we are not made in the usa

by Sansamp Rocks and Lounge Lizard

Photos by Idealiste and LuRgEE

Being the most visible and critically acclaimed indie rock band Singapore has produced, Electrico (http://electricomusic.com) has firmly stamped its signature rock sound around the region. Fresh off releasing their sophomore album Hip City, David Tan, Desmond Goh, Amanda Ling, William Lim Jr. and Daniel Sassoon or collectively known as Electrico speaks to Aging Youth about patriotism, their new album and Desmond’s bulging waistline.

Hello everyone. Let's start with updating our dear readers on what keeps you guys busy nowadays!

Amanda : I’m busy lusting over Johnny Depp!!

Daniel : Actually now as a band, we’re right smack in the middle of National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsals. We’ll be playing the pre-parade stint but Dave got arrowed to dress in red and white and sing a national song for the main event, together with John Molina and Sheik Haikel! The only question will be whether viewers can tell Dave from John… or, if Dave keeps whacking all the KFC and Pizza Hut food they give us during the rehearsals, Dave from Sheik.

NDP rehearsals are kinda fun. We made a bunch of primary school kiddies do the Kallang wave around the national stadium. The weather’s hot as hell in the blazing afternoon sun.

We’re also firming up our album launch, working on licensing and planning for regional and international dates next year.

Desmond : I've been pretty tied up with the designing the band T-shirts, flyers, posters, stickers and many more goodies for all the Electricons, Electrolytes, Electriconias, etc. out there. I’m gonna start helping out with the re-vamping of our website too.

William : Struggling to get the band off their busy schedules to jam!

Okaaay, moving right along! How would each of you describe your new album "Hip City"?

William : It's melodic and addictive. More dynamic.

Desmond : Red, White and Black.

Amanda : It’s edgy, yet catchy… The current "talk of the town" album, I’d say!

Daniel : It’s an album that will creep into your brain, invade your bloodstream, become corporeal and sleep with your sister.

It’s also a prime example of rock n roll. It doesn’t try to be a fancy artistic meaning-laden vehicle for metaphors. It’s just really catchy songs with a good beat that you can do a bunch of things along to – dance, sing, housework, type, procreate, etc. All good.

Dave : It’s a huge dose of genuine non-pretentious rock. It’s music that we really enjoy performing as much as it would be for people to bop to. Lots of people have said that this album grows on you. And I think I’m very happy with that. Albums that grow on you last longer!

The title of the album sounds pseudo-patriotic yet sneakily subversive in a neurotic way! What is the song ‘Hip City’ about and why did you guys decide to name the album after the song?

Dave : The songs are about life here in Singapore. Complete with its good and bad. Just like any other country in the world. But we are proud of who we are no matter what... and that’s what the essence of what Hip City is about. It’s not about being patriotic. It’s about being proud of who we are. If you look, there's not ONE mention of "Singapore" in the album. Hip City can be anywhere for anyone...

Daniel : Being proud of your country or patriotic does not mean you are a white-wearing government supporting flag carrier. Somewhere along the way, so many people associate Singapore with the PAP. Our country is more than a political party… Our country is you and me. Us. Some people think Singapore is uncool, boring, embarrassing or whatever. Hello, it’s us who make this country, who invest in the cultures and subcultures. If you think life here is dull, find a way to inject life into it.

The clubbing scene used to be dead 15 years ago. Look at it now. Ok, side effects may include poseurs and glamour queens and all that, but you must admit it adds to the colour and makes great fodder for people-watching. The music scene here is testament to a variety of music of all genres being churned out, some underground and some above the radar. What’s next is figuring out how to get an interested audience for it that can actually support the growth of the scene and industry.

On So Much More Inside, the bulk of the songwriting was credited to Dave. This time round, the songwriting credit is shared among all 5 members. Does that signify a change in band dynamics?

Daniel : There’s more input this time round from everybody. Regardless of who comes up with the initial riffs or ideas, by the time everybody is through with it, the end result is nothing like what the original idea bearer originally conceived. I guess you can call that shared songwriting because who’s to say what any distinctive feature in a song is. Besides the vocal melody, it could be a bass line, a drumbeat, a guitar riff or keyboard hook. Or a combination of any of them.

Dave : I think, more than anything else, it’s a reflection on our evolved respect for each others’ contribution to the whole as a band. I may still write most of the songs but what you hear on the album has been influenced by everyone in the band.

Dave, how do you feel that your songwriting has changed over the past 2 years? ‘Love In New Wave’ features that refrain “We are making love in new wave” so sparingly but it keeps drawing listeners back for more. That’s gotta be Electrico’s most subliminal pop hooks.

Dave: I think my song writing has definitely evolved in the last few years. The experiences and exposure that we’ve gained recently has really opened my eyes and ears to so much more music and I can safely say that I’ve been influenced by a lot of it. I’m definitely less inhibited confined as a songwriter but most significantly, I’ve learnt to re-appreciate good old fashion rock and roll! And you can see that very clearly in Hip City. The songs are more straight-up rock tunes! A shit load more fun to perform and a lot more genuine!

You’ve been spinning under the moniker DJ Hook for quite a bit. With the band’s busy schedule, how do you juggle time between both musical commitments?

Dave: 6 years, to be precise! I’ve been lucky that there hasn’t been much conflict between the two. But having said that, the band hasn’t been THAT busy to not even be able to spare us some time to have our own lives…

Personally, the keyboard parts sound much more integrated into the sound now, rather than the "pasted on" feel of "So Much More Inside". Amanda, do you play a more major role in song writing now?

Amanda : Definitely for this album! Good that I have space to do some solos or nice riffy thingies. So now I get busy multitasking on 3 keys during live gigs! It is body and mind and fingers coordination training while having fun!

So, you are still using the Novation K-Station (which was a new acquirement the last time we chatted). We’ve noticed that you’d added a PowerBook in recent shows. What are you running?

Amanda : Yeah, the K Station rocks! And soon another wicked lovely set of keys (will be) added to the gear list - a rocking red Nord electro. Think vintage Rhodes, Wurtlitzer, B3 organ sounds.... Hehe. Yeah, we realised we do need some sequencing for certain songs, layering different tracks, (creating) ambience and making the sound fuller to achieve the “oomph”. I only have two hands to multi-task; I wish I could have Davy Jones’ tentacles to do more!

So I’ve powered up Pro-Tools and Reason software on my Powerbook, sequenced the tracks and run them live! I recently just got Ableton Live 5 which I’m gonna dabble into as well…

Oh, by the way, Amanda, do you cook?

Amanda : I love cooking! I’ve been too lazy lately... but I LOVE EATING. Gluttony is one of my sins.

Daniel : I’m the other resident chef. Give me an apron, a skillet and a well stocked kitchen and I’ll give Anthony Bourdain a run for his money.

I asked because Desmond's belly seems to growing bigger! So I'm guessing it is either too much good food or too much beer.

Desmond : It’s all about good food with the beer accompanied with it. In fact, the growth of my tummy was done on purpose so we can seek sponsorship or endorsement from OSIM.

What say you, Desmond? Trying to give David a run for his money?

Dave : I object.

Desmond : Dave has no big belly; he only has big voice (dude, you owe me one).

Amanda : Muahahhaa, aww, how sad... Desmond keeps complaining about that lil’ tummy. But I find it cute!

Daniel : (Ex-Singapore Idol finalist) Olinda Cho shall be our inspiration.

Desmond’s been the lead for the band’s past few music videos, displaying a sense of athleticism in ‘Runaway’ and a kooky dancing style in ‘Love In New Wave’. What’s next for him in future videos?

Desmond: Most probably doing it hip hop style with lots of blings and girls around on my velvet couch. Must give my legs some rest, guys!

Speaking of big bellies, a rather rotund ranger whispered some skanky secrets to me about you guys! Firstly, you guys recorded some songs at minutely differing BPMs (beats-per-minute), e.g 80, 81, 82. If that's true, who is the rhythm Nazi in the band?

Dave : Hey, one BPM makes a difference.}

Desmond : That has to be Will; he keeps our groove tight and groovy.

Daniel : If William were in a marching band, you would have to call him Major Metronome, Sir. Sometimes, a slightly different tempo might inspire him to play differently and may inspire our sound maestro Leonard Soosay to mic up and record the drums differently. So yeah, each take has a different vibe: some obvious, some subtle. Maybe one day, we should release a maxi-single of ‘Only Where I’m Going’ – with all the 6 different versions and outtakes of the same song!

William : If your song tempo is 134, make it 134.12. It helps though, strangely, it’s only a 0.12 difference. Try it out!

Amanda : Yes, the “point-something” added in the tempo gives it a more “human” feel to the whole groove and vibe of the song.

Secondly, the song ‘Fever Fly’ was inspired by the Aedes mosquito.

Daniel : We don’t know one species of mosquito from another. It’s just about those annoying bloodsuckers who keep hounding you and make you wanna slap them. And I don’t mean those banks’ credit card telemarketers who call you every other day…

Desmond : Yup! It was during that epidemic where Aedes mosquitoes were covering major corners of Singapore, including our corners.  Once we were jamming, some of us were down with fever. We suspected that it was dengue fever and the song ‘Fever Fly’ was born in that session. Luckily, we weren't having dengue in the end.

William, have you ever felt that you are not getting enough attention?

William : I don't really worry about not getting enough attention cos if the people listen to our song and know Electrico, it’s ok with me. We don't need our faces to present the songs; we are artists.

Daniel : But can put Amanda’s face to present, that one no worries. Actually, Will does get attention! A lot of very hot girls dig him.

Amanda : Haven’t you heard of girls secretly swooning over drummers in bands? I was one of those girls when I was younger! Hehehe *blush*

Bastard! Ever considered drumming in drag to make people notice you?

William : For what?! I don't need to do stuff that is not true to get noticed! I will just keep doing what I do best. Be myself and put on a good performance for the people!

William mentioned an interesting point about being artists. There are claims that Electrico has sold out as Hip City is deemed even more commercial than So Much More Inside and with all the endorsements the band has been getting. What’s the band’s view on that? Actually, Aging Youth thinks the whole idea of people accusing others of selling out is, honestly, fucking dumb. Sounds like a bad case of sour grapes.

Daniel : It’s hilarious really, almost as funny as flogging this very dead horse. Because out of every 100 of these naysayers hollering “sellout!”, most having no idea of what the term even entails. I bet 99 of them would publicly lick George Bush’s sweaty nut sack if that could let them stand in the shoes of Coldplay or any other professional recording artiste of similar stature that undoubtedly has had the same accusation thrown at them some time in their careers by some pissant geek. Most people hate their jobs. Most musicians, on the other hand, love playing music. What’s wrong if making your own music could be your job instead of the mind numbing routine corporate 8-to-6 drudgery? Not that our “jobs” in Electrico are anywhere close to being a substitute for an illustrious career filling Slurpees at 7-11. So all this is a moot point really.

Sure, if you don’t like our music or album, by all means feel free, no hard feelings. No one is universally adored and at the end of the day, it’s only rock n roll, it’s not a cure for cancer. So don’t get your panties in a twist if it’s not to your taste. Some say this album is heavier and more rocking. Some say it sounds the same. Some say it’s a huge step forward from our debut. Some say our first one is catchier and has better songs. Some say both albums suck and [insert emo / hair metal / lo-fi hipster Casiotone tweepop band] rules… Blah blah blah, whatever. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. Move along now.

But think before you resort to name calling and using a term such as “sellout”. Yes, it’s only mildly annoying at most to the accused and let’s be honest here, nobody’s gonna change their lives because of what you think – but it is terribly insulting when we’ve done nothing more than logically pursuing open avenues and opportunities in an effort to try to get our music heard, and along the way, sacrificing what was once a promising professional career for our band.

Yes, some people like our music – maybe some might be generally musically unadventurous and would otherwise never have picked up a local band’s CD or ventured to a local gig if not for hearing our songs on the radio or watching our video on MTV. If, to you, a sellout means being guilty of appealing to people like those or playing our brand of music, instead of some flavour of the month ultra-cool post-whatever genre, then please go save the world with your tunes or your peanut throwing. The world obviously needs you more than us.

Daniel, what is your latest gear acqusition?

Daniel : Holy sheep liver sandwiches, with this topic you just opened the floodgates bro. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

I had a couple new toys for this album – guitar wise, I changed out the pickups in my mainstay workhorse, my Fender Strat Ultra. I was getting bored with the Lace Sensors so I threw in a Duncan JB in the bridge, Vintage Rails for the middle and Cool Rails for the neck, and a custom specific switching system as I use the neck/bridge combo a lot. I also got an Ibanez JS1000 – the Satriani model! I was wondering why so many Singaporeans love their Ibanezes – does it make you play faster? Like “I have an Ibanez… Look ma, I can shred”. But actually, to some extent – yes, it seems to facilitate it. Maybe it’s the pointiness of the headstock. When you pick one up, you can almost smell the spandex tights. But it’s the locking whammy bar I got it for – I can now do divebombs and horse-about-to-be-sashimi noises to my heart’s content! It’s fun to play but honestly I don’t see myself using it live, except maybe for visual effect on ‘Fever Fly’. I also just bought a US Telecaster Deluxe; it’s awesome. That I want to bring around!

I just got a new pedalboard / flightcase which itself weighs 25 lbs and is large enough to store the dismembered corpses of my enemies. I’ve mounted all the cool stuff I want to on it. Relatively new toys since my last interview with Aging Youth include a Strobostomp tuner, which is really expensive but it’s true bypass and super accurate! And an ugly shade of blue. For gain pedals, I have a Crowther Audio Hot Cake which is my main light overdrive pedal now; a Keeley modded TS9DX “Flexi” – I use the “baked” setting for more hair and grit during my solos, the slight midrange hump really helps cut through the mix when playing live; and an MI Audio Crunch Box which is the coolest high-gain balls to the walls distortion pedal I’ve ever come across. Ridiculous amounts of natural-sounding gain but with clarity, and it sounds sweet when set on a lower gain setting too. I’d almost given up on distortion pedals for life. The 2 nd generation one sounds better than the first, it’s worth an upgrade.

I also replaced my Keeley modded Line 6 MM4 with all-analog pedals for modulation, which is what I always eventually wanted to do. For modulation, I have an HBE Psilocybe which is just a lovely sounding phaser; an Ibanez FL9 flanger which I got off e-Bay cheap and I’m sure will find a use for one day and a Keeley modded Boss CE-2 Chorus which I use more often that I thought I would. Other stuff I bought include a Foxrox Octron which is an awesome analog octave pedal, and you can blend an octave lower and higher in varying degrees, and it tracks so well; a Line 6 Verbzilla for reverb – I got it for the Octo setting, which sounds like angels singing over your guitar; a Jacques Trinity envelope filter/auto wah, and finally an Axess BS2 Buffer so my tone doesn’t degenerate through that ridiculous length of cable and circuitry. It actually works.

And what is on your GAS list?

Daniel : Next up – a Z-Vex Fuzz Factory – I borrowed one for the outro solo of Teenage Queen. I loved how erratic and insane that pedal is… and probably, a Sweet Sound Mojo Vibe to round it all up. I have been secretly longing for a Ring Modulator all this while since I heard MrMisse’s Moogerfooger. But I think that would finally cross the line into being just excessive.

So after two albums and countless gigs later, what else is next for Electrico? How about doing a Ronin and tour the HDB Heartlands? Learn some Hokkien songs along the way?

William : Touring overseas!

Desmond : We always wanted to play the schools; we just need to find the right opportunity. For the heartlands, maybe I'll join the Hungry Ghost Festival bands that rock every night now to experience groovy Hokkien songs.

Amanda : Touring would be da bomb! And hey, I passed by Chinatown and a Hokkien band was busking in the middle of Smith Street and it kinda made my head bop, ok! Hokkien songs got groovy drums, bass lines and killer key solos. Can do cha-cha dance!

Talking about touring HDB heartlands and schools, I heard that one of the best shows the band has ever played was a graduation prom for an all-girls school. Interesting.

Desmond : It was the prom for Chung Cheng High at Marina Mandarin Hotel. We were playing at the poolside and there was this low platform for people to do line dancing, and it caved in because the kids weren’t doing line dancing but doing pogo and moshing on it! It was mad and fun to see them dress in nice prom dresses suits and jumping to our music! Amanda and I were wearing their uniform!

Amanda : That was the first time we played to a school and we were awed by their enthusiasm. We were actually quite worried they might not dig our kinda music. But it was really cool when they were rocking out and jumping and forgetting they were in tight pretty gowns and suits... Heh. Yeah, wearing their uniform was fun and made me feel like a school girl once again... Hey, it wasn’t that long ago since my Secondary 4 prom, eh?

Though we are not sure about an actual demand for cross-dressing bassists, you guys know that there’s a market for used schoolgirls’ underwear in Japan? That is, if you’ve gotten any panties flung at you that night.

Desmond :We will give to you guys to test the goods before sales. Set!

All right, there you have it folks: Electrico, raw and unrehearsed. Any last words from the band?

Dave : Apply your intelligence to build many kinds of beauty zoo. We love you.

Amanda : Get our album! Come to our shows and be merry!

Desmond : Keep a look out for the tummy! It’s coming for U!

Daniel : Be kind to animals, never forget you only live this life once and support local music and musicians – but if you’re reading this, you’re probably one too – so never mind just go and buy your own CD and buy yourself a beer.

William : Stay with your passion and keep rocking!