DESMOND DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTION, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

EDITORIAL

@LOUD Magazine
Editorial Creative & Art Direction

A Load of Utter Delirium

Issue 18 Issue 18

June/July 2008 February 2008

WHOS WHO

By: P. Prabhu and Siti Mahmudah Ben: Being Roman Catholics, you guys named yourself Caracal aka The Devil Cat. Reason? It is very random. Our friend was looking through an animal encyclopaedia; it was found there. We guys have been together for a very, very long time since Sec 2 (P.S.: Now they are in their 20s). We have used this name since then and people know us as Caracal. So it stuck with us till now. If not for Caracal, we will be then Chuck of Mucus. (Laughs) Ben: Your say on Monofone, Fire Fight? Collaborations? We do not really know Monofone well. They did really good performances during the Baybeats. For Fire Fight, we are pretty close with those boys. They are bunch of people we would like to kickas* and paintball with, one day! There are very, very talented. One day, we should ght with them and play paintball! (Laughs) Gabriel: We actually already collaborated with West Grand Boulevard. KC: They are talking about with Monofone and Fire Fight! (Laughs) Gabriel: Oh my bad! (Laughs) At the moment, we are focusing on getting ourselves together. Once we are able to establish ourselves then we might. Ben: Any gossips you guys like or want to retaliate to? Actually, we dont care! (Laughs) To be perfectly honest, there are couple of people who have passed comments that we are a pampered bunch of boys. They tend to think that we are ungrateful and spoonfed, and we dont do anything. It is something that kind of pis*es us o a bit. As a band, we really do work hard for all the things that weve done. But we do not deny that we are actually a very, very lucky band! We are quite pampered, we are quite spoon-fed- BUT it is not like we do not appreciate it. We really appreciate it a lot. We do work hard. We work for what we want. We really did put our blood and soul into it and still doing so. We are already very blessed. Hopefully, something better will come out. It does not matter whether we become famous or not. As long as we are doing what we like to do. Each of us really loves playing music a lot. Sharon: Any advices for RPians? Chris: With a band, if you put blood, sweat and hard-work into it; Im sure something will work out. Keep working at it! Gabriel: Dont drop out of school! (Laughs) Study hard. Do your Re ections Journals! Im expecting that. KC: Foundation Year aint that bad! Gabriel: There might be a couple of redundant stu ! (Laughs) Chris: I want to say something! Most important thing if you guys are in a band is to establish a focus. Then everything will naturally fall into places. Because you guys know exactly what you are doing. Just work hard at it and itll de nitely take you somewhere. Gabriel: I want your Re ections Journals! GO DO IT! (Laughs) Stop reading this magazine, unless your RJ is about this magazine. (Laughs) For those who have seen (Caracals Sticker) as you dine in our canteens at W4, they are more than just 5 photogenic guys! Do not be so quick to sum them up; http://www.myspace.com/caracalcaracal. Two of Caracals autographed albums are up for grabs- simply e-mail us @ 73415/ 72408 by May stating why Caracal rocks. HURRY! (Prabhu & Nadia: NOT SURE!) Should we say more, Sharon and Benazir signing out! @

Theres a ne little space in a ne little place down Ann Siang Hill that goes by the name of Asylum. Given the usual eccentric and mentally insane nature that the term Asylum is normally associated with, @loud nds out what makes it one of the most hip and happening places to date. For over 3 years now, the Asylum retail store has been dishing out its own following of charming and fashionable lads and ladettes with its own brand of timeless chic and cool. Not one to fall for the common trend, Asylum has upheld a rm slant towards unfussy simplicity and sophistication. Housed in the very space underground is the Asylum Company, a highly regarded creative centre that comprises of a design studio, workshop and a record label. Since its inception in 1999, Asylum has worked on cross disciplinary projects which include interactive design, product development, environmental and interior design, packaging, apparel design, branding and graphic design. The rustic exterior coupled with a design based outlook exuding through its clear glass doors certainly sets Asylum apart from its counterparts. Other than providing local musicians and artistes with a platform for expression, Asylum also provides consignment for them. One such artiste whose works were on display was homegrown design guru, Ai Wei. Kudos to the cool people at Asylum for providing a medium for local talents to shine. Apart from attracting faithful followings of teens, the Asylum doors are also frequented by expats, tourists and creative directors who love the feeling of being unique. The simplicity, wit and design that go into all its products continue to attract

loyal customers who are in it for the individualistic di erence it provides. Asylum houses a unique variation of music, collector DVDs, fashion and cameras. We happened to bump into a local act, Analog Girl amongst its huge array of music CDs that ranges from indie to jazz and experimental. As if that wasnt cool enough, Asylum has also branched out into rare DVD collections like Helvetica and AudioVisualize. Do check out a rather interesting collection titled Random CD which requires you to randomize the CD on the player to hear the songs. If you dont then it just comes out as a load of utter noise and mayhem. Whoa. Limited ranges from designers like Surface to Air, Jan Ma, Peter Jensens and the all time favorite Siv Stodal adorn the fashion racks at Asylum. Clean cuts, solid colors and fun prints congregate in a chic range of wear thats good for the streets as well as campus. Whether youre looking for a fresh pick of shoes, bags and apparel or simply wish to be di erent, Asylums got everything in store for you. Representing a ne blend of polariods, fashion, music and lm, this is one thing the style addict in you would surely approve of. Opening Hours : Mondays to Fridays 12 noon to 9pm Saturdays 12 noon to 7pm Closed on Sundays How to get there: Nearest Mrt: Chinatown Station

Sharon: Lyrics- who writes them? Of the Upper Class wipe your Monalisa smile, so pretentious What does Monalisa mean to you? And also tell us more about Prayer for Families. One part of the song will be placed in by Martin; another might be by me (Chris). Anybody who has a contribution, we will just slot it in. Also depends on what type and the structure of the song. We make sure that we know the purpose of the song and our contribution ows through it. Some songs are meant to look dark but to give the positive message. Our dark approach reaches to a lot of teens. As for Monalisa, shes constantly smiling in the painting. She has a very distinct smile. I (Chris) had the line so pretentious because nowadays a lot of people tend to put up fronts for whatever reason. This message was delivered through Monalisas smile. The thing about Prayer for Families was that the lyrics were taken from our family members and friends. Martin actually asked them what does family means to them. The lyrics were by them and pretty much related to them a lot. Ben: Apart from music, your routine lifestyle would include We all have our own separate/ disjointed lives and interests outside of the Band. We just hang out and have lunch, have co ee etc. Some people just sit at home. Field is in NS. Gabriel and I (KC) are very busy trying to gure out our lives. (Laughs) Sleeping and eating (Gabriel). I (Chris) study and work. It is very rare to see us together and go out. But we try our best. So, you guys are very lucky! Sharon: Any weird/ exotic/ crazy stunts by your fans for you? (Almost immediately) Ive (Chris) got one to say, one to say! There was one girl who bought our t-shirt. (Laughs) And we were playing at the Esplanade. When we got out, the girl and her friends wanted to take a photo with us. So, I (Chris) was looking at her top and it looked the same colour as our tee and it had our print. Then I asked her, Did you like tear that tee to make it into an o -shoulder?! She went YEAA! (Laughs). She tore the collar and made it such. Sharon: Your perception on your bands future? New styles for the next album? Currently, we are working on an album for a very long time. You can expect it by May? Hopefully, by May. The style Experimental! We are more in control of our instruments and we play better. Hopefully, you can tell what we are playing and our music has some level of intelligence! Theres a lot of thought put into it! We are slowly expanding ourselves- incorporating all our styles. We would like to mix-it up with something that some people can head-bang to or mosh to and some can sit there and soak into the music. We do not want to stick to one particular type of songs- not genre.

Are they just another local band that had it easy? No way! Luck is a contributing factor but, We do work hard put our blood and soul into it and still doing so. says Caracal. Even if youths make up the greater part of the audience, you will be in for a surprise. If the beat does not get your stubborn feet tapping; the lyrics will de nitely get you bobbing agreeing. For those who prefer physical emancipation, you can Go Crazy with their West Grand Boulevards collaboration and their Screamo approach. Rocking out with the band, heres Caracal! SCOOPS!

By: Benazir & Sharon

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June/July Issue 18

@LOUD

@LOUD

Issue 18 June/July

13

WHOS WHO

AVENGED SEVENFOLD:
Avenged Sevenfold brought their fans for a wild rock n rolling ride for the second time at The Max Pavilion on October 24th. This time though, there werent any unexpected chaos, unlike SINGfest 2007s infamous barrier breaking stint caused by the overenthusiastic fans. The Huntington Beach metalcore quintet is famous for their high octane live performance, complete with stage pyrotechnics and multicolored laser lights. Even though the Singapore stage lacked the pyro, the energy radiating from the 12,500 fans was enough to raise the heat. The chants of Sevenfold! Sevenfold! did not appear to die down even when the band took almost an hour to complete their sound check. When the lights went out, the chilling sounds of the organ echoed in the stadium amidst the loud screaming. The band appeared on stage, with larger than life lead singer M. Shadows clad in a Guns & Roses shirt whispering menacingly, shh, quiet you might piss somebody off , kick-starting what would be an . hour of head banging and crowd-surfing with their anthemic song Critical Acclaim. One wouldnt even guess that Shadows had vocal problems a few weeks ago, forcing the band to halt their tour schedule till October. His voice was nothing but powerful, belting out hits like Bat Country and even screamed in Avenged Sevenfold old classics such as Unholy Confessions. Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance, looked ready to take on the world as they stood side by side and started their signature guitar duels, fingers running up and down their custom Schecter guitars as fans pumped their fists in the air along to their electrifying notes. Despite his small stature, bassist Johnny Christ proved that he could work the big stage, walking from one end to another grinning and occasionally waving to shrieking fans. The Rev was situated farther back onstage with his elaborate drum set, but made sure his presence was known with his out of the world drumbeats and even sang backing vocals in some songs like Afterlife

UNBOUNDS FOR A WILD RIDE

Text Mae Ng

At one point of the show, Shadows casually told the crowd, I heard that we sold more tickets than Kanye West. Does that mean that rock is more popular here than hip hop? The fans replied with fervent screams of agreement. Rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance even showed off a song he composed a few hours before the show which was inspired by girls and vodka.The Singapore fans,mostly clad in Avenged Sevenfold tees and skinny jeans, impressed the band with their enthusiasm, with Vengeance exclaiming you guys are singing so loudly, I dont have to worry even if I make a mistake! The treat of the night was surprisingly the encore when the band played A Little Piece of Heaven, a song off their latest self-titled album that could well suit into the soundtrack of Corpse Bride with its unorthodox dark lyrics and Danny Elfman inspired melody. From the rapture evidently plastered on the fans faces, they were floating on cloud nine in a little piece of Avenged Sevenfolds heaven.

Xrossroad Magazine
Editorial Creative & Art Direction

SMARTS

Intellectual Reflections of current affairs

money. On one side we have the ambitious who go all out to get the riches and on the other, we have the hermits who live by the philosophy, Money isnt everything. So who is right? Neither is wrong. Money does matter and there is nothing wrong in its pursuit. A pursuit is only wrong when it betrays the conscience or rather the inner voice. Money is a component that we need to sustain living. Money is a part of our lives, not life itself. It takes a winner to embrace both principles and strike a balance between them. Hence, it goes without saying that money matters.

help to compromise on the cost for the other items. Carry as little money as possible when shopping. The less we carry, the less we spend. Use cash Debit cards are convenient but we can easily lose track of our expenditure. For credit cards users, bear the interests in mind. Often times, we spend more for an item than we had planned. Cash would be a better alternative unless in cases of emergencies. Sell. Dont throw Lets face it. Everyones into trend. Once, the trend is over, our eyes begin to rove again. If that is the case, then lets not discard the old stuff or let them sit on the shelf and pile dust. While they are still in good condition, we could sell them on eBay and make some money. Money does not choose. Our financial situation is a matter of choice and thought. Financial stability is independence. We can buy what we desire or plan a holiday. It always pays to be self-sufficient. Someday that money could also be used to embark in a journey that could bring us to greater heights. So lets begin accepting that money matters and engage in healthy ways of managing that cash.

By J Thachayini

Changes are inevitable and it is not always that we can foresee a phenomenon but we can definitely prepare ourselves for it. Like the ant, we should begin saving for winter. There are some easy ways we could follow to save and manage our money: Have an account Everyone should have a bank account. If you dont, get it now! We could never really guess how handy our savings could be in the future. Keep track Jot it down. Keeping track could save us from buying the same thing again and at the same time monitor our monthly savings and expenditure. Be a wise spender The latest gadget or designer bag could be in town. It would be hard not to get our hands on them. Chill. No one needs to be a hermit. It is alright to indulge once in a while but it is also helpful to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. Keep those purse strings tight Work out a budget when shopping. Though there may be cheaper alternatives, it is understandable that once in a while, we may want to indulge in something irresistible. While we get the things that we desire, a budget may

nce a grasshopper was lazing about when it saw its friend, the ant carrying a load on its back and heading back home. The curious grasshopper enquired and the ant explained that it was saving for winter. It advised the grasshopper to do likewise but the latter laughed it off. Winter came and the grasshopper was cold and hungry. It regretted not having saved food. A short and familiar story that we have heard time and again, and probably taken for granted as well. However, ironically, it is a story that most of us relive again and again. How often do we find ourselves in the plight of the grasshopper? Until we learn it the hard way, pretty much as many times. In this case, winter refers to a rainy day and food to money. Have we truly realised that importance of saving? Money is the root to all evils a common adage that has evolved for years, referring to the general obsession for money.

It is human nature to think that we do not have enough. Most of us do not consider ourselves rich though we have a roof over our heads and we never go hungry. If we were to compare ourselves with the destitute with no homes or food to eat, we would realise how rich we are. Often riches have been associated with negative connotations, such as the description of an extremely wealthy person as either, filthy or stinking rich. It has been perceived that if someone is extremely wealthy, then the money must have been attained through ill-gotten means. This perception is much attributed to the influence of the media which has attempted to woo its audience (mostly people who think they are not rich enough), by portraying the rich as unscrupulous evil doers who torment the poor. However, in reality, there are scrupulous rich men who part with a fraction of their wealth for those in need. One perfect example would be billionaire and philanthropist, Warren Buffett who pledged to give away 85% of his fortune to the Gates foundation. Ideally, the world has contradicting views when it comes to

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SELF

Enhancing the different aspects of oneself

Live it up! There are many pockets of time which we should use wisely, because our youth is just a quick blink of an eye. A few years down the road, hey it is over! Are there things you are intrigued by but never found the chance to do? Instead of going with the flow and visiting Orchard Road time and again, how about doing something carefree and spontaneous? Backpack, for one. Or how about visiting that farm or the caf youve heard so much about? We struggle with a lot of insecurity and lack self confidence. But honestly, getting out there and experiencing something new be it making a new friend or trying an adventure will really boost your self esteem way high! Try

something new every day for a week and be surprised by the sense of satisfaction and contentment you will feel! Learn (Out of your curriculum) Day in - you go through Math, Physics, English and a whole load of other burdensome subjects. Day out - you do the same yet again. You go for after school activities. Every week you endure the same routine over and over again and just manage to do it by thinking hard about the holidays every. single. day. How about picking up a new sport/hobby/interest? It does not have to take up much of your time, but it can do wonders for your knowledge as well as confidence. If you can afford the fees and time, perhaps you could sign up for a yoga or baking or even water skiing course! The

Youth an epito me of ca adults, refree fr and ang eedom st-ridden to the te to problem ens them -filled d selves. squeez ays How ca e every n we po inch of for the ssibly our yout youths h dry? T out ther his is e, by a youth.

by Den

community clubs are a good avenue to source for events that may interest you.

ise Leo

If not, the World Wide Web is always your handy best friend! Study Hard This is not something many would expect in an article about youths living it up. However, one of the most important things we are engaging as youths now is the act of studying. We are concerned about fun and laughter, but studying well will get us out of the here and now into the successful future. If we study hard for just this once, it will be over for the rest of our lives. However if the converse happens, then not only our youth but our adulthood will be marred by this. Studying will enable us to have a lot more options available to us, which is always the preferred case instead of having to choose just only between A and B. Make it count Youth is a passage of time that once gone, cannot be retrieved. We always want to hurry the growing up process, but once this time is over, it is over. There is no turning back. Lets live it up instead, and celebrate our teenhood!

Do you want to look back and be glad about the days gone by or do you want to be miserable that youve not taken that chance back in 09? Take a leap and make someones day while improving your community-centric spirit. The Non-Profit Organizations are always more than willing for volunteers to step forward in availing their time and efforts. Not only that, but you can also see where your interests can be heightened, Bring the cheer to the childrens home or even donate your blood to the Blood Bank! Thats about it folks! There, you have it! The above are some of the best options to maximise your youth and have experiences you will hopefully keep close to your heart and view over every once in a while when youre older and facing the working world. Not only that, but the friends youve made through the school years and various others youve picked up at some junctures in your life will brighten your days and moods. Though the days will pass by in a blur, the memories will last a wee bit longer! Take heart: if youre reading this, you have a few years before that happens just yet!

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SPEAK

A Forum for Readers

Hari Raya means day of celebration. Puasa is fasting. Together, you have the phrase Day of Celebration from Fasting. In Arabic terms, it is known as Edil Fitri. Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated a month after Ramadan, in which all able Muslims are to fast from morning till evening. It is not, as many believed, the Muslims New Year.
Ramadan The main purpose of fasting is to remind the Muslims about having self-control as well as reliance and submission to their God, Allah. Even the young ones are taught to fast. Only the sick and the women with their monthlies are spared the fasting. However, the latter need to repay their days after the month is over. Fasting is from dawn to dusk, in which the Muslims are to refrain from food and to immerse themselves in prayer. They are to read the Quran, and to abstain from worldly and sensual pleasures. Fasting is to be broken at dusk with light dishes. The following morning before dawn, the Muslims are able to have a big meal as they would like before dawn. Children and Muslim converts fast for half a day to prepare for the eventual day house. Not only that, the house is also decorated and in some cases, renovated so that it will look good when the friends and relatives come to visit. New clothes bought would be worn on the day to the mosques and during visitations. The children greet their parents first thing in the morning; to ask for forgiveness as well as blessings. The muslims believe that having the young ones to do that is essential. The askance of forgiveness signifies a renewal of familial ties. The Malays also have a custom of giving money packets to the children, which are green in colour. So its no wonder that it is commonly mistaken for the Muslims New Year when the festival is so similar to the Chineses way of celebrating New Year!

they will fast from dawn to dusk. Breaking fast is followed by prayers. Friends will also take this chance to invite each other to break fast together. There are many Malay culinary places in Singapore, but if one really wants to share in this festival then Geylang Serai is definitely the place to go. During the Puasa, Geylang Serai will be brightly lit and filled with people breaking fast. Indulge in this old-world charm, which is rarely seen in urban Singapore. What are to be done during Hari Raya Puasa? The spring cleaning starts even during Ramadan, when the women in the house starts to clean the

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SAVOUR
Dining Pleasures

this issue, we savoured and dribbled on some fusionistic dishes at Indian Wok. We felt our tummies rumbling for some Chinese, yet for some spice as well. So, we visited the outlet at Upper East Coast Road on a hot afternoon. Indian Wok has a nice ambience with crafty walls that exudes a welcoming atmosphere. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by the friendly and fusion looking waiters and manager. We were escorted to a table at the corner where we took our seats facing a large mirror, which complemented a large golden Buddha statue. The manager attended to us and offered some very unforgettable suggestions on the starters. We had crab claws and grilled prawns that were truly lip-smacking. We also drank some Hot and Sour Soup that had a spicy tingling taste. We were totally awed when we served the Manchurian Ghobi- battered fried cauliflower. I immediately thought about my naughty nephews who hated vegetables and how this light spiced side-dish would entice them. Some other dishes we had included: Yang Chow Fried Rice, Fried Spinach, Sweet & sour Fish and some hot brownies for desert We surrendered ourselves to the experienced chefs who flaunted their exquisite creations & their fine selection of wines complimenting the cuisine. We spoke to the management and found out:
Who came up with concept of Indian Wok? Management of Indian Wok and myself (Mr. Prabhakar). Whats different about Indian Wok and how does it stand out compared to other Indian Restaurants? Indian Wok is essentially a fusion cuisine and does not have the traditional Indian chapatis, curries and dal. It is a pure variation to the Chinese food. Please shed some light on your chefs and staff. Our Head Chef Mr. Shaban used to helm one of the oldest and best Chinese restaurant KIM LING which is in Tangra, Kolkatta, India. Tangra is the place where all the immigrant Chinese set up base. Your outlet at Upper East Coast Road is buddha inspired- who came up with the design and do your other outlets follow a similar theme? Our designer Jon. Yes, all our Indian Wok outlets follow the same design and theme. What images does Indian Wok strive to exude? Great food and service in equally great ambience. How does Indian Wok keep healthy, yet tasty on par? All our food is made using highest quality ingredients. Our restaurant emphasises a lot on vegetarian food which has an excellent selection. Food is also prepared to customers needs, such as low salt, low oil, no msg etc. What kinds of privileges does Indian Wok offer to frequent diners? We have many on going promotions for our regulars and specific partners. The best we have currently is 50% off on Food every Monday. This offer is available only till 30 Sep 2009. Does Indian Wok hope to expand to another outlet? We have 2 Indian Wok and 1 Indian Wok N Grill. If there is a demand we will certainly open more.

In

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PRINTS

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