The UrbanWire      

^{(All images courtesy of Utt TV)}

Utt TV

Looking not a day older than when he became the face of MTV Asia in 1998, this Thai/Chinese American heartthrob hasn’t contented himself with being one of the most recognisable faces and voices in the regional music scene, he also runs an artiste management company, seven95ive, which has in its stable hot stars like Taya Rogers and Leon Williams.

Recently, Greg Uttsada Panichkul or Utt has added to his burgeoning business his own TV show. His countless hordes of screaming young Asian girl fans, the ones whose votes gave him his recent win as “Cutest Male Personality I Wanna Bring Home” at the m:idea Youth Choice Awards can’t get enough of it.

Utt TV is a collaboration between seven95ive and Gilarock, a local production company managed by Egan Jeremiah Hwan, better known as the EggMan. Utt always wanted to run his own TV show and Egan had an idea of producing an online entertainment reality TV. Their dreams were brought to life with the birth of Utt TV on Dec 21, 2009, an online portal where “real shit [is] turned digital”, Egan tells UrbanWire.

Utt TV sustains the edge in entertainment with its spunky coverage and exclusive ‘live’ footage of ordinary people. “Utt TV is currently random fun stuff, much like how you see reality content. It’s another avenue to showcase everyday random quirks in my daily life or life around me,” Utt tells UrbanWire.

“Currently we have viewers from Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia. The hits are not amazing just yet, but this is only the initial stages of everything and in time to come we believe we can be hitting thousands a week” said Egan. His hopes are high for Utt TV especially with the upcoming changes to the current website.

“It is definitely a good try as Utt TV tries various styles of interviewing to give a different perspective,” says Jonathan Foo, a TV Studio Production lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film & Media Studies.

The varieties you will see on Utt TV include videos of Utt on the go, quirky videos titled “baby drunk” or even “saving the lizard”, coverage of events that Utt has been to such as the EP launch of local band Vermillion, and even special interviews with hip hop act Micbandits from Brunei.

“It’s an interesting take for Utt TV and it’s a good try although it’s still in its experimental phrase. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Utt TV,” adds Foo.

Utt TV is definitely unlike your conventional scripted comical parody. How it differentiates itself from other online video networks like Click Network or Razor TV, is that “it is more of a reality TV where it provides solid content such as exclusive ‘live’ footage that’s guerilla,” said Egan. Guerilla in the sense of its marketing and the outlook of Utt TV itself.

What’s Utt TV about?

There are 3 components of Utt TV. The primary component being for Utt and by Utt, which allows his fans and groupies to have up-close and personal access to his life – his whereabouts, recent activities and anything he feels like saying, really. This is a direct ticket for an on-the-go coverage of Utt traveling, or seeing him in office, and even to check out what mischief Utt has been up to lately. Look out for the video clip of his recent win at the m:idea youth choice award which will be up on Utt TV in no time.

Egan produces and occasionally hosts the EggMan segment where he offers a good variety of anything and everything that’s hot and brewing, from down-to-earth coverage of music interviews to mood-triggering topics that might just leave one peeved (with some element of fun, of course).

Viewers of Utt TV will not only be entertained with the extensive content, but they will also be able to participate in the freebies giveaway section. This is the interactive component called the FU! FU! You can decide how to decipher what FU means.

Everybody loves freebies and the screaming fan girls probably can’t get enough of those free Utt posters and T-shirts. If you needed any extra incentive to tune in, the FU! FU! has been giving away eco-friendly goodies from Envi.Me for the ladies.

Utt TV is going through a minor re-construction for a new outlook. Expect to see a refreshed homepage where the videos of Utt TV are organised in episodes and seasons for your convenience, and a new pictures page, a ‘Hear me out’ page featuring interviews with music artistes that people should look out for. Don’t fret, as the giveaway page is here to stay.

For now, Utt TV is not out to make profits. “Eventually yes that would be great! With moolah we can expand and explore, but in the meantime we’re keeping it simple and fun,” says Utt.

The EggMan

Sharing the limelight and working with one of Asia’s hottest guys is no mean feat, especially when you’re only 21 years old.

But if determination and hard work can get you anywhere, they certainly have served Egan Jeremiah Hwan the workaholic well. What’s with the EggMan moniker? That was a nickname given affectionately by his peers back in his school days at Hai Sing Catholic School, because Egg sounds like Egan.

Since he was 16, an age when most of his peers took on jobs giving tuition or working at fast-food joints or malls, Egan interned for a year at a local music label, Wake Me Up Music, before moving on to Gilarock, a production company previously owned by the late Wayne “Thunder” Seah of The Suns. Having worked in the production industry for 4 years, one of his most successful achievements would definitely be the “Rock For Wayne” tribute concert for Wayne Thunder in 2007. Egan has been busy juggling his first love, his band Vermillion where he plays the guitar, managing Gilarock and now, Utt TV.

According to Egan, having a band isn’t easy as it takes up most of his time, but he won’t give up, as music is his passion.

Despite having considerable experience at his age, Egan isn’t complacent, and said: “I want to be on top of my game and not allow myself to slack up one bit. Hard work produces favorable results and I just need to be patient.” This might just well explain how Egan juggles his band with his working life with Gilarock and Utt TV.

His Role in Utt TV

This man not only shoots and edits the clips you see on Utt TV, he occasionally hosts the show with Utt himself.

“He jams with me every now and then for fun. Our chemistry is pretty rock on, we have fun with what we do,” says Utt.

Egan has his hands full working at making Utt TV a household name and to produce more content that will rock your socks off. Egan says: “I hope to have more content that will keep people coming to Utt TV for more and to entertain, entertain, entertain.”

Casual was the watchword at the very first m:idea Youth Choice Awards ceremony as celebrities took a breather and cut themselves some slack from the usual dressy award ceremonies. Steering away from the standard suits and cocktail dresses, the nominees for the respective awards came dressed in comfort clothes as requested.

Despite the casual getup, these are the celebrities who deserved a second glance.

Ris Low

If you don’t already know her, Ris Low, ex-Miss Singapore World 2009, is infamous for her coining new words “boomz” and “shingz”, which have become a part of our national vocabulary. The much-awaited fashionista was expected to strut down the red carpet in a seemingly bold red bikini or her personal favourite – an outfit with leopard prints.

However, hopes were dashed as the ex-pageant queen appeared in a more ordinary outfit. Ris says, “The maxi dress maximizes my look as it’s long and it makes me look much taller.”

Her buzzwords landed her as the winner of the Best OMG (short for Oh My God)! Moment category and Ris feels that she can land herself with the Best OMG! Dressed award if m:idea had such a category.

With much confidence, Ris declares that the most “OMG” factor about her style would be her guts to turn a deaf ear to comments to dress as she likes. Ris said: “I’m daring and I’m not afraid to show my body.”

Ris likes to think of herself as a Barbie doll and makes sure that she is well dolled up at all times. Aren’t you curious about whom she gets her fashion inspirations from?

Drum-roll please…

Britney Spears!

Yes, that’s right. Britney’s hit song “Circus” might just explain Ris’s liking for safari-themed clothes.

For a change, the much-talked-about celebrity is now experimenting with colours. Ris declares, “Violet is the new red.” (Red was initially her favourite colour.) So be it a disappointment or relief for you, don’t expect to see Ris in outfits with leopard prints for now.

Instead, look out for her upcoming fashion style as she gears herself up with lots of Tarzan and Jane-inspired togas that shout “boomz”!

Fauzi Rassull

If you thought that Ris Low’s getup would be the most note-worthy at the awards, you’ve thought wrong. Self-proclaimed as “Singapore’s only male bitch”, Fauzi Rassull rocked the red carpet with his appearance. Dressed in an all-black outfit from head to toe, literally, including a women’s cropped fur vest and heeled boots, this blogger had no qualms when it comes to wearing clothes designed for the opposite sex.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s for women or not. I feel comfortable in it and that’s all that matters,” said Fauzi.

This snazzy daredevil may get all the attention but it’s not always complimentary. Fauzi says, “I get a lot of stares from people from the streets but I’m not affected as I’m immune and I’ve accepted it.”

Apart from comfort, Fauzi also feels more confident in his dressing. 2 fashion must-haves that he can’t leave home without would be his black eyeliner that accentuates his eyes and his black nail polish.

Quite like Adam Lambert, don’t you think?

But no, the American Idol first runner-up is not his fashion inspiration. Fauzi idolises skinny models that are “thin-spired” like Agyness Deyn.

Other noteworthy celebs

Celebrity pair Muttons from 987FM, voted “Celebrity Duo I Wanna Chill With”, came in similar tees that are flashy but not over the top, from Ed Hardy.

Winner of “Cutest Male Personality I Wanna Bring Home” Utt came dressed to the nines. “I think I OD-ed a little with my dressing today but I guess I just wanted to be courteous to dress more than less,” says Utt. His efforts to dress up definitely didn’t go to waste as his screaming fan-girls loved it.

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The Bizzare Young Things

^{All images courtesy of The Bizarre Young Things}

For this party trio, coming together was pure coincidence and fate. The 3 go-getters met in school, tuition and even at the National Day Parade in Singapore, without suspecting how much they had in common – the love for fashion, music and parties.

With a fantastic business idea to redefine the partying scene, the threesome met over coffee one day and decided to start an events, party and lifestyle company. They call themselves, The Bizarre Young Things (TBYT) and their only aim is for others to have awfully good fun while they gain experience in the clubbing industry.

The group said: “We want to infect people with our love for music and fashion interests through the parties that we organise.”

As young (they’re all under 21!) entrepreneurs, being pro-active is a must. TBYT for instance, started out emailing and meeting up with the management of clubs in the hope of creating a collaborative business effort. Joanna Tang said: “No money was needed as we just helped them promote the event and come up with fresh, unorthodox ideas to attract crowds to the club.”

Despite school being their major priority, they made it a point to meet before every party and get the necessary logistics ready. Joanna said: “I guess it’s more of an overall effort to keep it going, as we have the passion and interest in it. Once you have that established, the commitment factor is no longer a problem.”

Time to Differentiate

^{(Left to right) Ngeow Jiawen, Joanna Tang, Darren Foo}

These 3 good friends may be inseparable, but they’re each defined by their own striking personalities and forte in contributing to TBYT’s success.

Ngeow Jiawen may look like the average person on the street but the party beast inside her loves partying, shopping and most things decadent. Vices aside, she spends most of her time juggling school projects, her social life and planning events for TBYT.

This rather reserved lady is the creative mind behind all the arty-farty graphics and posters by TBYT. However, under the influence of alcohol, she epitomises what living life to the fullest means. As the saying goes, you only live once right?

Joanna Tang exudes confidence, charm and charisma when speaking.  Language is no barrier to her as her strength is in writing and churning out write-ups for the group. Apart from all that writing, this brainy miss-know-it all takes charge of all things financial of TBYT.

Her sporty glow radiates both excitement and passion that she translates into everything she does in life – even when it comes to partying. Just beware of her tongue when she’s loaded up on the booze. Joanna has varied tastes in music and hopes that people can share her enthusiasm through events like OMG! It’s pop! Her motto: Live it up!

Darren Foo may seem like your crazy party boy raiding the clubs on weekends, but he means business. He loves fashion, art, music and anything beautiful and believes in taking chances in fashion by dressing differently to show his individuality. Expect to see his flamboyant sense of fashion and chunky necklaces when he parties the night away.

Darren says: “Why blend in with the crowd when you can stand out from them?” There’s more to him than being that alcohol heavyweight. As the only male in the group, his undying energy means he is always hard at work mingling with the crowd and improving TBYT’s public relations with current and future working partners.

OMG! It’s Pop!

What got them started? The current scene was too dull for them and as Joanna said, “it is the same old boring thing going on in clubs every week.” Music and drinks don’t amount to a successful party. In fact, their idea of a good party is an experience with something new and fresh each week. This gave rise to the launch of their pop extravaganza party, OMG! It’s pop! The first official party planned by TBYT that’s held every fortnight at Home Club.

At OMG! It’s pop! you can expect unusual fashion theme parties (Think fairytales, pumpkins and Black and white parties) with crazy POPpin’ music and props courtesy of TBYT.

This pop party is about reliving your old school days with a twist. From electro pop to mainstream pop, these guys will party to anything. According to Joanna, OMG! It’s pop! differentiates itself from the usual club parties where being normal is overrated and they target a niche market of outstanding individuals to gather in the friendly atmosphere at Home Club.

To usher in the New Year and bid 2009 goodbye, join TBYT with a star studded night of OMG! It’s pop! on Dec 31. The party trio fully expect you to “come dressed up as bald Britney or Queen Madge to leap ludicrously into 2010! Boy bands, dysfunctional single moms, bimbotic blondes – all are welcome! We love psycho people cuz normal is so OVERRATED!”

She’s one who wows the audience with her powerhouse vocals. She’s known for her dexterity skills with her piano keys. Her fame never dies down as she’s got a strong foothold in the music industry. She’s a 9-time Grammy award winner. She’s known for her signature hit “Fallin‘”. This diva is none other than Alicia Keys.

Crowned as the queen of R&B with her greatest hits like “If I Ain’t Got You” and  “Karma” from her stellar album The Diary of Alicia Keys in 2003, and chart topping first single “No One” in 2007, the end of 2009 marks the return of her much-awaited fourth studio album, The Element of Freedom.

Alicia’s capable of outdoing her own success and once again, she proved that she’s powerless by pushing the boundaries with her sky rocketing hit “Empire State of Mind”, a collaboration with hip-hop legend Jay-Z for his 11^th studio album The Blueprint 3. The result of the dynamic duo’s partnership? Their ‘empire’ currently holds the highest rank on the Billboard Hot 100. Keys did her own version, a piano-driven sequel to the original song with “Empire State of Mind (Part II)” in her newest album.

The Element of Freedom is a good mix of the soft and vulnerable side of Alicia Keys matched with her powerful vocals. UrbanWire highlights the hits and misses of Keys’ new album that’s fresh out of the oven.

The Hits

The most notable hit of this album, “Empire State of Mind (Part II)” brings out the best of Alicia Keys’ talent and incredible vocal range, which is her powerful voice and her way with her piano keys. Ode to Keys’ hometown, New York, this inspirational track is a soulful and ‘heavenly’ version compared to the original ‘rough’ version done with Jay-Z. After listening to this track, the effect is that New York came across as the right place to be at.

Everyone loves a little more collaboration and Canadian rapper Drake joins Alicia Keys in this sensual song “Unthinkable”, which is about lovers wondering if they should do the unthinkable, and get together. Nicely balanced out, this track brings out the sexy and sultry side of Alicia Keys with Drake’s vocals providing a more masculine side to the song.

Another love-inspired tune, “Distance and Time”, is one track that tugs at your heartstrings, especially if you’re in a situation where you’re separated by, as the title suggests, distance and time to be with the one you love.

The Misses

When 2 big names (or even the most talented woman) in the R&B scene take on a song, you’d expect some killer tunes or something extraordinary that’ll make the headline. However, “Put It in a Love Song” featuring Beyoncé Knowles left me feeling utterly disappointed. The tune of the song was almost monotonous-like and it had a repetitive beat that was a little too characterless – and definitely not a signature tune. The song seemed pretty rushed and to put it bluntly, it was boring, and did no justice to the divas of R&B. In comparison to the hit by Keys’ collaboration with Knowles’ significant other, “Put It in a Love Song” falls below the benchmark.

That being said, if you’re looking for a heart racing song, the persistent drumming base line of this song sets the perfect upbeat feel.

Although her fourth album does no justice to honour her reputation in the R&B scene, it has a few noteworthy tracks that are out of this world. The Element of Freedom captures heavy emotions of love, pride, inspiration and strength, and is well balanced out just as how Alicia Keys puts it, “The music is really strong, and the drums are really aggressive, but my voice is vulnerable and delicate.”

Album: The Element of Freedom

Artist: Alicia Keys

Record Label: J Records

Language: English

Release Date: Dec 15

Rating: 3/5

Track list:

1. Element of Freedom (Intro)

2. Love Is Blind

3. Doesn’t Mean Anything

4. Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart

5. Wait Til You See My Smile

6. That’s How Strong My Love Is

7. Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)

8. Love Is My Disease

9. Like the Sea

10. Put It in a Love Song (featuring Beyoncé)

11. This Bed

12. Distance and Time

13. How It Feels to Fly

14. Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down

^{(All images courtesy of Running Into The Sun)}

“Annyong haseyo, selamat malam, hello” were the exact greetings by Corinne Drewery, vocalist of British band, Swing Out Sister, along with keyboardist, Andy Connell. Better known for their Grammy nominated hit “Breakout” back in the 80’s, the dynamic duo finally made it to the shores of our sunny island with their long awaited, one-night only exclusive, The Breakout Concert.

Riding on the waves of beach parties and concerts like ZoukOut that took place earlier this month, Swing Out Sister performed by the beach at East Coast Beachfront area, 1-Twenty-Six, instead of being limited to the usual concert spots like Fort Canning Park or Singapore Indoor Stadium. With the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and sea breeze brushing across your cheeks, this alfresco bring-your-own mats concert venue definitely set the right atmosphere for the cinematic jazz pop duo.

However, while good love was on its way, local musicians Jack and Rai opened the show for Swing Out Sister and got the ball rolling.

After the release of their most recent album, Beautiful Mess, last year, Swing Out Sister has been busy touring Asia. Swinging by Singapore for the first time since the British group formed in 1985, the SOS calls from avid fans were finally answered. “What took us so long? I don’t know,” said Corinne, but the singer definitely had a good first impression as she was greeted by screaming fans.

The songs performed included “Surrender”, “Who’s Been Sleeping” and also from their latest album, “Butterfly”. It wouldn’t be The Breakout Concert without their hit song “Breakout”, and without any doubt, the song brought a moment of nostalgia along with it while many sang along.

The evening was smooth sailing until the concert had met with a few technical glitches. The all-time concert nightmare would be a faulty sound system or a short circuit, and unfortunately both happened. Halfway through their fourth number, the lights went off and the sounds failed, leaving the fans stumped.

In spite of the failed technicalities, the show went on as planned as the undying and persistent vocalist continued with her song. It was a moment of teamwork where the audience sang and clapped along while the singer and her back-up musicians pumped it up and tried their best to maximise their volume.

The lights and sounds failed but the band didn’t fail their fans. A cool-headed Corinne assures them, “We’re okay, don’t worry. We have fans like you here. We’re fine.” The high-spirited lady came across as someone carefree with her soulful dance moves until the end of the concert despite all that was happening that night.

In an attempt to save the situation by injecting humour, Irene Ang, CEO of Fly Entertainment, further assures the crowd exclaiming, “This blackout was planned so that the ugly people will not be seen. And for those who want to propose, do it now.”

The short circuit seemed to be a blessing in disguise as not only did it create an intimate atmosphere at the beach, it also gave rise to a balmy evening that will be etched in the hearts of the fans, as this will definitely be a once in a lifetime experience with Swing Out Sister.

^{Ben & Jerry’s the Halloween Way}

With a flavour graveyard, reminiscent of the one in their ice cream plant tour in America where unpopular flavours are killed, and free flow of ice cream/i-scream madness, Ben & Jerry’s re-opened the frosty gates of hell for Halloween in Singapore on Oct 31.

Vermont’s favourite export presented their very own “2 Scoops 2 Scary” tour of mischief and mayhem. This tour comprised of endless treats of frozen dessert for a deadly “brain freeze”, but only if you survive their evil tricks.

50 lucky contestants had earned a chance via lucky draw to be on board the “2 Scoops 2 Scary” tour bus. They were among the thousands who had bought 2 scoops of any flavour between Oct 12 and 25.

^{(Image courtesy of Bates141 (SG)) On Board the Ben & Jerry’s “2 Scoop 2 Scary” tour bus.}

Blame it on promise of the sugar rush, even the rain didn’t dampen the mood of the ones on this spook-a-licious tour. Return of Halloween Horrors at the Night Safari was just ahead.

^{Evil Pumpkin at Night Safari}

Imagine a fairytale disaster where all your favourite characters turned evil. Picture Snow White all bloodied and dead from eating the poisonous apple. What about Cinderella murdered by her own glass slippers? Or a decapitated head found in the bamboo basket of a terrifying dim sum seller’s trolley?

^{The dead Snow White after eating the poisonous apple.}

^{(Image courtesy of Halloween Horrors Official Website) A Fairytale disaster}

^{Is anyone interested to buy some steaming dim sums?}

Well, you don’t have to imagine as these dead and not to mention, blood-curdling characters were eagerly waiting in the dark corners to spring an attack on their unsuspecting victims. This Train of Terror is definitely not for the faint-hearted!

“I was really happy when I won the chance to be at the 2 Scoops 2 Scary tour and I felt that the highlight of the night would definitely be the Train of Terror,” said Rina Tan, 23, a teacher.

^{Death by i-screams. The Flavour Graveyard was aligned with tombstones of different scoop flavours.}

The almighty sinful ice cream makers conquered 6 out of their 13 scoop shops, namely – VivoCity, Raffles City, Dempsey Hill, The Cathay, Great World City and Night Safari with some trick or treating.

The scoop shop at Raffles City stood out, as their staff members were hungry and waiting to skin the winners of the “2 Scoops 2 Scary” tour alive.

The theme for All Hallows’ Eve here was Corpse Bride and the staff of this outlet were dolled up as gory brides in search of a husband to wed them. They even had a wedding cake prepared to celebrate the moment of nuptial ‘bliss’.

^{(Image Courtesy of Bates141 (SG)) The soon-to-wed brides.}

^{A wedding cake to complete the ‘perfect wedding’.}

The tour got spookier and definitely more challenging with obstacles and a higher scare factor every scoop of the way. However, local moosicians Jack & Rai were present, and ensured that the winners had a music therapy in between their trips to ‘hell’.

^{Jack & Rai clad in their flashy costumes impersonating the kings of music (Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley).}

Ben & Jerry’s is definitely all about fun and ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s Brand Champ Benjamin Tng told UrbanWire, “The aim of the 2 Scoops 2 Scary tour is to have fun. Ben & Jerry’s has always been a fun and quirky brand and this will help establish our brand further.”

All you thrill seekers, watch out! Next year’s will be bigger and better.

Till then, peace, love and i-scream.

^{Flower bowl sundae from Ben & Jerry’s.}