Attended Day 1 of the KL Sing Song 2007 at KLPAC (Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center) on Friday Night (20.07.07).

Sorry that the photos are not as sharp as I would have liked them – no Flash photography was allowed, and I was sitting quite far from the performers…

First up was Jerome Kugan, Mei Chern and Mili’z..

Mili’z were pretty new to the gigging scene, and it kind of showed a bit. Their tracks were primarily alternative pop-ish melodies (especially with both the synth and accompanying guitar by Melina). It was quite OK.. promising, but unfortunately it didn’t ‘blow me away’ or neither did I ‘connect with it’..

Jerome Kugan was uncategorizable. I liked his recorded track on the CD I bought that night (Voices From Next Door) – but his life performance that night was utterly ‘jarring’ to the whole flow of the show. He decided to sing Flowers without any accompanying music (placed his guitar on the ground), and then did another song with a minus 1 beat (which was turned on way toooo loud) and started dancing on the stage. It was really eccentric – and I’m really sorry to say that I didn’t quite like it at all. It was too self indulgent IMHO.

Mei Chern was well Mei Chern. She was one of the MAIN reasons I went to the show (she rarely performs), and she didn’t disappoint (except that it was over too quickly, and she didn’t sing Feels Like Falling). I don’t see how some people can say her songs are boring. Her songs seeps into me, and turns me into a believer – they aren’t preachy or pretentious – merely honest to the heart. She reminds me of Jewel. I can’t wait for her album. Quickly now!!

There was a slight intermission, where I had the chance to talk to Hardesh – one of the founders of Poptopus – a cool advertising audio streaming plugin that pays both the blogger AND the artist when a visitor streams a song from it. Check it out at www.popfolio.net!

Second set begins with Melina William, Mia Palencia & Reza Salleh.

First up to perform was Reza, and dudeee – I don’t see why girls aren’t falling over you left right and center (or they are already) lol. Deep soulful voice, great songs – still simply amazing even after I’ve heard you a couple of times now . Keep it up!

Then Melina came on and rocked the house – armed with just her guitar. Hearing her play her Tempered Mental tracks in acoustic form was downright amazing. A bit shy at first, but once she starts, there’s no denying her identity on the stage. Unique, original, technically flashy – simply superb and refreshing to watch that night.

The last time I heard Mia was when she was singing with GrooveUnction. I was utterly impressed then, and I had high expectations when I came to hear her again (her own songs no less). I’m glad to say that I was pretty happy. Some of her songs touched me deeply, but then again, the rest didn’t. Her powerful, hoarsy sexy, diva voice still grabbed my attention though regardless of what she was singing

The 2nd set completely stole the show and I’m sure sealed the deal with the audience that the Malaysian music scene was one worthy of attention. Happy to know that Andrew really enjoyed the experience – and as the emcee Fahmi commented – the night turned out to be something Magical after all..