Sunday 4th September 2011 saw the release party of Ming’s Pretty Heroes’ second album, Karma, in good old Rotown.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to get to know the band’s lead singer Ai Ming Oei, through an interview for Looking Forward Magazine. Then, Karma was still being finished (final arrangements in the studio, photoshoots and so on).
I could listen to some of MPH’s newest songs beforehand but last Sunday’s event was the occasion to see them live. Somehow the same question always seems to pop up: studio or stage artist? Well these guys are both as far as I heard and saw!
Now there are three things I’d like to mention.
First, what I really liked is the obvious complicity between the band members; they were enjoying themselves together on that stage. This reminds me of a DVD of a Rolling Stones concert: in the bonus you could watch the soundcheck session and actually see that after all these years they still have the same kick out of making music together. It’s nice to realize that in this day and age, it’s not just tasteless bands made out of castings…
Second, in the interview for LFM Ming said how this new album was personal and seeing her on stage made it clear. She was feeling the words she sang. I’m already “hearing some voices” in the back saying that this is part of her act; agreed, in a way, but this wasn’t some soulless acting if it was acting at all.
Third, I really appreciated that Ming addressed the crowd between songs. She told some of the stories that made Karma what it is, which in turn made this event what it was: convivial.
Photos Credits: Eric van Nieuwland
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to get to know the band’s lead singer Ai Ming Oei, through an interview for Looking Forward Magazine. Then, Karma was still being finished (final arrangements in the studio, photoshoots and so on).I could listen to some of MPH’s newest songs beforehand but last Sunday’s event was the occasion to see them live. Somehow the same question always seems to pop up: studio or stage artist? Well these guys are both as far as I heard and saw!
Now there are three things I’d like to mention.
First, what I really liked is the obvious complicity between the band members; they were enjoying themselves together on that stage. This reminds me of a DVD of a Rolling Stones concert: in the bonus you could watch the soundcheck session and actually see that after all these years they still have the same kick out of making music together. It’s nice to realize that in this day and age, it’s not just tasteless bands made out of castings…
Second, in the interview for LFM Ming said how this new album was personal and seeing her on stage made it clear. She was feeling the words she sang. I’m already “hearing some voices” in the back saying that this is part of her act; agreed, in a way, but this wasn’t some soulless acting if it was acting at all.
Third, I really appreciated that Ming addressed the crowd between songs. She told some of the stories that made Karma what it is, which in turn made this event what it was: convivial.
Photos Credits: Eric van Nieuwland