All the way from Malacca ya'll

In issue #2, TIS reviews this awesome Asam Pedas in the fod-review column.

Guys, you should really make your way down to Malacca for this awesome-ness asam pedas dish. It's not only authentic tasting, but the whole package. Syok!!

The Asam Pedas Claypot Restaurant is located at Kota Laksama, its about 15 minutes walk (for those who walks really fast) or about 25 minutes worth of breeze walking from Jonker Street. Located at the heart of Malacca town, the restaurant serves the Asam Pedas dish in a claypot, cooked to a perfection of texture, taste and quantity. Mind you, it is spicy, so do prepare water, sugar, or just get those extra rice! But the spicy-ness is tolerable and it adds just that enough zest to spice up the taste! Served with a set for one, it comes with a claypot of the Asam Pedas with a choice of your fish, salted egg (optional), vege, and their superb sambal belacan. Awesome-ness!!

Apart from their signature dish, there are other dishes as well. Let's not forget the fabulous otak-otak they have there too! Not only it's nyonya style, but it's tender, juicy and tasty. Writing about it makes my tummy growl still!!

TIS Soft Launch

In issue #2, TIS showcase it's launch with style in the lifestyle column.

TIS launched its first issue with style in Urbanattic, Capsquare on the 15th August 2009. The launch sees the content of the print coming to live that night, having an indie film screening, to a fashion catwalk show and top it up with a great line up of bands.

The night started about 8.30pm, with an astounding welcome rap song by the MC of the night, te'Extrano. With the catchy song and lyrics, it got the crowd hyped for the night. The event kicked off with the preview of an indie film, "Session to womb" by Sharifah Soraya Syed Ahmad, a student of Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (ASWARA). A twisted-artsy-film it was, with the run time of 11 minutes and 7 seconds to be precise, the film left a few people wanting for more.

Right after, the sound of Guns and Roses filled the air and kicked off the catwalk show, featuring Ed Hardy's fashion line. Having out TIS members walking out first, Becs and Faiz did their 'thang', trying to look pro and carry the clothes with attitude intact. Followed by another four models, who are all friends by the way, to kick off an awesome fashion show. With 18 different kinds of street wear, the fashion segment was divided into parts, showcasing from swimwear, to rock and roll, and to fashion statements. The fashion show presents most of Ed Hardy's latest styles, from kick-ass boots, to accessories and to funky cool designs on t-shirts and jackets.

And to top off the night, TIS presents a line-up of awesome bands from around Kuala Lumpur. The live performance features Markiza (from Soft Touch), Azmyl Yunor & The Sigarettes, Kyoto Protocol, Goodbye 20th Century, Deserters, Oh Chentaku, and RAV. Having them all from different genre, the bands are slot from a cool start, where Markiza performed a tribute to Woodstock in conjunction with their 40th year anniversary, and end off with a blast of music fom the band RAV. Given 30 minutes slot a band, each and every band gave their all in rocking up their sets, and set everyone in the mood to head bang.

To us TIS, it was one hell of a launch party!! Having about 200 peoploe turning up that night, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who turned up that night!! We take our hats off to you guys!! Thanks for the tremendous support.

Herewith, we would also like to thank the sponsors for coming in, Skinfood, Absolut, Ed Hardy, and Urbanattic. Also, we would like to thank Hasbee for oraganising the event for us; we would like to thank Azfar Hadi Lim, Joe Fauzi, Lee Mee Yook for the awesome pictures; give our appreciation to our models for the night, Ibrahim Khan, Irene nKamaruddin, our TIS-sy Matthew Ho and Ann Azlina; we would also like to thank Jacky 'O' for her great job in handling our guests; awesome job to Eric Choi and his sister for helping us out with the goodie bags; thanks to Mrs Pearly for the awesome refreshments for our VIP guests; and to end our thank yous, we would like to thank everyone and we mean EVERYONE there that night with us!! U guys rawk!! \m/

The video footage is on its way still.. We'll update real soon once it's up and moving.. TIS-out ya'll..

Fashion + Attitude = Azren

In issue #2, TIS gives you Es Azren in the fashion-interview column.

Es Azren, a 41 year old Singaporean may have come a long way in the fashion industry, but he's rocking at heart till this very day. Being the in-house fashion stylist for the street and rock n roll brand Ed Hardy, also the Head of Department of Fashion Design Technology in PJ CAD (College of Arts and Design), Azren focus more on how he can enhance edgy-ness out of something beautiful.

Graduated from Kingston University in London about 15 years ago, Azren spent his early years as a young designer travelling round the world for a better prospect in fashion. He's travelled along the Europe area to Asia Pacific before settling down between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, he has never gotten bored of fashion just yet, "Back in the 90s, most of the fashion sense are pretty one coloured design based and its different from the present designs. Now, it's much more daring and more edgy, and it's easier for me to project more creativity into styling and designing".

"Fashion is in my blood, it's in my DNA. It's so intense for me this whole thing about fashion. I'm very into it, and I see myself creating my vision, from nothing to something, beautifying it. I love looking at beautiful people, I love seeing peoploe satisfied of what I'd create for them. I appreciate those moments".

During TIS launch, Azren was there to facilitate the making, the process, well, mostly everything during the Ed Hardy catwalk show. And we can say, he means business when he talks fashion. The amount of creativity, focus and dedication he has in putting everything into place in a short period of time, AMAZING! Awesome job!

Facebook : Ed Hardy Malaysia
Email : ez_azren@hotmail.com

Passion through his camera lense - Azfar Hadi Lim

In issue #2, TIS introduces you a young talented up and coming photographer in this new column photography-interview.

In this latest column of TIS, we bring you a passionate photographer Azfar Hadi Lim, a 20 year old diploma student majoring in Interior Design in Segi College, talks about his heart, soul and passion in photography. Azfar started his photography craze about for years ago. He started out taking pictures while hanging out at his favourite spot that overlooks the sunset from a hilltop near his house. Having different feelings daily at the very same spot, he intends to try and capture the differences of feelings and try freeze the moment through his lens. After that few tries, he developed the interest in photography pushing him further into the trade, learning up on the gadgets, techniques and stuff.

His main influence or style we could put it is in music photography, where he loves taking band photos, live performances those sort. Having most of his close friends in bands, he follows them to their gigs and shows and started finding his style in expressing himself through his photos. He may be new in the scene, but during the interview we manage to capture the amount of passion inside of him, talking about his camera which he calls Lisa, which means so much to him, "At times I rather not eat, and just save up that little bit of money to get magazines or that little extra to help me with my journey in improving myself. Azfar sees art through his heart and eyes, "It's not about maths, where 1+1=2, but it's more about how I feel, how I can capture something dead and giving it life through photography. Cause art is so subjective, people may see things differently, but to me, whatever it is, I'll keep trying, and trying till I get there somehow".

You could check out more of Azfar on his facebook by the name of Azfar Hadi Lim (www.facebook.com/azfarhadilim).

The multi-talented Khairul Azri

In issue #2, TIS brings you a man with extraordinary vision in the film-what's hot column.

Raised and bred in Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Khairul Azri, a well known music video director, a film maker, TVC director set his eyes into the industry at a young age. Started out with his interest in photography during his schooling days, he jumped into movie making when he's dad introduced him to laser discs, where he found his fascination in trying to produce a similar shot or ideology he has to film. Right after high school, this young lad enrolled himself to FINAS and straight to NY Academy to pursue his dreams in film making.

Khairul personally started his mark in directing in the year 2007. Started off making music videos for free, for the sake of experience, as he slowly intend to make a breakthrough in TVC, which he needs a connection to do so. All the hard work paid off, he has his own team now, running a company of his own.

Focusing more into music video clips, he loves to play with his one take movie shot, those live actions shots. But he edits his clips himself, because of low budget, but he recalls that it's tough to discard any shots because he appreciates all of them. At the last AIM Awards, 3 of his video clips were nominated, leaving him winning the Best MTV Award for Butterfinger's Seribu Tahun, "I was shocked and overjoyed!! Tthe rest of the nominated videos were done with big budgets, with popular directors, and it's overwhelming for an indie film director to bag it. It's simply amazing".

For those who wants to know more about Khairul, or would want to check him out, or to correspond with him, you could do so at these sites.

Website : www.phuturephlow.com
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/user/phuturephlowfilms

15 Malaysia (follow up)

In issue #2, TIS brings you the follow up of 15malaysia in the film-interview column.

TIS team manage to grab the time to interview Pete Teo on his latest film project, 15 Malaysia, which presents 15 socio-politically themed short films. Launched on the 17th August, 15malaysia is brought to you by Pete Teo and the team that brought you MAFU (Malaysian Artistes for Unity) last year.

In this interview during the KLue +5 event, we manage to do a short interview with Pete.

TIS: So far how has the response been for 15malaysia?

Pete Teo (PT) : It has been overwhelming. Having it to launch just 3 days ago, the viewership has almost a million hits!

TIS : Wow!! That's some huge numbers. So with this much of overwhelming feedbacks, we believe you must have been thru some problems along the way?

PT : Well, it's pretty easy actually. The arrangement and stuff is pretty consistent except for coordinating 15 films and aligning them to the consistency of quality. Apart from that, the challenge is the bandwidth, it feels like the whole country is knocking at your door, with so many views at a go, that's the main challenge for now.

TIS : Well, with all the going with film, how has music been for you?

PT : Its mainly film for me this year. But by the end of the year, I'll be back to the music scene, doing some film scores in Hong Kong pretty soon, but I'm still waiting for my studio to work on my new record.

TIS : Well, all the best to you Pete!

PT : Thanks! Vice versa, vice versa.

For those who have not checked the movies out, you could do so on the site below:
http://15malaysia.com

BMW Shorties Gala Premier

In issue #2, TIS brings BMW Shorties in the film-competitions column.

BMW Shorties, the result of a marriage between classy sophistication and raw talent. The short film award is the colossal car brand's way of giving back to the community via film grants and a platform for indie and student film makers to showcase their works.

What made this year's wards even more awesome, apart from having the highest number of entries since it birth in 06, was the announcement of TWO grand prize winners! Grand prize winners (In no particular order, we believe in equal rights!) "Ma Chai" by Shanjhey Kumar Permal and "Conversation with a Mad Man" by Brandon Loh.

Both winners will receive RM37,400 in production assistance and mentorship from the judgess.. Not forgetting the Pople's Choice Award, given to Prakash Murugiah for his entry "Flashes" and a Special Mention recognition was given to "Resonance" by John Cho. TIS would like to salute the judges for their passion and commitment in making this a success, a big TIS-Thanks to June Wong, Surinder Jessy, Tan Chui Mui, Zahir Omar and Ida Nerina. A big shout-out to BMW for supporting the indie scene and giving us a platform to celebrate our creative difference and freedome of expression. Much love! Hmm... Perhaps next year we can have a BMW Shor-TIS?

Finalists 09 - Out of 80 entries, 9 were selected:
1. "Flashes" directed by Prakash Murugiah
2. "Ma Chai" directed by Shanjhey Perumal
3. "Lubang" directed by Mohamed Fazry and Asmar Hassan
4. "1:19" directed by Chua Soon Min
5. "7" produced by Mandy Yap Li Kuan
6. "Conversation with a mad mad" directed by Brandon Loh
7. "Le Mannequin" directed by Wong Wei Jien
8. "Resonance" directed by John Cho
9. "Codename Hashshashin" directed by Chow Jann Rong

TIS BITS - following her tragic mishap, Ida Nerina judged the entries from her hospital bed! Now that's commitment ya'll!! For more stories and pics, check out www.bmwshorties.com.my

Featuring I'm Muslim Too! Heading to the border

In issue #2, TIS features I'm Muslim Too!Heading to the border in the film-screening column.

Back on issue one, we talked about the talented Malaysian film maker Zan Azlee. Within days of our launch we were invited by Zan to his premier of his latest documentary I'm Muslim Too! Heading to the border. This documentary sees the everyday lives of the Muslims living in Pattani, Sounth of Thailand with the past, present and ongoing violence there.

As curious as Zan is, and with the help of a local journalist from Pattani, they got thru hurdles, digging the truth out of the locals there from many aspects. Having only 5 days and nights, with his Sony HDV FX1 camera, Zan recalls there is not one time where he did hide his camera, "People there are just like us, in every way. They're just as Muslim as me, they speak Malay too, they're just us, except that they're there, going through the violence and living pass it".

In conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations, Zan's documentary is airing for four consecutive Fridays starting September 4th. For those who missed that out, you could catch the replay on NTV7's website at www.ntv7.com.my. It's worth watching, with real live experience elements as well as Zan's touch of humour in it.

For more inquiries or details on Zan or his documentaries, check them out at htt://fatbidin.com.

Ella's been TIS-ed!!

In issue #2, TIS is proud to have Ella on board in the music-what's hot column.

We were really busy with our launch just days before Ella's gig, one of our friend Bob, came up, telling us about it, People & Places with Power Shot Promo Tour. We weren't really sure about going till we arrived outside the Mist Club, Bangsar the next day after our launch, and noticed how happening the place turned out to be!

About 500 people attended her gig, singing along, with fans screaming their "I love yous", it was an awesome sight. A fantastic stage was setup for the night, having a seven piece band rocking the stage. The band sees two indie musicians, Jimmy (Tempered Mental drummer) and Alex Subrin Louis (who's working his single currently) rocking up with veteran musicians that night.

"Ella rasa tak puas, I want to sing more, because tonight it's more like a teaser night, like a soft launch towards the tour, which only starts after Raya". Even though the night ended pretty early, Ella did not hesitate to be interviewed by the entire journalist waiting outside her dressing room. TIS were lucky to be given the chance to cam-whore a little with Ella. Rock on girl!

The studio with rhythm

In issue #2, TIS introduces you De'Rhythmix Studio in the music-studio column.

TIS team was out on the hunt for a new place to jam and we came across this studio, De'Rhythmix Studio located in SS15 Subang and we decided to review it there and then. It has been around for a little more than 11 years, the studio is looking into expanding it bigger. Studio Manager Bob says they are wanting to open their own music school in the near future. "Apart from the music school, we've also been supplying musicians and equipments for shows, functions, weddings and such currently. We're not just the typical kind of jamming studio, we're wanting to be some kind of platform for musicians to grow". Currently, they're giving classes at the studio, where all their tutors are either diploma and degree holders, but the management is looking into having a proper school somewhere next year around Subang area.

;\The studio has 2 practice studios for now; Studio A, the more pro-ish studio is renting out at RM35/hour, RM33 for members, and Studio C at RM25/hour, RM23 for members. Everyone is applicable to apply with a membership fee of RM20 and it's for a lifetime period, and people get to enjoy discounts, free jamming hours and purchase anything from them at a good price, as they're also authorized dealer for Behringer, Yamaha and other musical brands. They also offer jaming packages of RM300/month for 14 hours. They encourage students from the music faculty, or even full time musicians to appy or just well, apply to enjoy the rates.

Facebook : Rhythmix Studio
Myspace : www.myspace.com/rhythmixstudio
Email : rhythmixstudio@gmail.com
Contact no : 03-56351721
Open daily - 2pm onwards

Young talented drummer John Thomas

In issue #2, TIS introduces John Thomas in the music-interview column.

John Ashley Thomas may look like any average 25 year old musician, for his case, a drummer. But he has been playing from a tender age of 8. Growing up with a dad as a musician, naturally John has the touch and creativity to go with it. "I picked up the drums cause I think it's the most appealing instrument to me and it's easier to learn".

At the age of 15, John started gigging a lot, compared to the other kids around his age, John dedicates most of his time practicing and polishing up his skills. Sessioning from band to band, he became a house hold name as a jazz drummer, but he emphasize during the interview that he also play other kinda genres too, "Recently I've just finished a world tour with this Taiwanese artiste A-Mei, that's not contemporary jazz.. haha.. But yea, I do a little here and there too".

Currently, John is in two different bands, Phunkmob and John Thomas Trio. Being a full time musician, he dedicates his time purely to music. Being in a band which carries his name, the band John Thomas Trio consist of him and two friends whom he gigs often with. Whereas the band Phunkmob is a bigger band which consist of six members, but it may not be any average band, as it has some funky groove elements to it, according to John it's basically the type of music people can relate too.

For those who would wanna dig more about John, he could be found in Facebook by the name of "John Ashley Thomas".

Car Crash Hearts

In issue #2, TIS brings you Car Crash Heart in the music-interview column.

The name Car Crash Hearts is a tribute to the band, Fall Out Boy that made this band happened. The reason they picked the name is that it showcase their emotions and true self, whether people like it or not.

More than a year together, they found each other thru Facebook. It was a pretty experience recalled Alda, the bassist, "It was just that one fine day I decided to look for band mates, so I decided to put it on my Facebook status. And it was so funny that so happen the current line of the band was the ONLY people who replied! Haha..".

Within a couple of jam sessions, and with the strong chemsitry, they wrote their first song on the first jam itself. "Its like really awesome la the chemistry we have here. We're just random people, we've never met prior to this, and I think it's kinda unique that the band started out like this. It's the power of the internet la I tell you", says Collin, the band's vocalist.

In general, the band defines their music as power pop, but there's some rock element, part of punk. But they're willing to experiment and try to get each other's influences instilled to the band and that they are willing to try. "In general, we are very diplomatic, we're not Hitler kind yet la. Haha.. So we all have our say in the band and we're all equal la". They are in the midst of shooting their video clip now. You could check out their updates on these sites.

Website : www.carcrashhearts.com
Facebook : Car Crash Hearts
Email : admin@carcrashhearts.com

How honest can a mistake be?

In issue #2, TIS introduced An Honest Mistake in the music-interview column.

As common as the phrase can be, Darren and gang chose the name An Honest Mistake as their band's name, as they are looking into creating different personalities, oppositions and yet practice unity within the band. Most of their songs are made of random lines and stuff that don't make much sense, hence their first single, "This song is so random I don't know why". But as the band grows, the songs matured, lately relating to relationship, stuff around, life, those sorta things.

Started in March 08, music wise the band is unanimously agreeing on pop-punk with much hard core influences to it. Each and everyone in the band has different preferences and choice of music, "There's so much of elements in our music, how to define? Besides, with so many of us coming from different kind of influences, I must say we have come to find our own sound. Anyways, there's no need to define, we're just different" Darren says while Kevin Theng, the drummer looks on.

Having them recording their singles now, they are looking into releasing as many singles as they can before releasing an album. With this they can save on cost and printing, what's new for an indie band. But, having said that, An Honest Mistake is vast in promoting and selling their own merchandises. You could check it out at their sites below.

Website : www.anhonestmistakeband.com
Email : stryperized777@gmail.com
Myspace : www.myspace.com/anhonestmistakeisemo

TIS brings you it's first gig

In issue #2, TIS brings you it's first gig in the music-gig column.

TIS Night #01 sees four bands playing live on the 3rd of September at Urbanattic. The place was jam packed for a Thursday night, being on the Ramadan month.

The night started with Fetus, who played an impressive set, singing in Chinese with so much feel, emotions and creativity input. Having four to a band, the band sounded larger than what they are.
For more of Fetus, you can check them out at their link below:
www.myspace.com/fetusindieband

The next band, Flirting With Sleep sounded better than ever. They played a complete 30 minute set, with their post-rock-ish sounds, with a new twist when Jack, the bassist sings back up and adds the little extra oomph to the sound.
For more of Flirting With Sleep, check out the link below:
www.myspace.com/flirtingwithsleep

Paid In Fiction was next seeing a fuller sound. Having 6 people on stage rocking up their set, the band played a diversified music, having different elements into their songs, with different feel. Currently recording their materials, you can still check them out at this link: www.myspace.com/paidinfiction

Wrapping up the night was Fish Eye, which sees the founder of TIS in action. Although it may sound like we’re jamming on stage, but it was our very first gig after our very first jamming the night before! Lol! But anyways, it was for the fun of it, and that’s what mainly TIS Night is all about. Fish Eye sees 2 sessionist that night, Madaan of 12Records and Alif from Paid In Fiction. For more of Fish Eye, you can check it out here: www.myspace.com/fisheyeindieband

TIS Night is going to roll out consistently starting October, which will be on every first and fourth Thursday of every month, till end of the year. So guys, if any of you out there who wish to perform, do contact us and we’ll set it up for ya. In the meantime, we’re in the midst of putting up a schedule for you peeps to know who’s and what’s next on TIS Night!

Systematically Avoided Disaster (S.A.D.)

In issue #2, TIS brings you S.A.D. in the music-gig column.

The band's name may read as though it’s taken from a text book, but the band makes and plays music like no other. Categorizing themselves in a mix genre of modern rock and new metal, Adam the vocalist and bassist says that it’s pretty hard to explain and that their stuff are crunchy sounding yet mellow, but overall Adam says that they’re generally noisy and heavy sounding.
S.A.D., formed in the late 2007, all band mates are mutual friends. Having to play together here and there with various other bands before they started together as a band. But they basically met at a common ground, through music. So they decided to just start fresh, and started writing music.

Having them launch their EP on the 1st September at Urbanattic, their EP sees 6 tracks and it’s only going for RM10. The initial plan the band had for their EP is to record something live, compile it then distributing if for free. But they decided to do a proper recording, yet selling it at an affordable price.
For those who want to know more about them, you could do so by adding them, reading them out on the sites below;

Facebook : Systematically Avoided Disaster
Myspace : www.myspace.com/sadisaster
Email : sadband@gmail.com

The rawness of sound comes to play - Effigy Eclipse

In issue #2, TIS introduces the rawness of sound with Effigy Eclipse in the music-band column.

This issue, TIS digs deeper into the scene and discovered this melodic death black metal band, Effigy Eclipse. Consist of five young music enthusiasts from Taman Tun, they are musically influenced by different kinds of music, ranging from Taylor Swift (we're not kidding, they're so serious about it!) to In Flames to Marilyn Manson.
With the current mentality of most people having these thoughts about heavy metal, dark, noisy, long-haired musicians being angry, rude or the depressed sort, we actually find this bunch of boys very lively and optimistic really. Having Ted and Mukhriz talking most of the time, we can't seem to be amazed with the randomness they can come up with.
The band is in the midst of recording their single now. With a unique blend of muhibbah-ness into their creativity, they call they're single "Arwah" but the lyrics to the song are in English. Up to date, they have not think about launching just yet, they're more focus in getting as much gig to showcase their music output and their versatility. Being as indie as they are, they also highlighted the importance of music theory. "Though we have our drummer and lead guitarist as music teachers, it helps the band a lot. We may start a song composition base on simple guitar riffs but at the end of the day, its putting everything in place, and that's where theory comes in play" says Mukhriz. To check out their stuff, you could simply log onto their myspace: www.myspace.com/effigyeclipse

KL Ink 2009

In issue #1, TIS showcases KL Ink 2009 in the lifestyle-interview column.

KL Ink, ala Miami Ink, London Ink etc etc, is one of the many tattoo 'conventions' happening in Malaysia. KL Ink is an annual tattoo bash for tattoo artiste as well as tattoo enthusiasts. Happened on the 31st July at the Boiler Room, Hartamas, about five booths of prominent tattoo and peircing parlours turned up to showcase their expression of art.Organised by a joint collaboration of Spec Body Art and gang, they have impressively made the whole bash a memorable one. Having them giving out free tattoos and piercings (within their means), to an end with a bang of an impressive line up of DJs, the turnout was overwhelming seeing about 100 people. Having some doing their first tattoos, to those adding onto their collection, to those having their peircing done, it was a cool occasion.
Melvin August, an established tattoo artiste from Singapore travels around Asia for his tattoo tour, teaming up with different tattoo parlours around Asia for the experience and knowledge syas, "KL Ink is my last stop in Kuala Lumpur before heading back to Singapore. It is pretty exciting here, seeing that people are willing to do impromptu designs by me, and its fun having to experiment and challenge myself into doing stuff like this. And it is overwhelming to be somewhere away from home feeling, I'm just right at home".
Check our video on this on our youtube channel:
www. youtube.com/tisstreetpaper

The man behind the ink - Tan Kong Meng

In issue #1, TIS brings you a story of a man behind his love of ink in the lifestyle-interview column.

Tan Kong Meng, better known as Kong Meng among his friends and customers started his infatuation with tattoos when he was just only nine years old. From then on he has his keen interest in it and hence started his learning process to master the art and technique of tattooing. His learning process has been a long journey of self discovery, learning from tattoo artist, and through mediums such as books, arts, paintings and so forth. Having to work with other artist at their shops and going from house to house to tattoo his customers, he has now built his 'tattoo hub' located in Sunway Mentari.

Though he may not start off as a tattoo artist, Meng made his way up by practicing hard and emphasize on the importance of sketching, drawing and shadings. "It is important that the tattoo artiste is well equip with such knowledge cause it helps alot in minimising the time hence the pain. You would be able to 'agak' where to whack first" says Meng.Having his own tattoo parlour, Permanent Expression Tat2, Meng spends most of his time drawing and practicing his strokes in sketching while waiting for customers. "We tattoo artiste never have fixed income, in the sense that we never know when is a good month and when is not. It may vary from month to month. Walk in customers is becoming more common for me now, but I still do have my regulars".Since '99, about 10 years ago he gain more interest in the art of tattooing, where he started collecting pictures from newspaper, magazines, just about everywhere. Once he laid his eyes on of his friend doing "hand poke", a method back in those days people perform tattoos, he felt the interest grew, hence he started off "hand poking" on friends at the tender age of 15. Having so much of experience and passion into tattoos, he has now full body covered with tattoos. He had his first tattoo on the thigh at the age of 16, though he feels tattoo is such a painful thing to endure, but he just went on with it. Since he wanted a tattoo so bad, he just bear with it, and broke that mental barrier of pain and just accepted the pain. He then continued until he was 18, and left to Singapore to work. From there on, it never stopped.

A cook with a little indie flavour - Dave Junias

In issue #1, TIS introduces a cook with a little indie flavour in the food-interview column.

TIS brings you an interesting chef with a little indie-ness to the recipe. introducing Dave Junias, a commis two of Le Meridian Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Dave, may seem like an ordinary guy next door, but he has two sides to his story. By day, he may be a chef by profession, but by night, he's a vocalist in a local indie metal band, Furion Escalada.
9 years ago, Dave groomed himself at KDU College to be a professional cook. And after all those hard work and effort he instils into his work, he is now working fulltime as a commis two in one of the high end hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Le Meridian. He's in charge of mostly the appetizers and dessert section. But on a day to day basis, he assists the chef in most of the daily work, handling mostly everything in the kitchen. We asked Dave during a phone interview how he dedicates to his music at the same time. Dave happens to be a vocalist in one of the indie metal band, Furion Escalada. He has been with the band for almost 6 years and counting. He's also active in the indie scene, playing in gigs and shows around and about KL. We were amazed with his time management for both of his passion, "I don't have any sort of time management in me. Trust me... I just go ahead with it. Right after work, I'll head straight to the studio and start jamming. There was one time, we were recording our EP, it was a massive back to back job for me. Right after the kitchen to the studio for another long session, sleeping for an hour or two only. But it's worth it. My music is my soul".TIS has this interview video-ed. You could check them out at our Youtube Channel. Or you could log onto their myspace website for more of the bands music and events.Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/tisstreetpaper
Furion Escala : http://www.myspace.com/furionescalada

Old skool lives on strong in Backyard

In issue #1, TIS brings you back to old skool in the food-hang out spot column.

Backyard has been around town for the past 20 years. The pub has been famous for its rocking old skool live bands and them footballers hang out spot. But little did they know, that the team behind Backyard, Jerry (Owner) and Edmund (Music Director) supports the indie act having said that, they organise competitions with cash as prizes, supporting bands in their recording and such. Till this day, both individuals are still figuring out the concepts of the place. From 20 years ago to date, Backyard hasn't evolved much. Its sill know for their old skool kicking music to football hooligans. But as years pass, Backyard has been showcasing a line of good, power pack bands and they are soon known as a pub with great music, featuring local acts to veteran musicians, to foreign musicians, mostly about anything to do with great music. Hence the birth of their annual music competition, Jam Festival, every October for the past six years, to help promote the indie scene. Having to put the bigger acts as a disguise to pull the audience over, relating it to the exposure towards the indie acts. Most of the videos and pictures of the competition can be found on their website.

Apart from the music and footballs, they are also known to the pool players community, they organise three annual competitions, "The Merdeka Competition", "Backyard Pool's League" and "Uncle Franks", they attract different sorts of customers to their pub. Jerry Chong, owner of Backyard, had visualised the place to be as friendly as possible. With his dreams of making it a neighbourhood pub, he's looking into togetherness, wanting to make the place as cosy as it can be.

Backyard also serves fantastic food, having different varities, ranging from local to western, to fusion that goes with an excellent blend of their beverages. You can also check out their food promotions and updates on their website : http://www.backyardpub.com/

Storybook Couture - Debrina Chan

In issue #1, TIS introduces the boutique Storybook Couture in the fashion-walk-in store column.

Located inside One Utama Shopping Centre, Storybook Couture sees one of the many kinds of styles ranging from edgy to classy. Debrina Chan teams up with her aunt and runs Storybook Couture hand in hand, having to pick and source for their own products. Debrina, having a tremendous passion in fashion, in terms of technicality finds it her true calling. Having started in her teenage years, she has great passion for fabrics, the design construction, the pattern, it has been a long learning process for her.

Opened in February 2008, Storybook Couture started with a young hip and trendy theme. The original idea behind the store hasn't changed much, but the main element that the store has is that there's a story behind any piece of clothes. "It's more like hand writing your clothes here. When you are sad you wear that certain colour of clothes, that's your story, you're sad. Or when you wear something nice and bright to see your lover let's say, that's your story there. So more or less that's where Storybook Couture came up from" Debrina explains.
At the moment, they bring in clothes and accessories from every part of the world. Having said, 2 seasons ago, Debrina herself designed a whole collection of 16 pieces. Though it is all sold out within a short period of time, she's not hesitating to try her hands on new designs. For those would want to know more about Storybook Couture, visit their sites below.

Facebook : Storybook Couture at One Utama
Email : storybookcouture@gmail.com
Tel : 03-77106563

Sarah Ze! Wonderbra

In issue #1, TIS introduces Sarah Ze! Wonderbra in the fashion-online store column.

One of Malaysia's indie street wear fashion designer, Sarah Ze! Wonderbra ventured far, real far to get her calling for fashion. Started off as an Audio Engineering student in Subang Jaya, Ze!ventured to Byron Bay to pursue her degree. Not long after her completion, Ze! ventured towards Europe for her love of music, only realising her dreams, passion and calling for fashion through her music. Having to play music like electronic-punk-disco music, hence her eccentric fashion sense.

Ze!'s main focus is her street wear collection. Besides busy touring with her music around Europe, she dedicates her free time towards her passion of fashion, which has a huge diversity of colours, edge and eelctrifying style.

Also, having the opportunity to gig musically around Europe, she only wear her own clothes and accessories, often leaving people curious. Sarah is truly an indie; she goes all out on her projects. Often being her own model for her own clothing line, she also is the creative director to her eccentric photo shoots.For those who love to know more about her, you could log onto her websites:

http://zebrainpink.com
http://zebrainpink.blogspot.com
http://myspace.com/zebrainpink
http://facebook.com/zebrainpink
http://twitter.com/zebrainpink
http://www.osixnine.com

The upcoming Zan Azlee

In issue #1, TIS introduces Zan Azlee in the film-what's hot column.

In this first issue of this column, TIS is featuring this young talented man, who's up and coming in the media/film industry. Zan Azlee, has a list of career under his belt. Being from a tv/film industry, Zan Azlee, has a list of career under his belt. Being from a tv/film director, to producer, videographer, writer (not just for screen, but also for print) are involved in journalism both broadcast and print. He's also a content developer for new media/internet, content consultant, mass-communication lecturer in a local university in Kuala Lumpur and last but no least he runs Fat Bidin Media. That's one whole list of an occupation what more time he has to run everything. Basically, he is a freelancer who does mostly anything and everything which is related to the journalism.
Having a strong journalism background, Zan started as a journalist at The Sun covering IT and lifestyle beats. He then ventured out to United Kingdom for his MA in broadcast journalism to widen his horizon in knowledge and experience. Having himself back in Kuala Lumpur after a couple of years abroad, he joins NTV7 as a broadcast journalist. The experience he gained in print and broadcast gave him unique view on the content industry. But he was still very active in his freelance video journalism, he joins Al-Jazeera in feeding socio-political and lifestyle video piece for Al-Jazeera. After all those hard work put into his work, Zan is now known for his title, "an award-wining freelance TV/film director, producer and writer".
Some of his featured films are aired on NTV7 such as "I'm Muslim Too", "I maybe Malaysian but I carry a big stick", "The look-east project" and more.

Website : http://fatbidin.com
Facebook : Zan Azlee

All the way from Melbourne - Ku Reza

In issue #1, TIS introduces Ku Reza in the film-interview column.

Our Malaysian homeboy, Reza who's currently residing in Melbourne, Australia is trying his luck in a foreign country, wanting to make his mark in the film industry over there. He is currently looking for film festivals to display his short movies that he has done over the years while studying there.

Reza was never really into films when he was younger. Having more interest in paintings, music, art works which he was influenced in a way by his mother, he generally is a creative person. He then furthered his Advertising studies to Melbourne; he discovered his new found passion in film. "How I see it is that through film. I could relay my message better".

As far as Reza is concerned, the film industry in Australia is far more open in terms of genre and contents of the film, "I personally feel that Malaysia puts on a lot of restriction to the creativity flow, base on race, nudity, language...Also if I were to compare, I feel it's easier to make film here because it's pretty flexi in terms of idea and getting easier access to equipments and so forth".

He sends his regards all the way from Melbourne to the indie film makers here in Malaysia with a message of, "Keep doing films ya''ll, keep making contacts and networking, as it is so important to have your back covered! And the most important thing is, to have as much fun while doing it! Peace out!".

Introducing 15 Malaysia

In issue #1, TIS brings you 15 Malaysia in the film-screening column.

15malaysia proudly presents 15 socio-politically themed short films. Launched on the 17th of August, 15malaysia is produced by our local talented musican/actor/film director Pete teo and the team that brought you MAFU (Malaysian Artistes For Unity) last year.
15malaysia features some of the country's coolest directors and personalitites like the late Yasmin Ahamd, James Lee, Benji Lim & Bahir Yeusuff, Desmond Ng to name a few. These films are not only dealing with the socio-political issues in Malaysia, they also feature some of the best-known faces in the country, including actors, musicians and top political leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin, Nik Aziz, Liow Tiong Lai, Adibah Noor, Ida Nerina, Sharifah Armani, Patrick Teo, Harith Iskandar and many more.

To watch the films of 15malaysia, you could find them on Facebook by the name of '15malaysia' or you could log onto their official website at http://15malaysia.com/.

A special tribute to Yasmin Ahmad

In issue #1, TIS wrote a tribute to the very talented Yasmin Ahmad in the film-tribute column.

Yasmin Ahmad (1958-2009)Yasmin Ahmad - local filmmaker extraordinaire who touched many hearts and minds with her distinctly down-to-earth Malaysian productions - passed away on July 25th, after suffering a stroke and brain haemorrhage. She was 51. Famed for her groundbreaking Petronas TV commercials even before she made her first film, Yasmin often professed to a humble beginning in her moviemaking career, by volunteering to make a commercial for free, for a client who lacked the funds.

Yasmin's commercials - mostly celebrating the country's independence or touching on issues close to the heart of Malaysians - successfully brought her out of obscurity and into the limelight. Soon after, came a string of movies - always bearing messages of racial harmony and familial ties - which pushed the envelope, challenged the norm and attempted to bring about change.She quickly became a name closely linked to the rise of Malaysia's independent filmmakers. A friend to many young directors, she struggled with them to bring a whole new edge to Malaysian films. At the peak of her time, with awards and amazing films under her belt, she left us all too soon. Leaving us all in the depths of despair and an empty hole in our hearts. It is a tragic fact and a great loss to the country's entertainment and movie industry. Yasmin, we shall all miss you dearly.Check out our main blog, http://tisstreetpaper.blogspot.com on the earlier post on Yasmin's passing. We attached her personal blog site and the stoy of her life through her eyes.

Indie Youth Fest 2009

In issue #1, TIS brings you Indie Youth Fest 2009 in the music-what's hot column.

Indie Youth Fest 2009, an event organised by Go International Group, showcase various series of activities installed for a back to back party for two days straight. Happened at One Utama on the 1st and 2nd August, about 20 bands performed and showcase their hidden talent as well as interesting competitions installed for them.

TIS, one of the official media partners had our own booth there with tremendous support from the organiser as well as the crowd. Having to parade a series of TIS merchandises, it was given away to a couple of lucky contest winners participated in our contests in between band slots.DAY 1
The day started off at 11am, though with a slow start, the crowd started picking up soon after lunch time. Having said that, there were couple of booths showcasing interesting stuff. Actress/Model Jojo Stryss paraded her clothing line as well as her hand made accessories. SAE, the official sponsor of the event, had their crew setup up a full scale multiple camera live switching console, which the video will be uploaded to the official website. Be sure to check out the video at the official website: www.indieyouthefest.com. Day 1 sees a series of new bands in the scene, showcasing an impressive showdown of sets. In between these band slots, the beat box competition was introduced, having a series of talented young beat boxer doing their thang. You could also check out the videos of these performances at their website.DAY 2
Day 2 started off slow on a Sunday morning. Having an open mic for a start, more showed up during the performances. Having said, interesting new games were setup on these day. The beat box challenge was introduced again, but bringing in more vibe to the set. Then in between the sets, Jasmine Low, Go International Group's Wonderwoman, made up this new game, guitar hero poser challenge. TIS team took this opportunity to make it fun and get the crowd hyped. It went on having more interesting musicians show casing their acoustic talent, having to play with guitars, beat boxing to game boys. Check them all out at the official video of Indie Youth Fest's webpage. Bigger bands, like Oh Chentaku, Beat The System, Car Crash Hearts started playing from 6pm onwards, pulling a bigger crowd to the event, leaving people wanting more music in a short period of time. Awesomeness!!

The Rocking 12 Records

In issue #1, TIS brings you the jamming studio 12 Records in the music-studio column.

12 Records, situated at Subang Jaya has a different twist to its place. Having it as a hub and platform for those who are getting into a band, to prominent bands like Bunkface, They Will Kill Us All, Car Crash Hearts, Ben's Bitches, Stonebay jamming at their studio, the management team, Madaan and Kevin Theng never seize to contribute to the indie community."One of the main reasons into creating this concept is to provide a platform for those who are in need of space to jam, providing them with infrastructure, good equipments with good pricing", explains Madaan. Kevin adds that they are also looking into starting musical classes on their grounds, "But not just any kind of typical music school you find every corner in town, but we are looking into providing current musicians in town, whether indie or mainstream, not only instilling musical knowledge but experience as well".

They also provide other services like equipment rental, provides recording facilities, repairing instruments, a corner for just about anyone who would want to display their items or on consignment basis. These young lads are easy going yet ambitious in their own means. Having them both prominent musicians in the scene also helps with the mentality their instilling into their business. Rock on dudes!!

Facebook : Sound Tank Productions
Add : 21B, Jln SS15/4, Subang Jaya
Tel : 012-2042132 (Kevin Theng)
016-6916514 (Madaan)