Part of the behind-the-scenes video gave us a glimpse of the beginning of the album-making process. Now we’re happy to share with everyone Part 2 of the behind-the-scenes where we speak to Keyjohan and Azman. They share with us their thoughts and experiences of working on this album and how it was working with Rosli. From the looks of it, the recording process was a fruitful and insightful one.
Here’s the video below:-
Stay tuned for more exciting videos as the recording process continues!
Mohamed Nor Bin Alias (a.k.a. Matno)
10 Things You Should Know About the ‘Harmonic Man’
1. A self-taught electric bass guitar player; started playing bass since 1982.
2. Besides bass, he plays acoustic and electric guitar.
3. Has been teaching the guitar and bass guitar since 1992. Currently teaching at Echo Music School and Overseas Family School; previously taught at a drums-and-bass clinic at Republic Polytechnic.
4. An in-house bassist for Snoots Music
5. Recorded a song for Rosli Mansor – Quarantined Qarin (you can hear his harmonics works)
6. Played bass for Blindspot; a local expatriate band. Currently with Batteries Not Included, the resident band of Insomnia (located at CHIJMES), since June 2005.
7. Performed with various Malay artists e.g. Art Fazil, Zubir Abdullah and Nuradee
8. Performed in various clubs and nightspots in Singapore. Has also performed in several countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia , Indonesia, China, Taiwan and Australia.
9. Born and bred in Singapore, 30/07/1969
10. Speaks English and Malay and a firm believer in National Reservist (police force)
He is the the key grooving force that drummed Rosli’s album into what it is today. Rosli calls him the ‘Soul Groover’, a name apt for someone who has the backbeats and the souful rhythm.
Meet Keyjohan Ismail, co-producer and drummer of Dragged.
Gear: Gretsch and Yamaha drums; Zildjian and Istanbul cymbals
Influences: Drummers with huge Pocket and Groove.
With the world under his feet and many years of showbiz experience tucked under his belt, Keyjohan Ismail is set to make waves where ever he goes. Passionate about drums and percussions, Keyjohan drummed his way through National Service in the Singapore Police Band. After performing at numerous state functions, he was geared for the colourful and mesmerizing scene the secular world has to offer. No stranger to both live gigs and studio sessions, he worked side by side with many renowned artistes. From our homegrowns such as Rosli, Art Fazil, Kick and Humpback Oak to Taiwanese pop stars such as Jeff Chang and Pan Mei Chen and Malaysian singer, Zainal Abidin.
His most exciting experience yet has to be with Armand Sabal-Lecco, Randy Bernsen, Steve Thornton and Zahid Ahmad, a band of world class musicians. Touring and performing on Dick Lee’s Secret Island Tour in five of Japan’s major cities was another exhilarating journey. As they say, it can only get better.
Currently he’s a member of the local band “Energy” since 1996. And we wait with bated breath as we watch this fascinating
drummer get closely acquainted with his beloved drums and take the music industry to another level.
Keyjohan’s impression of Rosli :-
I first met Rosli at the 1989 Yamaha Band Explosion. All these years, he really worked hard musically until he came out with his debut solo album. His guitar work is so fluid yet melodious, reminds me of MIKE LANDAU. As a human being, he is patient and a nice person to work with. He has somehow affected my life spiritually and musically. I’m very proud of the album; it’s really hard work..Rosli, thanks for having me in your album and believing in my drumming. Wishing you all the very best and hope we can work together again in the future.
You’ve heard them play in the album, at the album launch, Rock Mania @ Hougang and recently, DEAFCON 4. It’s about time to meet the guys who have been giving the musical support to Rosli.
First off, meet the guys who’ve been ‘on tour’ with Rosli and read their short introductions.
Bani Rahman – Bassist
Been playing a couple of years now backing local artistes such as Art Fazil, Nuradee, Tanya Chua, Jai, Brinal Chua, Stoned Revival (for some studio sessions), etc. Currently, I’m recording with Brinal Chua and The B Quartet. It’s cool to play with Rosli as his music is more musical as an instrumental rock album. The guitar is Rosli’s voice; he got soul, knowledgeable in music, as well as being experienced in innovating his songs. The tracks are very melodic, some I consider to be ‘painful’. Listen to the album and you will know what I mean.
Shern Wong – Guitarist
Born on 1st June 1983. Shern grew up listening to the likes of ABBA and the Bee Gees. At age 17, he discovered rock music and the electric guitar. Today his heroes include EVH, Paul Gilbert, Rosli Mansor, Joe Satriani, Neil Zaza & Andy Timmons. Currently, Shern performs with Rosli Mansor band and plays on Friday nights at Carnival (Chijmes) with singer Aisha, under the name ‘Manning Monika’. In his free time, he enjoys travelling, watching movies, drawing and chilling out at coffee-shops drinking ‘Kopi-O’.
Adam Shah – Drums
Name: Adam Shah
Age: 19
Adam is currently pursuing a diploma in Music and Audio Technology at Singapore Polytechnic. He has played with artistes such as Taufik Batisah, Don Richmond, Dick Lee and Babes Condes, and was a member of seminal local band The Observatory with whom they played locally and overseas in countries such as Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.
His influences as of late include The Mars Volta, Jaga Jazzist, Radiohead, Pat Metheny Group, Bjork, Bloc Party, Rosli Mansor and TOOL.
While not drumming, Adams runs his solo project named Mockstar in which he plays guitar, bass, drums and even sings! His second musical love after drums is the guitar, where he confesses to be an insane gear head who will gladly oblige you in deep conversations of the plethora that is guitar gear mania.
