THE MACHINE SHOP

MACHINE BIDS FAREWELL (for now....)

2009-03-27T12:39:00.004+08:00

Its been a heck of a journey the last few years and I would like to thank all my supporters who from customers have turned into friends. I have moved shop several times from Far East Plaza 43 Haji Lane then to 45A Haji Lane (the 2nd floor) and finally 66 Haji Lane.... confusing alot of people along the way (where the heck is that shop?).

Machine and I would like to take an hiatus. To recuperate, recharge and come back more revitalized. What will be the next reincarnation? I'm not sure myself; hopefully it will be better & bolder.

In the meantime, you peeps can support our sister MONO+ at 66 Haji Lane (aka "the purple building"). There will be a small selection of affordable tees + menswear that all of yah have come to love all these years.

Please visit their blog at : www.monoplus.ctrlsave.com

Cheers everyone!!!

Jenny on GQ!

2008-12-12T12:22:00.001+08:00

Iz she still hot or what?

Flea Mart Pixs!

2008-12-07T04:31:00.004+08:00

"Teh gu lai leow!" Despite the earlier downpour the response was overwhelming! Thanks to everyone.... tenants, vendors and especially the peeps who came to buy! buy! buy! Everyone had fun, made a few bucks and several new frenz throughout the day.

ELEMENT is in da HOUSE!

2008-12-07T04:14:00.009+08:00

El mondo numero uno deck maker Element has dropped in this month! Get the latest 2008 Autumn/Winter collection from caps to socks to decks to bearings right here!

Heck I didn't know that Mike & Ray (both btw sponsored by Element) are still skating! F**k! those dudes are like 40+? now and still doing shit they luv!

December New Arrivals

2008-12-07T04:03:00.004+08:00

Hey peeps! New stuff just landed in the shops for Christmas! Yeah we know that the Lehman Brothers screwed the whole world but that is no excuse to look like shit for this festive season.

Operation bags, Vans Mountain Eds, Kurt & Oasis... and Mikey has dropped a very SMALL consignment of Visvim & Wtaps x Neighbourhood (we shit u not!) threads. Our prices are very reasonable and as usual stuff are all in limited editions, small quantities blah blah blah... don't cry if u mizz them.

9.8 Million Bucks!

2008-11-21T04:14:00.002+08:00

Got tiz damn f**kin drama story man! Yeah... itz a "Nigerian scam"....

Please I write to you with a good intention for you to help me out, I am Sadiek Turay the only son of late DR, Duke Turay my father was a very wealthy Cocoa merchant in Abidjan the economic capital of Ivory coast, my father was poisoned to death by his business associates on one of their outings on a business trip. My mother died when I was a baby and since then my father took me so special. Before the death of my father on March 2008 in a private hospital here in Abidjan he secretly called me on his bed side and told me that he has the sum of NINE MILLION EIGHT HUNRED THOUSAND UNITED STATE DOLLARS USD. ($9.8 MILLION usd) left in fixed / suspense account in one of the prime bank here in Abidjan ,that he used my name as his only son for the next of Kin in depositing of the fund. He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned by His business associates. That I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money and use it for investment purpose such as real estate management or hotel management. I am honourably seeking your assistance in the following ways: (1) To serve as a guardian of this fund since I am only 20years. (2) To make arrangement for me to come over to your country to further my Education and to secure a resident permit in your country Moreover, I am willing to offer you a good percentage from the total sum as compensation for your effort/input after the successful transfer of this fund into your nominated account. My uncle wants to kill me because of this certificate of deposits as he has succeeded in collecting my entire father\'s property left behind. He and his wife always punish me and have made life very difficult for me. His wife served me a poisoned rice meal on the 8th of April 2008, but for the divine mercy of God, her daughter secretly whispered to me not to eat the meal because there is poison in the rice. i wasted the meal to the bin only to find two dead rat on the bin the following morning and that made me to run away immediately hiding inside village just to secure my life, Furthermore, you will indicate your option towards assisting me as I believe that this transaction would be concluded within (4 days if you signify interest to assist me I will send you the deposited certificate and my picture).I Anticipating to hear from you soon. (You can contact me on this telephone phone +22504974181 ) my private email.(sadiek.turay@yahoo.com)

Best regards,
Sadiek Turay

"Teh Gu Lai Leow!"

2008-11-16T22:57:00.003+08:00

Shops at Haji Lane are organizing a fleamart on 30 Nov (Sunday). Limited tables are available so if you are interested; contact the organizers at shopsathajilane@gmail.com. Whats does "Teh Gu Lai Leow" mean? A "teh gu" is the person catching illegal hawkers and "lai leow" means "they are here!"

Spanish Bombs

2008-11-11T01:19:00.002+08:00

Vida Guerra, do a Speedy Gonzales and get some from RETREAT at the store now! We happen to be having a super-kick-ass sale so I can vouch that very few pieces of this fine Latina booty are left. Ariba!

Random

2008-11-11T01:14:00.003+08:00

Rockett, CDG for H&M, Vans and some funky chairs whom I can't remember the designer. Guess which one is coming to the new shop soon? Watch this space or better still get your lazy asses downtown!

Go Obama Go!

2008-11-11T01:01:00.004+08:00

Those of you whom have been faithfully supporting my label know how much I detest 8 years of Bushism and the bullshit he represents. What I still don't understand is how America, one of the greatest democracy and in the world, voted Dub-yah for a 2nd term and those that could have made a difference couldn't bother to vote?

I hope he delivers the changes he has been promising in his campaigns. I'm always cynical about them political types & history is full of them.

Jo Lang Tu-Lan!!!

2008-10-27T14:56:00.004+08:00

Took a train to work today whose aircon was not cold enough. Needless to say it was pretty uncomfortable in this hot weather. SMRT has raised fares this month but here they are trying to cut corners. WTF?

Kudos to Trans-Cab for scrapping the 30 cent diesel surcharge. Diesel is now below $2/litre so why this foot dragging from Comfort-Delgro? Did they buy some "futures diesel" contract like Singapore Power?

Singapore Power. $1 f**king BILLION profit last year and they raise electricity charges by 20%!!! Screw whatever fuel contracts. Bloody damn poor excuse if your profits were $1 f**king BILLION!!!

Government officially acknowledge we are in a "technical recession" yet these companies insist on maintaining the same kind of profits levels???

Wish I was 20yr old Agnes Lim of NTU who simply "doesn't understand why her poor friend cannot just ask her parents for money". Can sigh some more when she said that.... KNN jo lang tu-lan!

Hong Kong

2008-09-13T19:36:00.004+08:00

Mixing business with pleasure since it was the school hols. Hong Kong. Retail haven, polluted skys and rude cha cheng teng waiters. Its a city with an unique character. Love or hate it. This is Hong Kong.

Wtaps x Neighbourhood, CDG & GOD all within walking vicinty on Hong Kong island. The Wtaps store was a big disappointment. Turns out picture used in MILK was of the store in Japan. Regretted not paying more attention in Chinese class.

Seals copulating at Ocean Park. Even the dead must also jostle for space in Happy Valley.

Crowds spilling over the roads at Mongkok. Singapore's a small island but Hong Kong's congestion makes our streets seem like boulevards. A road named after my family's latest addition. I like to look out for road names of people I know. Its like being immortalized for the next generation.Beef tendon noodles. Yum! Don't find these in Singapore done this way. Some hits and misses in their food. Is it because as one ages they long for tastes more familiar?

Renovation Blues

2008-09-13T17:44:00.005+08:00

A Herculean task it seems with no possibility of completion. URA, NEA, PUB and the landlord. No joke dealing with the government but we finally got in-principle approval for the cafe.

Then the contractor tries to take advantage of the situation and ups the fee on the day the bastard's suppose to start work. No one fucks with me, so I tell him to clear his shit out and fuck off. I'll rather pay someone else more money than give a cent to the lying piece of shit. He's already costing me with all his delays.

Took over the management of the renovation myself and hopefully I can finish this job soon. You all can see how the place used to look like before I started all cobwebs, damp and rotting wood.

Vans Corduroy Pack

2008-08-27T00:37:00.003+08:00

Arghhh! Saw these the other day but didn't have enough moolah... another pair to add to my Christmas wishlist!

Silly Thing New Store

2008-08-26T01:03:00.004+08:00

Silly Thing's new shop in Hong Kong.... cool! Gotta check it out soon. Now why can't we find something like this here? Which is your favorite shop (in terms of decor) in Singapore?

Dorothy Tang x Lomo

2008-08-17T16:21:00.004+08:00

Check out the new Lomo Diana F+ camera done by Hong Kong artist Dorothy Tang. The camera has a special lens that allows for "dream like" shots - the kind with cloudy-cloudy type of surround effects. I like the camera coz it looks like one of those blue & white Dutch procelain thingys.

Collaborations with adidas, The Beijing Olympics, Pocari and Bathing Ape, to name a few, shows this girl is doing something right.

Van Dyke Brown My Shop

2008-08-17T16:13:00.002+08:00

Thanks Poh Ling for this picture. She tells me its done via a " Van Dyke Brown experimental process".

What happens is you paint the photographic emulsion on a piece of paper or anything that's absorbent. In this case she used a water color paper and exposed it (like a film) in the sun with your image placed on top of it (which was printed on a transparency-like-photo paper).

They are clamped together tightly so the image doesn't move during exposure which takes about 20mins.... and there you have it!

New Stuff from CGD

2008-08-17T15:58:00.002+08:00

Personally I would most probably never wear their stuff coz I'm an old-conservative but its the way they interpret the basics that makes their clothes interesting and stand out from the others. This is especially so with menswear becoz there's really nothing much that we guys can wear. Kilts anyone?

"You Talkin' to Me?"

2008-08-16T05:04:00.002+08:00

DeNiro x Pacino. Opens next month at a cinema near you!

Leftfoot x Vans

2008-07-23T02:57:00.005+08:00

Local boys SBTG, Limited Ed have worked with international sneaker brands. Now Leftfoot Taiwan and Vans have put together a collaborative effort inspired by artist and part-owner of Leftfoot Taiwan, Jahan Loh.

His Dragon Chasers exhibition featured a series of art pieces revolving around the Asian cultural concept of chasing dragons. This theme is seen once again in this SK8-HI which features a suede and patent leather upper. Drop in if you are stopping by Taipei.

Suicidal Tendencies New Era 59Fifty Fitted Cap

2008-07-15T19:52:00.005+08:00

Legendary hardcore punk band Suicidal Tendencies are set to release a New Era 59FIFTY fitted cap next month. With simplicity in mind, the hat only features the much recognizable Suicidal Tendencies logo on the front as well as added details on the rear and under-bill.

Vans Syndicate x Max Schaaf and Bad Brains!

2008-07-09T19:32:00.004+08:00

Must cop either the red or black Eras for Christmas. I think the suede + leather combo is very nice!

Vans have also revealed a new item from their Spring 2009 season. Its a collabo with seminal hardcore-punk band Bad Brains featured on tees and their signature hi, low and chukkas. Can't wait!

COMEBACK KID Live in Singapore

2008-03-27T20:35:00.004+08:00

Yes! Wake the Dead and Turn It Around! Its time to start Broadcasting that Comeback Kid is coming to town!!!

Start them circle pits, practise you 2 steps and stage dives but watch out for those kungfu kids! Moshing time is here! Presenting one of contempoary hardcore's finest. For the first time in Singapore for a one night only event!

When?
25th APRIL 2008 (Friday)
Where?
Braddell Heights Community Club
Time?
Doors open 5pm SHARP!!! Tiz ain't no chinese wedding dinner, ok?
Who else?
Local bands in support FORGIVE, THE JABS and OVERTHROWN!
How much again?
$35 (now until10 Apr)/ $45 (11 Apr to 24 Apr) / $55 (at the door)
Student & NSF concession available at Machine and Mono+ only.

Tickets are available here and at Mono+!
Get them before they run out!

Tee-Shirt Sale!!!

2008-02-21T17:00:00.003+08:00

Selected labels up for grabs NOW! Remember... whilst stocks last!!!

Lime Magazine Feature

2008-02-06T01:02:00.000+08:00

It's CNY eve! Take this opportunity to wish one & all GONG XI FA CHAI, Good Health, Peace & Happiness!!! Machine shop got featured in Lime February'08 issue. Got 1/2 a bag more than Levi's new store! Whoopee!
Hope that this magazine's new direction in 2008 will mean better things for the local (music) scene. What do I mean? Just watch this space!

December Happenings!

2008-01-26T03:36:00.001+08:00

HAPPY 2008! Sorry if the greetings abit late but December was a real crazy month with so many events going down! In another 2 weeks we will be ushering the Year of the Rat so if you havn't done so... get your new threads here ! ha ha ha....

December started with this "Oooo sooo contraversial poster...." Oh plz u f**king losers.... get a f**king life!

7 DECEMBER, BOUND BY HONOUR 5!

Bound BY HONOUR 5, the last BBH series for 07! 4 overseas band, 12 bands in total, a last minute venue change to the HOME CLUB and the show got on the way....

old- skool- in- your- face punk rock!

Our guests from Malaysia & Indonesia!

15 DECEMBER
Tiger Translate x DBS Credit Card Launch = loads of free booze!!!

16 DECEMBER
Relak Jack BBQ organized by Sole Obsession and supported by Know It Nothing, Niche and MACHINE!!! could only mean.... MORE FREE BOOZE!!!!

Was wifey's birthday too! Muack...

20 to 22 DECEMBER
OH CHENTA KU! SINGAPORE TOUR = crazy nights with fun people! More boozing again!

20 December, Prince of Wales pub

21 December, HOME CLUB!!!

22 December, *scape The Lab aka Youth Park

31 DECEMBER, NEW YEARS EVE @ HAJI LANE!

axel zombie, for some the new year came too early.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! and GONG XI FA CAI!!!

Relak Jack Sunday BBQ

2007-12-14T20:57:00.001+08:00

New Shop Pictures Up!

2007-12-14T20:37:00.000+08:00

If you can see them it means I finally managed to upload them. Kept getting some error messages a few weeks ago so kinda gave up. Anyway what you are looking at is the new MACHINE store at 45A Haji Lane (nearest MRT Bugis). The old one at Far East Plaza is no more.

Mainly mens wear & accessories. Unique, limited quantities and one off pieces is what we stock. We are taking the streets back to the street coz "streetwear" has become a term that is very often missued now.

We're the only stockists in Singapore for UARM, RETREAT and NICKELS & DIMES. We also stock our own in-house labels, PROPAGANDA MACHINE & MONO+.

Sunday Offday

2007-10-08T13:36:00.000+08:00

Had one of those rare Sundays where we closed the shop. Brought the kids to the Singapore Art Muesuem and the National Muesuem.

I like the the pre-Independence paintings by the local artists as it captures the look & mood perfectly of a part of Singapore's history.

Though I'm in retail I dislike going to shopping malls on a weekend because; 1) its always the same old shops everywhere and 2) I hate crowds of pushy obnoxious Singaporeans.

Everyone should visit the musuem or some place of cultural or natural significance instead of a mall especially if you have children. Don't want to raise a nation of consuming mall rats. They have already torn down the old National Library and dropped Literature from most schools so its no wonder that Singapore is growing up as a nation without a soul.

You don't need to be a arty-farty, culture-vulture, tree hugging hippy to appreciate art or nature. I'm not.

National Language Class (1959), Chua Mia Tee

Bedok Flood (1959), Lai Kui Fang

Craig Street (1953), Ho Kok HoeVespa Exhibition , Cathay CineplexVideo Wall at the National Muesuem

A camera captures your image and its shown on this huge video wall. Quite fun!

Woman Seated (1959), Lee Boon Wang

UOB Painting of the Year (sorry dun know which year or the artist coz the old man guarding the gallery kept saying "No picture! No picture!" when I wanted to take a shot of the artist's details.

Been awhile since I visited the muesuem. They did a very good job restoring the place.

Empire of Nature exhibition. Bunch of very old paintings of local plants and stuffed animals collected by William Farquhar (he was Raffle's number 2 man). Very interesting exhibit well put together by the National Musuem team. You even can make your own bird cage and bring it home. Interesting idea.

LOOK OUT!

2007-10-08T13:30:00.000+08:00

Be careful when you walk the streets chances of being electrocuted are high judging by the number of "Danger" signs posted all around.

Hoes & Wagyu

2007-10-08T13:14:00.001+08:00

Tried this at Superfamous. Kick back relax and watch all those Shenton Way suites scurrying around whilst u sip your beer.... ahhhh!

Who R the People in Your Neighbourhood?

2007-10-08T13:02:00.000+08:00

Fresh baguttes at B Bakery

Singapore's Most Wanted... street style!

Domination sculpture at Bali Lane

Ha ha... this one is for u Angeline! Available at Kpg Glam Cafe.

Affogatto at Pluck. Great on a rainy day!

Lunch at B Bakery....

....followed by dessert.

Messy! Messy! Messy!

2007-10-08T12:49:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone! Sorry if not been posting regularly so I'm trying to upload wat I've accumulated over the last 2 months now coz itz been busy setting up the new place (45A Haji Lane) and trying to clear the mess in my office.

I've been working in that mess above for the last 3 months. Itz a Herculean task but unlike Hercules I can't divert a river and flush all the shit out.

Random Pixs

2007-10-08T12:32:00.000+08:00

The Return of Dustbin Man!

Drifting in a van. Catch this Initial D fan along that long windy road behind NUS soon.

Smith Street, Chinatown

Ah Meng preserved.

Siam Square (Bangkok)

Been a long time since I sat down and did nothing but read a few mags with a good cuppa to while away the afternoon. Luv those Jap mags for their pixs & wat seems like tons of info but can't read the damn language!

Suntec City

Jalan Masjid

Wheelock Place

Mmmmm..... B-e-e-e-r.....

The Incestious Media & Their Bastard Childs

2007-07-26T04:13:00.000+08:00

For all you Juice reading dumb farks out there read tiz from a fellow blogger and think for a minute why itz always the same few stores that appear in every frickin mag/paper in Sillypore month after month, year after year..... I scratch your back, u scratch mine. Mediocrity has replaced meritocracy.

I remember 2 things that were said to me when I first started. 1) Are you from or related to the media? and 2) itz difficult to get my editor to feature your label coz priority is given to advertisers.... and most of you wonder why Sillypore doesn't seem to produce enough "global talents". Who knows if Gn or Ash were to remain here they would probably have died an early death.

So retail lesson No. #2... either you are from "the media" which means half the battle won for free publicity OR better start sucking up....

3. THERE SHOULD BE A STRICT DIVIDE BETWEEN EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING

With more and more mags selling covers nowadays, its hard to determine who earned their rightful place, and who greased the right pockets. When I was the Editor of Ruckus, I constantly faced the dilemma of "putting people on" and what the price was. I was faced with loyalty to friends versus loyalty to what I truly thought was "hot", and many times they were not synonymous. To this day, I have more independent artist friends that would benefit from my contacts in journalism. This is called a "conflict of interest".

So let me speak to you in laymens terms. It's fucking annoying that certain people I've worked with - have gained their newfound positions in the music industry by dickriding. They have been bullied and flattered into editorial coverage, but more alarming is that real talented musicians have had to PAY for editorial coverage as part of a protocol that is beginning to be normal. Not only does this water down content, but its disgustingly spineless. This is why this RULE is so important, and so easy to break.

Now "advertorial" is so commonplace, most people can't even tell what is an advertisement and what is not. The most talented people do not need to bribe for editorial. And I am ashamed to deal with "journalists" or mag "execs" that sell their editorial space in the favor of people who have their own agendas.

Wat the Fark?

2007-07-26T03:52:00.000+08:00

Have any of you seen this stainless steel wonder that SMRT installed recently? Until now we dunno wat the fark this contraption is. We are guessing its either : a) mini-slide, b) seat or c) decorative feature. Itz a no brainer why they need to raise train fares every year.

Now Everyone Can Fly

2007-07-26T03:39:00.001+08:00

Singapore Airlines

KLM (Royal Dutch) Airlines

Boeing 777

Boeing 747

Air Asia?

So don't be such an asshole the next time you fly budget and argue with them why you can't use your handphone when the plane's about to land.

Avtomat Kalashnikova

2007-07-23T00:57:00.000+08:00

The Pride & Honour of Russia is 60 tiz year and I want tat frickin lamp! Happy birthday and may u go on killing millions more!

Last Days

2007-07-19T21:17:00.001+08:00

Counting down to the MACHINE shop's last daz at Far East. Yup thats right after 2 years its time to move on to bigger and better premises. We'll b around til the last day of July and so completes the consolidation of all my outlets.

It started with Heeren in Feb, then Bugis in May, Suntec in June and now Far East. Hopefully we can serve you guys better at the new & bigger locations.

MACHINE will re-open at 45a HAJI LANE in early August so catch u peeps around.

Shopping, Shoppin, Shopping....

2007-07-17T20:28:00.000+08:00

CapitaLand and Far East have annouced the building of another 2 new shopping malls in the Straits Times today. The report added that each mall will have 400 shops each. Thats 800 new shops man. I can't wait to see what new retail concept these greedy corporations have planned.

I've been hearing "new retail concept" everytime a new development comes on stream. In the end its always the same old players (Giordano etc... and any of the Wing Tai labels) or else its old wine in new skin (Gap, River Island, Topshop... blah, blah, blah).

Do we need another concrete mall? Yes of course.... can make more rent money from naive young entreprenuers keen to start their first business.

Which begs the question.... who do you want to see set up shop in Singapore to make it's retail scene more vibrant.

Please no more HK Island Beverly style malls already... the last one that claimed to model themselves after closed down. Poor tenants got suckered punch - location, location, location lah deh!

White Elephant Sale aka Flea Mart @ Haji Lane

2007-07-14T23:11:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! There'll be a flea mart next Sunday (22 July) from 1pm to 8pm at Haji Lane. Organized by some of the mighty fine stores you can find here so expect some pretty good bargains. See you around!

Wat the Fuck???

2007-06-29T03:08:00.000+08:00

Biz was kinda slow today and in walks in 3 teenagers about 13 to 14 years old. I looked at my staff and she looked at me, without speaking we knew wat each other was thinking "Not another irritating try-for-fun lousy customer". Slow day so we let it slide and did these brats indulge themselves. Trying more than 10 dresses and snapping pictures of themselves after each change. "Wat the fuck?" I tell myself. "Playing dress up in my fucking shop? Hello lin-pei* running biz here and not bloody play school." Knowing that I'll blow my top I went upstairs to check on the contractor.

Then it happened... one of the brats tore a dress. Staff called me to come down and caught the 3 of them juz as they were trying to sneak off. "Wat the fuck? Your fucking parents never teach you to be responsible for your actions?" I called them back in and asked them how it happened.

One said she was about to put it through her head when it tore. My staff's expression was like bullshit you little liar. "You had the dress halfway down your body". So friend said that the dress was already torn in the first place. "Then why you still try on and never inform my staff?" Thats wat you call a chiu-tat-lan* moment. "I was observing how rough you were treating the merchandize. So I'm not surprised it tore." "But we are teenagers!" little brat continued. Wat kind of fucking reasoning is tat? "Teenagers steal things I call police. Then we wait for police to come, OK?"

Coz I was in no mood today to deal with shit like this I told the 3 brats that they will have to pay for the damaged dress at $10 instead of the RRP of $29.90 to at least cover my costs. 3 Little Brats seemed relieved I didn't call the cops gladly payed up and even said "thank you".

"You wait and see ah. Sure tell parents and they will come down tomorrow." my long suffering staff commented. Deep down inside I knew she was right. As they say "tio-Toto-mah-boh-ani- chun*". Parents of the Brats came in the evening kicking up a fuss saying tat we cheated their precious daughter's money. Fuck man should have charged that little lying bitch full retail.... Sigh I'm always too nice.

Stoopid Fucking Ang Moh Father (SFAMF) started getting all aggro with poor staffer saying there was no sign indicating that customers must pay for goods damaged by them. Wat the fuck? SFAMF u from wat fucking ang-moh-kok-kah* tat needs a sign for such fundamental law of basic decent human behaviour? No wonder ang-mo-kok-kah now like to sue here sue there until doctors dare not help a dying man on the street in case kanna* sue if the fucker dies.

SFAMF keep saying he would call the cops but never did so I did tat poor bastard a favour and called them for him. Staffer shooed SFAMFamily out; observed them happily snapping our shop frontage calling it the "shame of Haji" and will report us to STBP.

Cops finally came and basically told SFAMF tat he can lodge a civil complaint for his miserable $10 but told SFAMF tat $10 is a fair deal. SFAMF muz kanna suck cock everyday by all those snivelling Sillyporeans who tink that ang-mo cock damn tua-kee* feels very buay-song* that he cannot get his way so storms off with SFAMFamily. Lan-lan* right?

I can't wait to be featured in STPB's black list and shall look out for it in their free guide next month at the airport. "The Shame of Haji" ha.. ha.. ha.. wat the fuck?

*please consult your nearest snivelling Sillyporean for the meanings. Thank you.

MONO Shop Goodbye!

2007-06-20T02:38:00.000+08:00

It was an emotional day that we handed the keys over to the new owner of our original MONO store at Bugis Village (BV). This was where we started it all 3 years ago when the region was just recovering from SARS. To a retail newbie like us it represented what so many Singaporeans always talked about but never dared to take the first step... to be your own boss. Rushing down from work and opening the shop at 6pm everyday was tiring but fun and the adrenaline rush you get when you strike your first sale of the day is an experience you cannot get working for some else.

Without sounding too conceited we introduced retail practices unheard of at a "low class" shopping area like Bugis Village but were industry standards at better establishments. We struggled against the odds and stuck to our policies because we knew we offered a better product than our neighbours. Today from that humble 45 sq ft stall we now have graduated to our present shophouse at Haji Lane. But it couldn't have been done without the dedication of my loyal staffers and unwavering support from our regular customers.

Below are some pixs of the shop when it first opened. Back then landlords weren't so greedy and the neighbours nicer. BTW how many of you still remember the "F**K OFF ALL WANKERS & SPIES" sign? ha ha it was one of our trademarks and was a hit esp with the Caucasian tourists!

Sadly most of the old timers have moved on and BV is no longer as friendly as it used to be. Landlords erecting stalls in every conceivable nook & cranny has created more compeition and people no longer have time to be nice and friendly. Its literally a jungle out there with cut throat competition as everyone's working so hard just trying to pay the landlord (now I know how impoverished peasants might have felt).

If you notice my pix in the middle how clean the street infront of my old stall was. Now it stinks of stale food, cat's urine and littered throughout the day. Thats one of the reasons that made me leave. Working there is longer fun anymore. "You've lost that loving feeling...."

New Arrivals for JUNE!

2007-06-20T02:24:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! Itz been real hectic as usual but we still bring in the goods as promised. We will have new stuff coming in throughout the month of June so please drop by and check us out. For this week new tee-shirts and designs from Mono+ has been let loose. Go crazy!

Genocide in Darfur

2007-05-02T20:05:00.000+08:00

Most of us go through life oblivious to the sufferings of our fellow man. I remember about 12 years ago I attended a talk on property management and the speaker mentioned about some Singaporeans still living in HDB one-room rental flats. A middle aged woman expressed her surprise that there were Singaporeans so poor.

Right now there is this northern African country called Sudan. In a region called Darfur. The ethnic people living there are systematically being murdered by the government of Sudan. You can log on to this website to learn more;

www.ushmm.org/conscience/alert/darfur/contents/01-overview/

Frankly I don't really know what we can do but at least know before you sit down to tuck into that plate of chicken rice that people are being murdered and raped as you eat. As Don Cheadle said in the movie Hotel Rawanda.... "they don't care about us because we are Africans".

I Don't Give a Fuck Who Painted Your Shoes!

2007-05-01T03:02:00.000+08:00

Right now I'm wearing Adidas Oregon "Camo" version. Love the colour scheme! BTW drop by our stores now as we are having a clearnce sale for all shoes. We stock mostly old skool Japanese version of Nike tennis shoes like ACE'83 & Adversary. You will also get a FREE! 100% cotton-reusable-enviromental friendly shopping bag (worth $9.90) with every shoe purchase. Printed on the bag is the anti-fashion statement "I DON'T GIVE A FUCK WHO PAINTED YOUR SHOES!". So get your ass down here!

LATEST UPDATES & APOLOGIES

2007-04-29T00:18:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone! We're back again... yeah I know it's been like 3 months since the last post. Well... what can I say. One major event after another left us almost gasping for breath.

First was the annual CNY peak season... which frankly wasn't as fantastic as the previous years. For those of you seriously considering entering the retail trade... think thrice! I feel very strongly that the comments and articles in the local papers from property players is all pure corporate bullshit. These people stand the most to gain... property agents, landlords and REITS shareholders. The early 90's we had the commodity bucket shops.... 2007 is the churning of the retail rental market - fuck corporate greed! I'll comment so much now on this coz I feel that this topic demands another post by itself.

End Feb saw us moving outta Heeren. Well sayonara, thanks for the memory, dun call us we'll call u, u made use of us, so fuck u very much. On a more +ve note a big thank you to all you peeps for the support during our last days there. Fuck man, we miss u all.....

Supported the BOUND by HONOUR 3 gig on 16 March. More on that in another post.

March & April we were suppose to relax and take it easy but a opportunity arose that we felt was too good to miss. Yes.... we have moved to Haji Lane. For those of you topo blur kings (and queens) itz behind Arab Street, enter via North Bridge Rd (if u drive) or else nearest MRT is Bugis, opposite Golden Landmark Hotel or Plaza Hotel (depending on which way u r coming), diagonally across Raffles Hospital and less than 5 minutes walk from Sultan Mosque. There I hope its enough directions. If all else fails.... whip out your road directory, bus guide or Goggle the road name up. The addy again.... Nos. 43, HAJI LANE.

We are pretty excited about the new place and juz open today (Sat, 28 Apr) 2 weeks behind schedule. A big shout out again to the supporters who came down... a thousand apologies if we were poor hosts coz was not expecting so many people. So for the rest of u plz do drop by and if nothing catches your eye then hang around for a drink.... yes, we serve drinks too (and food once the license is approved). Mi casa, eh su casa (is my Espanol right?) so we hope that it would be one nice chill out place soon.

SICK OF IT ALL is coming to the Lion City on 25th May! If u dun know.... SOIA is one of the pioneer bands from the New York hardcore scene and they recently celebrated their 20 years in the business and this will be their first ever visit to Asia (besides Japan). Tickets are now available ($50 pre-sale and $60 at the door) from our stores at #03-10A, Far East Plaza and 43, Haji Lane.

On another more somber note. Some of u might know that my youngest child was recently admitted into hospital. The good news is she might be discharged next week. A big thank you for everyone's prayers & concern. Shuttling from work to the hospital then work again everyday for 4 weeks is mentally and physically draining so we all pray she can go home soon as I also sorely miss my bed too.

OK folks that all for now... tune in next week for more updates!

Club/Event Flyer for January 2007

2007-02-06T04:09:00.000+08:00

First saw their works on the walls near the Maxwell hawker centre. Very punk-DIY style to their work and the exhibition is a frickin brilliant idea in straight lace Singapura. Catch it (if its still up) at Amoy Street. Its near some carpark....

Heeren Shop Moving Out SALE!

2007-02-06T03:49:00.000+08:00

All good things must come to an end. ONE will be moving out of The Heeren by 28 Feb so there will be a store wide 10% off regular priced merchandize and further discounts of up to 50% on selected items. Even the furniture and fittings will be up for grab! So get your ass down to The Heeren before all the good stuff are gone!

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement for ONE.

Mat Rock Is Back!

2007-02-03T01:15:00.000+08:00

Recently spotted a few of these guys around Orchard Rd wearing the "almost gonna to drop" mesh cap.

With the skinny low slung jeans and tight shirts already in vogue it has to happen sooner or later with retro-fashion making a comeback.

Now juz add void deck and guitar... altogether now... "smoke on the water.... the fire in the sky..."

SERIES 4.0

2007-01-24T02:50:00.000+08:00

Here they are... 13 of the best designed t-shirts this side of the world. Other local labels may shun or deny it but we proudly proclaim "Made in Mutha F**kin Singapore!". Series 4.0 continues its design theme from the last 2 collections "Fuck Ah-beng Punk Rock" and all its bullshit media propaganda hype.

All our tees are made from 100% cotton. No special washing instructions is needed. Just dump it in the machine and go relax. Life is hectic enough to bother about how to wash that $100 tee that you just spent your hard earn cash on juz becoz some stoopid rag told u it was cool to own one. Wat the fuck man? Now who is the stoopid one?

Our tees cost SGD 29.90 each (except for the Stompin Ground Edition SGD39.90) and can be found at MACHINE, #03-10A, Far East Plaza and ONE, #05-13, The Heeren Shops.

For overseas orders they are USD20 (for all tees) & USD27 (for the Stompin Ground Ed). All prices exclude shipping and no minimum orders required. Please email me (red.star@pacific.net.sg) for orders and payment methods.

This is a first issue of our ARTIST COLLABORATION SERIES with the pioneer of the Singapore alternative music scene Stompin' Ground and Intense Decibels (R.I.P). The Stompin' Ground tee comes its own special packing, CD sampler and a sticker set.

Fuck Ah-beng Punk Rock! GIG REVIEW

2007-01-24T01:22:00.000+08:00

Hey there everyone! Sorry if I've not been updating the blog coz I juz wanna chill after a crazy month! It was damn frickin hectic with 3 shows and the official launch of Propaganda Machine. Anyway tiz the run down for those of you who missed the whole thing (shame on you!)....
Firstly must apologize for the fans for waiting so long coz some of the band members were late due to work commitments. STAMPEDE got the show rolling with some rousing old skool numbers and pent up energy of those waiting the whole afternoon was unleashed. Who says the opening band will get a poor crowd response?4 SIDES were up next and didn't disappoint. Every mother's son in the moshpit was slamming away; really immersed in the music. Unfortunately Imran (vocalist for 4 SIDES) hurt his knee after slipping on a cable but he gamely carried on his band's set. Godspeed and hope his knee is better by now.THE JABS picked up where 4 SIDES left off and even the threat of rain didn't dampen spirits. Thankfully the heavens held with only a slight drizzle that lasted less than 30 minutes. Hearing them play and seeing the fans enjoying themselves was like the good old days again without the divisions I see now. What has happened that we turn on each other? Has the band become bigger than the scene?By now a sizeable crowd had gathered so when UNITED BLOOD took to the stage it unleashed a spurt of playful energy from those gathered thanks partly to its schizo bassist Jack. At one point their set sounded like I was attending a void deck wedding party, so very heartland! Now thats fricking hardcore for you!With the opening riffs of "Man.. Machine" you knew that the Stompers were back! Though I missed 2 of their earlier gigs (BBH2 and Moshfest) I could see they have not lost any of their old vibe. It was the original line up as I knew them and they gave it all they had. What a way to end the night!Overall it was a great gig (a small and intimate affair) no thanks to the fans who turn up and the bands who played their heart out. It was great to see old friends again with some turning up with their families in tow. Big thanks to Biol, Topek and the sound crew (next time I will bring the remote!), Wan and the Bugis best dancers, Yus and the muscle (thanks for scaring away the assholes from the Gas Haus), Sharin (we muz hook up & collabo bro!), Joey, Fizan, Fendi (for the great pixs) and God for making all this happen!

Bound by Honour 2 Pixs

2007-01-04T01:39:00.000+08:00

Very sorry it took so long but here are some pixs from that gig. Though it started late but the bands pretty much made up for it. On display was some awesome old skool hardcore from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

For those of you who missed the chance to get one we still have like 10 pieces or so of the gig tee-shirts left for sale at S$ 15.90 but limited sizes are available. For those who enquired about the "CREW" tee-shirts; very sorry they are not for sale but given to bands & crew members only. PEACE!

We Love Ah-Beng Punk Rock Update

2006-12-24T02:56:00.000+08:00

Straits Records has kindly agreed to screen ANOTHER STATE of MIND after the gig ends. For those of you who missed the first screening at Rockstar Collective 6th Anniversary Party at Home Club this evening. Here's a 2nd chance to catch it again next Saturday.

Another State of Mind is a documentary directed by Adam Small & Peter Stuart. Made in the summer of 1982 it shows 2 punk bands Social Distortion & Youth Brigade on their first tour. Along the way they meet up with legendary punk band Minor Threat.

Great DIY punk rock spirit shown by the band members with some decent concert footage too. Go watch it!

PROPAGANDA MACHINE OFFICIAL LAUNCH!

2006-12-20T04:02:00.000+08:00

Yes the long wait is finally over! Propaganda Machine's much anticipated SERIES 4.0 is out and will be launched officially on 30 Dec'06 at the Bugis Street Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) roof top!

We have invited 5 of the best hard rocking hard-core bands in Singapore to provide the music - 4 Sides, Stompin' Ground, The Jabs, Stampede and United Blood! These are people that play from their heart & soul providing true fans a few hours of good solid music and not some poseur rock bands created and hyped up by companies desperate for a new marketing strategy now that they have raped R&B and hip-hop to death.

(Gig Flyer)

Fuck Ah-beng Punk Rock! is Propaganda Machine's new battle cry. We must take the music back to what it really should be.

Doors open at 2pm and besides the music there will be stalls selling food & drinks, band merchandize & other cool stuff.

Tickets at $6 (pre-sale) or $8 (at the door), all inclusive of 1 drink, can be purchased at the following outlets :
STRAITS, 43 Haji Lane
ROXY RECORDS & TRADING, #02-15, Excelsior Shopping Centre
FX GALLERY, #B1-11, Excelsior Shopping Centre
MONO, M31 (ground flr) New Bugis Street
MACHINE, #03-10A, Far East Plaza, Scotts Road
ONE. #05-13, The Heeren, Orchard Road

See you there!

UARM in Singapore!

2006-12-19T03:33:00.000+08:00

UARM or Urban Arts Research & Marketing has officially arrived in Singapore! After several months of negotiations the 1st shipment has arrived and is available now at ONE at The Heeren Shops. Limited pieces are available so hurry on down to check them out!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the company; its based in New York City and it's first collection was launched in the fall of 2003. UARM's collaborates with the hottest up & coming artists like Neckface, Mark Gonzales, Faile and Bast.

The company's philosphy is to make the coolest t-shirts in the world and making them attainable to the average Consumer Joe. Their products can be found in major stores around the world like Collete (Paris), Union (New York) and Supreme (Los Angeles).

ONE
260, Orchard Road
#05-13, The Heeren Shops
opens daily : 11am to 9.30pm (tel : +65 63336170)

Club/Event Flyer for November 2006

2006-12-19T03:19:00.000+08:00

Almost forgotten to post the best club/event flyer for November'06. Its from Zouk and by the artist called Jahan who used to illustrate for The Straits Times. He's now working in Taiwan with his brother doing illustrations and shit like that for bands like Machi and t-shirt label SCUM.BTW for those of you who ever wonder why the Malaysian version is called the "New Straits Times' was because in the early 70's when the Singapore government took editorial control of the paper a group of editors & reporters felt very strongly about maintaining journalistic integrity and so started a "new" version of The Straits Times (or so I heard).

MONO+ at The Heeren Shops

2006-12-19T03:00:00.000+08:00

MONO+ took part in a fashion show organized by the good people at The Heeren Shops on 3 Dec'06. Featured was MONO+'s latest Autumn/Winter 2006 collection.

Hmmm... I wonder sometimes if we should call it Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collection coz in Singapore its either hot or as I am blogging tiz now... damn WET! My God its 3am already and it has been pouring since yesterday morning! Anyway enjoy the photos!

Hardship Tour Part 2

2006-12-18T01:47:00.000+08:00

Here are more photos. I dedicate these photos taken on this trip especially to my eldest coz I think she has the patience and understanding that will put most adults to shame. Because on the journey back we left our passports in the hotel safe and didn't find out about it until Yong Peng! Thats the type of big "Oh F**K!" moments in one's life.

15 non-stop hours on the road. From KL to JB. Back to KL again and finally to Singapore and not one complaint from a 5 year old. I know of some lesser mortals that will crack in a similar situation. Now thats respect man!

Hardship Tour in Kuala Lumpur

2006-12-18T01:19:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! Its been a month since my last post all becoz I've been up to my neck in work! Sleeping 3 to 4 hours a day is no joke especially in the service line coz u need to be your best to serve your customers well and by nature I'm a very grouchy person.

Last month the Mrs, my eldest daughter and I made a trip to KL to catch my old friends from 4-Sides play at the "Hardship Tour" gig on 27 Nov'07. Along with other Malaysian bands like xELEVENx and FC Five from Japan it was a 6 hour sonic assault of old skool hardcore at it's Asian best.

Now that the business has settled abit I'm trying to find time to attend as many local & regional concerts to capture in photos the bands, audience & the whole charged atmosphere of a concert. I also hope that my photos can serve as a cultural archieve of local (and Asian) music.

The following is a selection of photos from that trip. You can email your comments to me or if you want more photos of the gig.

Bound by Honour 2

2006-11-14T03:44:00.000+08:00

Hardcore gig on 1oth December! These bands are the real deal that would eat that punk poseur Twohill for breakfast. Juz kidding... they are all a bunch of very nice people who happen to be very passionate in what they do. So if you dig this kinda of music go support them!

Its been almost 12 years since I've gotten less involved with the local music scene but nothing much has changed. Its about time that who-ever is in charge of dictating radio programming make it compulsory for radio stations to play more local content and not keep saying its a "purely commercial decision" whenever this topic is brought up.

If the gahmen were like our "less developed" nothern neighbour 12 years ago and made it compulsory to devote a certain number of hours per day to local music in all radio programming I believe by now more Singaporeans would be receptive to local music.

Now whos less developed?

PROPAGANDA MACHINE SERIES 4.0

2006-10-30T16:39:00.000+08:00

PROPAGANDA MACHINE will be having its soft launch soon for 2007 SERIES 4.0 collection. We are also working on a new website scheduled to be up mid-Nov. So watch this space!

Love the Arab kids! Shows kids are basically the same the world over. And to all those rebel/punk/heavy metal poseurs... UP YOURS TOO!

Club Flyers

2006-10-30T15:15:00.000+08:00

Club flyers promoting this & that event are seen dumped at the floors of most shops. It has become a subtle indication & endorsement of a shop's "cool & in" factor. But I oft wonder what kind of criteria the club's (or event promoter) tell their minions of flyer distributers that a shop must have before they place with them with a stack of freshly minted postcards. Coz I've seen them in some "ah-beng" clothing shops.

Which brings me to point #2.... I have observed that some people will only walk into a shop if it has this stack of flyers. So my first FREE lesson in "HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE RETAIL BUSINESS" is to get that stack of flyers and place them at your entrace. Doesn't matter if the distributor doesn't even take a secound look at your shop. You juz simply walk around the shopping centre collecting from every "cool" shop until you have accumulated enough. Sit back and see the hordes of clueless Singaporeans walking into your store because its suddenly "cool" now and hopefully they will buy something too.

Best Club/Event Flyer of October 2006. "Ministry of Sound"

James Needs a New Shirt

2006-10-30T03:15:00.000+08:00

I was in Hong Kong in March this year and came across this interview with the man from UNKLE in the weekly MILK magazine. So when I came back 3 weeks later and picked up a copy of JUICE it featured James wearing the same t-shirt at Surrender's anniversary party! I know he wants to promote Surrender's designs and shit but my man u gotta at least change the shirt.
BTW anyone know where Surrender, Ambush & Billy Jo's gonna pop up? Heard it will be in a shophouse around Orchard area. Another Ann Siang Hill and Haji Lane in the making?

Welcome to the Jungle

2006-09-23T17:08:00.000+08:00

Hello and welcome to "The Machine Shop" in cyberspace. It's our first time here and we are all quite excited. For visitors unfamiliar with our store, we are located at Unit #03-10A, Far East Plaza (next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel), Scotts Road in Singapore. Open daily from 2pm to 9pm but please call ahead, +(65) 6733-4055, especially on Weds or Thurs coz thats when we have our off day.

At the moment we carry the full range of Propaganda Machine's (PM) t-shirts (with the new 2007 collection coming soon) together with clothes, shoes + accessories from an assortment of local & overseas brands. For our non-PM stock, its mostly mens and ladies tee-shirts in very small quantities with new stuff coming in almost every month. So risk of seeing the kopi kia wearing the same tee as you at your fav neighbourhood kopi-tiam is lessened.

We also stock stuff from MONO+ and The Evil Empire. More of which I will post at a later date.

Our stuff is not for social conformists and poseur rebels. No need to run with the dogs of fashion to keep up. You decide what looks good on you and not because some magazine told you so.

We are expecting a new shipment of stuff in the first week of Oct so please do remember to drop by!