16 again...

At the age of 34…

I got a skateboard from my beloved wife…

I’m 16 again ;P…

Thanks to friends and family for all your best wishes…

I wish you longevity and happiness too…

-acai-

Some updates and hopefully more good things to come…

Hello good people,

Thanks for all your best wishes… I’m deeply moved to know that you guys have provided a little space for DEP deep within your hearts. We’re not worthy. Maybe I don’t know some of you personally, but still, it shows that we have the same feelings. Feelings of loss, maybe… but not TOTAL loss! Rest assured…

Okay, moving forward. I’m calling for all labels, distros or individuals to contact me should you are interested in selling DEP’s CD. I also have some t-shirts left (less than 10 pieces maybe) with limited colours and sizes. So gmail me or leave your contact details at the shoutbox.

I’m also calling for individuals who are interested in producing music. I’m currently looking for a bassist. But if you play other instruments and interested to collaborate, I’m always open for discussion. If you can do vocals, that will be cool!
I’m really looking forward for this. Cheers!

-acai-

p/s: Even if the band is no longer together, does not mean that the spirit should end there too. So for the love, friendship and spirit (of doing things that you love), This One's Forever!!!

THE (NOT SO) GRAND FINALE…

How's your weekend, folks?

Last Saturday gig was great and I think DEP had fairly delivered, in spite of minor hiccups here and there. I’m not going to do a gig report here cuz frankly, I was not really paying attention to the gig. I was busy walking around the area, talking to friends who I haven’t met for some time and occasionally visiting the booths to check out stuff on sale. I also can’t resist the temptation to get myself soaked in the Cherating sea with Izzat and Atie.

Maybe around 100 of people turned up. Or maybe more, I’m not sure… The venue is cool. There are so many spots to hang out. You can either choose the tables close to the riverbank, or the island bar near the pit or simply at the chalet nearby. The stage is small and humble (rockstars might have problem with this). Same goes with the sound system but everything works just fine.

The only band that I have focus on was Sleepyjeremy. They are tight, catchy and they know their shit. You guys should check them out. They sometimes remind me of Gin Blossoms but with raw and edgy guitar sounds. Hope to see them play more shows in the future (organisers, please take note). Good job guys!

Anyway, I think all the bands have delivered a fair performance… I missed to watch Kuchalana with a new line up since they have to play last (By the way, how come Rizie was still in Kuantan at about 10pm that night? Ana Ikan Bakar? Hmmm, I wonder… ;P). But from what I heard their set was awesome (as always). To Zemang, Masrur and Yus, I owe you one.

Hmmm.. .the one thing that I really want to share with you here (maybe some of you have heard it by now) is that last Saturday was DEP final show. Tojeng, Panther, Asma and me have decided that we have no longer share the same direction and interest. For all that have been said and done, it’s best that we find our own direction. Seems like DEP is no longer relevant to us. Not like 15 years ago. So we started it in Kuantan and we ended it there too. To friends who can’t make it, I’m sorry but you missed it!

I’m taking the opportunity here to thank Human First Collective, 41+9 Records, Green Peace Distro, Corerockmoon Records and especially Mr Ayie Bulat for having us to play for the show. Your hospitality and friendship will always be cherished.

Thanks to Izzat and Ya for the technical support, Wan for banging the drums during GIRLFRIEND IN A COMA, Atie and Izzat for the photos, Rhona for the videos, Pok, Boh Mang, Mun, Fikri and Ain for the support.

To all other bands that played the show, I wish you the best in your future endeavours. Don’t let the pro-mainstream community kill your anti-mainstream spirit. Learn, improve, record and do more releases independently. That’s the way to fuck the music industry. The point of having a band is to release materials, not for playing shows and then disband after three months. Playing shows is secondary, your material comes first. Ok, all the best!

To Tojeng, Panther and Asma, I can’t thank you guys enough for shaping DEP from nothing… to something. I wish you guys the very best in life and also your musical career.

Buddies for life… Cheers!

-acai-

p/s: Due to some technical difficulties, photos unable to be uploaded. Please bear with me until I get this rectified. Until then...

Untuk Makluman Semua...

Hello geng!

OK, aku mula-mula bercadang nak umumkan dekat-dekat nak gig tu nanti.. tapi memikirkan yang korang akan balas balik - "Kenapa tak cakap awal-awal, boleh aku simpan duit sikit..." SO aku bagitau sekarang so korang akan lebih bersedia tanpa sebarang lame excuse, OK?

Untuk makluman korang semua CD (this one's foreva) dan t-shirt akan dijual dengan harga yang SANGAT murah... tak percaya? lu punya pasal... jangan cakap aku tak bagitau... so kepada yang nak membeli sebelum ni tapi selalu tak cukup duit, inilah masanya.. ok, you have been reminded. Dan harga murah ni untuk hari tu sahaja...

Oh ye, aku jugak akan bagi free DEP CD/merchandise kepada sesiapa yang berpakaian SANGAT menjolok mata pada gig ari tu... hehe... See you there!

-acai-

Pesanan Khidmat Masyarakat

Hah. Beli ni.

Kalau tak baca pun tak kisah. Beli je. Boleh buat hiasan rak buku atau jadikan mouse pad.

"Lu tak beli, lu kodi!" komen penulis bila diminta mengulas tentang buku ini.

Sekian.

-acai-

p/s: Congrats PP for the new publication. More power to hardcore Lepih!

Jangan Marah Jika Terjumpa Pakcik Hussain Ketika Hujan…

Yanti wrote this in the shoutbox…

h bro, can you comment abt those band out there suc as MUH or hujan...i think they really suck..full of crap..didn't u tire looking of these jerk ba
I belive originally they are indie bands..like yr band, unfortunely now days the word of indie no longer at ther band
i hate them so much..!!!

(I’m leaving the comment as it is cuz amendments might divert it from it’s actual meaning.)

To tell you the truth Yanti, I have nothing to say about these 2 bands. Whatever genre that they claimed to champion is just none of my business. Indie, ballad, rock or pop? Let them shove it up their asses.

From your comment, I can understand your frustration. But seriously, there’s nothing much we can do about it. This is something which is beyond our control. We can’t tell people something like, “Don’t call yourself a rocker… you’re not that ROCK!!" Numsayin'?

I assume you’re young. So the raging hormones just make you want to spit on these people’s faces who, more or less, being untrue to the thing that you believe in. Does the word POSER ring a bell? I hope so. Still, people have every right to be whatever they want to be… and if they choose to be POSERS for the rest of their lives.. then let them be.

Yanti, no matter how hard you try to curb this ‘indie’ culture from embracing the mass, it will make its way to the mass with the help of fertile development of technology. Even if you’re in Timbuktu and as long as you have an internet connection, you will know how MUH or Hujan sounds like.

It’s a mainstream life cycle. Whatever that is categorised as ‘trendy’ stays and will enjoy the limelight, for some time. If anyone gets lucky enough, they’ll be evergreen like POP YEH YEH. Once the people had enough, they’ll ditch it and look for the latest fad. Remember this word… TRENDY…

Still, there is something that you can do. You can boycott the bands that you hate by not buying their stuff and not going to their shows. That’s a passive way of doing things but if you think that you need to do things aggressively, a haters club (as opposed to fan club, is there any other name for this?) or making trouble at shows will be some good options to think about. Wearing t-shirts sporting hate remarks on the bands can also convey a very clear message. Hehehe..

‘Indie’ is such a dirty word nowadays. I myself feel so yucky to associate my band with the ‘I’ word. I’m sticking to ‘manic depressive’ now so I hope I’ll be the first (in Malaysia) to put this as a band statement. Manic – cuz the songs were fused with so many music genre and Depressive – well read the words and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Anyway, I’ll change it again once it becomes trendy. So watch this space… Haha!

As I always believe in going against the hype, I’m considering putting my band back to that Punk 77 kinda sound. Or back to hardcore punk/skatepunk era… Where the whole attitude is just like, “I don’t give a fuck, I’ll smash your windscreen or grind your doorsteps with my skateboard, you cunt!”… Yeah, I should do that. I don’t know. I’m writing nonsense already.

Well, I guess that’s it. Just fuck it! That’s the best way to deal with this. Fuck it!

All the best Yanti!!!

-acai-

p/s: But I’m really considering a skatepunk band… ;)

Kembali Ke Pangkal Jalan...

Jangan lupa bawak seluar mandi...

-acai-

p/s: Kalau nak mandi bogel pun apa salahnye? ;P

Mandrem Part 1... (Sila abaikan kalau ejaan salah)

Imej dicilok dari blog Ateng.

Semakin hangat diperkatakan yang mereka akan ke Malaysia tidak lama lagi untuk tour yang julung-julung kalinya.

Pekara yang mesti dilakukan sebelum ketibaan mereka:

1) Menghafal semua lagu dari 9 album mereka (rase macam lebih).. kalau boleh, hafal mandrem sekali...

2) Mencari semula baggy pants, atau baggy shorts... (harap-harap masih belum jadi kain lap kaki di pintu bilik air).

3) Cari baseball cap kat Sungei Wang yang ade embroidery 'NY'. (Pastikan yang tak begitu tinggi, nanti macam hip hop pulak...)

4) Cari kasut vans old skool low cut...

5) Pegi kedai Burma kat Petaling Street, cari rantai manik yang besar dan ngam-ngam dengan ukur lilit tengkuk.

6) Praktis jumpkick, setiap hari sebanyak 20 kali. Ketinggian lompatan mestilah melebihi satu meter (mimimum).

7) Vege diet dan tinggalkan lifestyle yang kurang sihat (merokok, minum dan sebagainya).

Siapa panggil gua POSER ari gig tu nanti, gua jumpkick dia 3 kali.

Ada berani???

-acai kapor-

Am I having a mid-life (earth) crisis?

Ke mana arah tuju kugiran berdikari jika tidak bermotifkan wang dan nama?

Atau tidak perlu ada arah tuju? Just go with the flow?

Aku pernah berborak pasal hal ni dengan si Fakap baru-baru ni.
We agreed that why bother to reason(s). Just buat je...

Semudah itu ke?

When we started to give reasons, we're actually showing elements of uncertainty and doubts with the decision made. Rasa serba tak confident dengan diri sendiri dan cuba memberi penjelasan supaya ianya can be justifed with our actions...

Aku buat band ni sebab...

Pilihan jawapan MUNGKIN seperti berikut:

1) Aku tak suka Hujan sebab diorang "Indie Major Label"... aku nak jadi "Indie Indie Label"...

2) I want to express myself effectively. So I sing with a 'cockney' accent. (Woot = What)

3) Aku nak ekspres diri aku dengan efektif jadi aku nyanyi guna slanga pelik. (Bucha = Buta)

4) Aku tak suka band-band MTV..... V Channel ok...

5) I believe in DIY spirit... I don't trust A&R or managers. I'll deal directly with major labels' CEO.

Aku dan Fakap takde sebab...

Kalau takde sebab, tak boleh main band ke???

-acai-

The Only Good Manifesto is Many-feasto!

POWER! Itu saja yang aku boleh cerita pasal seafood di Jeram pada Ahad malam, 15/3/09 tempohari. Bayangkan sampai tak sempat nak ambik gambar hidangan sebab dah ter-over excited. Kamera pun tah ke mana.

Walaupun hujan kami gagahkan juga untuk pergi sebab perjanjian syaitan telah dibuat. Walaumacamanapun, ianya memang berbaloi! (Gayah... serious power, wish you were there! I'd love to see you devour that kerapu...hehehe!)

It's been awhile since the last time I met Atan. He's getting bigger. Atan and Man G are regulars at Shah Alam's extreme park, dirt bike course. I'd say rugged but healthy lifestyle. He even talked me into owning a bike and cycling all over Putrajaya once a month. Errrrr... can I take a raincheck on that?

His son Akhil has been such an angel. Tak bising langsung walaupun dah past his bedtime. Cool macam Atan la jugak. And I'm very happy to know that his birthday is the same as mine. I'm expecting a co-birthday party this year and will only need to blow a candle. Yeah!

Thanks to Shayna, Zax, Man G, Atan, Eda, Little Akhil and of course Mrs. Acai for making this a happening one indeed. Nothing beats a great (re)union over a sinfully delicious feast.

I'm hoping for a bigger participation next time, celebrating friends, old and new.

Cheers!

Note: Dirty Dogs are currently having some good bathing and planning to stay clean for the time being. Go figure!

-acai-

Yeah, I know..

Too bad I got nothing to do with this business at all.

-acai-

Side Project Album?

Yup. Another fad amongst the social networkers... Music album designers beware!!!... Your service is no longer required... Why? Well just follow this 4 simple steps to create a masterpiece (or disaster-piece) of your own. Have fun!

1 - Open http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
> The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
> (alternatively, if the first article you hit is short, hit Random
> Article two more times.)
>
> 2 - Open http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
> The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the
> title of your first album.
>
> 3 - Open http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
> Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
>
> 4 - Use photoshop/paint or similar to put it all together.

For those who read this and wish to try, please put the result on your site and leave the URL in the comment. Just need to see how crazy this will be...

-acai-

SOLD!!!: A classic (reworked) Fender Precision Bass

I'm actually sad to announce this but as a return favor to my good friend, I'm putting this ad on his behalf. DEP has been using this bass guitar, numerous times for our shows and it’s hard to be parted from such a fine instrument.

It's a classic Fender P-Bass (70's) however some reworks took place more than a decade ago which had minimised it's original features. But do not fret just yet, since the tone quality(solid body) and handling is very much - excellent!

Reworks were on the :
1) Body and neck/headstock - Re-treated to ensure that it won't be munched by termites, hence the missing logo on the headstock.
2) Pick up - Currently branding an active EMG pick up
3) Replaced black pick guard
4) Replaced tone and volume knobs

Sincerely, this is one of a kind bass guitar. Imagine Flea, Steve Harris and that bassist from The Wailers in that 'Stir It Up' video. I won't put Sting here as he's sporting a completely different P-Bass. I mean, it's existence can only be associated with cool bassists or cool bass playing.

For collectors out there, this is not just an old P-Bass but has a history of it's own.

The price is RM2K and the good news is that, price is negotiable. (Too bad, I still can't afford it :(). It also comes with a hard case (Fender of course!).

Serious buyers only!

Please call Said at 019 364 5622 or email dias70@gmail.com

-acai-

Final note : Sold and couriered on the 21st Feb 09.

Killing For Fame

Yup. Been tagged by Smurfette to get this taggin' saga continued.
Anyway, all are meant in the name of having good laughs if you're keen to answer questions guided by your playlist(s). Some answers here are very true. Take a wild guess!

Here are the rules:
1. Put your music on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS NO CHEATING!
4. Tag others.

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Family Reunion Massacre - Apple Maggot Quarantine Area (AMQA)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Ooh Crikey! - Lawnmower Deth

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Sharp Fucka Blades Of Hades - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Dodo Doe - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Blurr Hogs - Spazztic Blurr

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Def Metal - Spazztic Blurr

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
We Skate - Screeching Weasel

WHAT IS 2+2?
Bowling Balls (In My Back Seat) - AMQA

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Fighting The World - Manowar

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF A PERSON YOU LIKE?
Deathrage - Deathrage

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Professional Distribution - Screeching Weasel

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Sumo Rabbit And His Inescapable Trap Of Doom - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I Hate You - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE AT YOUR WEDDING?
Lancer With Your Zancer - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Mexicalli - Spazztic Blurr

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
More Problems - Screeching Weasel

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Satan's Trampoline - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Weebles Wobble But They Don't Fall Down - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
F.A.T (Fascist And Tubby) - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Black White Progress - Deathrage

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Supermarket Fantasy - Screeching Weasel

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Spook Perv Happenings In The Snooker Hall - Lawnmower Deth

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Can I Cultivate Your Groinal Garden? - Lawnmower Deth

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Cobwoman Of Death Meets Mr. Smellymop - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Defender - Manowar

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Icky Ficky - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Motorhead - Lawnmower Deth

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Judgement Day (Assume The Position) - Lawnmower Deth

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WHEN YOU MEET YOUR BOSS?
Police Insanity - Screeching Weasel

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Killing For Fame - Deathrage

So here I'm sharing this obligation to these chosen few.

1) Zuhree - Own Control Records
2) Sleepyjeremy
3) Nizang (DDT/Mosh)

-osman jailani-

Hentikan Penindasan!!!

The situation in Gaza didn’t show any sign that it will be any better soon. Both retaliating sides are neglecting cease fire proposed by the UN and of course, the world. Even if the Hamas is slowing down, I don’t think that Zionist will follow pace. More casualties, increasing by hour and we all are watching helplessly this ‘legal’ genocide backed up by the US. So much of being a world police, eh?

What are you gonna do about this, Mr Obama??? After all… you are the ‘chosen one’!!!

As much as we try to shout out for justice and peace in Gaza, our voices will still fall on deaf ears. But that doesn’t mean that the struggle should end there. It must continue!

And because of this belief, 4 young lads decided to put something which from my observation, is honest and with a kick in the ass. ‘Hentikan Penindasan’ (Stop The Oppression) is the best slogan that one could come up with during this situation in Gaza but Dum Dum Tak had actually voiced it out with a mini album (playing time considered). Maybe it was not intentionally but this should be an instance of perfect timing.

13 tracks of straight forward punkrock with a vengeance. Melodic and catchy sing along choruses with no bubble gum lyrics included. Politically inclined, not in depth but will definitely arouse your awareness. If you can’t handle ‘Pantat Kau’ (Your Pussy or the southern/Singapore posse will definitely refer it as Your Ass) or ‘Pergi Jahanam Kau’ (To Hell With You), then you should just settle down with DEP songs… hehehe…

Lyrics and melody were exceptionally executed. Can’t deny that there are repetition of ideas but these guys made them all sound fresh. The energy and attitude were so apparent which simply make this release a statement to be acknowledged.

Personally, I think this could be a new benchmark for all DIY enthusiasts which I believe, I have mentioned some time before. Being DIY is not about being half-assed. Put your heart into it and you’ll be amazed of the result. There’s no formula. It’s pure faith!

Kudos to DDT on their new release apart from all the shortcomings during the making and also Dave Danker’s current situation. I’m wishing them heaps of success in the future and more good releases to come.

Cheers!

-acai-

p/s: Go here for more info about the band.

Kiah rules!!!!!

This morning I checked my mailbox and was really glad that I did. If not, I would have missed the opportunity to have my new fix of … music for the day. Hah!

Yep. It is a package which I expected coming from my ‘tokan’. He’d never fail to deliver. Thanks tokan.

This is a selection of 90’s melodic punk/hardcore bands. In it there is this band called Bouncing Souls. I’m not really ‘the’ fan of BS but for me they’re cool even some critics said that they sounded like Rancid and the like. Well, people with opinions. Eventhough I’m only into two of their albums (Maniacal Laughter and The Good, The Bad And The Argyle), I guess BS has indeed survived with their own brand of sound and of course, songwriting!

There’s a song titled, ‘Quick Check Girl’ – I have been listening to this song for ages but never had the chance to really read through the lines. Not until today. Only now I noticed how funny (or was it hopeless romantic?) one’s experience could be and amazingly, it was well executed with finesse in the song. And the punch line will always be in… you’ll know where to find it.

Four ‘oi!’(s) to Bouncing Souls!

Listen to the song here.

The first Wednesday I saw her
there smiling at me with here blue eyes
and curly hair i couldn't wait till next week
to make the stop see her at the
quick check paper drop.
Every Wednesday we'd count the papers
we'd have a laugh at the people in their suits
no one seemed to notice how she was different
but i did and i knew.
Another Wednesday came and it
seemed it was right so i wrote her a note that i
hoped she would like
dear Kiah would you like to go with me to the boardwalk
what fun it will be
we'll eat cotton candy and we'll get french
fries with vinegar and get a
plate of funnel cake then we'll go on the
zipper look out on the ocean
and puke it all up all the people will scream
we can have a laugh what do you say?
that's what it said in the note.
Another week went by
and she never called another week came and
she wished she had she just
broke up with her fiance and things were kinda crazy
with her i said i understood, another week went by
and she never called but i thought
about the way she looked at me and said to myself maybe..
i pulled into the quick check at 6am to see the sun coming up
when i walked in Kiah wasn't there. The manager said
she quit she isn't here
"Do you want me to help you count the papers?"

-acai-