ISMAIL Haron
Performing Arts in Singapore (Music),
Accession Number 003001
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 3
Total Reels
- Joseph C Pereira
Interviewer
- 02:42:41
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 3
Metadata
- 19 Dec 2005
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Description of early life. One of 12 siblings. Born in Singapore 1946. Family background and school life. Became interested in music in primary school. Had first singing experience in school. Sang at weddings. Joined Vigilantes when he was in Queenstown Secondary Technical School. Some of his classmates were among their members. Before the Vigilantes, he was from the Valiants. Started getting interested in performing professionally in 1960s. Experiences performing at tea dances. Response to first EP release was good. First release signalled a change in the Malay music scene. Malay music with western influences. Difference between Malay beats and western beats. His rendition of ’16 candles’ in Malay.
Roland Sheperdson joined the Vigilantes. Their experiences performing at different bars. Changed their name to Guys when most of original members left. Guys were signed on to EMI. Their stint at EMI and growing reputation. Influences behind the songs performed by the Guys. The breakup of Guys. Quill Organisation suggested forming a “Super group” This new band was called Establishment they were sent to Hong Kong to perform in 1970.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 3
Metadata
- 19 Dec 2005
Recording Date
- 00:55:44
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Description of Establishment’s stint and music scene in Hong Kong. How they captured HK scene and was even approached by Robert Stigwood, one of the world’s biggest agents of those days. Offered to play in Japan fizzled out. Then played Montieth in Bangkok for 6 months, and at Udorn Thani, a US base, before returning to Singapore in 1972. Music scene in Montieth. About life and their performances in Udorn. Became solo after breakup of Establishment. His growing stature in local Malay music scene. Maturity of his music; lyrics had spiritual undertones. Released some records with Anita Sarawak. Comparison of his musical styles from early days to 70s. Then left Singapore in 1976 for Australia where he lived for 26 years.
Wanted to broaden his repertoire and learn more about stage performance. Learned to be a floor-show artiste there. Stopped performing in 1994, after 18 years. Returned to Singapore 2002 to visit his family. Views on currents music scene and musicians in Singapore vs. that of the 1960s. Plans to release new album. Is considering including some old songs from the 1960s and 1970s, as well as from his previous bands. Influences behind his spiritual leanings in songs.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 3
Metadata
- 31 Dec 2005
Recording Date
- 00:48:17
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Development as singer songwriter and his role as a lyricist. Musical styles and lyrics of Vigilantes’ songs. Early 70s saw a change in Ismail Haron’s style. Started recording songs and writing original lyrics that were influenced by philosophy. Opinions of his music and factors that influenced his style. While working in Australia, had to change his musical style to suit the audience. Themes explored in his lyrics how they relate to social issues of present day. Influences behind his music. Thoughts and plans for his future music
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