CHANDRAN Joseph
Performing Arts in Singapore (Music),
Accession Number 003002
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 4
Total Reels
- Joseph C Pereira
Interviewer
- 03:14:06
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Dec 2005
Recording Date
- 01:00:13
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Childhood life in Singapore. Strong inclination towards music; loved to sing. Father bought him a guitar in Primary school. In the beginning, was influenced by, and played songs from Tamil and Hindi films. Joined Singapore Indian Music Party. Description of his foray into his musical career. Met Cyclones (James and Siva Choy) in a show and was impressed by their act; started getting interested in Western music. Transferred to Bartley Secondary School to be near his idols. In 1965, started working at Labour Research Unit, NTUC. Took part in a Talent-time contest, but did not make it into the finals. Lots of critics expressed their disappointment when he got eliminated.
In late 1965 to early 1966, sang with the band “Checkmates”. Later, got invited to sing for Commancheros, replacing Danny Wilson. Venues and places where the Commancheros performed at. Then in 1966/1967, changed bandname to X-periments. Performed at Serene House, entertaining American GI’s on R & R (rest and recreation) from the Vietnam War. Description of their performances. Recording sessions of first EP “In the Middle of the Night”. Played a stint in Bangkok where he met The Platters (American Band). Got invited by The Platters to sing for them, but he declined.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Dec 2005
Recording Date
- 00:45:29
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*About the musical instruments used by X-periments. Bonds developed amongst the bands in the music scene. Remuneration in 1970s. Had a financer called Freddy Eu (Eu Tong Sen’s son). Rehearsed at Freddy’s house at Eu Tong Sen Villa in Dhoby Ghaut. In 1972, the Government imposed a ban on Live music, but did not affect X-periments, as they went to Bangkok to perform. First EMI release. Band underwent change of band members. Kind of music that X-periments played and influences behind the music. Stints at various clubs. Experiences performing locally and overseas. Most challenging experience in Thailand.
Released Second EP called Chinatown Rock with WEA in 1978-1979, just before left for Europe. Played in Europe for four years from 1978-1982. Experiences playing in Europe. Left Europe to spend more time with his family. In 1983, became a born again Christian. Lost the penchant for performing; started singing gospel songs. X-periments mutually disbanded in September 1985. His feelings about leaving X-periments.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Dec 2005
Recording Date
- 00:30:00
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Intention of learning guitar and first experiences of singing. About life during his early years. In Sec 3 or 4, went to stay in Ramakrishna Mission Singapore (orphanage). He was not an orphan, but because he felt lonely, he asked his Father to send him to the orphanage. Life in the orphanage. Left after one and a half years because he could not bring in his guitar. His encounter with the music of the Cyclones and The Quest during his secondary school days. In 1964, he started working, as he had done badly for Senior Cambridge. Found a job at Labour Research Unit (now known as NTUC) and worked there for four years. Started frequenting Queen Street. His exposure to Singapore Indian Music Party (SIMP) and how he got into the band as a rhythm guitar player. Difference in cord structure between Indian and western music then. About the band members of SIMP.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 4
Metadata
- 27 Dec 2005
Recording Date
- 00:58:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*In 1965, joined SIMP - the first year he was working in the Labour Research Unit. About rehearsals and his experiences playing with SIMP. Played for weddings. Formed an amateur band called Vikran (named after an aircraft) while with SIMP. Experiences playing with different Indian bands. About the creeping influences of Western pop music into Indian music and how this fuelled his desire to move over to the English language pop music scene. Exposure to English Music scene in Singapore when accompanying Siva Choy to tea dances and clubs. About the Indian Pop music scene in Singapore in mid-1960s.
Development of his singing career. Joined Commancheros at Siva’s recommendation. Sang and jammed with The Esquires. His band Commancheros, the subsequent name changes and finally deciding on the name X-periments. Changes in the band line-ups. How they became influenced by soul music. Serene House and their performances there to entertain the G.Is. After Serene House, played other clubs. Backed up Rita Chow (60s a-go-go singer) for a short while. Relationship with other musicians.
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