Monday, June 30, 2008
19th Jon's Newsletter : June 2008Dear everyone,
Here's June 2008 Letter for all of you From Jon.
Enjoy reading and dont forget, you can also reply your comments @ the forum.
Cheers,
Eveline
-----
Dear everyone, it's been a rather trying month this june but I have to extend my deepest thanks to you for giving me the additional strength to keep at it, despite the many difficulties I face. I feel really lucky and proud, that I have the best supporters I can hope for.
Thanks so very much for the undying support through this time while I learn the foundations to becoming a mainstay in the region's music industry. i understand that it can be rather frustrating that it seems to take forever to come up with my debut album, it is trying for me as well. I try to comfort myself that I went back to school and only started picking up the guitar to learn to write my songs slightly lessthan a year ago.
I had a really good time at the singapore flyer with those of you who took the time and energy to put my birthday celebration together. My favourite part of the party was actually playing one of my compositions for you. I know a lot of you are just as quiet as I am and I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did. I would never have gone on the flyer if not for the celebration., so once again, thank you.
The next challenge (apart from helping out with music arrangement) I have is to pen mandarin lyrics for my tracks, I have some external help but I think to speed things up I need to try my hand at lyrics as well. It's a really long road... haha... its a big jump from just being a singer in a band to a cover singer to a song writer to being essentially a one man band. Sometimes i do wish I had studied music in my younger years so things would be that much easier for me right now.No point crying over spilt milk, yea?
Recently I watched a dvd that had all of Pixar's short films, it was avery inspiring for me. There is a documentary in the dvd about the history of pixar and seeing how they rose to be the animation giantsof the day. This kind of thing really helps me as long as I try to make my way as a relative unknown in the music scene.
I had finished with my short stint as an album reviewer for teens magazine. It was a good experience for me and helped me learn that little bit more about the industry. I recently did an interview for"Teenage" Aug National Day issue too.
I am going to get back to work today as I try to live my weekends away from my macbook and music software. I try to catch up with my friends and family, do some reading and watch inspiring work on saturdays andsundays. I heard that there is a comic convention happening thissaturday and sunday, maybe I'll go check it out. I've always liked comics and cool figurines.
Till next month,
Jon.
@ 5:09 PM
Sunday, June 29, 2008
A write up for Jonathan Leong Birthday Bash - Singapore Flyer 22 June 2008Confessions of a Wallflower
You must be wondering, has it really been one full year since we had a balloon guard-of-honour and decimated the Bart cake at The Pines last year? And this year, it could not have been more befitting that Jon's birthday rendezvous with his supporters was conducted in the spanking new Singapore Flyer - an iconic edifice set against the glittering lights of the Singapore skyline.
As a licensed wallflower, I had the opportunity to observe the whole plethora of activities going on as the party got underway. Of course, before the man of the moment materialized, the party planners had to advise the motley crew of the house rules. No grabbing, no kissing, no jumping out of the Flyer. Ok, we got it. Everyone waited, ensconced in the comfort of the VIP lounge and engaged in an expectant buzz of conversation. It was of note that there were at least six service staff in the VIP lounge, standing around. Did we really need so many people or were they there to ogle too?
And then we heard it. He's here!!!! As things always go, everyone had their eyes trained on the lift, only to have him emerging from a side door, and having all the hapless photographers scrambling to the other corner of the room to capture his entrance.
After a few perfunctionary greetings and shy smiles, everyone was bundled to take the ubiquitous simulation photo and then we were herded to our party capsule. Finding a nice glassy corner to plaster myself, I set about to enjoy an hour in the sky.
It was full house in the Flyer, and dare I say a little too crowded. But places were limited for this chance to get up close and personal, and it really could not get more personal to be in the same space no bigger than half a bus. This, no doubt, was to the delight of many. :p
After a quick tour-guide introduction of the Flyer by the trusty MC, the individual photo-taking session took off with footdrill precision. Everyone knew when it was their turn and there was really no grabbing or kissing, which I think our birthday boy had appreciated. Of course, his manager stood eagle-eyed throughout it all, ready to haul out any offenders. But everyone stayed civil and managed to get their one-to-one photo with Jon.
After the glut of photo-taking and ogling (yes, this wallflower here saw all the ogling going on, furtive or otherwise), it was time for some Q&A. Jon managed to handle the questions he picked out of a sweet blue box, with equal doses of honesty and sincerity.
Then, the birthday cake was trundled out and the birthday song was warbled. No candle blowing though, they didnt want the Flyer plunging into Marina Bay in flames. Jon was presented with a sponsorship certificate of Tigger, a mongrel that had been left to die but was rescued by the Action for Singapore Dogs. The birthday boy, who always told his supporters not to waste money, was pleasantly surprised to have received such a gift instead.
This was what he had to say after the party: "This gift is one of those gifts that keeps on giving (not to sound cliche or anything). I like to help out animals very much as I feel that they have no means to speak up for their own rights and defend themselves. It is very heartwarming to know that Tigger will be looked after because of the people who support my music. I don't claim myself to be a role model but I am glad that indirectly, I am able to make this doggie's life easier for the time being. Its a really sweet gift, money meaningfully spent."
After more flashing of cameras, the supporters were in for a treat as Jon regaled us with two songs on his guitar. Within the small space of the Flyer, it almost felt that he was singing to each of us. Both songs were emoted with utmost tenderness and was mana to parched ears.
As our capsule started on its final descent in its second loop, Jon went around catching with everyone. Quieter supporters were glad of the chance to speak to him and distances dissolved in those moments. It was heartening to see how he now more comfortable with everyone. And parting was difficult as we disgorged ourselves from the capsule. A few last precious moments were spent in goodbyes at the VIP lounge and the birthday boy was whisked away amidst forlorn waves.
But all of us are fretting not because we know that our support is giving him the encouragement in his album preparation, something that everyone is waiting for with bated breath! Meanwhile, the memories and photos of this intimate encounter will remain.
You must be wondering, has it really been one full year since we had a balloon guard-of-honour and decimated the Bart cake at The Pines last year? And this year, it could not have been more befitting that Jon's birthday rendezvous with his supporters was conducted in the spanking new Singapore Flyer - an iconic edifice set against the glittering lights of the Singapore skyline.
As a licensed wallflower, I had the opportunity to observe the whole plethora of activities going on as the party got underway. Of course, before the man of the moment materialized, the party planners had to advise the motley crew of the house rules. No grabbing, no kissing, no jumping out of the Flyer. Ok, we got it. Everyone waited, ensconced in the comfort of the VIP lounge and engaged in an expectant buzz of conversation. It was of note that there were at least six service staff in the VIP lounge, standing around. Did we really need so many people or were they there to ogle too?
And then we heard it. He's here!!!! As things always go, everyone had their eyes trained on the lift, only to have him emerging from a side door, and having all the hapless photographers scrambling to the other corner of the room to capture his entrance.
After a few perfunctionary greetings and shy smiles, everyone was bundled to take the ubiquitous simulation photo and then we were herded to our party capsule. Finding a nice glassy corner to plaster myself, I set about to enjoy an hour in the sky.
It was full house in the Flyer, and dare I say a little too crowded. But places were limited for this chance to get up close and personal, and it really could not get more personal to be in the same space no bigger than half a bus. This, no doubt, was to the delight of many. :p
After a quick tour-guide introduction of the Flyer by the trusty MC, the individual photo-taking session took off with footdrill precision. Everyone knew when it was their turn and there was really no grabbing or kissing, which I think our birthday boy had appreciated. Of course, his manager stood eagle-eyed throughout it all, ready to haul out any offenders. But everyone stayed civil and managed to get their one-to-one photo with Jon.
After the glut of photo-taking and ogling (yes, this wallflower here saw all the ogling going on, furtive or otherwise), it was time for some Q&A. Jon managed to handle the questions he picked out of a sweet blue box, with equal doses of honesty and sincerity.
Then, the birthday cake was trundled out and the birthday song was warbled. No candle blowing though, they didnt want the Flyer plunging into Marina Bay in flames. Jon was presented with a sponsorship certificate of Tigger, a mongrel that had been left to die but was rescued by the Action for Singapore Dogs. The birthday boy, who always told his supporters not to waste money, was pleasantly surprised to have received such a gift instead.
This was what he had to say after the party: "This gift is one of those gifts that keeps on giving (not to sound cliche or anything). I like to help out animals very much as I feel that they have no means to speak up for their own rights and defend themselves. It is very heartwarming to know that Tigger will be looked after because of the people who support my music. I don't claim myself to be a role model but I am glad that indirectly, I am able to make this doggie's life easier for the time being. Its a really sweet gift, money meaningfully spent."
After more flashing of cameras, the supporters were in for a treat as Jon regaled us with two songs on his guitar. Within the small space of the Flyer, it almost felt that he was singing to each of us. Both songs were emoted with utmost tenderness and was mana to parched ears.
As our capsule started on its final descent in its second loop, Jon went around catching with everyone. Quieter supporters were glad of the chance to speak to him and distances dissolved in those moments. It was heartening to see how he now more comfortable with everyone. And parting was difficult as we disgorged ourselves from the capsule. A few last precious moments were spent in goodbyes at the VIP lounge and the birthday boy was whisked away amidst forlorn waves.
But all of us are fretting not because we know that our support is giving him the encouragement in his album preparation, something that everyone is waiting for with bated breath! Meanwhile, the memories and photos of this intimate encounter will remain.
@ 11:30 PM
Post Party - Fly with Jonathan Leong
Dear all,
Thank you for those of you who attended Jon's Birthday Bash @ Singapore Flyer last sunday.
We believe that you had a memorable moment you wont forget a life time.
Coming up very soon...a write up for the event and also all the photos.
Cheers,
The JL Fanclub
@ 3:38 AM
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Jonathan Leong Birthday Bash 2008Dear all,
This must be something you have been waiting for! this is the time, this is the moment when you can get up close and personal with JON!
Last year,The JL fanclub had a birthday bash for Jon at Pinetree Club. This year, we're doing something even more special - a birthday party for Jon aboard the Singapore Flyer!
do check this out! and do not miss this event! It's limited..
This event is opened to everyone who support Jonathan Leong!
Cheers,
The JL Fanclub
@ 10:54 PM
Monday, June 02, 2008
Dear Everyone,
Let's wish Jon a Very Happy Bday...:)
visit the fansite forum to leave him a bday message..:)
Cheers...
Eveline.
---
@ 1:38 PM
18th Newsletter : May 2008 Letter From Jon
Dear all,
here's May 2008 Letter from Jon..
Enjoy reading...
cheers
Eveline
---
Hey all, this month for me has been more about learning how to operate the studio program and how to come up with arrangements and basicallyworking out how the finish product will sound like, track by track. Myraw demos are only me on guitar or piano without music arrangements.
I have written a cd reviews for teens now and the final installmentfor me is coming up so I just finished that up. It takes a full day todo that cos I don't want to pass judgment on other people's work withjust one listen, I don't think that's being fair to the amount of workthey put in. I do enjoy writing though it takes up so much time, Ithink I enjoy writing as much as I enjoy reading.
Over the weekend, I caught a few episodes of "the office" (UK version)at a gathering I was invited to and it was just hilarious. I like it alot...that Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are brilliant writers.Its so creative. Hope to watch more of it and probably the US versionof it as well. I know the US version has Steve Carrell in it and Ithink he's really funny.
Haven't had the chance to start on anything new of late, except reading a couple of Music magazines whenever I can spare the time. Myfriends keep asking me to watch entourage but I haven't got the chanceto yet, there's always so much to do but so little time. I've gottonnes to read, watch and listen to. It's scary, amidst all thathaving to make time for family, friends and exercise is just a dailyheadache.
Recently I gave Olinda's album, "Rewind", another spin in my cd playerand I really liked the feel, I mean, apart from her singing, everyoneknows she's a good singer. That retro lounge spin on the retro balladswere very well put together production wise. I listened to it againbecause I overheard someone saying that she didn't like the album cosshe didn't like the sound. But in my opinion the sound was welldone,so I think she must be referring to something else. I think that's theissue most people have with cover versions when they arereinterpreted. People who are used to how something sounds find ithard to stomache anything unfamiliar. I think it goes the same withany other product or trend. When it's unfamiliar, people fear it anddislike it, but when it catches on, everyone jumps on the wagon, humannature yea? I hope that changes, this is quite a hurdle for theSingaporean creative scene. The public does not quite give a newcreation approval unless someone else supports it first. That's kindasad isn't it? especially for the risktakers...
I know city dwellers often don't have time for being green. But I dowish more people will be just a bit more environmentally consious, Imean, I've seen so much dumping of late. Rather unbecoming of a modernsociety, yea? I mean, its good if you can recycle, but even if youdon't, it's so mean to throw heaps of trash where you shouldn't be...ok, i don't want to be preachy. haha.
Anyway, keep smiling. Hoping all is well for you.
Catch up next month.
Jon.
@ 9:38 AM
Thursday, May 08, 2008
17th newsletter : April 2008 Letter from JonDear all...
here's another letter for you all from Jon...^_*
you can reply/leave comments on the forum...
Cheers,
Eveline.
----
Hey all. This month zoomed by really quickly, in a blink of an eye I
was reminded that labour day was coming.
The other day I happened to watch a debate program for kids while I
was having dinner and it was a little uneasy to see boys arguing as
they did, I don't know why it made me feel like that but it was very
strange to see the young men bickering among each other... it was
rather unmanly in my opinion. Something about it was disturbing.
Shouldn't they spend their time playing sports or doing more
productive stuff? Modern society... sigh. One of the judges also
really made me feel uncomfortable, I don't know what his name is but I
could swear he was either wearing mascara or false eyelashes... on a
kids debate show. That weirded me out big time. I thought I was
watching ANTM or something.
The end of the month also brings a hallmark event that my friends and
I have been anticipating. The release of GTA4 on the Xbox 360 and the
PS3. I have been an avid fan of the GTA series and have completed
every installment of the game on the PS2. By far this newest
installment is making waves just by its marketing and promotions
alone. It's a good thing I don't have an Xbox360 or a PS3. It would be
such a struggle to get any work done with that game available for me
to play. There's been much debate about the violence and bad
influences that the game has on young gamers and all that. News
articles have been reporting on Rockstar Game's case even on previous
releases. The violent games have ESRB ratings, so I feel it really is
the job and responsibility of the parents to do their job and monitor
what their children play. M rated games are definitely not for primary
school children. Stop blaming the game companies!
Truth is, this month I don't really know what to write about. I am
kinda dry mentally to think about new topics to talk about, I was
arranging one of my songs the whole of yesterday and only went to bed
just before the sun came up. Now that I am awake I am more anxious to
continue work on the how I want my songs to sound like than to be
typing, actually. I am completely new to using music editing software
and arrangements so it's a really steep learning curve. It feels like
I are a one man band and doing this really needs a lot more patience
than I already have.
Anyway, here are this months recommendations, (again, preview them
first before buying them. I don't get any money by recommending this
stuff but I just think they are really good)
* Watch or Read The Hannibal Trilogy (you get different p.o.v.s and
storytelling methods)
* Listen to Audioslave's self titled album.
* Listen to Duffy's "Rockferry"
catch you soon,
Jon
@ 12:13 AM
Monday, March 31, 2008
16th Newsletter : March 2008 Letter from JonDear all....here you go! A letter from Jon for all of us...enjoy reading....
Cheers,
Eveline.
---
Hi everyone, I hope all has been good since february. This month'sletter is coming at the end of the month again because this month Ihave been even more busy as compared to the last. It's all good though, on the creative music front this month has been one of the better ones but I don't want to say too much right now in case I jinx it.
For my weekends away from work this month all I have been doing onweekends is playing "guitar hero 3" and "Rock band", my friend hasthese 2 wonderful music games ( I don't dare to invest in aplaystation 3 or an xbox 360 cos 1)its quite expensive and 2)I fear Idon't do any work as I am sure to get hooked on the set!) Almost every weekend with my friends, I have been glued to the tv screen,it's becoming an addiction,man. Though sometimes I feel that it'sfunny that my work is music and my play is also music. The games canbe misleading though, it's much easier to play the songs on the gamethan in real life!
This month, a nice surprise I received was that I got a chance to review for teens magazine again and it was very enjoyable as the albums I received this month were in my opinion much better than thelast month. I am walking on thin ice when I do reviews and talk about other people's work because I know how much effort goes into making the albums and I am not a reviewer by occupation, so I have to be abit more careful. It's a karma thing, I guess.
Haven't been doing as much exercise as i would like to this month andhaven't been reading as much as I would like as well, but I guess it'snever ending (the list of things I want to do). Time really fliesthough, time to used to pass a lot more slower, at least it felt like it when I was a child. In a blink of an eye, months go past and things happen so quickly nowadays.
I've been thinking about what the meaning of "good" work is, (apart from the creator being immensely proud of it). I think my definition of good work is that, it lasts the tests of time, has replay value and reinvention potential. I tend to be a stickler for things I like, somefeel it's a waste of my time but I really can re watch, re read, relisten the things that I find to be good pieces of work. I used tohave the habit of only listening and repeating what I like to watchread and listen to and I don't like at first (mostly because of lackof exposure to it) but I have developed the habit of giving it morethan one try (I think its more fair to the creators) to see where he's coming from and what he's trying to do, on some occasions it becomespart of my frequently revisited list. As you all know I recommend stuff quite a bit cause it's the stuff I am interested in, but I urge you all not to waste money on buying them unless you like them, test them out first at the stores or whatever. I am not advertising for the products!
I re read Chuck Palahniuk's- "Lullaby", it's nothing like my otherbook recommendation a while ago but I have a really wide range oftastes. I think it's a very cool book, maybe you can go online andread the synopsis first before heading out to rent or borrow it fromthe library. It may be a bit too controversial for some but what's the point in being so closed minded and conventional all the time. "Do what you want! As long as you take responsibility and don't harm other people in the process" is one of my mottos!Anyway, about the book, I haven't really been following up on hiswork, I only read "Fight Club" and "Lullaby" and they were both veryenjoyable so give it a try if you want. I will probably start on his other works when I have the chance but i have a quite a few books thatI haven't even started on and not to mention, musically, I have so much to learn, so reading becomes less of a priority. Wish I had 48hours a day.
I re listened to some albums I have but I would recommend "TheSickness" by Disturbed and "Intensive Care" by Robbie Williams.I re watched American History X, a powerful movie that touched me verypersonally, its rated R though. I can't remember how many times I have seen this flick.
Till next month,
Jon.
@ 9:24 PM
Friday, February 29, 2008
15th Newsletter : February 2008 Letter from JonDear all,
Here's our February letter from Jon!
Happy reading!
you can post your comments and replies @ our Forum
www.jonathanleong.net/forum @ Messages to Jonathan Section...
---
Hey guys, I'm cutting it a bit close with this month's letter (writingit on the last day of the month), good thing that its a leap year. howhas everyone been of late? I have received quite a lot of emails thesefew weeks and apologise that I was not able to reply all of them. Thismonth has been a little crazy for me, I did something for teensmagazine and teenage magazine, I-weekly, Lianhe Zaobao and The Newpaper. Apart from that there was love is in the air at the universitycultural centre, I hope those who went for the show enjoyed it. It wascosy, right? It was a nice change for me to sing some jazz tunes asopposed to writing for the album. there's a charm about the classics,I guess. My personal favourite was Mr. Bojangles, that's a really goodsong... the ironic thing is that among all the songs I sang, MrBojangles was the newest (being written in the late 1970s). This monthhas also been filled with meetings with old friends, couple ofbirthday parties, chinese new year... in retrospect, it kind ofhindered the work a little bit productivity wise... but whatever. Nopoint in thinking about time that has already passed.
This is totally random but as much as I am anxious to release an albumfor myself, the other day I was thinking about a couple of songs that(on multiple listens) do not quite make the cut... I was a littletempted to leave it so that production could start sooner but in theend I decided to chuck those songs and go back to writing new tunesinstead, it's better to take a longer time but end up with songs I ammore confident of. You know, all this talk about the album and thetime people spend waiting for it and talking to me about it, andasking me about it... I can't help but think that expectations aregoing to be high and judgment is going to be harsh. Maybe I shouldrelease it under a pseudonym... that should take some of the pressureoff. Haha, The past week has been slow, writing wise. I plan to kickinto high gear after this coming weekend.
In the past month, newspapers have also been full of entertainmentscandals and nonsense like that, it kind of set me thinking whetherits possible to be a rather significant contributor to the popularmusic scene but not be part of this kind of frivolous news. It has towork both ways and it takes two hands to clap. There must be both ademand from the media and a supply from the artistes. I guess somepeople like this kind of coverage (in a cathartic sort of way) and allthe drama that goes along with it, I won't understand why though.Strange how people are.
I haven't had the chance to catch many movies of late, I missed SweenyTodd, it was taken down from theatres without me even knowing. I wasreally looking forward to watching Tim Burton's work with StephenSondheim's tunes. I caught one movie which I thought was really good,Juno. Great script and a nice soundtrack to boot.
This month I will end my letter with the lyrics to Mr bojangles, itsreally good. Talk to you guys again soon, I have quite a packed dayahead, gotta run.
"I knew a man, Bojangles, and he danced for youIn worn out shoes.
With silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants,
The old soft shoe.He jumped so high,
jumped so high,
then he lightly touched down.
I met him in a cell in New Orleans,
I wasSo down and out.
He looked at me to be the eyes of age,
As he spoke right out.He talked of life, he talked of life.
He laughed, clicked heels instead.Mister Bojangles
He danced for those at minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the South.
He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and
heTraveled about.
Then his dog up and died, part of him died,
after twenty years he stillgrieved.
He said, I dance now at every chance in honky tonks
For my drinks and tips.
But most of the time I spend behind these county bars.
He said, I drink a bit.
He shook his head and as he shook his head I heard someone ask,
pleaseMister Bojanglescome back and dance."
Jon.
@ 11:44 PM
