• ROCK THE SUB 2009
  • Amateur Takes Control
  • For This Cycle
  • Postbox
  • Silhouette
  • Allura
  • The Fire Fight
  • Caracal
  • A Vacant Affair
  • Urbandub (from the Philippines)
  • Nothing to Declare
  • The Great Spy Experiment
  • Force Vomit
  • Please click on the band names above to go to find out more.
  • Admission: $21 (includes one free drink) available from The Substation, Timbre @ The Substation, call 6332 6919 or buy at the door

• For the band exchange, we will be working in partnership with Alex Lim and Sonic Boom. Alex has organised gigs and festivals featuring top bands from the Philippines and in January 2009 he organised a 3-venue tour of the Philippines for local band West Grand Boulevard, who played Rock The Sub in 2007 and 2008. One of the Philippines’ most successful bands, Urbandub, will play Rock The Sub 2009. Urbandub hails from Cebu and has played around the country and in festivals organised by Alex. They have released albums on the Lighter Records/MCA label and clinched several awards including Song of the Year and Album of the Year in the NU107 Rock Awards and most recently as Best Group in the Junksounds 2008 – the regional music awards given out by Junk Magazine (Malaysia/Singapore).

  In exchange, Alex will be attending Rock The Sub to select one of the featured Singapore bands to play in the Philippines. This will be an exciting and challenging prospect for the band on a number of levels. Firstly, the band will have to win over a completely new audience that is highly knowledgeable and hold high expectations for the quality of music played. Secondly, if the band tours multiple venues in the Philippines, they will get a taste of the life of a touring professional band, inclusive of the pressures as well as the rewards, which will help the band’s professional and musical development. And thirdly, exposure in a much larger country as the Philippines creates crucial exposure to a much bigger audience, which could translate into record sales.

The second initiative will see the younger, upcoming bands featured in Rock The Sub participating in a short mentorship to help them with the next step in their music careers. The bands are Amateur Takes Control, For This Cycle, Postbox and Silhouette. The mentorship includes sessions with seasoned musicians such as Danny Loong of Ublues, who will give them feedback on their musicianship, showmanship and presentation skills, as well as offer advice on practical issues like negotiating contracts with venue owners, public relations, media training, branding and image and professional conduct. One of the bands will be selected for a full photo shoot with a stylist, hair and make-up artist and professional photographer. The resulting photos could then be used for the band’s future publicity needs and even perhaps, for an album cover!

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Amateur Takes Control (ATC) is a band that both promises and delivers.

Inspired by the simple things such as life, love and waking up in the morning realizing you have another day to be thankful for, ATC strives to translate these inspirations into their brand of heartfelt instrumental music.

ATC originally started out as a solo project in mid 2006 by guitarist Adel but then became a full band in December 2006, now consisting of four boys sharing a genuine love for their craft. Their music is undeniably diverse in style and influence, yet still manages to showcase a seamlessness that justifies their identity as a band.

Belying their age and experience, the band is proud to have self-released an eponymous EP as well as a single entitled “Built on Miles of Hope” and the band has now realized their dream of releasing their debut full length album "You, Me and The Things Unsaid" out on KittyWu Records.

Amateur Takes Control band members: Adel, Jem, Syadie, Isa

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For This Cycle is Wei Wen – Guitars, Vocals

Weiwen Seah is a singer/songwriter from the sunny island of Singapore. Having lived in several different countries of the world such as Taiwan and the United States, Weiwen has experienced contrasting cultures from which he draws inspiration. Being influenced by artistes such as Jason Mraz, Jason Reeves, Teddy Geiger, The Spill Canvas, John Mayer and Josiah Leming, his music is inspired by everyday things. Having a lot more to learn, Weiwen is bent on making music that will leave an impact on his listeners.

Since having returned to the heartland he has played a variety of shows ranging from charity events just as Festival for a Future (The Glass Pavillion) and Listen to the Salad Days: A Confessions Initiative (*Scape: The Lab).

Upon his return, the 16 year-old has just recently been signed by local indie label Big Ear Musica and will be releasing his debut self-titled EP in July 2009.

For This Cycle band member: Weiwen Seah (vocals, guitar)

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Postbox is a young 5-piece band that combines pleasant sounding rhythmic indie pop that leaves you tapping your feet and clapping your hands; an admiration for their songs that you can consider properly picturesque.

After finalising their line-up by early 2007, the band tried out numerous outfits of music and found out that playing indie/alternative music was their true calling. Combining melancholy and cheery lyrics with fruity guitar tunes, Postbox hopes to make you smile, cry and laugh.

Postbox band members: Samantha, Ariff, Fadlul, Isa, Wan

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Officially formed in 2007,SILHOUETTE;... the outline of a featureless interior.
SILHOUETTE's sound is constantly changing and they have cited a diverse and wide range of influences; because of this, categorization is difficult. The band's sound has, however, always been rooted in the modern rock/alternative scene, with Incubus being a major influence.

There's also a greater number of influences which include genres outside modern rock and alternative. Bands ranging from Glassjaw, Deftones, Circa Survive; eclectic musical styles, a combination in a single work of elements from post-hardcore, indie and experimental.

Innovative, expressive and atmospheric. Powerful and aggressive. Creating a unique dynamic. It’s a collage of what this band is all about. The band has also started to incorporate jazz & ambient influences.

Silhouette band members: Shah Rizal (vocals), Ahmad Khaliq (Guitars), Mahfuz (bass), Muhammad Hafiz (drums)

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WINNER - BEST GROUP at JUNKSOUNDS 2008 - The Regional Music Awards by Junk Magazine (Malaysia/Singaporemagazine).

The Sound Of The Giant South is gaining more recognition around the nation like never before. At the forefront of the whole movement is a band that has a record that surpasses most bands than that of the bands that have come out of the Queen City of Cebu in the Philippines. They are none other than Urbandub.

From the very first day that this band was formed (in the year 2000), they were destined to be something more than the ordinary. Forced to be independent due to the lack of support coming from major record companies, Urbandub released their debut album called BIRTH. Off of this album, the hit tracks "Come", "Give" and "Would You Go" launched and took their world by storm. Unique, timely and yet experimental, it was something that entertainment scenes around the Philippines needed: a kick start into the future of original music.

With the release of their sophomore effort, INFLUENCE (Lighter Records), Urbandub took on a new form, changing their sound with a new drummer (From Jed Honrado to Jerros Dolino). It was the sound in this album that clearly defined the steps that Urbandub would start to take. The track "Soul Searching" later won the award as Song of the Year in the NU107 Rock Awards 2003. Pushing the sound further, the collection bagged the Album Of The Year Award in the NU107 Rock Awards 2004.

Today, Urbandub now offers yet a third helping of what they are capable of. With the 2005 release of the album EMBRACE, Urbandub has proven that there is hope for the struggling artist. With help from their community and the noise they have created, they were able to grab the attention of EMI Music Philippines. Not one to take chances, the band has kept Lighter Records as their management arm and guide. In line with their ideals, EMI allowed them the creative freedom to record their album on their home soil of Cebu. Added to that, they have been able to maintain their independent principles while taking major steps into the scene that has awaited their new sound.

Urbandub's career thus far has given much inspiration and support to upcoming acts, most of which fall under the Lighter Records stable such as Faspitch, The Ambassadors, Still, Nuncyspungen (Cagayan) and Point Click Kill (Ilo-Ilo). Each of them now aspire to take their own roads in music, paving their own way and modeling some of their steps after the success of Urbandub.

Urbandub band members: Gabby Alipe (Vocalist / Guitarist), Lalay Lim (Bassist), John Mendoza (Drummer) and John Dinopol (Lead Guitarist).

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Nearing the end of October 2005, four young gentlemen decided on a collaboration, unlocking an avenue to express their sentiments about life and the meaning it brings. With music as the enchanting doorway to the heartstrings of other individuals, The Fire Fight set their sails for an amazing adventure. Carrying their own unique spin of indie rock, The Fire Fight brings forth an exuberant energy of freedom and life. Take the chance, disappear into the blinding lights, fall back into the sun. This is where it all begins, where elements collide, when you burst into life.

The Fire Fight emanated from independent songwriter Joshua Tan (vox/guitars). Harmonising his impassioned melodies with the modest innovative tunes of Jonathan Leong (guitars), and the dynamic-compelling rhythm of Iain Tham (drums) and Joshua “Barker” Tan (bass), The Fire Fight has conceived a truly pristine experience for the music of today. Identifying inspirations from the diverse likes of The Promise Ring, The Velvet Teen, Death Cab For Cutie, Jamiroquai and more, The Fire Fight resonates the early 90s raw indie mood with a hint of modern expression.

A life extraordinaire, The Fire Fight embraces to live what they sing for. This is the fight of existence, the fight of love and the fight of belief. Dance and shout out; for tomorrow we’ll start a figh.

The Fire Fight band members: Joshua Tan (vocals/guitars), Jonathan Leong (guitars), Iain Tham (drums), Joshua “Barker” Tan (bass)

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Allura was conceived in early 2007 from an unusual series of unfortunate events. Allura is a five-piece band infusing a different variety of influences, from Jazz to Alternative, from Experimental to Indie - portrayed in the form of Rock. With emotive passion and resilience, Allura pristinely resonates a unique quirky melodic tone with a prerogative crunch. Feel and embrace a new emotively refreshing sound, oozing into your senses.

Basically 4 of the members, Inch, Aaron, Matthew and Han Quan were from a previous band called Auburn's Epiphany. The band leader of that band decided to kick all 4 of us out during the day of our Baybeats 2007 auditions. We basically moved on without him and formed a new band called Allura with the newest member Mark and have been enjoying the company that we have ever since.

Allura band members: Inch Chua (vocals), Aaron Wong (guitars), Mark John (guitars/backing vocals), Matthew Yap (bass), Low Han Quan (drums)

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Evolved from genres such as alternative, emo, hardcore, metal and its variations, now comes the massive of A Vacant Affair.

With well over 150, 000 plays and over 6000 friends on Myspace alone, A Vacant Affair (AVA) has certainly made a name for themselves in Singapore’s music circles. Come end 2008, this hard rocking quintet looks set to stir up the mainstream consciousness with their full length debut ‘Reasons to Leave’. Formed in 2004, AVA cut their teeth in the local scene and soon garnered buzz for their frantic live performances, steadily earning themselves more shows as they worked their way up concert rosters.

The band released their 5-track EP at Baybeats 2006; and their intense set at this acclaimed festival was the first time mainstream audiences were exposed to a band whose material balanced the uncompromising expression of underground genres together with contemporary melodic sensibilities. This pivotal performance also served to cement AVA as a band worthy of headliner billing.

Their rapidly expanding fan base was quickly recognized by the media, granting the band opportunities to work with companies such as Mediacorp (2007 New Years Eve Countdown @ Vivocity), Nokia (Flow! @ Ministry of Sound), The Esplanade (Baybeats 2006, Baybeats 2007, On the Waterfront shows), Midas Promotions (SingFest ‘08), National Library Board’s ‘Speak Good English’ campaign (School Invasion Tour 2007 & Timbre Bar shows), Lime Magazine (Lime Sonic Bang 2007) and National Youth Council ( numerous 'Weekend Trip @ Youth Park' gigs & *scape @ The Lab gigs).

AVA has also had the privilege to tour Malaysia (supporting Australian band Calerway), represent Singapore in the Invasia tour (featuring bands from Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia & Australia) and had the honor to be the opening act for their idols, UK post-hardcore legends Funeral For A Friend (courtesy of LAMC Productions).

In November 8th 2008, AVA will take the stage with international heavyweights As I Lay Dying and Story of the Year, in the Singapore leg of the international Taste Of Chaos tour. This is the tour’s first presentation in Singapore and AVA will be the sole Singaporean representative featured with the popular American acts.

The band looks forward to delivering their best yet performance in a South East Asian tour as part of their album promotions, commencing early 2009.

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Caracal, Singapore’s very own home-grown musical talent was formed in December 2005 and comprises five charming and artistic musicians. The band includes Chris (vocals), KC (bass, backing vocals), Field (guitar), Gabriel (guitar) and Martin (drums). Field and Martin have been childhood friends since primary school and met the remaining band members in secondary school.

Starting out as casual music for the masses, Caracal has evolved and matured into a unique sound, with the advent of their popular track “When Open Inverted Commas Close”. Sharing an incalculable amount of passion and love for music, Caracal is driven by the desire to impart a positive impact on their fans. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, both good and bad, Caracal illustrates the boundaries of human emotion through their music. The band describes their music as a good mix of indie and pop rock with emotive lyrics. Caracal is known for their innovative style that is constantly evolving. Their music is packaged with explosions of guitars and intensely personal lyrics, whilst retaining the basis of good rock and roll music.

Caracal has achieved significant popularity since forming in 2005, with various performances under their sleeve. In May 2007, Caracal was invited to and performed at Singapore’s music festival, Baybeats 2007. They have also performed at several charity events in 2008, including the Step Up for Down Charity Concert at Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre, and Festival For a Future Charity Concert! at Raffles Girl’s Secondary School.

Caracal plans to release their debut album in September 2008, which is influenced by bands such as Emery, The Academy Is... and The Receiving End of Sirens.

Caracal band members: Chris (vocals), KC (bass, backing vocals), Field (guitar), Gabriel (guitar), Martin (drums)

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The sordid saga that is the Force Vomit story started in late 1993 when four night-shift taxi drivers decided to take musical matters into their own hands and start their own band. This motley crue of treble spankers has had many line-up changes and messy misadventures since then - with one thing in common - they still can't play their instruments properly. Despite charming obstacles like being expected to play for free 90% of the time (and in the few instance when they do get moolah, get labelled 'sellout' by dogmatic scenesters) and a media that tries its best to pretend 'local music' doesn't exist (and in the few instance when they do get exposure, get labelled 'sellout' by dogmatic scenesters), these style-deprived shenanigans are here to stay.

Force Vomit band members: Dino, Wan, Nizam, Fuzz

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The plan was simple. Get two guitars, a bass, a keyboard and a drumset. And rock. Five different people. One common goal: To change the face of Singapore music.

Drawing influences from bands like Ash, The Killers, Mansun, Radiohead, Kent, Suede and Interpol, The Great Spy Experiment create music that is described as 'a champagne-fuelled cocktail of powerpop, indie, rock and dance’. As much guitar-led as it is beat-driven, with indie riffs juxtaposing irresistable pop hooks and dance textures overlaying dance-able rock-grooves, the music is created with the dancefloor in mind and the bedroom at heart. In just over three years, the band has gone from virtual unknowns to being touted as the nation's indie darlings, on the back of incessant gigging and electrifying live performances, featuring in internationally renowned events such as the Baybeats, Singfest, Mosaic and ZoukOut festivals. In March 2007, the band travelled to the USA where they tore the stages at the South-by-Southwest Festival in Austin, as the first Singaporean representatives in the 21-year old event, as well as the San Antonio Indie Fest. In April 2007, the band travelled to the USA again, this time to perform at Singapore Day at New York's Central Park. The Great Spy Experiment's debut full-length album 'Flower Show Riots' was released in September 2007. 'Flower Show Riots' garnered rave reviews from both the local and international media, with one reviewer touting it as a minor tour-de-force that stands up easily to any modern-rock LP on the Billboard charts. The band held their first ticketed concert in April 2008 at the Esplanade to a full-capacity crowd, another milestone in their quest to change the face of Singaporean independent music. The band is currently working on a second album.

Welcome to the flower show.

The Great Spy Experiment band members: Saiful Idris (guitar/vocals), Khairyl Hashim (bass), Magdelene Han (keyboards), Fandy Razak (drums), Song (guitar)

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Nothing to Declare is a rock band based in South East Asia.

Currently being lead by Mas Kimura, the band is in a process of restructuring its line-up after staying on-hold for 2 years since the departure of the original line up. Despite the inactive period of the band, front man Mas Kimura had been active as a guitarist/co-songwriter of an international quintet Saw Loser (www.myspace.com/sawloser), maintaining the momentum of the impact Nothing To Declare had created in 2006.

The band has released a 5 track EP "Nothing to Declare Ep" in 2006, and after being back in action, their full length album is in the making.

In 2009, the band went going on a promotional tour to Japan, featuring: Wing Meng, guitarist of Love Me Butch, Jude Lee, bassist of West Grand Boulevard, Simon Yoong, drummer of Visitor.

Also planning a summer tour in Asia, countries are yet to be made official.

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Ground Floor, 45 Armenian St Singapore 179936
Tel: 6337 7535

Timbre @ The Substation
Rear of 45 Armenian St Singapore 179936
Phone The Substation for more information: 6337 7535

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