UrbanWire

Frontal Labs are known to clubbers as a DJ-company – Frontal comprises of a group of DJs whom, as one of them put it, “just got together” – and also one of Singapore’s coolest people.

Frontal DJ Academy, launched by Frontal Labs, has been around since October 2003.

The DJ-ing School
Gerald Ang, 26, one of the three 'teachers' at the Academy, explained why they branched out. “We wanted to share our experiences and guide people," he shares, “to give them a quick start and insight into the clubbing industry.”

Guide people is what they do throughout the month-long course which sees participants being holed up in the studio twice a week to learn skills such as beat mixing, basic scratching, and the use of digital effects. Other non-music skills, for example, learning about the general policies in clubs and how to market themselves, are also taught.

"Marketing yourself is very important," explains Gerald, "because it is how you present yourself that determines how you land your first gig. There are three key factors: showmanship, presentation, and style.

"We hope that through the course, individuals will be able to learn more, and eventually discover their own style."

Besides discovering individual styles, the hope is that the Academy will help to open the eyes of the individuals to the world of DJ-ing. [^top]

The Real World
“I wanted to learn how to DJ because all my friends were picking it up,” confesses wannabe-DJ and polytechnic student Jeffrey Lin, 19, “but also because I thought it looked cool and would impress girls.”

Jeffrey’s perception of DJ-ing as being cool is one that is shared amongst many teenagers. Others, however, perceive working in a nightclub as a resident DJ being one of the world’s more glamorous jobs in the world.

Gerald disagrees. "DJ-ing isn't glamorous at all; there's alot of work behind the scenes. You have to go early to set up, test the sound system, and more. Resident DJs have a lot more to do, for example, take care of guest DJs.

"DJ-ing definitely is fun, but it is a lot of work too. Eventually, it is your love for the music that will see you through."

As such, Gerald singles out one key quality he hopes individuals to the Academy will come with: the heart to learn.

"If you're serious about learning," he says, "you'll bother to put in the hours needed, and will give up time to practice. You'll be dedicated to learning the skills needed.

"DJ-ing is just like picking up the guitar or piano – it’s a skill, and you need to practice."

Having said all that, Gerald declares that DJ-ing is a skill worth learning. "It’s a form of musical expression. I used to give out tapes with my mixes out to friends."

"Frontal DJ Academy is catered to anybody and everybody who wants to learn, even without any background in DJ-ing. So sign up if you're keen!" he declares with a broad smile.

Frontal DJ Academy's course goes at $450 for 8 lessons, two lessons per week. For further information, please go to http://www.frontallabs.com/djacademy/. [^top]

It’s party time!
Now we all know that living in stressful Singapore, we take advantage of every opportunity to sit back, relax and chill out a bit, so here’s this month’s excuse upfront(al) for you!

Not only is this party the re-launch party of Frontal, it will also be the auditioning ground of the Frontal SuperStar DJ (SSDJ) Project, where those seeking to break into the local and possibly international scenes of DJ-ing will congregate.

Under the mercy of a panel of judges and of course the live audience jury, 2 talented individuals will be unearthed from the masses, and selected to undergo a 4-week DJ ‘boot camp’ at the Frontal DJ Academy.

And you think it ends there? Think again. There will be a showdown between the 2 finalists at phuture, June 5 and the winner will be rewarded with a Gemini FX7000X DJ Mixer plus a Gemini Privilege Card along with instant star status and take his place alongside the current stable of renowned Frontal DJs.

All contestants will stand a chance to win Apple iLife04 software and Gatsby gift packs. If you feel you’re up for the challenge, email ssdj@frontallabs.com for full details.

On the other hand, if you are (unfortunately) like me, with no experience whatsoever in beat mixing, spinning, scratching etc, take heart. The new semester for the Frontal DJ Academy starts on Apr 5, so there’s still time to sign up now, and perhaps discover your inner DJ and make the cut in next year’s SSDJ Project. [^top]

A re>FRESHing Party @ Zouk & Phuture - 27 MAR 2004

Frontal re>FRESH Party @ Zouk & Phuture - 27 MAR 2004
Free entry with flyer and exclusive SMS before 10pm.
To obtain your exclusive invites to the party, log on to http://www.frontallabs.com and click on to re>FRESH Party in the contest section! Early birds will get a special edition Frontal Package PLUS FREE FLOW of alcohol from 9pm to 11pm (while stocks last), so sign up now! Do remember to include your Name, NRIC, Mailing Address and mobile Number. [^top]