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!

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-

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.

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.

Closing notes for 2008…

Hah! Dah abis 2008. Takde banyak mende pun nak dilihat balik in terms of DEP’s achievement… Aku ingat dapat la banyak benda nak dibuat untuk tahun ni, tapi banyak yang tak kesampaian.

Recap – DEP re-released almost all recorded materials. Almost all! Jadi di sini aku nak ambik kesempatan menerangkan kenapa ada lagu yang tak berjaya dimasukkan ke dalam CD tu. ‘I Who Have Nothing Too’ tak dapat disenaraikan dalam release tersebut sebab DAT (so called master copy) tak berjaya dibaca oleh DAT machine. Beberapa percubaan untuk transfer telah dibuat sehingga akhirnya pita DAT tersebut terus PUTUUUSSS!!! Yang lebih best lagi, ada bahagian DAT tersebut, terlekat terus dalam machine tu.. aku tak tau ape jadi dengan machine tu. Kemungkinan besar, ranap la. So kepada peminat tegar lagu IWHNT, bukan niat aku untuk tidak masukkan lagu tersebut. Dah memang riwayat dia sampai kat situ je kot…Same goes to 'Girlfriend In A Coma' (our rendition of The Smiths' song).

Intro dan Outro (‘Dullaby’ and ‘Back Scrub Lotion Blues’, respectively) juga tak dapat nak transfer. Kepada sesiapa yang masih ada kaset Dullaby, tentu tahu macamana bunyiknye kedua-dua lagu ni… So simpan baik-baik sebab kemungkinan besar akan jadi collectors’ item sepuluh tahun dari sekarang..hahaha.. yeah right!

DEP only managed to play one electric set this year iaitu di MCPA on March. Selebihnya akustik set. Tu pun dibeberapa tempat je. Boleh la…

Plan to record new materials memang ada tapi sebab masih berkira-kira dengan tempat, masa dan juga ongkos membuatkan ianya terbantut. So memang confirm takde recorded material untuk tahun ni… ‘Noir’ aku rasa was recorded in 2007 kalau tak silap aku… tapi tu lebih kepada projek solo sebab aku record seko-seko dengan bantuan Mic Wrecka from The Rebel Scum. The song is planned to be recorded again with the whole band in our future release. Tak tau lagi bila…

Aku ada dapat komen dari beberapa kenalan yang DEP seolah-olah seperti band yang hidup segan, mati tak mau. Kenapa tak dihentikan dan move on with a new thing/band? Mungkin dah sampai masanya DEP should just rest in peace (or pain). Hmmm…ada betul jugak cakap diorang tu… tapi sebab DEP is mine dan aku boleh buat apa pun dengan DEP, meaning aku tak pernah menyekat creativity or music band ni so.. takde sebab aku kena buat band lain… I will stick to it! Memang DEP ada banyak masalah commitments and shits but all that can be solved. It’s very personal to me. Sangat penting untuk aku tekankan di sini yang DEP bukanlah band ‘bermusim’. Kepada mereka-mereka yang sudah lebih 15 tahun berada dalam scene muzik berdikari, pastinya faham apa yang aku cuba sampaikan di sini. Aku tak percaya dengan formula musim ni. Aku cuma percaya kepada ‘fusion’ music dan aku boleh melakukannya tanpa membuatkan ia kelihatan cibai! Hehehe…

Last shout for 2008. May we have a prosperous 2009 and more good things to come. There will still be some nasty tides ahead but I trust that we’ll pull through. We definitely will...

Happy New Year. Cheers!

-acai-

Updates - Can You Hear The Ocean?

Hari Ahad lepas, setelah bersusah payah menyusun rancangan yang sangat last minute, DEP berjaya juga practise untuk satu sesi. Semua ada kecuali Tojeng yang 'comel' *ehem* (sila rujuk gambar di atas). Practise kat studio Burger. Gile makin besar Burger. Antara kawan-kawan lain yang turut serta - Atie, Azwan (abang Burger), Arif Smith dan Meny. Ade jugak sorang dua yang lain tapi aku tak tau nama.

Practise berjalan dengan baik (walaupun gitar yang aku pakai tersangatlah heavy sound-nya) dan diharap kalau semuanya berjalan lancar, proses merakam dua lagu baru tu akan berlaku tidak lama lagi. Aku pun ade tinggalkan beberapa helai baju DEP dan kepada set Kuantan yang berminat, sila hubungi Burger di 017 974 9972.

Studio Burger juga nampaknya hari tu ade menawarkan khidmat rakaman tapi masih di tahap eksperimentasi rasanye. Dalam studio ade katil, selimut dan bantal jadi kalau rase mengantuk boleh tidur dulu sebelum jam. Hiasan di dinding studio penuh dengan poster dan gambar Burger bersama kekasih-kekasihnya (hehehe), di dalam mahupun di luar negara... Gila show off!

OK. Tshirt DEP ade lebih kurang 9 helai lagi dengan aku. Kalau berminat sila email untuk size yang diingini.

-acai-

Updates - Malah Nok Tulih Wang!...

1) Tojeng dah beli gitar dari sumber yang sangat memuaskan. Harganya juga sangat berpatutan. Yamaha AES500. Tapi body dia colour hitam. Tak percaya kalau kata beli second-hand. The condition is totally superb. Gitar ni akan jadi rare sebab no longer in production. So Tojeng, toksoh gata jubor nak jual. Koya!

2) T-shirt DEP akan siap tak lama lagi dengan colour baju yang lebih berwarna-warni. Untuk design lihat di sini. Tiada perubahan dari segi colour design. Colour baju yang ditawarkan - merah, biru gelap, hitam dan mungkin hijau gelap. Kalau dah siap keseluruhan kami akan post gambar sebagai bahan bukti. Size ditawarkan - S, M , L dan XL.

3) Plan untuk recording telah dilancarkan tapi bukan untuk album ke apa. Cuma 2 lagu yang dipilih untuk record. Kitorang nak record rilek-rilek je. No pressure to do things. Tak nak terkocoh-kocoh. Tempat dan masa belum ditentukan. Nanti update lagi.

4) Kepada sesiapa yang berkenaan. Jangan lupa perjanjian syaitan kita untuk ke Bagan Lalang. Perlu seseorang untuk mengusulkan tarikh perjumpaan. Boh Mang?


-acai-

Satria Bergitar – A Tribute to Rhoma Irama

Tojeng nak beli gitar karan. Ade sesiapa yang nak menjual gitar karan mereka dengan harga yang berpatutan sila tinggalkan email atau contact number di ruangan komen. Kalau taknak ianya disiarkan di ruangan komen, terus email kepada dullentertainmentprogramme@gmail.com

Gitar karan sahaja. Serious seller. Kalau boleh sertakan gambar gitar untuk diperlihatkan adalah lebih baik.

Thanks.

-acai-