INTRODUCTION
Hi! I'm Kelvin. My line of business is supplying hair products to hair salon. I have been playing for almost 30 years. I'm playing mostly Chinese rock music. I have been playing for 乱党, a local Chinese rock band since 1995. We played mostly original composed Chinese pop/rock music. We did three compilations with Mouse Records, 破岩石破岩时, Sound Detour and In Sound. I'm proud that we had participated in 破岩石破岩时, which is the first local Chinese rock compilation in Singapore. During this period 1997 to 2002, we had lots of gigs going on. The usual spots would be the Youth Park and Substation. We did an opening act for 张震岳 when he came to Singapore in 1998 at Hard Rock Café. We played for Hua Yi 2004 too.
Now I only play for my kids. They are learning drums and yearly, they have recitals where they have to perform a song and I will be playing the guitar part for them.
PLAYING STYLE
My guitar playing mainly pop/rock style. Sometimes a bit of metal. My music influenced mainly from a Hong Kong band Beyond, and some China bands like 黑豹 and 唐朝. Personal guitar heroes include Vinnie Moore, Andy James and Igor Paspalj. When writing music, it can just be riding on a bus or MRT and suddenly a tune comes by and I sing it in my head repeatedly until I reach home and start recording it! Not like now, we have smart phone and we can record it straightaway!
Before I play any instruments, I will usually do some stretching exercises. For example, before I play the piano or guitar, I will do some fingers stretching exercises. I will usually play scales (two octaves) from slow to fast then back to slow.
MAIN INSTRUMENTS
My main guitar during the 90s was Ibanez RG270 which I used to record on the three compilations and performances. Now this guitar is retired. I seldom touch this guitar anymore. Nowadays, Ibanez RG620QM is my main guitar for practicing and performing. Loaded with Seymour Duncan pickups which has a sweet tone and is suitable for pop/rock. The neck size is good which is important to me as i have small hands.
The guitar which I play metal songs with is the Ibanez KIKO100. This guitar is actually quite versatile. Actually, all my guitars are versatile. All coil-tapped except for RG270. I'm Ibanez fanatic! My Fender Stratocaster American Standard Deluxe is a recent purchase from the second hand market. I use this guitar for clean sound and a bit of distortion.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
I have been using the (antique) Korg Toneworks AX300G multieffect and Jim Dunlop Cry Baby for almost 30 years! Old is gold! Still going strong after all these years! I love Laney tube amps! They simply sound soooooo good! Currently using the LC-50.
OTHER LOCAL GUITARISTS/BASSISTS YOU FIND INTERESTING
I'm actually impressed by Eugene Heng from 天地会, a local Chinese progressive rock band. His accuracy and melodic riffs and solos are good!
Another guitarist is Vinnie Mah. He is owner and teacher at Vinnie Classroom. His finger plucking style is pretty inspiring!
Lastly, 纪康阳, a local guitarist that played for many local artistes. He is a teacher at Replugged Music. His music playing style is... should I say... more of Chinese pop.
PHOTO ABOVE
Guitars from left:
1) Fender Stratocaster American Standard Deluxe - mainly for clean and bits of distortion
2) Ibanez RG270 (Black) - used from 1996 to 2004 (retired)
3) Ibanez KIKO100 - used for playing metal music
4) Ibanez RG620QM - now using as main guitar as it has really sweet tones