On A High Note: Jack & Rai

Trust Singaporean duo Jack & Rai to name their new album In Stores Now!. The cheeky singer-songwriters have been going around the local bar circuit for a while now, but have recently switched up their image as cover warriors paying tribute to the likes of Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Jason Mraz to delivering their own self-penned material. Hard to believe? Not when they’ve got the heart, soul and panache to shine on their own. JUNK catches up with the two as they contribute a song to our compilation this month.

What was the first music video you recall watching that fascinated you?

J It’s gotta be Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’.

R ‘Beat It’ by Michael Jackson. A dance sequence coupled by a Van Halen guitar solo–to die for!

What song is currently stuck in your head?

J ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ by The Script. Simple progression on the guitar, great melody, catchy lyrics–that’s the way it should be!

R ‘Son Of A Preacher Man’ by Dusty Springfield. ‘Cause I’m chilling on my couch while writing this and in tandem with the relaxed surroundings, the song keeps looping in my head. Not sick of it YET.

What’s the most depressing song you know?

J Radiohead’s ‘No Surprises’. Tell me which song from that band ain’t depressing?

R ‘Cannonball’ by Damien Rice. It completely destroys any feeling of hope one can garner, in a desperate situation.

Who was musically important to you when you were a kid and in your teens, and who is it now?

J When I was still a kid, it’s gotta be dad. We’d attend church at the Salvation Army and that’s where I picked up the guitar. After that he bought me my first guitar when I was ten years old. Almost gave up on it when I couldn’t hit the “F” chord but after I saw dad playing my guitar when he came back from work one day, singing songs like ‘Oh Carol’ and ‘Love Me Tender’, that inspired me completely. For now, it’s gotta be my fiancée. She’s the pillar of strength in everything I do.

R My mum definitely was my biggest influence; she always had the radio on and always played cassettes while I was mucking around the house. Her love for music rubbed off at a young age. Now I look at artists like John Mayer, Jason Mraz and Dave Matthews for inspiration; they’re such unique artists that have an amazing reach and are so musically talented.

Who do you have the best conversations with about music?

J It’s gotta be my Indian companion Mr. Rai, lah! We can have honest and frank conversations, even if it’s about tunes or demos that we come up with.

R Two friends. One is Jack; we share very similar tastes in music and are always scrutinising other artists’ recordings, trying to find nuances that make a difference in a song. The other is Alvin Khoo from the band 53A. He’s a great guitarist and we always exchange info on new artists, old artists or anything guitar-related.

What is your most musical prized possession?

J My Olympic White Fender Strat. Playing the electric guitar has been a fairly new thing for me and this guitar has stayed true over the past two to three years. It’s got that whole “banged-up look”, which I totally love.

R My guitar; it’s a Taylor 614ce with a gorgeous honey, sunburst colour. Been with me for almost six years now…never failed me once.

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given about music?

J Always keep it simple ‘cause it’s the simplest elements that come together to get you the best songs. That’s my opinion, at least.

R Sing like you have an empty stomach. For some reason, when you feel hungry songs just seem to emote themselves better. Probably because of that desperately hungry look on your face.

What was the “it” song for you when you were in high school/college?

J Pearl Jam’s ‘Alive’. I was super into that whole grunge period, and that whole Pearl Jam vs. Nirvana thing was simply awesome.

R I was in a Rage Against the Machine phase...has to be ‘Know Your Enemy’ by them–addictive Tom Morello guitar riff.

Is there a song you wish you wrote and why?

J If I had a wish, I’d wish I wrote all the hit songs today so I can sit back and collect royalties, man. But seriously, if there was a song it’d probably be ‘Under Pressure’ by Queen. We’ve recently played that song on a big stage with an eight to ten piece band backing Jack & Rai and that song is simply mind-blowing. It takes you through a journey with so much emotion, and the last chorus where everyone belts it out together–shiok stuff!!

R I wish I wrote John Mayer’s ‘Slow Dancing In A Burning Room’. It’s such a strong visual, about what I see as the impending doom of a relationship…and a great guitar riff to accompany it. Poetry!

Words April Photo Slate Entertainment
www.jackandrai.com

*Taken from JUNK's February 2009 issue