Analog Girl in Paris. Photo credit by Julius Landau.
How many underground artistes can ever boast that in their career of only 6 years they have performed in prime cities of the world such as New York, London, Tokyo, London, Paris, Shanghai and Berlin? A few. Which musician can tell you that their only primary and essential gadget they need to create music excellence and performance on stage is just a Mac laptop? Very rare. Who can tell you that they successfully manage their own career with their very own efforts of marketing and distribution? A handful.
Analog Girl did just that. Her real name is Mei Wong and she started playing piano from the age of 5 years old. She used the stage pseudonym Analog Girl because she thought of it as sexy and yet at the same time electronic, reflecting her music.
Mei fancies creating “backdrop” for her music; performing at an art gallery in Japan, a circus in Paris, Chinatown in Singapore, punk rock clubs in London and New York. That much effort and passion she put into her music is evident to her fans. I, for one, am always so invited to another dimension each time I listen to her music. Each time I listen to Analog Girl.
I was first introduced to Analog Girl through iSh Magazine many years ago. It has given me much pleasure to have spoken with her. Mei has taught me the beautiful connection of souls between music and fashion. She was the very first musician who has lured me into electronic music.
She is The Analog Girl.
“A music award nominee at the StreetStyle Awards, Featured Artist on Diesel-U-Music and Channel V’s AMP, The Analog Girl is enjoying a global fan base that spans from the U.S. to Japan, Asia to Europe, and Australia to Brazil. This makes The Analog Girl Asia’s indie darling and the world’s rising superstar.”
Mei is performing at the outerspace-themed party at the sky garden located at Central Soho in Clarke Quay, Singapore. At SGD 12, enjoy wild performances of some great live electronic music, "exciting out-of-the-world food, kickass alien merchandise and friendly beings from other planets" as promised by the organisers.
Date and Time: July 12 2009, Sunday from 6:00 to 10:00pm
Venue: Sky Garden | Central Soho (Clarke Quay MRT Station)
Tickets: SGD12 (Pre-sale at various outlets including Food#03, The Asylum Shop and Casual Poet) or SGD15 at the door.
Ticket price includes one alcoholic drink for those above 18 and one free juice for those below.
Hi Mei! Please tell us more about yourself.
I am constantly intrigued by what one singular sound could trigger a whole entire spectrum of sounds, melodies, thoughts and even smells. The sonic language is simple but complex all at the same time and it is the language that speaks most to me on a soulful and abstract level. And I think it does the same for most people. That's probably why I choose to do music full time, to have that constant connection with people all over the world.
“Named by TIME magazine as one of 5 Music Acts To Watch in 2008 alongside Japanese musician Cornelius is Singapore-based electro-rock chanteuse The Analog Girl.”
It seems that the influenza epidemic has not affected your travel plans. You are going to Berlin to perform at the electronic music festival and Shibuya, Tokyo!
Yes! I am very excited about the upcoming tours as they are in both my favourite cities. It would be nice to see how the crowd will react to the new material. I am putting together brand new elements for the upcoming live shows which I always love to do as it keeps them fresh and exciting both for the audience and myself. I've been prepping some shows with the Yamaha Tenori-On so expect something visual, innovative and glowing.
Analog Girl at museum. Photo credit: Julius Landau
How would you describe your music?
Evolutionary, inventive, pop and dreamy. Music that you could take on road trips, plane trips, moon trips and the party after the party.
“Always dreaming up new and innovative ways to showcase her music, The Analog Girl presented an extraordinary live performance at the Cirque Electrique in Paris with Stella improvising on trapeze and Thom swirling fire.”
How do you think electro music has progressed from when you started to date?
I think the music is constructed in the same spirit as before but people's reactions to electro have changed over the years. They are much more receptive and they can get into the groove much more easily. It's become more natural and accepted. There is a better understanding of electronic music and electro is in many people's sound system right now. It is a great time to be an indie electronic artist. There is a huge appetite for it and many more curious ears.
Where can we get your albums offline?
My latest EP Sometime Next Galaxy is now freshly stocked at all Gramophone outlets in Singapore and niche concept stores like The Asylum at 22 Ann Siang Road and Casual Poet at 273b New Bridge Road. Find a shop in a city near you at www.analog-girl.net/shop
How do you market your music?
Mostly through gigs, internet portals like AMP by Channel V and the press. I do all the marketing and distribution myself for now so it's a lot to handle especially when there is a new release but I really enjoy this side of the business as well. It gives me a chance to talk more about the music that I make and discuss the scene.
Analog Girl in Tokyo. Photo credit by Julius Landau.
Have you considered being a resident DJ for clubs in Singapore?
I would like to be a guest DJ sometime in the future. I love to share with others what I am into, and play tracks that would make a great party. It's always nice to hear your favourite songs played loud on the dancefloor. Being a resident DJ would require more commitment which may be a little tough right now with a new release and tours coming up, but being a guest DJ would be awesome.
Analog Girl backstage in Zouk. Photo credit by Julius Landau.
Do you still believe and see the connection between fashion and music? Do you find inspiration on the internet too?
There is and will always be a connection between fashion and music. The connecting factor to me is movement. Both fashion and music are associated with movement - clothes that are well designed demonstrate great movement when worn and walked in; different types of music trigger different sorts of movement from the listener when consumed. Also, when you think about a music icon like the legendary Michael Jackson, you will always associate his music with his fashion style - the red jacket, the gloves and the hat. Sometimes when I am playing back a track that I have just written or mixed, I like to also play back a clip off a fashion runway show on YouTube just to see how the track performs. I always like to surf the web for cutting edge music videos, live performances and also check in with the innovative Hype Machine for the latest indie offerings.
Analog Girl at Notting Hill Arts Club, London. Photo credit by Julius Landau.
How do you normally prepare mentally for a new album?
My preferred method of working is to take a week off just to write and record. That way, I am free from distractions and the flow is there. To me, to be able to do that is sweet indulgence and the truest and purest way to lay down tracks for a new album. Sometimes if that is not fully possible, I will try and write when on tour, which is a bit hectic but being in a different place could serve as an unexpected source of inspiration.
Analog Girl in the streets of Taipei. Photo by Julius Landau.
You were voted by Time Magazine as one of 5 Asian acts to watch in 2008! Congratulations! How has this improved your career?
It was a tremendous honour and it helped to introduce The Analog Girl's music to a greater audience. It has definitely sparked off exciting opportunities like a TV feature on Channel V, photo stories in magazines and an appearance at Taiwan's biggest indie music festival Spring Scream.
Photo credit by Amos Wong
In your own definition, what makes a woman modern and smart?
To know what she wants in life and to not be afraid to follow her dreams. To feel empowered and in control of one's destiny is crucial in achieving what a modern woman desires out of life.
What, to you, is being financially independent? Do you think you are financially savvy and smart? Why?
To be able to let my music take me to places that I've always dreamt of performing at - that is my luxury. I think coming from a business college background, I am pretty financially savvy and smart!
Define the word FRUGALISTA!
To save by going green!
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