What You Put Inside You

No!!!! Dont be gross! 

I am talking about food!!

sheesh....

I have never been the best cook, or a very interested one. I am not the kind of person who takes up cooking class or pays attention when mum is stirring something up in the kitchen (though I need to get cracking on writing down those recipes), but sometimes, when I get the urge to put some good food into my body, I do it.


It comes as no breaking news that after a show, or during a show, or sometimes before a show begins, I could be spotted with a glass of wine, or a glass of brandy to calm the nerves or to relieve the sinus attack that loves to run it's battle plan just before I get on stage. And usually, by the time I get home and into bed, I could probably be giggling a little bit too much and craving a bowl of Maggi Mee. Of course, without a second thought (I usually never say no supper, especially when there is Maggi Mee involved) the pot is on a fire and a packet is being ripped open! Anyone who knows me will know what I am talking about, and even if you dont know me, if you live in Malaysia, you know what I am talking about. I wonder how many packets of Curry Maggi Mee is opened everyday... Hmmm ok out of topic.


This of course leads to the morning after. With a heavy head, a dry mouth and hazy memories seeping in from the night before, the empty bowl and pot in the sink is enough to snap me to the most important moment of the night. I had maggi mee... and it was good.. and so bad for me (no matter what it says on the packaging!)!!

That's when I cook my favorite asparagus pasta. So simple, almost tasteless (unless I add in a dash of wine like I am supposed to but dont always have) but always the best cure for my hangover, not because it has any magical-hang-over cure, but just because I think it is doing me good. Just the thought is enough for me to justify doing it all over again next weekend! Yikes!

So anyway, I made myself a big bowl yesterday of this pasta. And as I shared it with a friend, all I could think about was how happy it made me to cook this dish and how healthy I was being (only for THAT meal of course, no need to ask me what I had for lunch today). Yes it was pasta, yes there was meat, yes there was wine. Some may have called the meal unhealthy! But I really dont care. The way I see it, if the food makes me feel like I am doing something good for my body, then it is good enough for me.


Even a glass of red wine is said to be good for the heart.. who am I to argue?



;) cheers! (-noun. A shout of encouragement, approval, encouragement etc.... usually following the clinking of glass containing alcohol!!!)

Months to Come

Dear everyone!

Yes I know I am 10 days late in updating my blog, I am so sorry! Been running around and sadly, I had to bury my old lap top, and put her to rest. It has been a sad few days.

BUT anyway, I am writing this as I am rushing out to a lunch. So I will make this short and sweet and as the days go by will probably try to redeem myself.

Anyway, a short list this month:

11th and 25th
Circus in Pavilion!
Will be performing with my favorite men, Jimmy, Gabe, David and new to the band, for the first time ever, Jack! I really can not wait.

17th and 18th
No Black Tie!
Come watch Michael Veerapen and myself bring down the house with some jazz tunes and a few surprises here and there. He has thought me so much about my signing and my voice and music. A whole different side of me pops up when I am on stage with this man and the band: Steve Nanda and Daniel Foong!

... And yup! That's about it for now! A few dates to look out for in June!

June 1st & 15
Circus at Pavilion!
I really can never get bored of this place!

7&8
Canteen @ China House!
Hello Penang! Yes I will be here with my band from Kuala Lumpur, to be more exact, with the amazing Micahel; Veerapen! The last time he was down and performing in China House, he packed the place with his tunes and blew everyone away! This time, I get to be part of that!

... And that's all I have in store for now in June... Let's just say, the gears are in motion for bigger things to come.

Love
dasha

Music is like perfume

Not literally!  I don't go around singing and expecting to smell like a bed of roses! 

But just like a scent, I get transported to another time and place.  

Like the song that just popped up on Light fm, "I Could Fall in Love" by Selena. And I was instantly threw back to 1999, living in Penang, sitting on the old couch in the hall, evening time, mum would be watering the flowers in the garden, brother on the telephone and I would be thinking of the boy I was so in love with and wishing he loved me too! Hahaha yes, I was 12 and already in love! 

Has this ever happened to you? You'd hear a song and suddenly say "this song was playing the very first time we held hands" or "this was the most played song on the radio during my PMR exams and  constantly got stuck in my head!!" then you are right there in that moment for just a little while. 

Well, just a thought.. something that happens to me sometimes. Maybe you've felt it too? =)

May coming up really soon!!!!!!!!!

Hmm

I say lovely too much. 

Football Overload overloaded my brain!!!

                   

What a day! Woke up way too early and took my time to sort out my swollen morning face. Was delivered a bottle of lovely red wine from Mongoose! What a way to start the day!

Got ready, put on a lovely dress, grabbed my heels, grabbed my bag, went back to my cupboard,  changed to jeans and a t - shirt and looked forward to possibly the most fun I've had in a while. Who doesn't love playing games inspired by "the sound of music" and "musical chairs"???

Got to the studio to do hair and make up. While waiting for my turn, Prema and I rehearse our performance ,for the first time... tisk tisk us procrastinators! Just as I sit in the chair to get my make up done, lo and behold the entrance of Ross and Vince Chong! While getting my hair and make up done, it took all the effort to not burst out laughing at the conversation that was going on in that small room, holding 8 people at one time! 

Right! So once the make up and hair is done, Prema and I make our way to the set. And what a set it was. It was so colorful (yes that was the first thing i noticed... felt like a little girl in candyland!) and had FUN written all over it (not literally...) Got micked (miced? mikeed??) up and shown our "entrance" positions. 

THE SHOW KICKED OFF! Time flew by as we played games and chatted and just basically had a really good time while thinking "damn, it must be amazing working here!.. Someday.. maybe..." 

As the end of the show drew closer, it was time for Prema and I to perform. Singing "cleverly" acoustic is always fun. And Prema harmonised with me!!! First time ever! Harmonising along to her  song "Mexico" got it playing in my head all day. getupgetupgetupgetupbaby!!!! 

Alas, the show came to an end.. saying good-bies and promises to catch everyone soon, I left the studios (of course after bumping into friends walking in and out and around the studio) and made my way back to the car.... back to real life.. and right off to a practice session..

Well, there you go. A week of "in studio" work. I dont know how they do it every day, every week! From Bella, to astro to TV3.... taking a little break next week, but before that, see  you in CIRCUS this Saturday!!!!!!!

Read below for info on shows for the month of April!!!

Love, 

dasha

Middle of the Middle

It's April already?????? Ok so there's no need to panic! 4 songs down and 4 more to go before the end of the year. I can do this!!!

So much is in store this month and I am going over my mind crazy with excitement and that is no exaggeration! Tv2, new straits times, ntv7 and soon Astro! This week I got a call from the lovely Miss Jay Menon and could not stop jumping around. 

But of course, to the part most informative. This month I have a few public shows. 

FIRST UP, on the 2nd of April, catch me on Ntv7's Bella show between 11 am and 12noon. So excited I think I may just... Well.. Get nervous! For information : http://www.ntv7.com.my/shows/Bella_1295402923.html

On Thursday the 4th, I will be going into studio to record for Astro Supersports fun show Football Overload and it will be aired at 9pm on Chanel 811 on Astro. Was so excited when I got the phone call inviting me onto the show! Both Prema Yin and myself will be running around and gettin' all goofy! What oh am I going to wear?? For more information, check out their Facebook page at https://en-gb.facebook.com/Footballoverload

On the 6th of April I will be singing in Circus with my fantastic boys. The last few times I have performed in Circus I have always had a blast and I hope that everyone who came by had a great time too. Been using different musicians and trying out different songs and with the ever changing crowd, it's good to have a wide range of tracks to shuffle around.  For more information : http://www.circus.com.my/

On the 25th and 26th, a treat is in store for you for sure in No Black Tie as I sing with 2 amazing singers, local Lokman Aslam and all the way from Indonesia Matthew Sayersz! A songbird amongst the nightingales if I can say so, it is sure to be a night of such amazing tunes. I have seen these guys in action and, believe me, words can not describe how amazing they are. With Lokman's crooner voice and Matthew's heart stopping inflection, I'm so soooo sure (and nervous) it's going to be a night to remember. 

Fore more details and reservations: http://noblacktie.com.my

On the 27th, for one night only this month, I will be performing in Mezze with the incredible Michael Veerapen trio. Starting at 9:30, come by for a night of classic Jazzy and a few surprises here and there. Come watch me try to focus and concentrate to get pitching and the words right, no more cheating my way through a song, never even knew I was doing it till it was pointed out! Oh the shame!!! Now I know better, I am paying more attention to the techniques of singing. It's more then just having a voice. For more information, visit : http://www.mezze.my/

To cap off the end of April (28th)and to celebrate the beginning of May (29th), come catch A Tribute to Elvis Presley at No Black Tie with my amazing friend, Rozz. As much as I have performed, I have learnt one thing for sure; when it comes to Rozz, we can expect a show unlike any other. For more information on shows in No Black Tie, visit: http://noblacktie.com.my

For more information on the king of Rock and Roll: well, turn your radio on!

Well so far these are the plans for the month. As the days go by I am sure I will be updating my blog with pictures, or at least on my facebook and twitter and now instagram.. keeping up with the times can be taxing but oh so fun, and I try very hard to pretend to know what I am doing with technology and avoid ever asking "ooh what does this button do?"

=) Happy April, you dear fewls! 

Video killed the radio star

So excited to get started!!

A few days ago, I big part of my dream came true.

I WAS INTERVIEWED ON CAPITAL FM!!!! 

I listen to this channel all the time and unbelievably, I was on the show!

JAZZSCAPES! 

Thank you so much April for having me and sorry for rambling on like a choo-choo train! 

You can catch the show on the 10th of March, sometime between 2-6pm. 

You can bet that I will be driving around KL just to listen to the show! (OR sitting at home listening to the radio... whichever makes more sense... or on my phone... oh bloody hell, I will be listening to the show somewhere la. OR maybe I will organize some kind of listening party! AHHH to exciting! )

Cant wait to hear Anthony Strong's version of the Cole Porter tune, Delovely, on Malaysian radio aswell! 

AND THE BEST PART was when I got to do one of those "show introduction" and got to say 

"Hi this is Dasha Logan and you are listening to Capital FM"... that alone deserves a toast!!!!

So don't forget to tune in next Sunday, the 10th of March between 2 & 6 pm to Capital FM 88.9 if you live in Kuala Lumpur OR visit 

http://www.capitalfm.com.my/

OR

http://tunein.com/radio/Capital-FM-889-s98843/ 

for live streaming anywhere else in the world! 

lets get this show on the road!

To the drums of March!

Hey everyone!

Thank you so much for all the comments on the month of February and all your support in the performances! Was nice to have you all there and jamming with us and partying along! The month of February has been amazing! I did 2 open mic nights with my alter-ego and her band! =) We had a blast doing songs of our own. check us out on facebook! The DB!

So here are the dates for March!
There will be a few private events lined up but here are the ones I am hoping to see you at.

First thing's first, on the 6th, I will be in No Black Tie with the amazing Mr Veerapen! By his side, my best jazz vocals are unlocked! Come join us. More info at  http://noblacktie.com.my

On the 15th and 23rd, you can catch me at Circus at Pavilion! The music we have chosen range incredibly all over the spectrum of music! And it is always so much fun! AND the food and drinks are amazing!
OK so my confession is that every time I perform in Circus, my favorite part is right after sound check, when I have about 3 hours to kill before I have to get ready and I do a little window shopping. ALWAYS a bad idea, but a girl needs to have a little fun sometimes to treat herself if she is feeling a little low... or to celebrate.. or just to have a look around. =) For more information: http://www.circus.com.my/

At the end of the month there will be a little surprise in store for you! All I can tell you is that I may be doing an amazing show with one of my good friends in one of my favorite establishments so watch this space for updates!

Will keep you updated if there are any changes!

On a side note, dont forget to check out these other shows this month!

22nd March - Rozz in Circus

23rd March - Rozz in Bagan (Penang)

Far Febbed

Here I sit waiting for my number to get called to get my road tax sorted out,  I think of you. Lots coming up in the month to come with a few gigs you can come and join me for! 

On the 8th I will be singing in Circus in Pavilion!  If u feel like a little bit of shopping,  then maybe some dinner and if you like the music maybe you'd like to stay for a drink or two with me. Dont forget to make reservations if you plan on coming by 9 as the tables get occupied pretty fast for the first set. @ http://www.circus.com.my/

Since some people want me all to themselves, I also have some private events lined up but not for long. 

On the 15th & 16th I will be singing in Mezze in damansara Perdans. Sadly I won't have the amazing MV with me that evening but I will have some of my boys backing me up! Rock a Rolla coaster! @  http://www.mezze.my/

Up next is just a line up of private shows (I love these shows! So much going on !) Before you know it, the "tents" are put up again and I'm back at Pavilion waiting for the circus to come to town on the 22nd of February. Hopefully you could join me again or maybe if you missed it the first time, you would like to catch the show with me and Jimmy and Terence and Ken,  the fun bunch and boys I love to love. 

Right after that I get to take a few days off before getting back on the road of performances. In that time I will be able to sort out the writing schedule with the boys I love to love. 

Lots of talk of plans this year.  Lots of hopes and plans and promises. Lots of sacrifices made for the sake of the game.  Fingers crossed!  Wish me luck!

Info

I am a singer..

Here is what you need to be a good singer; 

You need math, you need strength  you need focus, you need peace, you need control, you need to make decisions, you need to be funny, you need to be happy, you need to be able to express, you need to be able to take risks, be brave, be sexy but not too sexy, be appealing but not too appealing, be friendly but not too friendly!

When you get on that stage, everyone wants a piece of you! Everyone wants to know what you have to give! You feed off the energy of the audience and you have to be sensitive to their emotions as well as your own.

You have to leave all your problems at the door and take no one elses back!

You gotta learn to control yourself, stay focused, rest and always remember to breathe, you am not in a competition, you am there to make everyone, including yourself happy, but you can't please everyone!

Listen to the beats of their hearts and what they want. They are begging you to heal them! To make them feel better!

But as a singer, you must never give yourself to them!

AND MOST OF ALL!! MOST OF ALL! yeah

Take care of your instrument.