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X'Ho: The first time I ...
Singapore's DJ Mentor talks tatts, goth music and the day he decided to be "forever 27"
Being “forever 27” years old has allowed multi-talented X’ Ho to publish one e-book, two others in hardcopy, several music albums, host a radio show, and DJ incessantly. When he's not spinning, he's working on a new album with Dick Lee, Alfian Sa'at, Zai Kuning and One-Man Nation, and a musical project with Ara Ophidia.
Never one to shy away from airing his insight into Singapore’s politics and norms, we turn to the self-professed “professional griper” and Singapore rebel for his take on the Little Red Dot.
Decided to be 'forever 27'
“The day I read in The Sunday Times some young upstart-writer calling DJ Brian Richmond a grandpa [even before he became one] and wondering "how long he'd last" in his professional tenure. That's when I realized in small-minded Singapore, age can be used against you!”
Where: Any newsstand.
What: The Sunday Times is part of The Straits Times -- Singapore’s main broadsheet title and primary print source for news from around the world and Singapore.
Performed art in public
“Probably with the first band I sang for: Transformer, opening for Anita Sarawak's 'For Your Love' concert at the Singapore National Theatre. It was probably terrible 'art' as well.”
Where: Fort Canning Park , 51 Canning Rise
Other reasons to visit: Back in its heyday, the Singapore National Theatre hosted The Bee Gees and Louis Armstrong. All that’s left now is a patch of grass and a plaque in Fort Canning Park. Instead performances are held at The Esplanade (1 Esplanade Drive; Tel: +65 68288 377) and The Singapore Indoor Stadium (2 Stadium Walk; Tel: +65 6344 2660).
Got into goth music
“I was never a pure goth-head. I deejayed for goth night only because it's organized by friends who are in the Singapore Dark Alternative Movement. Of course, I'd lived the punk years of Siouxsie & the Banshees, Joy Division, and Sisters of Mercy as a fan, but not as a goth fan.”
Where: The Singapore Dark Alternative Movement
Other reasons to visit: If you’re into pasty complexions, angst and lots of black clothing, then join the Singapore Dark Alternative Movement (SDAM). This “social collective catering to Gothic and alternative interests” organizes monthly events with EBM, Gothic and Industrial music by local and international acts.
Got tattooed in an unusual spot
“When Zai Kuning asked to film me being tattooed 'there' [somewhere below the belt] for his documentary 'Even Dogs Have Choices' in a cheap tattoo parlor at Orchard Towers.”
Where else to get tattoos: Marc Pinto (#02-52 & #05-41 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road) or Exotic Tattoo (#04-11 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road).
Other reasons to visit: Tattoos have increasingly become part of mainstream culture evidenced by the annual Tat2 Show. If you’re looking to get one for yourself, ask for Su at Exotic Tattoo. She’s the granddaughter of the late Johnny Two Thumbs, a once sought-after local tattoo artist.
Christened myself as DJ Mentor
“Must have been soon after Lee Hsien Loong became the prime minister [and Lee Kuan Yew became minister mentor]. I knew I had to get with the program and claim that moniker as mine in music.”
Where: The Istana (Next to Plaza Singapura, Orchard Road; Tel: +65 6737 5522).
Other reasons: Singapore’s place of power is at the Istana where the prime minister works. The closest that you can get to it is during The Istana Open House on Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day, and National Day.
