Plainsunset

in2it presents Plainsunset (one good band that will be rocking esplanade in Baybeats '09). They say if you want to learn; learn it from the best. Let these fellows divulge more about themselves to all of you.

Contemporary alternative rock

1994-2003, 2006-present

Tell us more about your band

We're a band blessed enough to be able to fund our own projects from the money we have made performing. To be able to say that the band is essentially a self-funded when it comes to studio projects is actually a great thing. We have also enjoyed being one of the first local bands to travel overseas in 2001, after many years of Singaporean bands not having the chance to strut their stuff to other shores since impiety.

We are also currently played on the radio on occasion and have had a song 'River Song' won a radio station's award for Best Singapore Song in 2008. We all have day jobs and are juggling lifestyle, married life and the band among other things. We've had some of our songs on the current album appear in Star World's trailers for Heroes season 2.

How did you guys start out

Norsham or 'Sham' started the band in 1993 under a different name. He changed it to Plainsunset when Ronny, current drummer, joined the band. Jon came later and gradually took to vocal duties. The last change was Nizam who joined as bassist in late '97.

Tell us about your jamming schedule

The 'Jamming schedule' is intermittent. As we are busy with work and stuff, realistically we can't practice every week, so we usually get together when the need arises, like when there's some spate of gigs we are playing for , preparing to tour or songwriting phases.

Where do you guys usually jam?

Usually either Scape studios or Beat merchant

What are the gigs/events you have performed in?

We have played most regular local indie type gigs. Highlights includes Singfest, Baybeats, Ignite, RockTheSub, lauching 2 albums at Zouk, (old) Ministry of Sound, overseas like New Zealand, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Malaysia, twice in the Philippines...

What do you enjoy most about being in a band?

Hearing an idea that we have come out as a song, and knowing that people are into it, that they really like what we are doing, especially when the band works together as a unit. Then we know the time and effort put together in practice was not wasted.

What is your greatest joy as a band so far?

Knowing that we have been an influence on other local bands, or hearing about other older local bands talking about us very favorably. Letting us know that we are doing well.

Who is/are your inspiration? Why?

We have too many bands to talk about. Common inspirations within the band are bands like The Ramones, Braid, and Fugazi. Each of them played a form of music which challenged public perception. Instead of playing or doing something everyone else was doing they did something truly different and did it well. As a result, when I compare them with all sorts of band, I can instantly identify them.

Is there any direction you guys are heading towards?

I don't know if it can be described. We are not planners per se. As long as it works and is fun to do I guess...

What will you say to budding bands?

Beware of your place in the scene- every band is just one out of many. Also, ask yourself what makes your band different from everyone else, what sets you apart, and why should anyone pay money for your album? These are questions we should ask ourselves every once in awhile.

If music is your thing and all you need is people with similar passion, why not join our very own Music Club as you rock and roll all day and night.

Have something of your own to share? Contribute it to us here and walk away with TWO free magazines if you are one of the first 60 each month!