: Well, we grew up in totally different sides of notes. Of course there are some favourite songs and albums that we share interest from our father's collections. For example, The Beatles and The Shadows.

SS: The both of us have that astounding love for the 50s - 60s sound, from the raw recordings, to it's natural tones of every instrument. The Shadows sticks out, whereas bands such as The Flaming Lips gave a wide avenue for our bonding. There are few other bands which Jo introduced me to which I could not stop listening to, and that strengthened our bond as well, with the likes of Sigur Ros and others.





How would you describe your own sound as a band? What separates you from the rest?

JS: We call it the 'Bleak Folk Hymnody'. Kinda like songs of hope or a blessed ending. Yes, we always say that, but it is something that we would really love to convey through our humble music. The music world is vast. There are no separations. It is what one believes and do what he/she believes without anything to prove. You’re free.

SS: I've always felt our first album has that inspiration essence on a personal level. The stories we tell makes so much sense when you're in that phase of life, and it brings you up at that perfect time, unexpectedly. The bleak influence displays an audible roughness and the transcending moment to brightness makes it somewhat alive.

PM: Trying very hard not to say "folk" and "americana", I would describe it as "roots music"; geared towards the simple and unique styles of country music, telling stories and of dreams. Don't think I need to explain anymore, how it separates us!



             


What do each of you see yourselves in the future?

JS: To be a steady musician and a worthy man.

SS: Writing and composing more materials to touch many souls out there. Having to contribute something back to this world, with doing what I love, isn't that what we're all down here for?

PM: Hopefully many more albums, exploring other instruments. Looking forward to more collaborations with other artists, especially on visual arts.

DX: I'm also looking to learn new instruments to add new dimensions to our music, bringing it to the next level. Also to get more involved in the creation of the songs.




Where did you get your whimsical band name?

JS: The name actually derived from a Solo project of mine back in 2011. A one-man-band project. Home recordings and stuffs. Now why the name? Well... it is because of my love with American Folk Music. The history, the country and music were the characters that led me to the name The Cotton Field Scarecrowes.

SS: Well at the time where we were still in the midst of discussion on the direction and idea for the album, taking things step by step, Jo sent me a demo of a recording having the name in the artist field written : The Cotton Field Scarecrowes. I asked Jo where the hell did this brilliant name come from?! It's awesome! Things went on a fast train ride since then.

PM & DX: (Looks at the Sultan boys)




Did you purposely dress like modern British farmers as a concept, or do you guys dress up like it constantly? Either way, it's a good look for you guys.

JS: Hmmmm, we don't dress up like British farmers actually. It is more like bringing back the 'old fashioned' look and style. Right from the Appalachian mountains down to the Great Depression. We don't dress it at all times, however we will sometimes when it's related to the story of our set list. It depends really. We are not 'old fashioned' people hey,...Hahahaha!

PM: British?! Cool, I thought we came off very American. But yes, the dressing was intentional. And it has kind of grown on us, we will eventually look like a scarecrow.

SS: British?!!





(Hides face) American then! Our bad! Still good. How was playing at Good Vibes Fest? What were your favourite parts if you stayed and enjoyed the shows after?

JS: It was a good experience for the band. We are really grateful to have been given a chance to showcase our music to the people. And we all enjoyed Empire Of The Sun. They were really good. From stage set to showmanship. 

SS: Brilliant experience throughout, I'd play again at any given day. The whole day was a blast, awesome lineups - great talent. Loved it!

PM: Good Vibes was a blast. The supportive people we met, the great performances, the stories shared, we loved all of it. I would say time with the crew was what I enjoyed the most. A talented, tireless, and hilarious bunch they are.

DX: It was a great learning experience playing in a festival setting for the first time. It had posed a few technical challenges in terms of getting the right sound. But overall, it was great. I felt priviledged to be a part of one of the biggest events in the Malaysian arts scene.


            



The boys has to also pick a truth or a dare to do that Bubblebeam has given them as choices. There were two choices of Truths and two choices of Dares, so let's find out what they picked and what each of them did!


TRUTH 1: "Who was your first kiss? Describe the moment, and time and describe how you felt."

SHAHRHYL SULTAN:

My first kiss experience is pretty weird and at the same time funny. It was my first girlfriend back when I was in high school. All I know was that I had to kiss her at that point of time when I had the chance, since a few chances went begging and I did not take it.

So picture a dreamy weather with a pinch of sweets on your tongue. We were having ice-cream in the car and when she had some spill on her chin. I leaned over and wiped her clean, goofing her act of silliness - and that's when I my spontaneity took over. "Oh, sorry I missed a spot" and I leaned over slowly. 

She was driving the rest after that...

I felt good, as that was the first time I'd ever kissed someone. But honestly, I didn't know what I was doing, and I was actually paying a lot of attention trying not to mess it up (the moment). And after a few more kissing moments, it became my forte or rather I would want to believe so.



DARE 1: "We dare you to shoot a video of yourself do the ice bucket challenge (for fun!) and post it on Youtube.""

PRAVEEN MATHEWS:

                              



TRUTH 2: "Describe the worst gig you've ever played or been to."

DAMIAN XAVIER:

We haven't many had many 'bad' gigs in particular, cause every gig we play has its different challenges and rewards at the same time. For us, it's all taken as an opportunity to learn from both the good and bad, try to do better at our next gig. 

There was one incident at one particular gig in a bar though that I found more humorous than anything. I was hanging out nearby the main entrance of the bar during a break of our set, and a bunch of people were exiting the bar. As the group went out the door, one bloke looked at me and said "I'm getting outta here before I kill myself mate!" 

It was probably due to the somber nature of our music. But feedback is feedback, and it's all taken in stride. You can't please everyone as they say. I hope he didn't go out and take his life though....


DARE 2: "We dare you to create a picture collage of your favourite things, from your favourite actors to the places you wish you've been to. Or draw the many favourite things of yours!"

JOHANN SULTAN:




From a fun truth or dare session, to calling them British farmers by accident, Bubblebeam Magazine are even more obsessed with what a great bunch of guys these musicians are. We can't wait to see what the future will hold for The Cotton Field Scarecrowes.


CHECK OUT THE COTTON FIELD SCARECROWES AND GIVE THEM LOVE:

facebook

bandcamp

youtube

Special thanks to the band and Hazel for the pictures, the efforts and the emails!

"Game of Thrones" might be the biggest thing to watch right now, but there have also been some pretty great shows around that not a lot of people have been talking about yet, and we think that's the charm of the shows that we are going to name.

So sit back and look through the shows that you think might catch your fancy, and who knows? You might find your next favourite obsession right here.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

            

There is no doubt that this show gets around through word of mouth, so you probably have heard of the Netflix based television comedy series. It is probably in your list of shows you've wanted to watch but you're still getting there. "Orange if the New Black" is a story of a woman in her thirties who is sentenced to fifteen months in prison. Add the story to a few memorable characters and you've got yourself an addictive black comedy.

THE PACIFIC

           

This 2010 miniseries is still one of the most well made mini war-based epic, and in addition to it being the brainchild of Steven Spielberg, and the three different real life stories of US Marines, "The Pacific" still has a cult following, along with the other war-based miniseries like "Band of Brothers" and "Generation Kill", but this series' cinematography and actor performances made this one something to remember.

HEMLOCK GROVE

            

Executive produced by "Hostel" director Eli Roth, "Hemlock Grove" is a Netflix Original horror thriller series about a fictional town in Pennsylvania, where brutal murders have stirred up rumours as two people try to uncover the secrets. Starring Bill Skarsgard, Alexander's attractively strange looking young brother, and Famke Janssen, the series is a must watch for people who are into the Eli Roth approved gore and horror.

THE KILLING

           

Based on a Danish television series, "The Killing" is an underrated crime drama following the various murder investigations by homicide detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman). While the series was nominated for several major awards in its first season, it has drawn a mixed reception from critics, but still has a good number of following from fans. Though it is already cancelled, you can still watch the three seasons by AMC.

ORPHAN BLACK

           

Known as a critic and fan darling, Tatiana Maslany plays several versions of herself in one series, with totally different personalities. But this isn't just "Parent Trap", "Orphan Black" showcases deep and dark roots about the moral and ethical implications of human cloning and its effect on issues of personal identity.

THE MUSKETEERS

             

The BBC's miniseries about Alexandre Dumas' classic "Three Musketeers" is an adaptation that strongly visualizes action and adventure, as well as the expected great performances by the starring actors including Luke Pasqualino from "Skins" and the guy for "Doctor Who" himself Peter Capaldi.

BAD EDUCATION

             

Another BBC project you should give a go watching is Jack Whitehall's "Bad Education". Following the comedian and writer's nonsensical humour and the fun plotline of a really bad teacher at a British school, the concept is so successful that an American cable network is planning to remake it.

TRUE DETECTIVE

            

Bringing the best ideas in cinema in terms of cast, cinematography, directing, story and director, "True Detective" is a must watch to the rest of you who haven't watched it yet. Though it is only at one season and stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson aren't planning to come back for a second season, the Cary Fukunaga directed spectacle is a visual delight and the blood infused crime thriller drama about a 17 year hunt for a serial killer should still be something you need to get your hands on, quick.

Named after their beloved postcode in Kuala Lumpur, 50490 are a motley crew of three electronic-music-creating buddies who had dropped their first collaborative EP online called "50490 Vol. 1" through Gumball Magazine.

Their stuff is not only addictive and futuristic, mixing Moslem Priest's smooth grit, Strawberry Cough Drop's spacey vibe and Mysteriz's whimsical pulp together makes 50490 a group of guys to look out for in 2014.

And you know what's also pretty neat?

Their EP is free to download. CLICK HERE.


The boys gave Bubblebeam Magazine an exclusive photo session and a quick chat to discuss music and their opinions on cannibalism.

Let's meet 50490.

MOSLEM PRIEST Learn more about this dude here.

S|Co/STRAWBERRY COUGH DROP Listen to this dude's sounds here.

MYSTERIZ Listen to his tunes here.

How did you guys first start to collaborate? Who came up with the idea first?

S|CO: It started as a joke that went too far. But now, here we are, with an EP and answering questions.

MOSLEM PRIEST: We live in the same area so that's how the idea came about. Nazmi (S| Co. /Strawberry Cough Drop) is my cousin and has been producing for about a decade now. We're like "ah we have a couple'a tunes so why don't we release an EP?" So we did 'Vol. 1', but now we're focusing on each of our own stuff.

MYSTERIZ: It actually started when Moslem Priest and I listened to tunes which were considered niche. We were really into it and he introduced me to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and then we started making songs and sending it to each other for fun. When S|Co heard about it, he called us both and introduced the idea of a split EP, which we have already released on December 9th through Gumball.

What does 50490 mean? 

MP: More than just a postcode, yeh.

M: It’s a lifestyle.

SC: It’s a lifestyle, but it just so happens to be our postcode.

What makes you different from the other two, and what makes you the same? 

MP: We're constantly helping each other out - playing around with different sounds and sharing some knowledge. I listen to a lot of grime (music) with Iz (Mysteriz) so a lot of our tunes sound pretty much alike. Naz (S|Co.) has a "spacier" soundscape but, we try to keep things coherent.

M: The atmosphere from each song we make individually is totally different from one another. For example, S|Co. makes his songs more towards home listening, Moslem Priest makes them more hard bass, and I do pretty much a mix of both.

SC: The type of music that we make differ from one another. But, we strive for the same goal; to introduce a new palette of colors to the Malaysian music scene. Variety is key.

It's the beginning 2014, so what are your new year resolutions? 

MP: I'm doing a few collaborations with some fashion designers alongside setting up a cafe. I guess my resolutions are to make more tracks, get the collaborations on point, and to get that cafe done.

M: Since our last release, we're really pushing our limits for 2014. Individual EPs are coming out, playing for private and public parties, and much more.

SC: Make more music, make more music and release some merchandise.

Let's play desert island. Bring three things with you. 

MP: Maggi noodles, a portable cook and water.

M: I don't really like this game.

SC: Cigarettes, my iPod and pure heroin.

If the three of you were stuck on the island together, which one would get eaten first? 

MP: Naz.

SC: I.

M: I don't encourage cannibalism.



But even after releasing a collaborative EP, Moslem Priest has risen again on 20 January and released yet ANOTHER EP entitled "Da Werks", also featuring remixes from Mysteriz and Strawberry Cough Drop.

HAVE A LISTEN

FOLLOW THEIR TWITTER

LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK


Special thanks to 50490 and photographer Jonathan Lee for these amazing photos.

Check out his FLICKR, and email him for any queries or business.

Here at Bubblebeam Magazine, we will climb every mountain and swim every sea in search for a new man or woman to oggle at just to make us forget about our current tragic lives for a minute.

This is why we wanted to create a new feature to celebrate our favourite super fine men and women who will all be plastered on the walls of our sad little hearts.

Our first beloved Bubble Butt is the new Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi.


Although he's most known for being the guy who Matt Smith regenerated into, he's also known for some pretty amazing stuff he's done in his lifespan so far.

Let's list the cool stuff down.

1. He was in a fucking punk band with Craig Ferguson.

If that isn't isn't the coolest thing you can ever imagine anyone to do we don't even know why you're here. They had a band called the Dreamboys and Peter was the frontman while Craig played the drums!

2. This picture exists. Also he's a grown man who is also a punk rocker.

Everything he does smells just like what a punk rocker might do and it is absolutely inspiring. And yes, that picture exists but why and how and let's keep it forever.

3. He's already won an Oscar.

He won an Academy Award in 1995 for his short film "Franz Kafka's It's A Wonderful Life". Granted, it's not for acting but that just means that he's talented in so many things. He could have just stuck to making films and being behind the scenes his whole life but he chose to act and do what he loves and that's the truest thing anyone can ever do.

4. He's a silver fox with a Scottish accent.

We don't really have to elaborate further. But we're also glad that he's gotten rid of the weird mustache beard thing going on in that picture.

5. He played one of the most brilliantly written and played characters on television.

Peter's Malcolm Tucker in "The Thick of It" was so well written and iconic it inspired Oxford's Dictionary to name "Omnishambles", the word coined by Tucker, the 'Word of the Year'.


We congratulate Peter Capaldi on getting the coveted role of the 12th Doctor in "Doctor Who", and we certainly hope that he kicks a whole lot of ass in it.