LORENZO MAILUM — Coming Up Roses

INTRODUCTION

I've been playing guitar and writing music for the alt-rock/shoegaze band Coming Up Roses since late 2017. Apart from Coming Up Roses, I've done some writing and recording for the electronic act Ailes.

I started off playing classical guitar at the age of 12 but eventually got bored and picked up the electric guitar at 14 after discovering bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden.

PLAYING STYLE

I don't have a unique playing style. I try to serve the song in the best way I can, be it filling out the harmony by strumming/arpeggiating chords or playing the catchiest lead hook that comes to mind. Being in a shoegaze band, I'd describe my sound as immersive and expansive. 

I usually warm up for practice by playing a closed triad on the guitar and spreading them as far as possible up and down a scale across the neck to stretch my fingers. Before playing a show I like to warm up with a beer.

A few of my musical influences include Florence Welch, Bjork, Wes Montgomery and JS Bach.

MAIN INSTRUMENTS

When I started playing electric guitar I had a second hand 1986 MIJ Squier Stratocaster. I dare say the build and sound quality of that guitar could rival that of recent Fender Strats and it felt like I was playing some sort of treasure. Currently, I'm using a Made In Mexico Fender Stratocaster from the Player series. The thinner neck profile makes mobility so much easier, which is crucial in CUR's music where I have to switch a lot between playing leads up high and open chords down low on the fly.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

I use a Source Audio Nemesis and Boss RV-500 to create space and dimension in my playing. Both are controlled via MIDI by my Boss MS-3. These 3 pedals make performing so much easier as I don't have to do a lot of tap dancing. I also use Ableton Live 10 Suite to write, record and practice. 

OTHER LOCAL GUITARISTS/BASSISTS YOU FIND INTERESTING

Andrew Lim. A brilliant guitarist and educator whom I've had the pleasure to study under.

Ailes. Electronic music producer that incorporates Muse-esque riffs and songwriting with dystopian trip hop beats.

Carlos Gervasio. Lead guitarist of the thrash metal band Azerath. 11/10 shreddy boi.

PHOTO ABOVE

My MIM Fender Player Stratocaster I acquired in early 2020. Spent every day of Circuit Breaker with her. Spilled a lot of blood and sweat on her too (not the reason why the pickguard is red). 

OLLY MAGUIRE — Atmosphere + Sukafellas

INTRODUCTION
Bands - Atmosphere (1996-1999)

Sukafellas (1999-on and off till 2014)

PLAYING STYLE
My inspiration: Ritchie Blackmore, Rosli Mohalim of Sweet Charity. I must say I like old school style of playing.

MAIN INSTRUMENTS
I used to own Fender Strats MIM (Made in Mexico), Ibanez RG series but all sold already, now settled with Schecter Diamond Series.

OTHER EQUIPMENT
Not really, I think I can settle for almost anything, even thru amps, but I will bring my simple gadgets.

OTHER LOCAL GUITARISTS YOU FIND INTERESTING
Actually a lot to name, Addy Cradle, Rosli Mohalim, Khalid Mobin, Moliano, Alif Putra, Romey Helven, Boy Raven to name a few.

PHOTO ABOVE
Just love this guitar. Schecter Diamond Series. The most important is playable and simple.

DHARMA — The Observatory + Heritage + solo

INTRODUCTION
Started playing when I was 13 ...many years have passed since then! Previous bands: Eza and Manic Mushroom, Don Victor’s band, Heritage, Junk Bunnies, Throb, Meddle, Chod and Tenggara Trio. Currently with The Observatory and also solo guitar.

PLAYING STYLE
Started out playing lead and rhythm in rock / metal bands, did some bass too. Primarily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, but there are a whole lot of other musicians (not just guitarists) that have influenced and inspired me over the years, some I have been lucky enough to even play with. Derek Bailey has been a major influence in the last couple of years and style-wise I would say I’m into the experimental approach of playing the instrument, which includes prepared guitar and extended techniques.

MAIN INSTRUMENTS
Started off on a Fender Stratocaster (‘54 US reissue), then Gibson ES335 (‘80s dot reissue) and later Fender Jazzmaster (1964) bought in Osaka, Japan in the 2000s. For the more abusive playing (prepared guitar does take its toll) I have a 1962 US reissue Fender Jazzmaster, which serves as my main workhorse.

OTHER EQUIPMENT
I use a lot of pedals, especially those that enable weird sounds like the Moogerfooger Ring Modulator, Line 6 Frequency Modeller, Boss Pitch Shifter PS3, EH 16s Delay and Z’vex Fuzz Factory. I have also been collecting objects (or junk) over the years that I use for prepared and extended purposes. Some of the objects include broken cymbals, rods, bows and spoons. Hand-wired tube amps work well in delivering the sound I go for, I mainly use a Ceriatone 18 W (Marshall clone) and Fender Twin Reverb.  

OTHER LOCAL GUITARISTS/BASSISTS YOU FIND INTERESTING
I have enjoyed much playing with the following local guitarists and bassists – Eza, Choon, Victor Low, Ashley Jansen, Yuen Chee Wai and Leslie Low. And I enjoy Shah Tahir’s and Andrew Lim’s playing too. All of them are inspiring and have been an influence on me.

PHOTO ABOVE
1964 Fender Jazzmaster