Recording the drums is probably one of my favorite part of the recording process, because not only is the Backbone of the song, you can say its very much different then the other instruments when it comes to recording it. The drums varies in the different venue / studio we are in because of the different acoustics, hence tuning it to get the Right TONE for the particular song is very much important and essential. So indeed, for this song "Reflection"..again we bring back International Drum Legend, Lewis Pragasam who recorded for DiversiFy on "MAHKOTA" & "Sudden Twist".
I personally think one of the most important component of the drum is the Snare which normally if you listen to any pop song, it comes in during the 2nd beat of the bar. and to have a solid Snare tone, it requires a little fussiness to go around it in which we all are. Today, for "Reflection", we used the "Cadesan" Signature Fibreglass Snare, which is the same snare Lewis recorded for Leehom's "Forever Love". What more it got that Solid Punch tone that i envisioned for this song. Producing the Drums track @ The Arkstudio Lewis & Dennis
Now, the Drums / Percussion legend laying down his Soul=)
Thank You~
God Bless!
Dennis Lau http://www.dennislau.com.my http://www.mosaic.com.my http://www.youtube.com/dennisviolin http://www.dennislaumusic.blogspot.com http://www.mosaicmusicentertainment.blogspot.com http://www.twitter.com/dennislauviolin http://amp.channelv.com/dennisviolin http://www.cravecharts.com/dennisviolin
The Arkstudios Sometimes, we Reflect on our doings, our right / wrong doings, attitude, morality, career, relationship be it with friends or close ones, etc. There was recently a moment i experienced it myself. And i guess, the best way is to express it through the music i make. At this very point of my life, i have longed for sometime to do a live studio session with our very own sessionist greats since the last stage of post production for DiversiFy...therefore, i always believe, as a person very much involved in arts, hence the creativity of the mind, Its very difficult to keep it inside without releasing it. Sounds strange but i guess the ppl who are in this "line" would know what i mean.
Sorting the expertise of a great friend / bassist of mine, Shah..this afternoon, we embarked on the journey of co-producing and recording the Rhythm Section of "Reflection", a song i composed recently during this period of time. To be honest, this moment is kind of bitter sweet for me but i have learned to overcome it and at the same time, grow from it. and, recording in the studio is just a Blissful experience and the perfect medicine.
Instead of the style i am accustomed to in recording the first album, i want a totally different approach for "Reflection" without loosing the identity of myself. As some of you might know, im very much influenced by the style of John Mayer thus in time, you will be able to listen the "Mayerism" in me in this song. At the same time, i would want each and everyone of you to Feel the message i would like to deliver in this song in compatible with the title of it. I always belive making a song is exactly like making a movie. Likewise, in producing an album.
Anyway, Very much excited about it, because an All Star Band is always not to be missed without capturing any Pics & Videos.
I shall let the below PICS & VIDS tell the journey of our session earlier this afternoon. Enjoy! Lewis Pragasam on Drums Jamie Wilson on the Acoustic & the Electric Shah Co Producer / Bass Man Jamie & Dennis Shah & Benjamin, Recording Engineer Shah's Music Man Bass Thanks bro, "you know what i mean eh?=)"
Much appreciation to my trustie / reliable Keyboardist and Pianist Wilson Jong for tracking the Grand Piano as well!
Now, presenting to you, the Drums Legend.....
with Guitar Maestro.....
Thanks
Love.Peace.Music
God Bless!
Dennis Lau http://www.dennislau.com.my http://www.mosaic.com.my http://www.youtube.com/dennisviolin http://www.dennislaumusic.blogspot.com http://www.mosaicmusicentertainment.blogspot.com http://www.twitter.com/dennislauviolin http://amp.channelv.com/dennisviolin http://www.cravecharts.com/dennisviolin
DENNIS LAU VIOLINIST SONGWRITER 2010 OFFICIAL SHOWREEL
Its time to revived this blog (hopefully daily) with some interesting facts and plans which i cant wait to share to all of you. And i promise i would be updating it more frequently right now as several projects have taken its toll on my writings. Nevertheless, Thanks so much for all the support towards the music especially the album- DiversiFy. It has been a blessing..really..frm the Big Man up there and each and everyone of you for Inspiring!
Thanks
Love.Peace.Music
God Bless!
Dennis Lau http://www.dennislau.com.my http://www.mosaic.com.my http://www.youtube.com/dennisviolin http://www.dennislaumusic.blogspot.com http://www.mosaicmusicentertainment.blogspot.com http://www.twitter.com/dennislauviolin http://amp.channelv.com/dennisviolin http://www.cravecharts.com/dennisviolin
Frm the above coverage of Singapore's Razor TV, You could check out the other parts as well. All together there are 6 Parts. Pretty Amazed bu their Editing and Questions though.=) Enjoy! With Eileen & Patrick of The Agency Team, Singapore - My Singapore's Managers.=) Dennis & Lee An, Korean Superstar Singer me & Jimmy Jamming with Jeremy Monterio, Singapore's Jazz Legend
& then, the press coverage / reviews
Singapore's Business Times One of the few headlines which amuses me frm Singapore's Newpaper Sunday Times
& Of course, lets Not forget
ASIA UNCUT frm Shanghai with Jon Niermann!
Last but not least, thank you for all the support, i shall continue to make good music, besides putting up a good show on each performance!=) Do Enjoy the pics & vids above and i shall be back with many more updates / plans on my next "Wave" in Music=)
Thank You~
God Bless!
Dennis Lau http://www.dennislau.com.my http://www.mosaic.com.my http://www.youtube.com/dennisviolin http://www.dennislaumusic.blogspot.com http://www.mosaicmusicentertainment.blogspot.com http://www.twitter.com/dennislauviolin http://amp.channelv.com/dennisviolin http://www.cravecharts.com/dennisviolin
First and foremost,Thank you to all who read my previous blogpost and keeping my dear friend, Brian Tan in your prayers. He has just undergone his first Chemo in Singapore and is staying strong in this battle. May God Bless him with the greatest love and strength of all!
Anyway, My First Shanghai Trip was a shoot for a Talkshow for Starworld's ASIA UNCUT. Aired every Sunday on ASTRO Channel 711 @ 10pm. Previously based in Singapore and this season in Shanghai, it was indeed a tremendous improvement compared to the first season. The revamped set, storyline and production does have a class of itself, similar to the ones on Saturday Night Live & David Letterman. and of course, no other great host, besides the One and Only Jon Niermann!
Touched down in Pudong Airport at 4pm and off I was to the set in the winter about 3 degrees Celsius.
The pictures below depicts the chronology of "scenes" took place on the very special "Asia Uncut" day: With Melissa of Tinsel PR- My Publicist for Singapore 1st Time with the Asia Uncut Band Rehearsing "I Just Wanna" Better shot from Melissa during the soundcheck / rehearsal My Number One Groupie / Hairstylist, Kelly in Shanghai Make Up done by Yen=) After makeup with Aaron Eckhart a.k.a Two Face of Batman & Thank You for Smoking Jon, Anoushka, Dennis & Aaron the Humble Aaron with his copy of DiversiFy. A Second of the set before the shoot Magnificent Skyline of Shanghai Shot taken frm the Artiste room backstage. Official picture would be up soon.=) Thanks Jon Niermann, Host of Asia Uncut for the privileged to be on the show.
Tuned in to Asia Uncut on March 14th(Sunday), 10pm on STARWORLD / Channel 711 on ASTRO or http://www.asiauncut.com to catch this One of a Kind Talkshow in the world.
Special thanks to Karen of Flyfilms, Melissa of Tinsel PR, Eileen & Patrick of The Agency Team & of course, Jon Niermann of Asia Uncut for making all possible and memorable and for being such Fantabulous hosts!
Thank You~
God Bless!
Dennis Lau http://www.dennislau.com.my http://www.mosaic.com.my
P/S:
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Celcom Exec
* Launching & made available on 20 January 2010 * Visit any Celcom branch, blue cube or dealer to enjoy the promotional package * Promotional price at only RM291/month with Celcom Exec 50 or 250 postpaid plan
BlackBerry Advance plan
* For more info, check out http://www.celcom.com.my/celcomexec or via mobile at mobile.celcom.com.my/celcomexec * First come first basis * Can support with ATL materials such as TVC & print ad
In the New year, we look forward to many things....we set resolutions, we plan ahead for the year, we look forward in achieving new goals, and most of all..we want to be a better person. For myself, im actually quite contend with my resolutions last year in which i managed to fulfill all of it...the album, the music, the launch at last. This year, i plan to take the music or rather the album to another level. Because, i always believe....as human, we are greedy, just depends how much greed we have. To me, i take this greed as the urge to improve...because life is short, and we have to make the best of it.
I've got a new resolution this year, and it really tops the rest of it..that i ever had or wished before. Its for this friend of mine, Brian Tan...in fact, a very good friend of mine whom i respect and admire because for his dedication to his craft in Music, both teaching and performing. Brian plays the violin and piano superbly and I regard him as the pioneer of the electric violin in Malaysia. Besides, he conducts the KL Pac Simfonietta Orchestra in which frm the beginning he nurtured young and amateur aspiring musicians into becoming musicians who are able to achieve their dreams today. To sum it all up, he is one of the very few outstanding all rounder musician who is amazingly talented in his respective specialization.
Late last month, i received news frm a mutual friend of ours, Dominic that Brian's being diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. My heart sunk upon hearing it...and immediately i know there is no one i could turned to for help except God. cause, one thing for sure, the Lord has been very kind to me last year. He listens, and answers your prayers....and thats one thing for sure. Since then, Brian and I have been constantly in touch via sms and believe it or not, i do send him a daily bible verse every afternoon without fail till today....which i received these verses via an application on facebook daily. I take it as God's daily message to me....and probably God would wanna speak to him through me....well, thats how i think...but at least it comforts me.=)
Pancreatic cancer is a silent killer, it affects ppl i personally know, my dear uncle, Hollywood actor the late Patrick Swayze whom all have fell victim to this cancer. Is a "disease" in which by the time u have experienced the symptoms of it, its already at the later stage and chemotherapy would only be the only option. Because surgery normally (if found out later)would not be able to remove the tumour, blocking arteries and have already spread to other parts of the body. Brian's case was similar and it does hurt me deeply for waking up daily knowing that the options are little.
Brian is one of the most hardworking, energetic and inspiring musician / friend i have ever known. You can never see the tiredness in his eyes therefore i could understand the admiration and respect his students has for him. Even when i visited him yesterday evening at his place. His positive mindset and happy go lucky attitude in battling this cancer really left me speechless.. It made me think twice of the little obstacles we face everyday.. and sometimes, being frustrated easily because we cant get a simple thing done...But seeing Brian so strong and in return convince me that he will be strong and fight this through cause we still plan to work and perform together in my upcoming concert series and have many more late night suppers when he gets better, despite losing much weight due to the surgery.
I never regard my blog as a superbly commercial blog because as you can see frm my previous post, i only speak about my music...However this time, i would like to Urge each and everyone of you as readers of of my blog..., to just please Pray for this dear friend of mine, Brian, that he will fight and win this battle against Pancreas Cancer.
Yesterday morning in Church, a friend of mine, King Wai recommended me this blog who is about a lady who has stage 4 lung cancer and managed to survive till today. Thus, motivates me to further believe that all things are possible...and a miraculous miracle might happen very soon.=)
Below are a few verses which i find it extremely meaningful frm her blog: www.lizadventure.blogspot.com
Psalm 57:1
1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Proverbs 3:1-2
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Psalm 51:2-4 (New International Version)
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
Brian said that after many years of hardwork, its time for him to take a Vacation, to treat this cancer. He says he treats this cancer as a friend and all he can do right now is to speak to his new found "friend" of him to go away as soon as possible. Its true and indeed very inspiring.
So dear readers and friends of my nimble fingers blog, once again I'm here asking you a favor to join the army and pls pray for Brian Tan for his speedy road to recovery, pray that the doctors in Singapore would try their very best and for the chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells. You wouldn't know how much a little time of yours would help in giving him the encouragement and determination to win this battle! May God Bless you, Brian....and all of you too.=)
Thank You~
God Bless!
Dennis Lau http://www.dennislau.com.my http://www.mosaic.com.my
A very good evening to all honourable guests, members of the Media and ladies and gentlemen. I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to everyone who is present here today. Thanks for taking the time out from your busy schedules to be apart of my momentous journey. I’m extremely Nervous today, but i hope you all could open your hearts and listen, as I would like to to share with you a very short story......my story, mydream. How many of you had a childhood full of musical notes? To me, I regard my childhood as one of a kind. Because I woke up having breakfast, lunch and dinner filled with Italian terms: Allegro, Crescendo, Diminuendo, so on and so forth. There was only one goal for me at that time and it was to pass my examinations and move on to the next grade. And then, came the much awaited uni years which was when I took up music. While most of my friends at that time were busy earning degrees in other fields, I realised that earning a degree in music would be the wisest choice for me as I could most definitely excel in that subject. Truth be told the years spent studying and learning was not all that smooth sailing, because something came to my mind then, it was the thought of how on earth did I end up here? Then the thought shifted to I better not waste my mum’s hard earned money ! Then, it was my performing years, where I was yet to find the passion in music. At that point of time, I thought what does it take to be different than others? The answer was simple, having your own original composition. Sounds simple, but for me it posed a major problem, because I did not have an idea on how to write songs, especially since I’m from a classical background, and we’re mainly trained to play music that dates back to the 17-18th century. Then it was almost as if lightning struck and I managed to compose a tune and decided on a whim to record it. The song is titled “ I just Wanna” and is included as one of the tracks in the album =) I must say, the first recording sounded absolutely refreshing to my ears…because from a classical background, I had no idea how a drum, bass or any other instrument should and could sound apart from the piano and violin. Because of the birth of this excitement, I then embarked on this journey 2 years ago which eventually brought me here of having the privilege of speaking and performing for all the wonderful people present. In the last 2 years, I feel blessed to be influenced by many wonderful ppl. Not only the number of musicians which influenced me in terms of music. I then learned how to collaborate and be influenced by different people. Frm Photographers (Thank you Zung of the photoz.com for being the official photographer & videographer), Fashion designers, interior designers, artists, business ppl, PR Agencies, Advertising agencies, etc and not only that, appreciate the different talents and skills of these wonderful ppl. Because of these ppl and friends, I had one goal, being a musician/ violinist myself, my goal was to project and allow people to take notice of the Diverseness of the violin. That’s why the album is titled DiversiFy. Throughout the period of this self funded production, I did not approach any labels or companies, because I truly want this album to be produced based on the experience I had gone through the past 2 years. Thank you to Sony Music Entertainment my distributors for the album for believing in this product. I would like to once again, say Thank You to the Sony Music team: Adrian, Aziana, Tam & Yuen See for this. God Bless and I love you.. To Eileen Ker from Singapore, let’s look forward to our invasion in the lion city…Not to forget my company, Mosaic Music Entertainment’s managers, Stephanie & Reema for being there for me every second I needed u so. Syed of Mediabond and his wonderful team: Wenny, Krista, Valerie & Nazli for being the best brother and PR Guy to me…..thank you for your advice. Winnie Loo for being responsible for the hair style on my head…haha….Edwin, my trustee sound engineer and his team, Crossroads production for devoting your time and energy in making this event sound like how its suppose to. My dear friends and family, each of you present here today WERE a part of this Album (frm the tiny note, to the beat, to the groove , the phrase and sounds) and my deepest gratitude goes out to you for being involved in this project. The love of my life, Jane for inspiring me to write one of the last track in the album, track 11, I love you. Mum, for pushing me and nurturing me and making me the man I am today. Last but not least, Lord Almighty and his blessing. Thank you for this chance to bring together all present today and the gift of music here in Starhill. Thank you YTL. God Bless. Spread the love!
Love.Peace.Music Dennis Lau www.dennislau.com.my
Speech by Sony Music Entertainment's Managing Director- Adrian Lim
the Launch Gambit
Prelude in F minor feat. Jimmy Sax
a Sneak Peak to the 2nd Album- "Cooking Up A Storm" feat. Beatboxer Shawn Lee, Yuri Wong & Ken Chung
"MAHKOTA" feat. Syafinaz Selamat
Dennis Lau- DiversiFy on BERNAMA News
Also, announcing the Official Launch of the website: http://www.dennislau.com.my
God Bless!
Dennis Lau http://www.dennislau.com.my http://www.mosaic.com.my
An art and photography enthusiast, MUSIC is my life. Willing to explore the outer boundaries of life, in search of inspirations and turning them to aspirations, so as to face whatever challenges, and to keep on learning new things...
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