Guinness Amplify: Curates - Supporting More Malaysian Musicians!!! Froya "pay it forward’ by sharing her stage with some of her favourite Malaysian acts.

On 11th April 2015,  GUINNESS® Amplify, the music platform celebrating bold Malaysian musicians, made its triumphant return tonight at The Bee, Publika. Following on from last year’s successful campaign, a new sidestream of Amplify – dubbed Amplify: Curates – sees some of our already-established musicians invite lesser-known acts to take the stage with them and share the limelight.

Taking up the mantle as Curator was Sabahan songstress Froya, who also launched her eagerly-anticipated new album ‘Panic Bird’ at the show. 

Each of the three supporting acts on the night was hand-picked by Froya herself, allowing her to ‘pay forward’ the opportunity to get on stage and into the public eye.

Opening the evening was Froya’s fellow East-Malaysian singer/songwriter, Rozella. No stranger to the scene in her hometown of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Rozella’s dreamlike vocals and haunting melodies proved equally popular with the Kuala Lumpur crowd. 

Introducing her to the audience, Froya stated that she had invited the award-winning songwriter to join her at Amplify: Curates to help showcase the incredible musical talent East Malaysia has to offer.

Next to take the stage was hippie-beach-pop trio Jumero, veterans of the last year’s Amplify campaign. 

Playing a number of fan-favourites alongside a wealth of new material from their own upcoming album and some refreshing takes on classic songs, Jumero’s infectious energy soon had the crowd on their feet with their drinks held high.

Rounding off the evening’s support was electronica duo +2dB. The pair’s dark, ethereal soundscapes have long been a hit with those in the know in KL’s music scene, and fans old and new were treated to a set brimming with atmospheric, otherworldly harmonies and evocative vocals. In her introduction to the set, Froya noted her respect for +2dB’s Jo Ann and Jeannie, paying tribute to the duo’s creative bravery and unique sound.

As the night built to a crescendo, Froya herself took the stage to officially launch her debut album, ‘Panic Bird’. 

Taking the crowd on a journey through the inspirations and meanings behind the new record, Froya’s passion for her craft shone through as she gave one of the most stunning performances of her career. Featuring tracks written and perfected over the past 6 years, fans enjoyed specially-arranged versions of their favourites including new single ‘Dawn’, alongside brand new material performed live for the very first time at Amplify: Curates. 

Thanking her fans for their continued support, Froya urged the crowd to raise their glasses of GUINNESS® in a toast to the phenomenal talent of Malaysian musicians whose creative bravery inspires others to make their own bold choices in life, capping off another evening of incredible live music courtesy of GUINNESS® Amplify.

GUINNESS® Amplify is the new music platform from GUINNESS®, Malaysia’s favourite black brew. With a special focus on championing Malaysian musicians, GUINNESS® Amplify celebrates those bold enough to forge their own path. Amplify: Curates sees more established local acts selecting deserving lesser-known artists to share their stage and ‘pay forward’ the chance to get their music heard. For more information, log on to www.amplify.com.my.

For Froya’s debut album ‘Panic Bird’ is available now on CD and digital download, priced at RM25. For more information on how and where to purchase a copy, log on to www.froyamusic.com. more information on how and where to purchase a copy, log on to www.froyamusic.com.

Sol Republic and V-Mode Headphone have arrived in Malaysian shore !

Headphone is an essential for me especially when I'm working on my laptop or travelling. I enjoy my music and movie watching privately because I do not want to affect people around me.

I was pretty excited to check out when Sol Republic has announced that its entire line of groundbreaking new headphones earlier in October as they are known for :-

Great sound meets affordability 

World’s first fully interchangeable/modular headphones to feature incredible sound, style and durability

Designed for personal style, Tracks & Tracks HD offer swappable “Sound Track” headband

Sound Track headbands are virtually indestructible, developed from SOL REPUBLIC’s proprietary new polymer FlexTech™

Extra-wide and lightweight ear cushions for comfort 

The Tracks use advanced SOL REPUBLIC V8 Sound Engine that produces great bass and eliminates noise distortion and is available in Black, White and Red 

Tracks HD uses advanced V10 HD Sound Engine that offers even deeper lows, crisp vocals, clearer highs, and is available in Black, Red and White, purple and blue. 

Featuring a groundbreaking modular design, SOL REPUBLIC headphones deliver a uniquely superior sound signature, with a fashion-forward look and the convenience of a remote and mic for today’s music lover.

deadmau5 Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones

• Converging technology, music and art collaboration
• Designed by Joshua Davis, renowned digital artist and Joel Zimmerman aka deadmau5, renowned DJ
• Delivers dramatically enhanced audio with V10 Sound Engines
• Virtually indestructible headband made of FlexTech™
• Signature SOL REPUBLIC sound and interchange-ability style
• SOL REPUBLIC deadmau5 Tracks HD OnEar Headphones will be retailing at RM780.00, availableat major electronic/headphone retailers.

On the top left Tracks and Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones, top right Anthem Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones and below left Anthem Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones

I love how the headband is the world’s first fully interchangeable/modular headphones just like girl's hair band accessories.. so cool!

The most cool thing is the band is unbreakable no matter how you twist! 

Now available at all major electronic/headphone retailers, SOL REPUBLIC Tracks will be retailing at RM520.00, Tracks HD will be retailing at RM680.00, Tracks deadmau5 will be retailing at RM780.00, and Tracks Ultra will be retailing at RM940.00.

Deck Wireless Speaker is designed and developed by SOL REPUBLIC and Motorola, a Google company

• First and only wireless speaker featuring 360° Full Sound and up to 100 meter wireless range 
• Featuring Heist Mode™, which allows up to five friends to simultaneously pair to DECK and take turns controlling the music 
• R2 Sound Engines, which produce full sounding music 
• Comes with Outdoor Mode and Indoor Mode for optimum experience. 
• Deck comes in five colors : Lemon Lime (yellow), Gunmetal (black), Electro Blue, Vivid Red and White

This is pretty cool because it is wireless and the sounds system is really good. How I wish I have one of this, would be perfect for movie watching on bed.

Jax In-Ear Headphones

• Uncompromising quality at an accessible price
• All-new i2 Sound Engines offering great bass and clear highs
• A tangle-free cable: durable design to withstand everyday use 
• 3-button “Made for iPhone” controller optimised for Apple products 
• Available in Black-on-White and Stellar-on-Blue colours
• SOL REPUBLIC JAX In-Ear Headphones will be retailing at RM240.00, available at major electronic/headphone retailers.

Another brand which was showcase at the event is V-MODA, the multi-platinum selling designer of headphones trusted by the pros and elite, announces the highly-anticipated M-100 headphones designed by and for mobile music enthusiasts. V-MODA uniquely crowd-sourced the input of hundreds of audiophiles, journalists, producers and renowned DJs around the globe after news of M-100 first leaked online. Rather than abolishing the information, V-MODA embraced it and openly interacted on forums and social networks which ultimately transformed into a platform of crowdsourced product development.

M-100 Features

• 50mm Dual-Diaphragm Drivers (patent-pending) 
• No batteries or artificial sound processing
• CLIQFOLD folding hinge (patent-pending) 
• Dual Inputs with V-CORK seals (patent-pending) 
• Exoskeleton case 
• Two Kevlar-reinforced cables 
• Universal SpeakEasy microphone cable for Apple iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows 
devices 
• SharePlay extended audio cable 
• Retailing at RM 1240,  M-100 can be found in major Electronic& Headphones store nationwide. 

Faders VIP

• Catering to those searching for good hearing protection
• VIP edition protects your hearing by reducing harmful noise levels by 12dB across the frequency spectrum 
• Still allowing for music and speech to pass with crystal clarity
• Designed with top grade metal construction and four sizes of medical grade fittings
• Faders VIP also boasts a new detachable lanyard and a high quality pendant carrying case giving club, concert and event-goers enhanced options for their Faders ensemble
• stylish, comfortable, sleek and fits everybody

The V-MODA’s Faders VIP will retail at RM90.00 and is available at all major electronics/headphone retailers.

I also took the opportunity to test the experience centre and there is where I see the difference in quality. 

Pictures of celebrities with at the launch 

Debbie Goh

Jeff from MYFM

The little powerful songbird Crystal Lee , she is only 9 years old!

I absolutely adore this deadmau5 Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones design and definitely love to have this!

And if you would like to check out Sol Republic or V-Mode headphone, head to the nearest electronics and audio stores near you today to try out!

Don't throw your old DVDs and CDs away, sell them at musicMagpie !

With the house renovation works almost finish, I discovered that we have a huge collection of CDs & DVDs at home. Not only it is collecting dust but it is taking a lot of spaces in our cupboard. I can tell you that we no longer use those DVDs or CDs because everything is on digital in our laptop, it's much more convenient and easy accessible. 

As I was tidying up the place, I was tempted to throw them away but it is such a pity because they are still in good conditions and I do not know how to give out too until I came across this website musicMagpie.com

Honestly I have stopped buying DVDs or CDs for a while ever since I started watchin movie online & download songs over the web..so much more cost efficient :DOh Now that I realized that I can sell online my unwanted DVD, CDs, Games & Blu-Rays with musicMagpie.... I am happy that there are still some people would find them as treasure & I could earn some money from there :)

In case you wonder who are the buyers, they are usually the collectors ...Yes..speaking of.one man's trash is another man's treasure !

It's pretty simple to use, because you just need to enter the barcodes of your unwanted items into the valuation engine above and get an instant price! Alternatively, you can scan the barcode of your DVDs using your webcam, or download our FREE musicMagpie app and turn your iPhone or iPad into a quick and easy barcode scanner. 

musicMagpie used Check payment therefore there's no need to enter any bank details on their website (very secure), all we have to do is enter our name and address, then just send them our items for FREE. Once they have received our items they will send us a check :) Very simple right ?

Well I'm more happy than not to sell away all these unwanted DVDs or CDs because not only I could make a little extra money but I really want to clear out my cupboard & make way for other stuffs. So if you have a lot of unwanted CDs & DVDs ... don't throw but sell them away ya :) 

 Well click here to find how to sell your old CDs & DVDs with musicMagpie! 

[Sponsored Video] Intelligent Sounds: Intel's tablet powered band

Intel a well-known brand for computer processor chips has recently collaborated with Australian musician and producer Flume aka Harley Streten (an award-winning beatmaker) created a campaign project named "Intelligent Sounds" where it's a short film that visually showcases the magic of Intel-based tablets by taking the viewer on a journey through a creative, energetic, unexpectedly magical world.

Intel go all the way out to show us the potential of Intel is inside tablets.

“Intelligent Sounds” is a brave technological experiment where we can see that "Felix the Robot Conductor’, his tablet-powered band members and their instruments come to life to perform Flume's music track which is created specifically for this campaign.

After 12 weeks of production, 2000 developer hours and more than 60 active Intel-powered tablets were used - finally the "Intelligent Sound" has been created!

Jayant Murty, Intel’s director of brand strategy and integrated marketing for the Asia Pacific region, said the short film is designed to be an entertaining light and sound experience and also to encourage viewers to consider the technology which is at the heart of their tablets. He said

“It is common place to have tablets play your music but it’s rare to have tablets create it. Intel technology transforms these devices from tools for consuming content into innovative instruments that allow for incredible self-expression,” 

Seriously it's so interesting to watch that each ‘member’ of Intelligent Sound" tablet band was programmed with synthesised notes and triggered to play through on cue, while robot arms were pre-programmed to hit the required notes in time with the final song. And this reminds me of Wall-E and the music by Flume is really awesome! This is really a really marketing 

For more info on Intel's tablets, visit here

Note : This post has been sponsored by Intel

Showcase your talent and stand a chance to be discovered via 2Crack

Recently I discovered 2Crank.com.my which is a music portal company that seeks for new talents like bands and independent musicians.

If today you are a local musicans or in a band that looking to be discovered, you should join 2Crack as they focus exclusively on music and the talents themselves by aggregating a full package of music video and album for the new talents.And just recently 2Crack organised Malaysia Day Band Fest 2013 which showcased local Malaysian bands in conjunction with 1Malaysia!

Oh did I mentioned that new talents have an opportunity to earn through their aggregations and ranking system through social media platforms. So do check out 2Crack as it updates you on new local talents but also on new gigs that features our local talent!