The Synthwave Maestros Of Malaysia

Posted by & filed under Art, Music.

Written by Ardi

If you have scrolled through Youtube’s music enough, you may see videos with titles such as “chillwave, vaporwave, retrowave,” but what do these terms actually mean? Or more importantly, what are the roots of these subgenres that has populated Youtube’s channel, seeped its contents slightly into the mainstrea

They all have one thing in common and that is their main source of inspiration, synthwave!

Synthwave is electronic music, heavily influenced by the sounds and technology of the 80s, a peek into the future from the perspective of the 80s. With visual heavy narratives, accentuated with loud colours, it makes you feel like you are sipping on a glass bottle of Pepsi by the beach while wearing a jacket with huge shoulder-pads and your ray-ban sunglasses all at once! 

Pioneering artists of the genre like David Grellier (College), Kavinsky, and Justice were big fans of movies soundtracks made by likes of Carpenter, Goblin and Brad Fiedel. They made songs with elements from the movies mixed with a little bit of Nu-disco, House and synthwave was introduced to the public. It was not until 2011 that the neon-flavored movie drive with its 80s aesthetic introduced the genre to the public.

Synthwave is a mixture of two contrasting elements. In the 80s we were promised a breathtaking future with all of the modern technology that we had achieved by that time while at the same time many factories and industrial sections were closed down and there were no promising future for anyone or the whole world would just end from a nuclear bomb.

Looking at our current stage of society we can see an uncanny resemblance to that time. We have progressed extensively with our technology but the same exact thing that we believe is going to help us get to a great future is also the biggest source of public surveillance and there is not much privacy left for us.

There are many people who have much better quality of life yet there are many countries with extreme cases of poverty. Synthwave represents this paradox better than any other music genre.

During its course of development, there are other sub-genres emerging  from synthwave such as vaporwave, retrowave and chillwave. Each with their own unique visuals and sounds but yet there are many overlapping areas between these music genres.

There are few artists from our local scene who have tapped into this genre and have a good set of playlist from their tracks! check them out on the list below.

Dizkopolis

Credit: Dizkopolis’s soundcloud

Established in 2010 by Ahmad Taufiq & Adi Ridhwan, this dj duo is a must-know! They are the winner of 2012 Astro Hitz with their first single “Class of ’91”. In 2017 they were selected as winners of “Remix Competition: Hollywood by Pat Lok” and had their remix released on Kitsuné Musique in the compilation “Hold On Let Go (Remixes)” alongside international acts Pat Lok, JNTHN STEIN, DIZKOPOLIS BIOGRAPHY Crackazat, Potatohead People, Fabich and more.

Dangerdisko

Credit : Dangerdisko’s official website

Shaheed Naz and Robotron 5000 are members of the Dangerdisko. Their music is like a sublime mix of nu disco, 80’s new wave, indie dance and house music together. They have Dato’ Sheila Majid as one of their significant collaborators and later on moved on to compose Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week RTW 2016’s anthem and also worked with many high end fashion brands such as Fred Perry, Hugo Boss, H&M, Topshop, Sacoor Brothers, COS and many more.

FI7I

Credit: Fi7i’s facebook

His love for 80s music and Sheila Majid has changed Fi7i’s life. He wants to bring back the 80s malay music but combined with our modern sounds. His work has been published multiple times on Artzie Music’s youtube channel which has a cult following among vaporwave/synthwave lovers.

Stellar Dreams

Credit: Stellar’s Dreams bandcamp

Iqwan Ridzuwan (Jake) and Khairil Shah are the minds behind Stellar Dreams. They have made their way into the European scene with their pure synthwave style and aesthetic. 

8 Empowering Films You Need To Watch For International Women’s Day

Posted by & filed under Movies.

Written by Charmaine Shaharin

Women play a big role in the movie industry keeping equality alive but most of all showing that sometimes they wear the pants especially when it comes to kicking ass or being the brightest in the room. Therefore, with Women’s march just being right around the corner, here are some movies with amazing female characters that we all wish aren’t just fictional. 

Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality 

Referring to her as the “bird box lady” seems like a bit of a downplay, considering how Sandra Bullock is one of Hollywood’s finest actresses. Therefore, her roles in movies are unforgettable especially when she played the tough and quirky police detective, Gracie Hart in the early 2000 movie, Miss Congeniality. The story follows a detective who has to go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant to find an unidentified bomber in the  Miss United States beauty pageant show. 

Bullock’s character portrays a huge “ She’s one of the bros” energy in every aspect of how she talks, eats and drinks, so yes expect this movie to be a comedy especially when she is forced to have a full 360 transformation which puts her in a dress and heels. Undoubtedly, this is a good movie for the tomboys out there who doubt that they can’t pull off a pair of heels because if you do feel that way, watch this movie because it has made some points that you can. 

Therefore, what makes this movie amazing it’s not just how it’s a classic childhood gem, with the way it brings us back to how chick flick plots used to be, cliche but entertaining. So if you’re looking to relieve back those nostalgic days this movie is the one for you.

Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil 

Resident Evil is the movie for you for some real zombie action with Milla Jovovich’s fearless female protagonist role as Alice, a badass clone who kills zombies with A-class fighting skills and amazing stunts that no one can pull but her, is unforgettable. Although it is understood that this movie is adapted from the video game itself, the movie offers its on twist to it in the story arcs especially the part where Alice is the lead female character in the movie. 

Despite the long movie trilogy, what makes this movie amazing is the action in it and how when it comes to fighting especially mutated zombies, women wear the pants this time and prove that we do it well too, so Rick Grimes, from The Walking Dead, you may take a seat. 

Keira Knightley in Collette 

The historical genre was personally made for Keira Knightley as she stars in the inspiring biographical drama, Collette.

The story follows a timid country girl who ghostwrites for her literary entrepreneur husband but only rises out of the shadows when she starts to realise and appreciate her true talents and the rights that she has for them. 

This movie is based on a true story which follows the life of French novelist and actor, Sidonie Gabrielle Collette and is set in the early 1870s which is a time where women were not appreciated as equals did not have a say in their possessions and earnings. It also gives us a clear understanding of the basis of why women turn to women when it comes to seeking encouragement and support. 

Knightley’s character in the movie is captivating as we first see her as the girl who does things without question to the woman who embraces her gifts and true sexuality and finally owns up to what is rightfully hers. Truly, a movie that should not be missed out as it sheds a light on the hardships of equality of the time.

Anastasia 

We tend to forget that animated films hold countless women empowering characters as well and one movie that defines that is Anastasia. Before this goes into detail, yes this is a princess story but the one which shows a hold different side of a princess. This movie follows the story of a young woman, Anastasia who embarks on a journey to find out that she’s the long lost princess of the Romanov throne after her palace was overrun by the evil wizard Rasputin when she was younger, leaving her only with vague memories.

Just like Mulan, Anastasia’s admiring role for her her independent personality comes from her brave backstory of having to fend for herself after she was separated from her family. Apart from that, she is also outspoken, confident but most of all genuine and original, proving not all lead female roles have to be perfect all the time. Apart from that, this movie is also a musical drama which features an underrated great soundtrack which is perfect for the music lovers out there and is family-friendly as well. 

Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu in Hustlers 

When it comes to the con game, the tables have turned as Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu star in this true story of a group of New York Strippers who drug wealthy clients to get a piece of their credit details in order to have a cut in it too, as a side con due to the 2008 recession.

The movie comes equipped with glittery costumes and amazing pole dancing scenes with other guest stars such as Cardi B and Lizzo. However, behind all that limelight, this movie does shed a light on sex work and how it is still considered as work and not a mean for exploitation for the male gaze as women are only trying to make an honest living from what they’ve been given with and expressing their talents. 

This movie holds many great factors as well, which include a great blend of the diversity of strippers with different backstories that makes the audience connect with them but most of all a strong foundation of womanhood and the struggles that women face along with a truly heartwarming tale of trust and independence of sisterhood in friendship. 

Harley Quinn : Birds of Prey 

Harley Quinn might have always been in the limelight, but we’ve read the comics and watched the shows to know that her character had always lived behind the joker’s shadow, however, all that changes now in the Birds of prey movie as we see her heartbroken at first just like anyone would be after a breakup but up on her feet being her witty and fantabulous self. Margot Robbie’s role as Harley Quinn is no doubt the best ever, but it’s great that this time we don’t just see her in action but also other superheroes from the DC universe such as Black Canary, Huntress and Cassandra Cain. 

That being said, it’s been a while since we’ve all seen a release of an all-women superhero movie, and birds of prey, in particular, is an interesting one. This is because it’s a stand-alone film and not a continuation of the Suicide Squad. Instead, it’s a movie that acknowledges solely on Harley Quinn’s role, making her in the spotlight this time and focuses on her journey with other superheroes. 

Apart from that, there are many aspects of the film to appreciate from the fashion as it shows a whole new view of the underground nightclub scene in Gotham, the setting and the witty dialogues, along with the character portrayal. However, it’s without a doubt that what was heartwarming about this show was to see teamwork amongst a band of superheroes and villains to take down someone much bigger than their differences than they hold towards each other. 

Little Women 

Countless remakes have been made about this movie, and no matter what the number is, the legendary classic by Louisa May Alcott still holds a special place in everyone’s heart about the power of sisterhood within the March sisters. 

Although the timeline of the movie is set in the civil era, the lessons that transcends time can be relatable in any time frame, as a relatable moral to gain from this movie is to always believe in yourself and put your ambition first to achieve your dreams which clearly can be seen by the most ambitious and outspoken sister of the clan, Jo March. It’s without that from all those years, she still serves as a role model for us all till this day. 

Apart from that, the other sisters in the movie such as Meg, Beth and Amy also do teach us  to have compassion for your loved ones, expressing yourself but most of all, it is okay to want to the same things in life whether it’s having to settle down and start a family or being different from others and carving your future. 

That being said, this is a family-friendly feel-good movie with meaningful values for everyone out there who has been feeling down and out, as this film will lift your spirits and keep you in track, to be the amazing individual you are for this coming year.

Mulan

Of course, who can forget the warrior who birthed numerous memes that spread like wildfire on the internet, stirred up rumours that Commander Shang was bi-curious, but most importantly, saved China from the Hun invasions with the help of 3 warriors whom dressed up as Geishas, and Mushu.

The movie delves into its many lessons and morals, but what was most apparent and arguably, the most important one of them all was belief in one’s self, belief in one’s ability to conquer, and it was that belief that allowed her to best her opponents with her strength and cunning ability, as well as stage the final scene which took down the Huns in one fell swoop.

You don’t need anybody else. You only need you.

Pornhub Is Releasing Its First Non-Adult Movie

Posted by & filed under Entertainment.

The Movie Will Be Titled Shakedown

Written by Aqil Nasri

You’d be lying if you said you don’t know what Pornhub is, or what it represents. I’m sure that at least one of y’all reading this right now have gone to their website and enjoyed hours upon hours of “entertainment” there.

Well, it seems that Pornhub is expanding its line-up of “movies” with their first-ever non-adult film, titled Shakedown. The movie is more accurately described to be a documentary by filmmaker and conceptual artist Leilah Weinraub, who was also the CEO of HBA (Hood By Air).

Leilah Weinraub. Picture Credit: Cultured Magazine

What Shakedown wants to show people is the stream-of-consciousness, nonfiction narrative about most of the queer men and women who populated the lesbian strip club scene in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. It contains nearly 15 years of footage that has been shot by Weinraub throughout most of her adult life, offering a humorous, sensual and informative look at the overall subculture brought by the community in question.

There’s also a dedicated “home” section for the project on the webpage where people watching the movie can chat about it. Weinraub mentioned that this virtual space allows people to be “alone, together”. “There’s a cool opportunity right now to present films in the art space, there’s more openness to diversity and content and a different sort of storytelling,” said Weinraub.

Shakedown will be available for free to watch throughout March, in which it will then be available for purchase on iTunes Store this coming summer.

If you want to watch Shakedown now, click here for the link. Note that if you’re watching in Malaysia, you may need to turn on your VPN as the website (Pornhub) may be blocked by the government.

Spotify Launches “Women’s History Month” Hub In Celebration Of International Women’s Day

Posted by & filed under Music.

Written by Aqil Nasri

Every year since its inception on the 8th of March 1913, people all over the world celebrate International Women’s Day in an effort to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women. As such, Spotify is joining in on the efforts to celebrate the occasion by championing female voices for International Women’s Day this year.

The company has recently launched a new campaign by creating a new “Women’s History Month” hub on Spotify, featuring female tracks, playlists, and podcasts. The hub will also feature playlist takeovers that feature some of the most dynamic women in audio. Also, the newly launched hub will include both female and non-binary in its selection of artists.

Some of the playlists included in the campaign are ‘Hot Hits UK’, ‘The Indie List’, ‘Who We Be’, All New All Now’, ‘Massive Dance Hits’, and ‘A Breath of Fresh Éire’.

Spotify is also set to update the cover image of their pre-existing playlists to feature an all-female line-up, from its ‘Rap UK’ playlist, ‘Our Generation’ playlist, ‘The Pop List’ playlist and even their ‘Dancehall Queen’ playlist.

Not forgetting that Spotify has also released their Top 5 most-streamed female artist in the world from January 1, 2020, to March 1, 2020, with Billie Eilish taking the top spot. The other four artists include Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Halsey, and Camila Cabello.

Listen to the Top 50 playlist by tapping play above!

 

FLEX 09: Feeling Like A Rockstar

Posted by & filed under Fashion, TV.

EPISODE 09

As the producer feels that the boys’ outfits have gone a bit stale, he’s decided to up the game a bit by giving them a challenge to dress up as like a rockstar. And in this modern age where the lines in between genres are blurred, a rockstar can be anything, and everything.

Watch who pulls through with the best fit in the 9th episode of FLEX! Thank you to Jiman for doing judging duties for this episode! Give him a follow here.

Who do you think should have won? Let us know in the comments below!

Twitter Is Testing Out Its Own Version Of ‘Stories’ Called Fleets

Posted by & filed under Entertainment, TECHNOLOGY.

Written by Aqil Nasri

It sure took them a long time huh?

After the rapid success of Snapchat, tons of other social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and even freaking LinkedIn, started copying the one thing that made Snapchat famous in the first place, their Snapchat Stories. These are short snippets of images or videos that play for just a few seconds before disappearing after 24 hours from the time of posting. Why people loved this format so much as the fact that users can still have that sense of privacy even after sharing something publicly.

Many expected Twitter to go down this route earlier in their lifespan, but it seems like they’re only joining the party now.

Twitter has recently announced that they are beginning a trial for a new sharing format called “Fleets”. This testing period will start in Brazil first, in which users over in that country will soon be able to post ephemeral content to Twitter for the first time ever. However, unlike normal Tweets, these new Fleets will not be able to receive Likes, Replies or even Retweets. Oh, and they’ll disappear entirely after a period of 24 hours. How exciting isn’t it?

While these new Fleets may seem to be as public as Instagram Stories, it still manages to maintain a higher semblance of privacy to users. Users are only able to view someone’s Fleets if they follow them or if they open that particular person’s Twitter profile. These new Fleets won’t circulate on Twitter’s overall network, show up in the Search function or show up in its Moments sections. Also, it can’t be embedded on external websites.

At launch, it is expected that users will be able to post videos up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds long or 512MB in size. Meanwhile, whitelisted publishers will be able to publish videos up to 10 minutes long. Users can also view multiple Fleets, in which viewers will move through using gestures. To view multiple fleets, users need to swipe down instead of tapping on the sides of the screen to go back and forth. To go towards the person’s Fleet, users will need to swipe left. This may prove to be annoyingly cumbersome for users in the future and may change based on user feedback.

Other than that, Twitter mentioned that it will determine which Fleets to display based on recency first and followed by mutual next.

Anyways, what do you think of this recent news from Twitter? Let us know below!

Ichiran Ramen Will Be Hosting Its First Malaysian Pop-Up In Isetan Suria KLCC

Posted by & filed under Food.

The once hidden gem turned global foodie destination, Ichiran Ramen will be hosting its first ever pop-up in Isetan Suria KLCC for one week only from March 13 to 20.

The Fukuoka based ramen chain is famous for its tonkotsu ramen, as well as its signature 1 seater booth, supposedly for the customer to focus their senses and attention completely on the bowl of ramen itself.

There is a big twist this time round however. While the original broth is made from pork, the KL pop-up will feature pork-free versions of their famous noodles. Ichiran stated that they’ve received calls from Malaysians who have been wanting to taste their ramen, but could not consume pork, and to spread the love of ramen, they’ve decided to go pork-free.

Priced at RM 22 per bowl, servings will be limited to just 500 bowls a day. For those who want to take the flavours home, Ichiran also sells the instant noodles variation for RM 110. Only 50 boxes will be sold per day, while the pork-based version will also be sold for RM 108. Restrictions of 50 boxes also apply.

The private booths will also be recreated in the pop-up. More specifically, only 6 of these booths will be opened at one time while standing seats will also be available should you choose to forego the experience.

Lookout for the pop-up on the first floow of Isetan Suria KLCC, 11am – 8pm.

 

Produk Mencuci Sneakers, Cara Penjagaan Kasut, Dan GR Paling Gempak! | Sneakernomics EP9

Posted by & filed under Sneakers, TV.


Dalam episod ke-9, kami menceritakan secara mendalam tentang betapa pentingnya untuk anda mencuci sneakers anda. Daripada produk pembersih seperti Crep Protect, Jason Markk, dengan perkhidmatan mencuci kasut, kami membentangkan apa yang wajib anda beli, dan adakah berbaloi untuk hantar untuk servis mencuci kasut.

Selain daripada itu, kami juga bercerita tentang kasut-kasut GR yang power pada tahun 2019, dan bagaimana GR anda mempunyai potensi untuk menjadi lebih rare daripada collab yang hype. Semuanya dalam episode ke-9 Sneakernomics!

Malaysia Is the First SEA Country To Get Underground Waze Connectivity

Posted by & filed under TECHNOLOGY.

Waze has recently announced in partnership with TRX to install “Waze Beacons” in the underground sections of the TRX area leading up to the main building.

The beacons will be battery-operated, low-energy transmitter units that are embedded in the tunnel walls. A signal is transmitted from the beacons and can be received by practically any device with Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring GPD deadzones are reduced during underground travel. These beacons are not only just Waze exclusive however; as other navigation services such as Google Maps can also piggyback onto the signal.

Azmar Talib, CEO of TRX City Sdn Bhd said, “We are thrilled to partner with Waze, to be the first in Southeast Asia to put Waze Beacons to the test. Our underground roads are an ideal test ground as they lead out to key exits, and we look forward to enhancing TRX’s level of services.”

Basements 2 and 3 of the TRX underground have been fitted with these beacons, acting as a pilot for the system before fully expanding into other areas.