A pioneer of Singapore's instrumental music scene, I Am David Sparkle was invited to play at the South by Southwest Music Festival 2009 in Austin, Texas. Ooostage recently caught up with them when they performed at Home Club's Beat Anniversary Party.
Ooostage: What was your first reaction when the band received an invitation to play at South by Southwest 2009?
IADS: We were more excited to meet the bands that were playing at SXSW than actually getting to perform. It took us a lot of money to get there but it was all worth it for the experience.
We first performed in Austin, Texas before moving on to Houston, Boston and then back in Asia when we played in Hong Kong. We also stopped by Manila, Philippines for A*Fest and Hanoi, Vietnam for the 3rd International Hanoi Music Festival. Being on the road for 3 weeks, and travelling around as a band were the most satisfying for us. We got to live the life of a band, as opposed to friends coming together on weekends for jam sessions.
Ooostage: As a post-rock group, ever considered adding vocals to recordings?
IADS: Once we're comfortable with our voices, we will probably do that. (Laughs)
Farizwan (bass) actually sings a lot during our jamming sessions and is just waiting to unleash his vocal prowess.
We're also looking for a female Chinese lead singer, preferably Fiona Xie or Jade Seah.
Ooostage: Who would you list as your musical influences?
IADS: The Pagans (early American rock band) and experimental metal band Neurosis. But the list is never ending, from old Malay keroncong to the latest Reggeaton. Fugazi (post-hardcore and punk rock band) is also one of our all-time favourites.
Ooostage: How does the band come up with song titles?
IADS: It is a very random process but our song titles are usually funny takes on social commentaries, things you don't see but feel. It is very supernatural. (Laughs)
Ooostage: Any ritual or habit before performances?
IADS: A lot of cigarettes. We also have to eat before every practice, or performance – or we play ping pong. One time, we ditched sound check and played ping pong for 2 hours before our set. You can see we take the band very seriously so we have to keep ourselves fit before our performances.
Ooostage: Any crazy fans and crazy stunts?
IADS: We have yet to receive the Tom Jones treatment, no panties and bras thrown on stage. The craziest we ever experienced was a panty flash but that's a good start.
Ooostage: Why is Adik (Zahir, drums) known as Adik when he's not young anymore?
Adik: I'm still 19. I'm forever 19.
IADS: It's a question we ask ourselves every day.
Adik: Nowadays, I prefer to be called Zahir, that's why I introduce myself as Zahir.
Ooostage: What are your thoughts on Ooostage as a platform where you can sell your music?
IADS: We do not know why people would want to waste their money on us, (Laughs), because there are so many other good acts around. However, we do think Ooostage is a good platform for bands to showcase their music and talent. It is also nice to know that Ooostage supports local bands and their endeavors.
Ooostage: Any shout outs to fans?
IADS: We are pretty much grateful for the people we met when we played at SXSW 09, especially the nice people we met in Boston. Thanks for coming to our shows and hanging out with us.
Amran (guitar): Zahir is single, and looking.
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