abcdetc :: an Etc space

Etc November Reign 2011

2011-11-04T01:36:00.000-07:00

Unexpected appearance of the mugs of 'tuneful... noisesmiths' Etc in the paper! Foreign 3-Way :: Bottlesmoker + Etc + Free Deserters is the week's top gig pick in today's Straits Times. And what an honour: it was chosen by Dino from beloved national treasures of Singapore: Force Vomit (and 1234X and The Guilt). Surprised we

beat out more professionally-run photo-jennies BOTTLESMOKER and Free Deserters when it came to the photo editor's choice.

More details:

Foreign 3-Way :: Bottlesmoker + Etc + Free Deserters
The Pigeon Hole -

52 Duxton Rd -

Singapore

Saturday, 5th November 2011 - 7:30pm
Entry: $10
Facebook invite: here

P.S. Not only is it nice to be in the paper today, but it’s also not every day that one gets to be under a hairy crab and on top of Hatsune Miku:

SLOW BURN Movie Music by Etc

2011-03-31T04:49:00.000-07:00

Etc :: Movie Music from "Slow Burn" by Etc.

Etc music for SLOW BURN.
Recorded by Ah Boy Wong at TNT Studios, Singapore. 2011.

SLOW BURN is a Winter Western, starring Bebe Templeton, Kat Letwin, Cat Oliver and Renita Fillatre. Directed by Christine Chew.
See the trailer at http://tinyurl.com/sburn

SLOW BURN Movie Trailer :: Music by Etc

2011-03-31T04:46:00.000-07:00

March On

2011-03-01T03:21:00.000-08:00

Etc has a relatively busy schedule for the next few days AND a new recording online to commemorate this burst of activity.

Here's the song:

Malaysian Trucks by Etc.

And here's their schedule :

Thurs, 3 March: A FREE DESERTERS PARTY

Etc is one of the bands playing as their Malaysian pals, Free Deserters launch their new album

LAUNDRY The Curve, Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183193938384481

Fri, 4 March: PINKY PIGLETS

Etc opens for Japanese girl-rock band, Pinky Piglets at their first Singapore gig

PRINCE OF WALES 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179352888776165

Sat, 5 March:

Etc, Kevin Mathews and others play at the 'Open House' of this new venue

THE PIGEONHOLE The Pigeonhole, 52 & 53 Duxton Road, Singapore

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141632575899061

Sun, 6 March:

Etc joins the likes of Typewriter, Basement In My Loft, Pinholes, King Kong Jane and others at this free festival.

LOVE-IN Hong Lim Park, Singapore

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182776565092443

Etc :: Krème Bulé di Bandung

2011-02-01T01:56:00.000-08:00

Etc :: Krème Bulé di Indonesia

2011-01-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

Etc plays Indonesia.

Thursday, Feb 3. 2011: 30 Rocks at Eastern Promise, Jakarta. Facebook event page here.

Friday, Feb 4. 2011: San Titre at Potluck Cafe, Bandung. Facebook event page here.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Etc :: A Swift Half Under the Basement

2011-01-07T03:39:00.000-08:00

"Fancy joining Ben Etc for a quickie under the Basement?"

Translated: Half of the Etc duo will be playing a solo set of Etc songs as the guest of top rocking pop trio Basement In My Loft. Like it says on the Facebook page here.

Where: P.O.W :: Prince of Wales - 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore

When: Saturday, 8 Jan 2011. Etc

9pm: Etc

10pm: BIML

Mark your Mayan Calendar!

Etc :: Superhero, Incognito

2010-12-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

Superhero, Incognito by abcdetc

Here's 'Superhero, Incognito' for you entertainment.

We didn't have time to add the intended seasonal seasoning and gift-wrap to make it a 'Christmas Single', but we hope it suits your stocking anyway. Besides, Etc is for life - not just for Christmas.

Hope you're well. x

Recorded by Ah Boy Wong KK at TNT studios, 3-5pm, Saturday 11 December 2011. Played by Harvey Chamberlain and Ben Harrison, Etc. Written by Ben Harrison Etc.

Etc :: Below the Basement

2010-10-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

The Etc duo will play some of their unpopular favourites as honoured guests of Basement In My Loft at Prince of Wales in Singapore this Saturday. Starting 9pm promtish.

Date: 30 October 2010

Venue: P.O.W. :: The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Little IndiaSingapore

Facebook invite is here. Selemat Samhain (the feast celebrated at this time of the year in Gaelic cultures. It's "Summer's End", or the start of the dark half of year (and why there's Halloween)).

Etc :: Funny Bones (for Norman Wisdom)

2010-10-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Etc :: Funny Bones (Semi-Acoustic) by Etc.

Posted in memory of Norman Wisdom.

Etc :: Live in Singapore (April 2010) by abcdetc

2010-09-15T22:13:00.001-07:00

Etc :: Live in Singapore (April 2010) by abcdetcEtc v�rit� - complete gig for you, unedited.

Etc :: Dancing To The Smiths (semi-acoustic; live version) by abcdetc

2010-09-15T06:28:00.003-07:00

Etc :: Dancing To The Smiths (semi-acoustic; live version) by abcdetc

Etc :: Trans*end

2010-09-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

A recent solo improvisation on the Etc oldie called 'Trans*end' has been put online here (at Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/abcdetc/etc-trans-end-707). Includes primitive loops + some e-bow.

Happy Hari Raya from Etc.

2010-09-09T01:43:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the Muslim fasting month, and that means it's the Hari Raya holiday in places like Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia (places across which Etc's band-folk are currently scattered) – and that's a good enough excuse for put a verité recording of an Etc concert for your listening (and downloading) pleasure here. The set was definitely recorded in 2010, possibly in April. And on a Friday, in sweltering heat.

The songs played:

Malaysian Trucks

Astrogal

Dumb Waiter

Bungalow

Love Is No Alibi

Pretty Fall

Big Girl's Blouse

Adolesce

Handphones on

the Dancefloor

Peter Panic

Thanks for having us. And Selemat Hari Raya to all!

2010-08-26T03:00:00.001-07:00

Like it says at: http://tinyurl.com/black-blu

Etc's Jakarta-based drummer makes the most of his Singapore weekend R&R* jaunt** – two Etc gigs in one evening.
The Etc trio haven't been same-place/same-time for quite a while, so they could be rusty. Hopefully still trusty...

6.30pm "BLACK"
Pre-Breakfast ALL AGES Show at Blackhole 212
Part of WHITE NOISE @ BLACK HOLE party
212 Syed Alwi Rd (off Jln Besar) - enter via alley behind Syed Alwi Rd
ALL AGES! INVITE BY RSVP ONLY
See here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141296832573812

7.16pm BERBUKA PUASA
Selamat makan yo

8.08pm "BLU"
Late Breakfast Set as guests of PINHOLES + CARNATION at BluJaz Cafe
11 Bali Lane, near Arab Street (MRT: Bugis or Nicoll Highway)
Cost: $12 (includes first drink)
More here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141800722525474

* R&R = Rock & Roll
** jaunt = actually he's on a mission to buy the new Lunarin album asap (Straits Records it is then)

Etc invites you to a Guilty Party

2010-07-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

Been adding Etc recordings to this Etc page here.

Today: 'Guilty Party' - done semi-acoustic sometime last year.

You might also be able to see it on the very page you're looking at now.

Be well.

Etc :: Undrummed

2010-07-20T22:32:00.001-07:00

Etc's latest recording adventures didn't get too far last weekend. Drummer Harvey was briefly in town and all was set for a marathon session of drum track recording. But just before tape was set to roll, the call came in: the studio's microphones had mysteriously disappeared overnight. As a souvenir, we've added some drumless recordings of some of Etc's most-requested songs to the Etc Reverbnation for your listening and free-downloading pleasure. They're labeled as "semi-acoustic" versions of "Bungalow", "Malaysian Trucks" and "Dancing to The Smiths" in the players below or to the side of this page. Enjoy.

Etc Going Aloft

2010-06-11T01:48:00.000-07:00

Something to do this Saturday night: see sterling songsmiths Basement In My Loft play songs from their forthcoming album, See The Rhyme In The Dirt & Grime (plus songs from "a select catalog of the bands that shaped their sound"). Get familiar with Basement and their memorable powerful tunes in the intimate setting of The Prince of Wales Pub before they go on to rock Baybeats 2010 in a few months.

The Etc trio open (starting at 9.30pm), making the most of a flying visit from their drummer, who is no longer based in Singapore. Thanks to Adrian Jones from Basement In My Loft and Malcolm Davis from The Prince of Wales for graciously sneaking Etc's trio of cheeky monkeys onto the bill.

Facebook event page here.

When: Saturday, 12 June, 2010.

Where: P.O.W. - The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Little India (between Sim Lim and Serangoon), Singapore

Timing: 9.30-10.15pm: Etc. 10.30-till late: Basement In My Loft

Etc Go Home (w/ Indus Gendi + Gloria + The Mo Chi Him)

2010-05-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

Etc plays at Home Club this Friday. Also playing are Indus Gendi, Gloria and The Mo Chi Him. The gig is to celebrate the end of university exams in Singapore, but all are welcome... oh, provided you're of legal age.

Date: Friday (7 May 2010)

Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Place: Home Club, The Riverwalk, Singapore

Entry: $8 (Students: $7)

STOP-PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT :: A Light in a Dark Room TONIGHT

2010-04-29T02:05:00.001-07:00

This is being posted only a couple of hours before showtime - but anything to help seems like a good idea for this benefit show called A Light In A Dark Room. And it's a REAL benefit show. It's not a fund-raiser so a band can go and ponce around on a foreign stage... but an attempt to to raise funds for Mika –a mother-to-be– who has been diagnosed with a relapse of a type of blood cancer. The results from Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya, Malaysia are that they're is suffering from lymph node biopsy – Anaplastic T Cell Lymphoma, ALK-1 positive.

The show is 7pm, tonight at Blackhole 212 $5 at the door. Bands playing include the lovely DIS IS IT: See the poster/flyer below. And spread the word. A little thing might make a big difference.

Where's Blackhole 212? It's in the alley behind 212 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore. And it's worth knowing this if you have any interest in Singapore music. It's a great place. Proper Indie - as in: independent like.

What else you going to do tonight? American Idol?

Etc :: "Will Until" the movie

2010-04-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

Etc sometimes wonders what becomes of the photos and film footage they spot being made of them. Today, a kind soul called Patrick was kind enough to share links to some of his Etc archive. Here's what he caught of an early solo version of Will Until played at the Substation in 2008.

Etc :: Some Upcoming Dates

2010-04-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

Fri 9 April: +65 Fest, Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, SG.

8.45pm. FREE. All-ages.

See: http://tinyurl.com/lastminuteinnit

Sun 11 April: SubScene, Blackhole 212, SG.

5pm. $8. All-ages.

See: http://www.facebook.com/link for subscene gig

Sat 1 May: Little Havana, KL.

9pm. Entry w/ drink purchase.

POSTPONED

Fri 7 May: Monkey Bar, HOME CLUB

8pm. Entry w/ drink purchase.

Change of Venue. Was: NUS

Etc :: Pastor of Muppets

2010-04-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

Etc :: Wedding Singers Went Home (for H.O.M.E)

2010-03-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

Donald Soh took some photos at the gig Etc played after a best friend's wedding.

It was at Home Club in Singapore. And proceeds from the gig went to the charity called H.O.M.E.

Our Best Friend's Wedding

2010-03-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

"This weekend is going to be life-changing for me," he says...

We're Chuffed to be part of this.

Etc :: Wedding Singers Go Home

2010-03-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Etc are truly, madly, deeply honoured to have been invited to play WEDDING POP! - a gig that coincides with THE WEDDING OF ONE OF OUR OLDEST PALS AND A HERO OF SINGAPORE MUSIC, PATRICK CHNG, TO THE LOVELY STEPHANIE! Cheers to that!

That's THE Patrick Chng who we've known fronting THE ODDFELLOWS, drumming for PADRES, doing stuff w/ PRIMITIVE PAINTERS and much, much, more in his many years of playing music, helping other musicians, teaching kids, organizing gigs and doing good work for charity - including Music for Good and Migrant Voices projects., while still he finding time to support Liverpool F.C. (and he was a pretty decent footie player last we saw him in action).

So, a pretty class event. But wait! There's more! Not only does Etc getting to play alongside Midnight Marvel and Typewriter (featuring, by the way, PATRICK CHNG! MULTI-TASKER EXTRAORDINAIRE... EVEN ON HIS WEDDING DAY!); but the gig's headliner is: Livonia - long-time no-seen, and now back after a decade of musical adventures elsewhere! Wow.

AND THAT'S NOT ALL FOLKS! All proceeds from WEDDING POP! will be donated to the charity organization, H.O.M.E. Check out their good work here: http://www.home.org.sg/home/index.html

When: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Where: HOME Club, The Riverwalk #B1-01, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore
First band: 8pm
Free entry before 9pm
After 9pm: $12 (includes w/ one drink)

Facebook event page: http://www.tinyurl.com/wedpop

Etc regrets that the Management of Home Club is not permitted to admit those under-18 years old.

Big Star tribute content? Confirmed.

Austin Power

2010-03-03T23:54:00.000-08:00

The Pinholes is a band that you are certainly more likely to have heard-of than Etc. - and if you have heard of Etc it could be because we got to ride the 'hole's groovy coattails when they covered "Handphones on the Dancefloor". Don't worry, The Pinholes got over it. In fact, Bukit Batok's smiling ambassadors of sound are about to set off in the footsteps of Singapore bands Electrico, Great Spy Experiment and I Am David Sparkle, and make an appearance at the SXSW Festival held in Austin, Texas. That's in the USA.

And for those of us wishing them all the best for Texas, there's Blazin' Saddles (or Blazzin Sadders - depending on who you ask) - a gig to raise to funds for The Pinholes' gas, food, lodging, whatever... Considering what popular gents they are, we'd imagine Pinholes are spoilt for choice with who they could ask to play, so how nice they should call on Etc to part of this fundraiser. There's also The Lost Hat and The Rejeks plus - it says - 'Special Guests'. One can only imagine who these might be - at least, we're interested to find out. Maybe they mean You. No kidding. We think you're special. Say hello if you're there.

The Facebook event page for it is >here<.

BLAZIN' SADDLES :: Pinholes SXSW Fundraiser Fun on Friday

Friday, March 5, 2010 :: 8:00pm - 11:00pm

HOME CLUB, The Riverewalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore

Our Gang Maybe Wee, But We Love It etc.

2010-01-14T04:23:00.000-08:00

Wasn't expecting to have an Etc-related post so soon into 2010. The lazy half of Etc (me) was hoping to keep the calendar clear for recording, but -so far- that's not been happening; and just as juggling things that may/may-not happen in other countries was getting bewildering... all of sudden: we get an invitation to play at a party featuring the band AND the DJ that make us smile the most these days. So how could we refuse? Jet-set Harvey Etc might not even be in the country when the show commences, but he's keen (Note to self: ask him about any Phil Collins at Live Aid fantasies he might have)

Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010. 9pm till 2am

Venue: BluJaz, Bali Lane*, Singapore

DJ MiLuvYouLooongTam (aka Roger) presents:

Glorious eclectica spun by his very self

plus live music from:

WeGANG

super-singalong-a-six-piece

and guests who hope they don't spoil the party:

Etc

The Facebook event page is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=445357380007

The listing in Power of Pop says "Here’s one for the S-ROCK fan... two creative, iconoclastic S-ROCK bands that prize wit in their presentation of good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll, principally of the Brit persuasion".

The fact is, we have no idea what to expect. Hopefully, we can make the most of being on Roger-Time here. Recent shows have all been on schedules that have meant we're maybe more buttoned up than at our longer-set, smaller-venue gigs. Not that much more buttoned-up, but a wee bit more? Dunno. Doesn't matter. Whatever. Better go change my strings.

Hope you're having a happy 2010.

Next week: Etc Malaysia gig - might not.
Manila: postponed till April....

Keep in touch.

HAPPY NEW YEAH!

2009-12-29T01:33:00.000-08:00

Here's what we're doing with some auld acquaintances on the eve of the Eve:

A lively gathering with live music

P.O.W :: The Prince of Wales

101 Dunlop Street, Little India (between Sim Lim and Serangoon) Singapore

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

from 8 till late actually 8pm till not THAT late (because curfew is at 1am)

Featuring:

• Basement In My Loft Smart songs that might be new-to-you but sound like classics by the chorus. You'll be jones-ing for more as these well-versed men transform sleepy rust into pure rock n' roll gold.

• Pinholes Well-dressed gents with the preferred mode of retro-a go-go to greet the future with a smile.

• Etc Party like its 1999 (ie. worry about the Y2K virus, Nostradumus & whatever else you got)

• We GANG Get friendly with dysfunctional family fun, as if Iggy went Pop with a chorus of hot blitzkrieg bops. Singalong a six-piece!

Q: Should auld acquaintance be forgot or not?

A: Dunno... can't remember... lost too many braincells over the decade. What did they call them anyway? The "Naughties"? Were they that naughty? Didn't fell like it. The "Noughties" was it? Sounds like a load of zeroes best forgot... so why not fuggetaboutit and bid the blues adieu as this lot kick-offs the Countdown Clock early and lets it rock on the eve of the Eve.

Nevermind the Buzzcocks... this is RADIOCLASH

2009-12-02T03:28:00.000-08:00

Etc is old enough to know better, but hopefully we're not too old for this: spending Sunday, 6 Dec 2009 at the SUBSTATION playing one of Bobby & gang's RADIOCLASH shows alongside cornerstones of Singapore's sound scene that we first met in the '90s. These would be: STOMPIN GROUND, STONED REVIVALS, FLOW and GLOBAL CHAOS. So, quite a high Just Like Old Times factor at play. Without it getting sentimental like, we hope.

Other names to conjure with include: DOWNE'S SYNDROME and DESERTERS (from K.L.). There's a Radioclash Facebook event page here... there will be merch on sale, and just how many little 'uns will be around while their dads and uncles play within?

Whatever the case -given the occasion- Etc reckons it's a fine time to chip away some ancient crust and play our old hymn TRANS*END - as heard on one of those old NEW SCHOOL ROCK comps that came with BigO Magazine back in the day. We might not do a half-hour version... but if the mood takes us - why not?

Tickets: $10 at the door

Brought to you by: THE END OF RECORDINGS; Supported by: TNT Music Studio. Reconstrux Records. Ignite and The Substation

Poster artwork of DAREN LAUCHENGCO (another name from early '90s secret-SG history to conjure with):

STOMPIN' GROUND

DOWNE's SYNDROME

STONE REVIVALS

FLOW

ETC

DESERTERS (K.L.)

RECAPTURING OTELLIS

HALLOW

AUTOMATED TIME MACHINE

GLOBAL CHAOS

Selemat Hari Raya from Etc :: Buzzcocks Gig Starts Early!

2009-11-26T01:18:00.001-08:00

It's Hari Raya in Singapore and -as you may already know- we're spending our holiday (Nov 27th) opening for beloved music greats, BUZZCOCKS, and our fab friends from Thailand, Abuse the Youth. 'Tis an honour.

If you're going, please note that the show is scheduled to start at 6.30pm. Looks like we'll be doing a sundown set. So we might even be getting an early night then eh? Well, that's quite usual for me on a Friday.

Etc's Facebook page for this is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179281121695

Hope you have happy holidays where ever you are.

Ben

Happy Thanksgiving from Etc :: New Recording Up

2009-11-26T01:10:00.000-08:00

Howdy Pilgrims! The subject header says it all really. But sincerely, and wherever you are: HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Etc. And there's a lot that we're thankful for. Like being able to share our music with you - such as the extended version of DUMB WAITER that has just appeared here (on our myspace page) for your holiday listening pleasure. Not mixed, so lots of Harrison guitar racket that maybe shouldn't be there, and Harvey has a go too: you can hear him hitting the guitar with his drum stick as a way of finishing the song.

Thanks again

Ben Etc

Etc :: 'Supporting Guest' to BUZZCOCKS

2009-11-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

like it says on the Facebook Event page here

Our next show happens on 27 November, 2009.

It's a quickie for the Etc duo.

Then comes the fab Thai threesome, Abuse the Youth.

And then, the main event: deservedly beloved pioneering punk-pop quartet: Buzzcocks.

The poster looks like this.

Has anyone else ever made the observation that Shelley is a Romantic Poet?

Etc & the Bennyman instead of Echo & the Bunnymen?!

2009-11-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

Back from Indonesia to bad news for Bunnymen fans. But maybe good news for Etc?

It's odd/potentially-flattering that Etc's photo gets used rather than, say, one of international superstars like Muse, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Coronas, Buzzcocks, Angela Chang or Budak Pantai. Could it be that our bandname has worked in our favour for once - because it helps make for a readymade headline? And surely some credit to Kamal's dynamic photography.

The story shown originally appeared here.

Etc :: Seeking Eastern Promise / Meet the Deniros

2009-11-05T01:41:00.000-08:00

A new flyer and further info for one of this weekend's shows reveals that The Deniros really ARE a Pixies tribute. It says here that they will be "bringing you a full double set show of PIXIES classics such as Where Is My Mind, Here Comes Your Man, Gouge Away, Debaser, and much, much more -- including some fresh new songs that we've never performed before!

"... But that's not all! Veteran Psychopop Rockers ETC will be opening up the evening's festivities with a daring, innovative fusion of alt-rock, pop, and psychotic sounds in the vein of The Replacements, Sonic Youth and The Bad Seeds".

In the vein of who? Talk about giving us a lot to live up to! But at the moment Ben Etc will just be relieved to get there in one piece (turbulence is expected en route). And making it out alive will be good too.

Etc :: INDO-A-GO-GO in Jakarta :: 'Dangdut Hanyut'

2009-11-03T00:54:00.000-08:00

Like is says on the Facebook event page (here):

Etc's plans go south -literally- because we're bound for Jakarta where we hope to continue our happy tradition of playing our songs to people who have never heard of us; and where Harvey will also bash the skins for SONGS FOR THE DEAF (playing songs you may already know) at their farewell show.

Where: EASTERN PROMISE Kemang Raya 5, Kemang, JK, Indonesia.

What/when:

6 Nov (Fri): SONGS FOR THE DEAF - Farewell Show

7 Nov (Sat): Etc and MR JASON BLAIR & THE DENIROS

(Thanks to Lens of THE MISKINS for making this happen)

A message: "ma'af untuk rosak-bahasa saya (tapi saya fikir saya mesti cuba): SAYA GEMBIRA BERMAIN DANGDUT HANYUT KAMI UNTUK SAUDARA DI NEGARA SAUDARA. SAMPAI JUMPA!"

And here's the logo. Some playful bahasa on an Indonesian flag background. Dangdut is a form of music that's popular in the region. Hanyut is a word that can be translated as 'adrift'. I got that from a Joseph Conrad. Probably Lord Jim.

Am dreading the mental arithmetic challenges ahead. All I know so far is the taxi from the airport is $150,000.

John, But Not Forgotten :: Keeping It Peel in 2009

2009-10-07T02:53:00.000-07:00

Ben Etc writes about the closest thing he's had to Hero he's admired from afar:

For over twenty years of my life there was at least one constant I could count on, no matter where I went or what I did. It was John Peel.

I might have gone long periods without hearing the voices of my parents or brothers, but there weren't many weeks when I didn't manage to somehow hear the deadpan tones of John Peel, the pioneering British DJ who died suddenly in October 2004 – leaving an irreparable gap in the lives of his loyal listeners and fans across the world.

Peelie –as he's affectionately known– was already an institution when I discovered his show. At first I tuned-in hungry to hear the reggae, dub and seemingly unintelligible rap of Jamaican "Toasters" he would feature; but before long almost everything he played suited me – especially since we shared an appreciation for twangy guitars, whether they were playing the blues, surf, rockabilly rumble, Zimbabwean jit-jive, Congolese soukous, or adding to the drama of The Smiths or the Bad Seeds, overwhelming the songs of Sonic Youth and Jesus & Mary Chain, or calling the girls to get up and dance with Franz Ferdinand.

And then there was rap. And techno. And garage, gabba, grime, grunge and grindcore. Plus dancehall, speedcore and happy hardcore. Drum & bass, dubstep, ambient, country, folk and –oh– those heartbreakingly yearning 70s soul ballads. Not to forget the impassioned hollering of the Riot Grrl movement; or those cowgirls recorded yodeling all high & lonesome, long before your parents were born.

And what of artists like Ivor Cutler? To put this Scottish songwriter, poet and humourist in a category like "spoken word" doesn't do him justice… But whatever it was, it was all good to me.

Ask "What kind of music did John Peel play?" and you could reply: he played good music. Or at least, he played what he thought was good. And I still naively think that's the whole point. It sounds like a blazing simple concept to me, and it's what I assume a DJ should do: Play music that they like. Except... I don't know how many working DJs actually do this. I certainly can't tell if those I've heard on Singapore radio even have any passion for music. Maybe they do. But the sound of their own voices seems to be their primary love.

And when evidence suggests that to be a radio DJ today requires a fake accent that no ordinary person in any country would ever normally speak with, we can assume that the likes of Peelie would now have difficulty getting a job on radio. Maybe he also contrived radio persona for when he was on air; but if he did, it was a good one. It was good enough to make us feel like we'd lost a member of our family when John Peel died.

When the news broke I knew I wasn't alone in feeling like I'd lost a slightly befuddled but incredibly wonderful uncle. And I knew immediately that I'd miss him. He was an incomparable and sincere enthusiast – a man who didn't have eclectic taste simply for the sake of it, but because great music isn't limited to specific genres or countries. He didn't seem concerned with the tedious pursuit of attaining hipness. His shows really WERE about the music.

I'm never quite sure what people mean when they tell others to "keep it real" – especially if they're vulgar, gold-drenched showbiz sensations whose sense of reality appears to have long since split. But if you're going to tell me to "Keep it Peel": please know that I already did. And I don't intend to stop any time soon.

John Peel Day is commemorated on every 2nd Thursday of October. This year it's being done in Singapore like this (click here for the Facebook event page)

Etc ON 9/11 - PEACE OFF :: LOVE ON

2009-09-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

Poster by Kevin Barrios

9/11 Gig: PEACE OFF - LOVE ON
Date: 11 Sept 2009
Venue: Crawl Space, North Bridge Road - above Straits Records, Singapore
Bands: We GANG, CloseApart, Etc, The Guilt

"While some Singapore bands seem to thrive on little more than hype and haircuts, it's a relief to know that there's still real Rock n' Roll fun to be found under the radar, and the upcoming PEACE OFF / LOVE ON show to be held on this year's 9/11 proves it.

'We want to give people something else to remember about that date - something more positive,' said Adrian Bestium, the lead singer of the hotly-tipped We GANG who are one of four bands playing the show that he instigated. It's going to be a fuss-free dose of the best original Independent Music in town with a great mix of bands that are now emerging from the underground and quickly becoming crowd favourites with each gig they play, making this is an irresistible line-up for all music fans.

Each band presents their own refreshing, unpretentious and melodic take on what they consider to be good old rock rock n’ roll - without it being retro. Music fans now have your answer the next time Electrico asks 'What do you see?'

Tell 'em: 'PEACE OFF!'"

So...

"Mark September 11th 2009 in Singapore with music from four bands who are currently winning the War Against Mediocrity with original tunes to put your world to rights. Whether you wanna be sedated, liberated or intoxicated by songs and sounds, this is the place to be as this friendly squad comes together under the banner of "Peace Off... Love On"..."

Etc :: (How To) Singapore Idle One

2009-07-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

'Never Mind the Taufiks... Don't Stop Till You Hady Enough!'
Etc gets out of the traction and into the action, after recent their brushes with the grim sisters of Illness and Accident.

Etc :: (How To) Singapore Idle One
Thursday, August 6, 2009 :: 9:00pm
P.O.W :: The Prince of Wales
101 Dunlop Street
Little India (between Sim Lim and Serangoon)
Singapore

Join the two-man power-duo of Etc as they dust themselves down to shack off the shackles that recently kept them off the road. Harvey Etc celebrates surviving lurgee, man-flu & jetlag; while Ben Etc is over the worst of the bloodloss, bruising & abrasions of the horrific crash-landing that ended his recent unscheduled and involuntary trip through space.

They're probably just as dazed & confused as they usually are, but that's not to stop them shaking off the maladies and bringing back the melodies as they unveil their Summer Collection of old favourites and new would-be classics for all your Singapore Idle psychopop & bop needs.

And if you want to join the Facebook's Etc Enthusiasts United clicking here should get you there.

Be happy. Be well. See you soon.

Etc :: Not Tonight, But Always Forever

2009-05-14T04:11:00.000-07:00

Last-minute rumour-correction for 14 May 2009: Note: Etc IS NOT SCHEDULED TO PLAY TONIGHT.

Who IS playing? PINHOLES are. P.O.W. 101 Dunlop St, Singapore. 9.30pm. Last-minute notice if you didn't know - but no harm in mentioning since it's always good times w/ those chaps. They cover of Etc's 'Handphones on the Dancefloor'. Even released it. Maybe we put it online here. You want? Ask in the comments box (cue: silence).

And since you're here: might as well tell you that some recent Etc live-in-studio vérité recordings have come online. You might see it on the ReverbNation player on this very page or here and/or here. At Walk On Music (here) they mention it's "All live. Completely sweat-and-spit real. No right-click fakery" and call one of the songs "a a post-spacey epic. This would be the 14:27-minutes of the first time 'Love Is A Four-Letter Word/Cupid Stunts' was ever played. Ever. That means: the first time Harvey ever heard it. He didn't get an introduction either, which is a bit rude, but he's a gentleman and rose to the occasion. Since then, it's only ever been played at Etc gigs to keep it fresh. It's too shy to come to the studios w/ the band. So it's a rare beast. All audible phasing and flanging is 100% natural. The guitar is via reverb/amp and DD7 only. To mention this might mean someone's bragging.

There's also an off-the-cuff 'Bring Me My Dunce's Cap' posted online for the amusement of an Etc-enthusiast/friend as a good-luck for their exams. Needless to mention they like Tom Waits?

Let's Take Forever appears on the LastFM link. Myspace could be getting it soon too. Or some other stuff. Who knows. Etc aren't so techno-savvy. NB: Etc vérité recordings are not to be confused w/ Etc's 'proper' recordings. Yes, some stuff HAS been put down in a studio. Through real microphones. It remains a work in progress.

Hope you're well. See you around.

Etc :: Easter Treaty Songlist

2009-04-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

These are the songs that Etc remembers playing on 9 April 09.
The order might not be exact.
The show was dedicated to Kurt Cobain on the anniversary of his body being found.
There was no functioning guitar amp. Etc used a bass amp. And got shocks off the microphone. But got there eventually.

• Promise Not to Promise
• The Late Great Planet Earth
• Just a Dream
• Reeling
• Let's Take Forever
• Pretty Fall
• I'm With Stupid
• Guilty Party
• Bring Me My Dunce's Cap
• Laid
• The Power of Negative Thinking
• Love Is A **** / Cupid Stunts

• Peter Panic
• Astrogal
• Dumb Waiter
• Handphones On The Dancefloor
• Crawl Babe
• Love Is No Alibi
• Dancing To The Smiths
• Superhero, Incognito
• Unsurprised Etc
• Malaysian Trucks
• Everything Breaks

Etc :: Easter Treaty

2009-03-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Thurs, April 9, 2009 :: 9:30pm
P.O.W: The Prince of Wales :: 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore

The Etc duo of Ben and Harvey break out of their shells to put some spring in your step with a lively holiday hop of top psychopop & bop.

A free-range fiesta of both Etc favourites and new songs to learn & sing, you're invited to spend the eve of your Public Holiday with these echo-loving bunnymen.

Etc Cinéma Vérité:: Just A Dream ('The Wong Kar Wai one')

2009-02-16T01:57:00.000-08:00

Etc dancing in the dark at Blacksteps, 31 Dec 2008. Caught by 3how.

0:00 - 3:40 Just A Dream*
3:41 - 6:08 Unknown

* Song written by Ben Harrison / Etc
* Also known as 'Wong Kar Wai'; also known as 'Sleep, With Me'

Lyrics previously posted here

Etc :: Dancing to The Smiths

2009-02-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

Etc's "Dancing to The Smiths" - played acoustically on 31 Dec 2008 (starting nearly a minute into the clip). Etc likes that the person who left the 'Truly Awful' assessment in the clip's youtube comments is a fan of CRANBERRIES and VERVE and BRAVEHEART. This means they know a thing about 'truly awful' then.

X's Cassettes :: Etc's set

2009-02-02T02:42:00.000-08:00

PoW, Thur, 29 Jan 2009: Since 'X' was present, Etc ventured beyond their originals to include covers of songs first heard on or around X's formative mixes. These are the songs Etc played:

• Peter Panic
• Lairy Canary -> Astrogal
• Watch
• X's Cassettes
• Within You'll Ramone (cover of Tokyo Square: 'Within You'll Remain')
• Schizophrenia (Sonic Youth cover)
• Riding in Your Car (based on Oddfellows' 'Riding In Your Car')
• The Fire of Love (Jody Reynolds cover via The Gun Club)
• I'm With Stupid
• Love Is No Alibi
• Will Until
• You Got To Move (a cappella)
• Unsurprised Etc

Etc's next: 'X's Cassettes

2009-01-20T01:14:00.000-08:00

"...critically-acclaimed indie-rock duo of Etc celebrate the legacy of a friend 'X', whose mix tapes were shared amongst Singapore's fledgling alternative music community over two decades ago, possibly influencing the course of local music as we know it. Etc have yet to reveal the identity of their special guest, X, but the band may even venture beyond their own bittersweet originals to include covers of songs first heard on X's mixes, so don't be surprised to hear them take on the likes of Sonic Youth and The Gun Club, or even local heroes like Oddfellows and Zircon Lounge..."

Etc :: X's Cassettes
Thursday, January 29, 2009 :: 9:30pm
P.O.W: The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore 209420
Tel: (+65) 6299 0130 :: Email: ents.pow@gmail.com
MRT: Little India / Bugis

Etc :: Ex's Cassettes acoustic

2009-01-15T02:36:00.001-08:00

First take of the first song Etc played on the last date at Blacksteps' HQ (4004 Bukit Merah, Singapore). 30 Dec 2008.

Many things that are advertised as 'unplugged' these days: seldom are. But you can be sure that this is. The lighting is candles. The guitar is acoustic. The camera is wind-up. And Etc's brain is off.

'Ex's Cassettes' is written by Ben Harrison / Etc

Etc :: After Stars / Second to Bee-Gees

2009-01-15T02:13:00.000-08:00

From Etc Diaries (15-Jan-09):

"Over a week has passed since Etc's "Before Stars" set-lists were posted. "After Stars" proved much harder to recall. During the break, when I would normally try to remember what I just did and then make vague plans for second set: I was introduced to a former Singapore Idol contestant who complemented the loop, layer & e-bow version of Trans*end and then -naturally- asked if I was interested in writing songs with her. Told her to get in line (I think this one of those instances where one is meant to act all enthusiastic even if you have no intention of acting on a proposal; and it's ok too because no-one is going to pursue it later anyhow).

"Second set: instant fluster for me during the first song I saw some attentive listeners being escorted out (two people were a notable fraction of the night's tiny audience). Why? Because they had returned to their seats with a cup of tea! Stopped my song and protested over the PA so the security guard could hear: "IT'S OK! I SIGNED A RELEASE FORM! THERE'RE ALLOWED TO DRINK TEA TO ETC!" This didn't change a thing though. The last I saw those kids was when they were smiling and waving back at me after their long march across the huge Concourse...

"Oh well, Esplanade DOES have their protocols (in the same way that Etc plays under the "Etc" moniker and no other - so why be surprised if we dispute being billed as anything else?), and so I am thankful they let to play the second set even though I had not provided my set-list beforehand.

"Just as well really. If I did provide a set-list, how many brows would have raised once I deviated from it to honour the requests of a kind soul sat on the front row? His name: Patrick. And how could I say no to someone who not only asked for my autograph, and posts appreciative documents of Etc including this about November Reign; and this from the start of December; and now this about 'After Stars', but who also states that meeting me on 7th Jan comes a close second to his meeting the Bee Gees.

"And it's also thanks to him that I can now provide this set-list for 'After Stars'. He's a Prince.

BUNGALOW
TRANS*END / BOW END
SUPERHERO, INCOGNITO
(ERECT) SHELVES
FUNNY BONES

BI(G) GIRL'S BLOUSE + the Release Form Blues
LAIRY CANARY
WILL UNTIL
MALAYSIAN TRUCKS
GUILTY PARTY
ASTROGAL
JUST A DREAM / JUST TO DREAM
Encore: DANCING TO THE SMITHS

Etc:: Set for Yesterday; Not for Today (yet)

2009-01-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

Esplanade loves paperwork. I signed a lot of paper yesterday: 30 pages of contract, form for keys, form to give permission for someone to film me... (and don't come and talk to me if I am on the black carpet after the show or a guy w/ a walkie-talkie will come and get you). So it's no surprise I have to type up what Etc played yesterday. And since I did, here it is. Obviously I will post it everywhere I can. Especially flattered I had requests to honour. It's also handy since it shows how many Etc didn't get played. They'll be more likely contenders for tonight's "Etc After Stars" show. I might do the LEA SALONGA one again since we're sharing the same backstage.

PADLESS (for Lea Cinderella Salonga)
FARE DODGER
BRING ME MY DUNCE'S CAP
PRETTY FALL
(BITCHING IN THE KITCHEN) SHELVES
BIG GIRL'S BLOUSE(D)
EX'S CASSETTES

half-hour break during which I wrote out the lyrics to a brand-new song I didn't then play

I WANNA BE YOUR DOG (Stooges cover in memory of Ron Asheton)
JUST A DREAM
DUMB WAITER (dedicated to Harold Pinter?)
HANDPHONES ON THE DANCEFLOOR (request)
DANCING TO THE SMITHS (request)
PETER PANIC

"Encore" NOTHING LIKE EXPECTATION (request)
(...ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD excerpt)

Etc :: Before & After Stars

2009-01-02T00:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ETC.

Having played some of the loudest gigs of 2008, Etc ushers in '09 by turning down the volume to explore their unique songbook with a sequence of rare unplugged sets at the Esplanade Concourse. Touted by local media as being the most literate act playing in the region, Etc will draw from their extensive catalogue to play 'semi-acoustic' versions and ambient reinterpretations of their witty bittersweets across a series of intimate sets.

Esplanade Concourse:: The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive:: Singapore

7 Jan 09 (Wed) "Before Stars": 7:15-7.45pm
7 Jan 09 (Wed) "Before Stars": 8.15-8.45pm
8 Jan 09 (Thur) "After Stars": 7:15-7.45pm
8 Jan 09 (Thur) "After Stars": 8.15-8.45pm

Each set will feature different songs from the other. Depends. May all your nicest #9 Dreams come true.

Etc in KOKO's Top 3 (and at the end of 2008)

2008-12-30T02:56:00.001-08:00

A nice way to end a year: find yourself in good company in KOKO's charts (as seen at www.kokoasia.com); and then play a gig with friends on New Year's Eve.

STRAITS RECORDS PRESENTS: GOODBYE BALI, HELLO 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 8:00pm
traits Records / 22 Bali Lane (near Bugis MRT) Singapore
ALL AGES. Entry: $5

Etc's favourite friendly local music emporium signs off on 2008 and kickstarts 2009 with notably no-bull gig - the last show to be held at the Straits Mates' Bali Lane HQ (before they move to North Bridge Road tomorrow). Band order puts us on after Pinholes... talk about bringing the party down. Maybe we'll switch and steal one of them to play that Etc song they cover.

• Straits Records' GUEST BAND
• Tactic Area TACIT ARIA
• THE PINHOLES
• ETC we're scheduled for 10pm
• AMATEUR TAKES CONTROL
• THE ZOZI

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Last Christmas I gave you my heart etc

2008-12-30T02:29:00.000-08:00

Etc is pleasantly surprised to be berated for not posting aftershow reports on recent gigs. Due to this and similar comments from others (with valid excuses for not-attendance): Ben's been trying to piece together what Etc ended up playing on Christmas Eve 2008 at Prince of Wales.

-> Harvey was calling the shots re: most of the songs played. Almost every name he announced took Ben by surprise.
-> Most audience members' requests were granted. But why they expected Ben to check SMS mid-gig? No idea.
-> There was a request for "James Blunt". Ben: "Is that the name of a song?"
-> Hoped to play BRING ME MY DUNCE'S CAP. Thought it might amuse Etc-pal Des - the Tom Waits fan.
-> Forgot to play FARE DODGER. Maybe just as well since it might break the windows.

Almost correct order (corrections welcome):

• WILL UNTIL (DON’T EVER NEVER) i will love you until i don't, and if i can't it don't mean i won't
• BIG GIRL’S BLOUSE how can you expect to find your feet when you've so many pairs of shoes
• JUST A DREAM i'm hoping for the best when i should expect the worst
• SHELVES leave the women bitching in the kitchen son
• DUMB WAITER i think that i got what your last servant died of
• MALAYSIAN TRUCKS i know people in Ipoh
• GUILTY PARTY you've been hurting behind net curtains
• LUFTGUITAR god's lost movie rushes shown on the sky
• LAID some bloody valentine this is
• BUNGALOW my bed's unmade and i feel the same
• I’M WITH STUPID dum-dum-dum dumb down
• STUPID SUPERMARKETtears in her eyes and booze on her breath
• ASTROGAL do do do
• SUPERHERO, INCOGNITO my grandma says i'm the bastard son of someone famous but won't tell me who because it won't save us
• UNSURPRISED ETC a heart broken by sheer boredom
• DANCING TO THE SMITHS she cut out the lyrics from Smash Hits back in 1986
• HANDPHONES ON THE DANCEFLOOR you send me semi-colon and a capital P
• PETER PANIC oh my track-tied maiden, never mind the chains
• NOTHING LIKE EXPECTATION things never work out the way you intend, but things always work out in the end

Also in there somewhere several attempts at SILENT NIGHT - especially after it became the 25th.

Etc has since been asked to join a fab bill for tomorrow night's New Year's Eve bash at Straits Records featuring: AMATEUR TAKES CONTROL, ETC, THE PINHOLES, TACIT ARIA and THE ZOZI. They're moving shop the next day. Shame.

Etc's Christmas Cracker goes from 10pm till then again

2008-12-23T01:40:00.001-08:00

above: Etc and Roger at Baybeats 2006, plotting a Christmas gig 2½ years away

10pm. That's the time Etc is now scheduled to play at on Christmas Eve (Wed, Dec 24, 2008). This is at P.O.W. - The Prince of Wales 101 Dunlop Street, Little India, Singapore - where your faithful duo of Crooked Caroler Harrison and Harvey the Little Drummer Boy are on till round midnight, providing a heartfelt antidote to the season's insincere caroling and crass commercialism.

Hopefully no one will complain that these Merrie Gentlemen have so far made no plans to feature anything remotely seasonal in their set. Nor can they confirm the role of Vinita will be. Poor lass is recovering from denge, a malady Doctors recommend is best shaken with a shot of Etc action. She said she'll be there (to watch) but will she have strength to pick up the bass to play any reunion numbers with the chaps? Like Etc says: "Don't ever 'never'..."

What is certain: this is the last installment of 2008's "Etc: Play for Pals" trilogy* - an ongoing series of gigs held when long-absent Etc-friends return to Singapore and are invited to help pick the songs Etc play. The gigs double-up as informal reunions. It works. No faffing with schedules. Come if you can. Stay in the garden if you don't like the music. Previous Play for Pals shows were held for ex-Etc band members Vinita and Ping. And it was good.

This gig's guest of honour is Roger(pictured on this page next to Ben). He earned the honour by being Toa Payoh's top Etc enthusiast, backing vocalist and dancer, and was sorely missed when he moved to London. Fresh off Santa's sleigh from London (via Thailand), this is the prefect time to say hello to this very nice gentleman. And if you don't want to do that, you can still rock and bop to whatever Etc psychopop will be pulling out of their sack of it.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Etc activity in 2009 :: Esplanade Gig #09 Dream

2008-12-16T03:55:00.000-08:00

A free gig scheduled before a not-free concert by Canada's STARS: "Etc turns down the volume to explore their unique songbook at The Esplanade with the first of two rare unplugged shows. Touted by local media as being the 'most literate' (sic) act playing in the region, Etc will draw from their extensive catalogue to play "semi-acoustic" versions and ambient reinterpretations of their bittersweet –sometimes witty– songs across two intimate sets."

A recent performance of 'Dancing to The Smiths' (and some complementary things about Etc) can be seen here: http://pcqq.blogspot.com/2008/12/smitten-by-nostalgia-dancing-to-smiths.html

Etc has a myspace here: http://www.myspace.com/abcdetc

Thank you.