It’s been three months since I last hung out with my pals Simple Plan when the boys were down in Singapore.

As simple as the saying goes, “Time will tell the true essence of a friendship” – why not try put it to the test with a mission of five tasks, for five very down-to-earth rock stars?

A few months ago, I received my latest work’s schedule, unassumingly opened that mail and oh! I was going to host a big press conference attended by many really important people in the music industry. It was a serious-type conference and I had to do a formal style of hosting.

Firstly, I had never done hosting in a formal setting, and secondly, I didn’t even have a serious face! I had no poker face, at the time.

So MTV World Stage Live In Malaysia 2011 went excellent and everyone had more than a blast. Hair got messy and hands thrown up in the air! I would say success would be an understatement. The day after, I was extremely tired and my back hurt from singing along to “Animal” but hey hey hey! I was going to meet the Neon Trees. Big fan, love their energy! Take a look at what went down the morning after.

Music changes, faster than cars that run red lights! And unlike having to pay for a speeding ticket, one is commended when bringing something new and fresh to music – new beats, different layering, and of course, the lyrics. Every part of a song is important, however for me, being passionate about writing (and also with chocolate); I pay plenty, if not too much attention to the words that shape a song.

July’s MTV Push Artist is none other than Katy B also known as Baby Katie. The British singer/songwriter released her first single with the label Rinse in 2010 and her debut album On A Mission was released on 4 April 2011, and peaked at No. 2 on the U.K. Album Chart. With her good looks and beautiful voice, this up and coming musician has been reaching for the stars and getting them! I spoke with her over the phone a couple days ago and asked her a little bit more about how she felt like being MTV’s Push Artist!

Social media, social media, social media. Those two words ring in my head every day, and with every passing day, I am optimistic. However, it is not always a good thing. Have you seen how many horrible comments Rebecca Black has gotten? Not to mention bad press. Speaking from a “business” point of view, she has had excellent marketing, and oh I am sure the money she is making is fantastic! However, in reality, if you were to create something that were to go viral and all over the internet, there is bound to be people who like you, and people who do not.

Using Social Media as a tool to get your stuff out there. Yes. No. Maybe. I don’t know?

I, for one (and I speak from experience), think that in this day and age, social media is by far the best, most conventional and most accessible way to get your work out there. A lot of people asked me “How did you start to become a VJ?” and I say “I had a blog that someone read and sent me an e-mail asking me if I wanted to join.” So if not for that blog I might, quite possibly (at the rate I was going), not have the job that I hold at present.

So I hung out with Simple Plan when they were down in Singapore and had a little chat with the boys! They were so much fun, their new album is so catchy- already topping the radio stations here. I can’t wait for all of you to listen to it.

Whats up guys? I’ve been all over the place and it is good to have a few days off before I leave for K.L. this weekend again! I have some good news! It’s that time of year again- thats right, MTV World Stage LIVE in Malaysia is back!

This year, we will be rockin out with THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS AND POP SHUVIT!

It’ll be staged at i-City, Shah Alam, Malaysia on 24 July 2011. Doors open at 4.30pm. It will be broadcast on MTV SEA (Astro Channel 713) Monday, 8 August at 12am (Malaysia Time)

Artist and ticketing details will be announced in the coming weeks.

I’ll be working with POP SHUVIT on some excitingggg pre-world stage bites so watch out for that!! I met those guys over the weekend along with Simple Plan and an amazing band called These Kids Wear Crowns, i’ll write more about that in the next few days! But for now get ready for the coming details of World Stage and I cannot wait to see all of you there!

x

While we sit at the edge of our seats and anticipate their arrival, I had a short chat with the band’s vocalist, Jonathan Pierce (or Johnny), on the phone. He was on his way to the airport as we spoke and the sound was a little muffled but it was still sufficient for both of us to make decent conversation – basic response! Struggling through the static, I asked “Tell me more about your music – a blend of Fifties bubblegum and Eighties synth-punk – where does the inspiration come from?” Johnny responded that it was basically the music they listened to growing up, as well as a lot of music that was just fun!