Moving, intriguing, "freaking amazing", awesome and soulful are just a handful of the words and phrases that critics and fans alike have used to describe the refreshingly original songwriting and vocal talents of Singaporean acoustic artist Ling Kai.
As a regular performer in the independent Singapore music scene, Ling has become recognised as an intuitive musician whose catchy guitar lines and rich, expressive voice make each live appearance an engaging experience highlighted by her playful yet unassuming stage presence.
Ling Kai signed with independent Australian record label Lempicka Records in May of 2008 and work soon began on her debut release. The six track "Honestly" was released on the 28th November and is available at all major record outlets in Singapore and in online music stores.
Ling has already managed to reach and resonate with audiences across the globe through the medium of Youtube where she is most well known by her username "ling86." While initially posting videos of various cover versions from artists like Rachel Yamagata and Elliot Smith, Ling premièred her original song "Larkin Step" and struck a major chord in the online community.
After the song was featured on the YouTube main page by a guest editor, Ling became an overnight sensation and the video had soon reached the milestone of racking up One Million views from enthusiastic fans and fellow online musicians.
In the flood of user comments, emails, blogs and outpouring of support that followed this breakthrough, Ling was approached by major record labels and producers for various deals but ultimately rejected the offers due to her feeling that each deal required her to conform to a certain mould determined by corporate interests and expectations.
Unfortunately, Ling was quickly confronted with a disappointing and frustrating situation when her Youtube account being hacked by unscrupulous parties whose actions soon lead to the suspension of her account and the removal of the "Larkin Step" video. Many months followed before the return of Ling's account by Youtube, aided by emails and petitions generated by her still-growing online following.
Ling marked the re-activation of her account with the debut of another original song "21 Years" which has since generated much appreciative feedback from her fans and subscribers who are delighted with her return.
During this period of time, Ling was approached by and signed with the independent label Lempicka Records, who, in Ling's own words, proved to be "refreshingly un-cronied, selfish or corporate" and provided her with a "nice way to break through the limits I put on myself and my music."
Ling's debut EP "Honestly" was recorded in Singapore and Australia through July-August 08 and was released to eager audiences on the 28th November. As of February 2009 Ling is hard at work promoting her debut release, having recently appeared on the first episode of Channel Five's Live 'N' Loaded programme. Ling's next live performance will be the Singapore Heart Foundations Youth Concert at the Singapore Flyer on February 28th as part of the Go Red For Women 2009 Campaign.
With a maturity in her songwriting that belies her youth, this 22 year old singer/songwriter is a unique talent, a heart-rending, emotive vocalist breathing life into poetic and enigmatic lyrics to produce songs that reach deeply into the mind and soul of the listener.
Buy your copy of Ling's debut EP 'Honestly' from the following outlets in Singapore:
Hello! We finally got around to doing a rough recording of our orignal that we named 'The first', How fitting! Have a listen and tell us what you think =D
i just heard perfect today and am really digging it with a pitchfork AND shovel. a very happening song. congrats on yet another really enjoyable composition. =D
Dear friends, Just to tell you guys a little more about my upcoming EP, I know it has been delayed several times but I hope it'll be worth the wait haha! Anyways, the date has been finalized so grab your presale tickets by clicking the picture above ASAP because they are selling fast! This EP was 7 months in the making and we put a lot of heart, soul, and effort into it and I hope you guys like it. It means a lot as a musician to finally put out something for the public to listen to and whether you hate it or not, I do hope you appreciate our efforts!
For those of you outside of Singapore, hang on tight! We are working out an international shipping system so you guys can get yourselves a copy! The EP will also be out on iTunes shortly after the EP launch!
Hi friends! I have a new song up on my myspace called Letting Go. It was recorded at home that's why it doesn't sound as good as Bittersweet. But do give it a listen and let me know what you think! Feedback on how I can improve my recordings and song writing will be greatly appreciated :D
Hello friends! I will be playing a show this Sunday (26th April) at Zai Studios (Tong Lee Building, 35 Kallang Pudding Road) at 4.45pm, along with acts such as For this Cycle, Face Off, and Tacit Aria. Ticket prices are $8 for presale and $10 at the door. Do come down to show some love!
Hello there! =] Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my myspace page! Let me know what you think of my music yeah! And drop a comment if you want =]
*Every ticket is entitled to a free soft drink* *Alchohol could be purchased for those above 18*
Band Lineup:
Deus Ex Machina Thy Fallen Kingdom Helmskey Fallenhero Foresight Psycho Vulgate Dogmas Asilent Apostacy The Burning Shield Ignitionz Theobusion Whore House Butchery TNT
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Currently Vulgate Dogmas is limited to 15 presale tickets and are going for $8 each. If you are interested in getting them please do let us know through myspace. Thanks.
Hi Ling! I will be playing on Saturday the 4th of april, 12.15pm, at scape youth park for the stardust semi-finals and on Sunday the 5th of april at 4.30pm at F.A.D Media. Do come down to show some love!
I bought 'Honestly' yesterday and I love it! I am in love with 'Larkin Step' and the five other songs are incredible too. 'Distraction' is beautiful and 'Suburbia' is an awesome song. The EP is really amazing. I can't stop listening to it!
Our debut label EP Sad Glad Songs is out next week on Lostmusic Records - launched at our February 12th gig at Gramapahone, London E1 where we're appearing with The Gresham Flyers, Kelman and Hari and Aino. The entire EP is streaming on our Myspace - the first four songs.
Then we're doing a few dates including: 14th Feb - FREE Valentine's gig, The Wight Rock Bar, Ryde, Isle of Wight 21st Feb - Cardigan Arms, Leeds 26th Feb - Grey Horse, Kingston
And Rocker is playing our song Until The Daydream Dies this month on his show on the John Peel inspired internet station, Dandelion Radio.
Check out the new JUNK Classifieds! - Buy or sell music instruments/equipment! - Find band members! - Post your gig flyers and event details! - Look for jamming or recording studios near you! - Sell a kidney…. we’re kidding!
Online!
