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

For those of you who are familiar with the whimsical tales Dr Seuss, imagine what if would be like to have the characters from his books prance around as if they were right off from their pages. That’s precisely what you’ll get from Enfiniti Vision Media’s ‘Seussical The Broadway Musical’.



Narrated by Dr Seuss’ most iconic character to date, the mischievous and cunning Cat in the Hat, ‘Seussical The Broadway Musical’ is definitely a must watch for everyone (do not deny your inner child, you know you want to!) and is a good introductory show to young/new-to- theatre audiences.


Personally, I’m rather proud to see a local production put together an ensemble fit to make the Disney productions a run for their hats.



Characters played by musically talented actors like Peter Ong and Safia Hanifah dressed in colourful costumes and creative props, which are uncanny to the quirky illustrations from Dr Suess’ books, are enough to make any adult feel like a kid again.

The show was cleverly choreographed and laced with catchy musical numbers. Kudos goes to all the actors, especially the children who brought in the most important element, fun!

I personally have the pleasure with working with the one and only Elaine Daly. Smart, confident, funny and motivated in the mornings with the daily talk show "Bella" on NTV7, her striking persona makes me want to work harder with her.

Which is why when she spends time with, or even talks about her now-husband Dr. Nick Boden, her face turns brighter and she turns calmer, more relaxed and it absolutely does look like she has had plenty of sleep.

“Moving in to our new home together, we need a place where we can indulge in each other’s companionship and build a strong bond of trust and support, and be able to share our problems and successes. It will be especially exciting as we will be celebrating our first Christmas and New Year’s together as husband and wife,” Elaine enthused.

Elaine Daly on Bella NTV7

Bedroom haven Dunlopillo gave both Elaine and Dr. Nick a chance to prepare a special message for each other, which, in turn, resulted as embroidered pillows as presents before the wedding.

You can view it here:

The happy couple.

So with her and her husband's busy lives in this modern world, a mattress is more than an object necessary for sleep – it is a place where we spend most of our lives. And it is even better when its shared with the one you love.

Elaine is also over the moon over what she has in store next for her life, “It is an exciting journey that I will be beginning soon as a wife – and perhaps soon, a mother,” said Elaine jovially.

We can't wait for baby Daly-Boden!

So what are your favourite moments to be kept and loved for the year to come? You can share them with Dunlopillo themselves on their Facebook page here!

xoxo

Ah, Bangsar. Malaysia's own little high-end village of the sorts, filled with the brands and shops you love, and the names you have always wanted to try out. The ambience is always sort of calm, peaceful, and on the weekends it is nothing short of a spectacular feat with cars, people and things to experience.

Though we love to spend time at the Bangsar area for the glorious choices of food, the lines we have to wait for the desserts and the artisan coffee, there is also a good amount of places to look into when you want to update your closet.

But what are the ones that we should be looking into? We at Bubblebeam Magazine has picked out 4 of the fashion boutiques and outlets that you should check out the next time you're in the area.


GOSSIPS


Located in Jalan Telawi 2, GOSSIPS has had a growing following with simple yet chic and trendy pieces. They also let buyers order online though Facebook or email. The cutest part about them is that they not only sell items by piece, but they help pick an adorable collection to buy, like the collection in the image above.



UNDERLINE FACTORY OUTLET


Having only recently opened not too long ago, Underline is the men's fashion factory outlet that most people would dream of. Having pieces from designers like Alexander McQueen and Tommy Hilfiger, Underline might not be so much of a boutique but it is one of the places you need to go if you're a guy, or if you want to find edgy masculine pieces for your look.



SACOOR BROTHERS


After outlets in both KLCC and Pavilion, Sacoor Brothers has just opened up their third in Bangsar Village II. Like their clothing collection, the store is decorated with poise, elegance and nobility, and has pieces for everyone in the family from men, women to even kids! Not only do they have fancy evening dresses, but they also have wearable every day items like loafers and polo tees.

The Portugal based brand is where you need to go if you're hunting for Italian silk neckties or unique shirts for women with two back collar buttons.



SHOESSHOESSHOES


Now, a boutique to visit if you want to look for accessories! Some of us overlook the power of accessorising our outfits to make older and used outfits look a little bit more brand new, but shops like Shoes Shoes Shoes, located in Jalan Telawi 3, encourage us to be more creative with how we spend our money in Bangsar. Look out for the retro looking sunnies, the studded flats and the glitzy earrings.


CHECK OUT


Gossips

Underline Factory Outlet

Sacoor Brothers

ShoesShoesShoes

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!