The Midnight Sessions EP

Alone.

In the dark and quiet, things get real.

The Midnight Sessions EP is an album that captures the going-ons of the heart and mind during those moments.

“The songs in The Midnight Sessions were all written and recorded during the hours past midnight. They chronicle some of my most vulnerable moments, and display some of the strongest emotions I have personally felt or witnessed others feel.”

Zee Ng, an 18-year-old guitarist and singer-songwriter, began his songwriting journey in 2012 when he realized that the songs on radio no longer resonated with him.

“Music is supposed to connect with the listener. But when all you hear is happy, poppy music with no depth, you are really missing the point of music.”

That’s how The Midnight Sessions was birthed. Zee stayed up through the nights, capturing every honest thought and emotion that came his way.

“These songs are heartfelt and personal to me. In the middle of the night, when regret finally kicks in, there’s no one to say sorry to because everyone is asleep. So, I express myself in the only way I know how to – through songs.”

This album is not for the faint of heart. Its haunting vocals and intricate layers of music give way to an ambience that will burrow deep into your heart.

Listen to this EP in its proper time and place, and I promise you’ll be overwhelmed by depths of emotion.

“If people are feeling sad, I want them to be able to find a song that they can relate to, something that will help them work through their thoughts and emotions.”

So, if you’re ready to do some heart talk and dive deep into layers of meaningful and honest music, here we go.

This is The Midnight Sessions EP by Zee Ng.

**Contact Zee Ng on Facebook to get your copy today.

Darren Ashley

Darren Ashley is a music composer and songwriter from Kuala Lumpur. His music is unlike anything else, with an unpredictable mix of extremely melodious tunes, superb vocals, unique beats and natural sounds.

Maybe this will give you a better picture.

Darren has traveled all over to places like Switzerland, Berlin, India and Shanghai to showcase his one-of-a-kind sound. When he’s back in town, he also plays together with local artists.

What is your musical upbringing?
Dad had a guitar so I started playing on it. I also picked up drums and played for a few bands during school years.

How did you start songwriting?
I think it was most probably to impress someone I had a crush on. I can’t remember which song it was that I wrote.

What do you think about music?
I like how music is so similar to food. I love how we use terms like fresh, warm, spicy, delicious and tasty to describe sounds. And all this depends heavily on a person’s taste. As wide as our world’s diversity of flavors, I think it’s essential to taste all sorts of sounds to expand our music world larger.

Fun Facts about Darren
– I aspire to be an amazing cook
– I have Japanese ancestors
– I speak Thai
– I’m a Marvel fan

For more of Darren, follow him on
Facebook
YouTube
SoundCloud

Rendra Zawawi

Rendra Zawawi is an aspiring composer and music producer. After graduating from University of Nottingham in UK with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2008, Rendra started performing around KL as a singer-songwriter. During that time, he released his first single, “Faceless,” which went on Hitz FM Malaysian English Top 10 charts for three whole months.

**Music video directed by Kudegraphy

It didn’t take long for Rendra to realize that music was his true passion. After working as a Branding Consultant for a year, Rendra decided to leave it all and go to Berklee College of Music to pursue music professionally.

At Berklee, Rendra discovered his love for music arranging, and became more involved behind the scenes doing composing and production work. He graduated in 2014, and is now based in LA as an assistant composer and music editor.

How did you start songwriting?
Three weeks before PMR (what Form 3 students used to have to take), I asked my dad to show me three chord on guitar, so he showed me A major, D minor and C major. I played around with it because I was too stressed studying, and the next day I came up with a song called “I’m Lost.” That’s how it all began.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
My goal is to become a composer for film, TV, video games and other media. I would also like to be a music producer of sorts, producing music for artists or other music projects.

Who inspires to you to do what you do?
My dad is my creative inspiration. My mom is the one who gives me determination. And everyone else out there, who’ve chased their dreams and pursued their passions – they are my inspiration.

What is most important to you?
My loved ones, who have seen me to where I am today and given me unending support. That includes my Taylor 314-CE guitar that has been with me for 11 years. She has seen EVERYTHING!

Rendra has produced and composed several theme songs for a few Malaysian TV series. He also produced and wrote the lyrics for Razlan Shah’s single “Seperti Baru.”

To check out more of his work, follow him on
Rendra Zawawi Official Website
Soundcloud
Facebook

** Video shot by Teodor Karakolev

Chloe Soh

Chloe Soh is an aspiring singer-songwriter from Kuala Lumpur. At the age of three, Chloe’s passion for music began to bloom. Recalling the day her tiny fingers met the black and white piano keys for the very first time, she said:

“I fell in love with the fact that I could make sound.“

At age 11, she decided she wanted to do more than just play music. She wanted to make music – music that came from her own heart, soul and imagination.

“Ever since people started asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I was determined I was never going to sit in a cubicle from nine-to-five. I was obsessed about making something out of nothing, and I loved music. That’s how I started songwriting.“

Chloe started performing when she was 13, but only started dipping her feet into the local music scene waters a few years later. Since then, she’s participated in many competitions and open mics. Some of the places she’s been heard include KLPac and Merdekarya.

Who encourages/inspires you to do what you do?
Those crazy passionate people in the local art scene inspire me every day. It encourages me to know that most of them do what they do without having money or stability as their main concern.

On a more personal note, I had the courage to step towards a serious career in the music industry because I knew the Big Man up there’s got my back no matter what happens.

Things You Didn’t Know About Chloe Soh
– She can move her ears without touching them.
– She makes bath salts.
– She secretly enjoys watching football.
– She wrote a 200-page book when she was 15.
– She can do a cartwheel

Chloe is currently pursuing her Bachelor in Contemporary Music in USCI. Follow her and get to know her more on

SoundCloud
YouTube
Facebook
Musicians Cube
GigFairy

** Photo by Ta Mae Pearl

KissKillMary

KissKillMary is an indie rock band from Kuala Lumpur. Not sure what they’re all about? Don’t worry, they’ve summed it up for you.

“Think of KissKillMary as a hard blend of dance elements and indie rock. Something like adding whisky to Coke while having dark chocolate.”

KissKillMary was formed in 2011, and the band has been writing their own music and performing ever since. Over the years, they’ve been featured at places like IndiePG, No Black Tie and Laundry Bar.

How did you guys come together?
Richard and Adrian were colleagues, while Adrian and Beng had already played together for a long time. We had the band. The only trouble was getting our vocalist Jenn on board.

It took almost a year for Jenn to finally agree to jam with us, and she brought Sonny along (because jamming with three random guys isn’t sketchy at all). Halfway through, we felt something was missing. Sonny picked up the guitar to play with us, and the rest is history.

I’ll play it first and tell you what it is later – MILES DAVIS

That’s usually our starting point and inspiration for our songs. In fact, that was how “Repetition” was written. Beng started playing this catchy bass line, and the song just wrote itself.

Fun Facts about KissKillMary
– Beng came up with the name KissKillMary
– There is no Mary in the band
– Sonny and Richard are metal heads.
– Jenn is definitely not a metal head.

KissKillMary is currently working on coming up with their debut full-length album. Pledge to give to KissKillMary here for some cool and exclusive merchandise.

For more of KissKillMary, follow them on
Facebook
Soundcloud
YouTube

 

 

 

A.RON

A.RON is a rapper from Kuala Lumpur. More than just another rapper, A.RON desires to be a breath of fresh air in the music industry and a voice of change in his society.

A.RON makes it a point to write clean lyrics and isn’t ashamed to write about his worldview or the things he values. Off stage, his actual name is Aaron Lui Teng Wei, and he is currently pursuing a Degree in Mechatronics Engineering at UTAR.

How did you get into rap music?
I was exposed to rap music when I was 10, and I memorized All Rise by Blue when I turned 12. A couple of years later, I started writing my own lyrics for mini rap battles we used to have in high school.

Who has encouraged you along the way?
My friends and family. My friends, especially, have ferociously supported me by giving motivation and encouragement. One of them even bought me my very own Blue USB Microphone. Shout out to Kylie Ooi! Parents are supportive of what I do – as long as I don’t mess up my studies haha.

Where have you been heard?
I started off performing in school and in church. While I mostly do live shows, a good friend of mine Charisse Tay helped put together my first studio track “Da Truth (Intro)” in 2011.

Two years prior to that, I got the chance to perform in front of 2,000 people at the Made2Love concert. That’s when the stage started to truly become my second home. I’ve since performed at many other concerts and competitions.

Photo by Jonathan Cool

Empowering Story
There was a time when  I wasn’t really supported for what I did, and it got me down and out. I told my 15-year-old self that I would stop whatever I was doing and just be the ordinary kid.

The problem was – I couldn’t. Hip Hop had become so embedded in my system that I couldn’t fake it. I stuck with my passion and here I am today. Moral of the story: Don’t let go of your passion.

For more of A.RON, follow him on
Facebook
SoundCloud
YouTube
Instagram – @dadeft

**Photos by Jonathan Cool

Amrita Soon

Amrita Soon is a dreamer. She dreams of going places and meeting people; she dreams of playing her music and being heard. Don’t most of us have dreams like that too?

But more than just another dreamer, Amrita dares to chase after her dreams and see them become reality. At 19 years old, she has already been featured on Malaysian radio and TV (once she even sang with David Choi on 8TV’s YouTube Channel).

In 2014, Amrita raised her own funds to go to Nashville for a 62-day journey of musical discovery. She spent her time there getting to know other songwriters, attending music events, and performing at open mics at various places in the “Music City.”

At the end of 2014, Amrita released her “Clues” EP, partly as a thank you for those who helped send her to Nashville.

How did you start songwriting?
My English teacher in Primary 4 introduced us to poetry. We had to copy our favorite poems and then write our own. I haven’t stopped writing ever since. Later on, my dad taught me a few chords on the guitar, and that’s how I started writing songs.

Where have you been heard?
Playing at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville has to be one of the highlights so far. I also had the best time busking in front of Sungei Wang Plaza. This whole journey so far has been wonderful. I’m getting to learn from amazing artists and meet wonderful, inspiring people along the way.

In her About Me page, Amrita says, “not growing up is one of my priorities in life.” This story shows how much of a kid she still is.

“I had always wanted a pair of Heelys (shoes that have wheels in the back so you can glide around places and do tricks). So last year, I bought a pair for my little brother and I, using only coins and small change I had been saving up. We brought a bag full of coins to the shop, and it has been the best thing I have invested in so far.”

Since March 2013, Amrita has also been running Treehouse Open Mic – a platform for young songwriters to showcase their music. For more of Amrita and her music, check out:

Amrita’s Official Website
Amrita’s Facebook
Amrita’s YouTube
Amrita on iTunes

**Photo by Eugene Khoo

 

 

Nick Yungkit

Nick Yungkit is a singer-songwriter from Subang. A late bloomer, Nick didn’t really care much for music until he was about 18.

As he began his musical journey, he was drawn in by R&B and soul.

“I started dancing and choreographing after my buddy introduced me to Brian Puspos and Keone Madrid. That jumpstarted my obsession with R&B and soul.”

Traces of deep, profound emotion are found in Nick’s music, such as in songs like this.

Nick’s first open mic was with guitarist Jeremy Ong at The Bee in Jaya One during 2011.

Three years later, The Nicholas Ng Project (TNNP) was formed.

• Nick Yungkit – vocals & rhythm guitar
• Jeremy Ong – lead guitar & backup vocals
• Han Lun Yap – rhythm guitar & backup vocals
• Judson Lee – bass
• Samuel Saw – percussions

In 2014, TNNP was invited to do a full feature at Merdekarya. They were also featured at Wanted Symphony’s Soundstruck event in September that year.

Clockwise from top left, Jeremy Ong, Samuel Saw, Nick Yungkit, Han Lun Yap and Judson Lee on the floor

How was TNNP formed?
The Nicholas Ng Project was something that Jeremy and I had been talking about since high school.  In 2013, Jeremy, Judson (bass) and I performed as an opening act for the main feature at Merdekarya.

After doing another opener in 2014, we were invited to do a full feature. We got two more musicians on board and our band was complete.

A story for the fans.
Our first gig at Merdekarya, we were late and we didn’t have a drummer. What to do?

Judson, our bassist, played the bass and drums at the same time. His left hand was on the bass, his right hand was on the hi-hats and snare, and his right foot was kicking on a large old suitcase.

I think that was the shittiest set up we’ve ever had, and the suitcase even toppled over halfway through. Somehow it worked, because the owners approached us after that for a full feature.

Fun Fact about Nick
“I have a big birthmark on my right chest that looks like East Malaysia had a baby with Australia. Depending on my mood, I sometimes tell people about the time I saved my cousin from a kettle of boiling water.”

More of Nick Yungkit and TNNP here:
@NickYungkit
The Nicholas Ng Project
Nick @ MusiciansCube
Nick’s SoundCloud
Nick’s WordPress

Kelvyn Yeang

Predictable. That’s the kind of music we hear a lot these days. People sing a certain way, play a certain kind of music because that’s what everyone else is doing.

In the heart of Penang lies a brave RED soul that just doesn’t fit into the mold. If you’re bored and tired of hearing the same music over and over again, get ready to splash some RED onto your dull grey playlist.

Photo by Leonard Chua

Kelvyn Yeang is an electric guitarist from Penang. By the twang of his bright red guitar, he lets his music do the talking.

“Music does for me what I can’t do with words.”

Take a listen and see what kind of story his music paints for you.

Kelvyn has played in various countries, including places like the Philippines, Korea, Singapore and all over Malaysia. Besides featuring as a solo artist, Kelvyn also plays with Ocean of Fire and function band Blussy.

Even after playing in huge venues and winning band competitions like Asian Beat and Passport to Fame, Kelvyn says that he still enjoys playing in small venues the most.

“It just feels more intimate. I am right next to the audience and I can interact with them. Oh, and  I like to look at their faces when I’m doing something crazy.”

What were some of the challenges you faced?
I’m not the guy that got all the encouragement when I was coming up. People didn’t really believe in me.  I saw this as an opportunity to push myself harder.

What would you say to aspiring musicians/songwriters?
You need to discover your strengths and use the resources available to you to get out there.

This means to always stay relevant and continuously sharpen your craft. And don’t be cocky. No one likes a cocky person.

“Get out there. And don’t be cocky.”

Besides sharing his music, Kelvyn is passionate about promoting other local musicians and artists. He does that through IndiePG, a platform for local bands and songwriters to be heard. Kelvyn also manages shows at Jammin Via Pre, Penang.

5 Things You Never Knew About Kelvyn Yeang

• He love plants. He collects cacti and tillandsias.
• He likes RED. He will never play onstage for his own gigs without his signature red guitars.
• He was a total geek. He used to collect stamps.
• He has a pair of shoes he uses for everything.
• He always wanted to play the piano.

More of Kelvyn Yeang here:
Kelvyn’s Facebook
Kelvyn’s SoundCloud
Kelvyn’s YouTube