Band Members: Sara Wee - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Alvin Khoo - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Bani Hidir - Lead Vocals, Bass
Irwan Shah - Drums, Backing Vocals
Date Founded: 6-Dec-2007
Current Status: Tuesdays from 8.30pm midnight @ Timbre Arts House (duo)
Fridays from 10.15pm 1.30am @ Timbre Substation (full band)
Websites: Facebook Group: 53A
Synopsis: Bassist Hidir can be spotted playing drums / bass in several other bands including famous local indie band B-Quartet.
Interview with Sara from 53A
What's it like being the only chick in the band? Seems like you all get on very well... ?
I'll be honest, I nag them to death. I'll be the one reminding them to be on time, go up on stage now, do this, be here, go there etc. I'm the second youngest amongst the four of us but I'm every bit the mother figure, or at least in my mind I am. Haha! The boys love me, I know they do.
What do you like best about playing at Timbre?
The free beer and pizzas! The crowd at Timbre is very supportive, once they're familiar with the band, there's a certain comfort you get while you're onstage.
What has been your favourite venue to play at so far?
We recently did a show at NUS for the Timbre Music Festival and we came offstage feeling like total rockstars. It was hot as hell, but we didn't care because the crowd was so amazing.
Do you write and play originals? If so, how do you find the reaction has been from the crowd?
Yes we do, Hidir and I both have a couple of originals that we've done at gigs before. The crowd is generally appreciative, but sometimes if they're not paying attention they get thrown off by the unfamiliarity of the song, so we're very particular about when to pull out an original song. It usually happens during the last set, when the people who're left are really there for the band and are giving us their full attention. Theres no point playing an original if no one's going to focus on the song.
What band / performer, alive or dead, would you like to see in concert?
Mine would be The Beatles and Aerosmith, I'm still dying to catch Aerosmith live! Alvin's probably would be U2, Hidir's would be the Foo Fighters and Irwan's would be oh wait, he's already watched the Click Five. Ha!
What's your favourite item of clothing?
My Donald Duck undies. I bought matching ones for the boys in different colours but all with the same Donald Duck print on the butt cheeks.
How much time do you spend getting ready before a gig?
Hidir, Irwan and I take about 10 minutes to set up our equipment and 5 minutes to come up with the first set's list of songs together - we're pretty low maintenance. Alvin on the other hand takes 10 minutes to move all his equipment from his car to the stage, 10 minutes to go park his car, another 20 minutes setting up equipment and 5 minutes to do his ritual dance before we go up onstage. It's quite a sight.
Hahaha, tell us about this ritual dance!
We call it the "ENJOY" dance. Mang from The Goodfellas taught it to him and it's only to be used when someone asks you to enjoy something (like food, music or drink). You have to clench your hands into a fist, raise them up to ear level, bend your knees slightly, then move your fists in circles around your ears while swiveling your hips and rolling your head around in ecstasy, all at the same time. Try it, you'll feel like your life is suddenly complete.
How long have you been playing guitar and do you have a favourite song that you like to play?
I've been playing since I was 5 years old my dad was my very first guitar teacher. He bought me a ukulele cause my hands were too tiny for a normal guitar and I learned all my chords through Beatles songs. I still have that ukulele to this very day. I love playing Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews, it really trains up your left hand.
Your favourite music video ever?
Have you ever seen Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler? It will change your life forever. I'm still trying to figure out what the meaning behind the video is it's THAT deep.
What song makes you cry?
Hidir's very special version of You're Beautiful by James Blunt, it's a lovely story.
What song do you love / hate to sing the most?
Love Me by Colin Raye. Love or hate it, you choose.
Does it annoy you that people always want to hear the same songs?
If it's Love Me then yes, we'll even make fun of the request if we're feeling exceptionally crabby that night. Other than that, we're fully aware that Singaporeans are creatures of habit, so getting the same song requests from 10 different people every week is a norm. I wouldn't say we get annoyed, but if it's a song we don't really enjoy playing, we'll just read it out and "forget" about the request!
What's your favourite food and can you recommend a good restaurant where you like to eat it?
You will always find us at either Spize on River Valley Road or Adam's Corner at Bendemeer after gigs we love our comfort food. Just make sure you bring a lot of tissues, and if you're scared of cute little kitties like Irwan is, bring a baseball bat.
When was the last time you did something you shouldn't have?
Last night at Adam's Corner, I shouldn't have ordered the Tom Yam Soup. We have an affectionate term for it "Asses On Fire".
If you could have anyone's career, who's would you have and why?
I want to be Mimi Bobeck from the Drew Carey show so I can have a good shock every morning when I look in the mirror. She's scary!
What's the most romantic thing you've ever done?
I once gave my boyfriend all my guitar picks because he'd run out and was rushing for a gig, that's true love man.
So whats so special about your man? And what band does he play with?
He's the lead guitarist for The Goodfellas and has the worst case of verbal diarrhea ever theres never a dull moment when he's around. Funny thing is that when we first met a year ago, he was so shy he didn't talk to me for the first two months. I guess you can say he's comfortable around me now.
What is your most prized possession (apart from your bloke)?
My Donald Duck undies (refer to earlier part of interview).
