The end is the beginning.

The concert on 28th July was a real mad rush for all of us in the band from set up to rehearsal to the actual show. With CNA looming around to catch me for a short interview with Lisa Ang, the crew from Originasian who were shooting the concert, and Wendy who was our official photographer. It was a little hard to concentrate for the rehearsal, yet it was important that we got things right with the little time we had since the full run was pushed ahead due to some technical difficulties.

I couldn’t see who was in the crowd initially. For those of you who’ve seen me in Wala and other gig venues, I’d always be in ease and have a certain amount of confidence cos I’d been doing it for years.

For a solo concert? This was my first. Damn, it was really nerve wrecking!

To ask people to pay good money to come listen to my songs. Obviously you get to hear them at Wala as well.. which is why a lot of planning went into this concert. To make it an experience you wouldn’t get in Wala or any other venue we play at.

Here’s the complete list of people I would like to thank, I missed out a few on the concert night itself..

Chris Leong Tokunari – Concert Producer

For believing in me.

Kicking me in the butt.

For organising every detail that I would have missed out if I had to run the show myself. For making sure the band members knew what was expected, for liasing with Esplanade staff and crew throughout the preparation for the show and the day itself. So that I may concentrate on being the artiste, making the music.

Christina Choo – Stage Manager

For making sure we got to our dressing rooms alright, for making sure we got to the stage in order. For escorting some of us in and out for smoke breaks. For being the link between us and what’s going on outside for we were standing in the dark at some point and blinded by the stage lights at another.

Originasian Crew (Jolene, Tawadee and April)- Video Crew

For making this concert a lovely memory for all of us. We are looking forward to the final edit!

Wendy Yap – Official Photographer

For taking the time off to come shoot us before during and after the concert. Your talent will be seen soon when we upload the pictures!

Instant Karma (Colin and Hsu Jing) – T-shirt gurus

For all the lovely t-shirts you’ve designed that I lovingly and proudly wear. For letting us put our UnXpectedly Live CDs for sale at your neat little shop!

Ashley Leong Tokunari – Concert outfit stylist

For taking the time to bring me shopping for the perfect outfit for the show. Also for giving me tips on how to dress in clothes other than the thai pants…

Sharon Chia – Shoes 

My flatmate Sharon for lending me those cute shoes for the concert.

David Mercer – Hairstylist

For taking care of my hair for the past five years.

Esplanade-

Amy and Juana for coming to me with this idea and giving me the nudge to start writing again. Clarence for the production side. Dino (‘it’s hot..’) for being the wonderful soundman. Each and everyone of the crew involved on that night too.

Four Tones Music – Drums rental

For the nice drum set you rented us.

Addy Rasidi – Guest Artiste

For making Walk Away sound the way it does now. For taking the time to come for rehearsals, and for making time for the concert just before rushing off to work!

The UnXpected – The band 

Asri dbassbitch on bass, Rene Hombre on guitar, Joan Chew on piano and violin, Colin Teo on keyboards and Brandon Khoo on drums. You guys made my songs come alive. You are my friends, my family, my colleagues. You have contributed in my growth and I will always be grateful for this experience of working together.

Tony Goh – Uncle Kracker

For being the father figure in my years in Wala, being patient with me and making sure I’m ok.

Aunty Mary – My mom

For not falling asleep this time, or so I thought.. since I couldn’t really see past the lights on stage. LOL

Jeffrey Tan – My brother

For the love and support you’ve given me.. despite our rebellious teenage angsty fights.

To each and every one of you who stood up during our encore, I thank you for making it a night to remember. There’s lots to be learnt from this experience, which means better shows will come, with your support.

I am humbled and grateful for all that was and is and will be.