GUINNESS AMPLIFY 2016 REACHES A CRESCENDO

Fazz, performing at the Pop Up Show at The Bee

Fazz, performing at the Pop Up Show at The Bee

GUINNESS, Malaysia’s favourite black brew, marked the end of its AMPLIFY 2016 programme this weekend with a two-day celebration of local music at Publika mall. Featuring workshops and talks by big names in the international and local music industry, a ‘pop-up’ recording studio, and – of course – performances from some of Malaysia’s best bands, the conclusion of AMPLIFY 2016 offered something more for musicians and music lovers everywhere.

 Singer-songwriter Talitha Tan, performing at The Bee

Singer-songwriter Talitha Tan, performing at The Bee

Kicking things off on the first day, 12 up-and-coming local acts took their music from the stage and into the studio, recording tracks in the specially-designed AMPLIFY ‘pop-up’ recording booth. Each act walked away with a professionally-mastered copy of their song, ready to share with the world. Manners Maketh Man, a four-piece alternative rock band from KL hit an even higher note, when they were selected from the rest of the participating acts to record an EP courtesy of GUINNESS.

Guitar Workshop led by Rithan

Guitar Workshop led by Rithan

Day Two saw a full lineup of talks, workshops, and masterclasses aimed at helping aspiring musicians perfect their craft and take it to the next level. Headlining the bill were industry giants Ben Willis, responsible for bringing Malaysian sensation Yuna to the world stage; Producer and Engineer Anna Laverty, who has worked with acts as diverse as Lady Gaga, Nick Cave, and Bloc Party; and JP Fung, producer to some of the finest upcoming Australian talent of the past decade.

Producer Anna Laverty, Topic - Essential Tips for Producing a Good Album

Producer Anna Laverty, Topic – Essential Tips for Producing a Good Album

Topics ranged from home recording and production, to how to get airplay and tips to market your act on social media, while hands-on masterclasses saw local legends Rithan and Jimmy Jamz passing on their experience to guitarists and drummerseager to hone their skills.

Band Saturday Afternoon performing at The Bee

Band Saturday Afternoon performing at The Bee

The performances during the day took place at The Bee, with Talitha Tan, Fazz, and Saturday Afternoon treating patrons to a soundtrack of dulcet tones and smooth melodies while they dined and danced.

GTXperiment were first to take the stage at the Amplify Live Gig at Black Box

GTXperiment were first to take the stage at the Amplify Live Gig at Black Box

As evening descended, music fans made their way across to Black Box, where the iconic golden harp on the main AMPLIFY stage was lit up for the final time this year. Soulful four-piece GTXperiment began proceedings, with their heady blend of R&B, jazz, and old-school rock and roll delighting the crowd. Next to take the stage were AMPLIFY mainstays Paperplane Pursuit, whose unrivalled energy and uplifting rhythms had the whole room dancing along, hands in the air. Perennial fan-favourites Kyoto Protocol headlined the evening, the sheer force of the rockers’ stage presence and repertoire of hits bringing the two-day event to a perfect crescendo.

Paperplane Pursuit rocking the main Amplify stage at Black Box

Paperplane Pursuit rocking the main Amplify stage at Black Box

GUINNESS AMPLIFY 2016 began in August with the launch of AMPLIFY FM, Malaysia’s first online radio station devoted to playing only local music, 24/7. This was followed by the AMPLIFY LIVE TOUR, four consecutive weeks of live gigs in Johor, Penang, Ipoh, and Klang Valley, spreading the support for Malaysian music all across the peninsula.

Kyoto Protocol bringing events to a crescendo after headining the main Amplify stage at Black Box

Kyoto Protocol bringing events to a crescendo after headining the main Amplify stage at Black Box

Marketing Manager for GUINNESS, Nick Larkworthy, explained the thought behind AMPLIFY 2016, “Since the beginning GUINNESS AMPLIFY has stood proudly in support of the Malaysian music scene, striving to provide opportunities for our talented local musicians to better their craft and share their passion with the world.

 

Paul Morrision, Music Director, Maveriq Studios, Topic - Music Publishing

Paul Morrision, Music Director, Maveriq Studios, Topic – Music Publishing

This year, we wanted to do more than simply hosting shows – we wanted to offer something of real value to our artists. That’s why we gave Malaysian music a permanent place with AMPLIFY FM, where you can tune in to your favourite local acts any time of the day or night. It’s why we brought together legends from the recording industry to share their experiences with our up-and-coming artists, and it’s why we offered 12 acts the opportunity to record some of their very first tracks. At GUINNESS, we believe that ‘Together We Are More’ – and I think that is the true spirit of AMPLIFY.” he added.

 

Panel Session, (l-r) Ben Willis, Dawn Benedict, Paul Morrison, JP Fung, Anna Laverty, hosted by John O from Paperplane Pursuit

Panel Session, (l-r) Ben Willis, Dawn Benedict, Paul Morrison, JP Fung, Anna Laverty, hosted by John O from Paperplane Pursuit

While the stage lights may have gone dimmed for this year’s AMPLIFY, music-lovers will be happy to hear that AMPLIFY FM, Malaysia’s only online radio station devoted to playing local music 24/7, will remain ‘on-air’. To get your fix of some of the best music Malaysia has to offer, any time of the day or night, log on to www.amplify.com.my

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