Some Interesting FAQ
The previous name for the band was 'Mayflower'
Yes, the original name was 'Mayflower', formed during the couple's 1st real performance at Fez Bar, Singer-Songwriter competition in 2004. However, after deep thoughts, due to not wanting to be connected to the pilgrim ship, Mayflower, as well as Singapore Mayflower Pri/Sec School, Calvin decided to change the name to May's chinese name 'Shixian'
Why did you decide to call the band name 'Shixian' after May's chinese name, why not form a band name that is not name related?
The initial direction of ShiXian was of Modern Asia music, which is a genre that doesn't fall under the commonly accepted genres. Due to that, there was a need for more exposure to the band, and having the band name called 'Shixian' was a good 2-way strategy that could connect May's own external music involvements with the band, thus giving more publicity to the original music.
Over the years of discovery, however, it could be seen that May's voice took more prominence than the music itself, and having her name as the identification of the band turn out more useful than ever.
Who is the first other member of ShiXian band (besides Calvin and May)?
The first person that wanted to join the band was Huang Te, but in result, Huang Te move to start another band with Calvin instead that didn't really worked out
What was ShiXian's first offical performance and when?
The first official performance of the band was at NCSS Once Upon A Time Dinner and Dance in 2006
What was Calvin's initial plans for most of Sleeper's Tale LP songs since many were created in yr 2000?
Many of the electronica songs of Sleeper's Tale LP was originally instrumental, before meeting May. Initially, Calvin was intending to release it under a trade name 'Parablue Ambient Project', where the albumwas targetted as his portfolio to work in production houses
What is the meaning of the album cover in Sleeper's Tale LP?
The junkboat symbolize us, travelling in our lives, the pagoda symbolize enlightenment. So, in a way, we are travelling in our lives towards enlightenment, towards 'Shangri-La', set pictorially in a fantasy like imagery, to create the sensation of our sub-conscious dream state of mind. Though, the fisherman and birds appearing in the picture is Desmond Gan's (Graphic Artist) own addition :)
Why is the 2nd album 'Secret Place' music direction so different from 1st album 'Sleeper's Tale'?
Upon the 1st publication of Sleeper's Tale LP, May was disgruntled that she had little performances. Modern Asia is a nice unique genre, but to perform the songs would require too much manpower to achieve the elaborateness which the album portrays. Anything less will bring down it's beauty. Thus, in 2009, pop songs were written that smooth the way for the contemporary direction of the 2nd album
With the joining in of male lead singer, Jan Hoffman, in May 2012, the New Age pop line up have been renamed as Shixian & Frens, thus introducing the 2nd album under a slightly different act name
Are there any plans to create another Modern Asia album in the future?
There is a ShiXian album forecasted for yr 2015-2016, album title is called 'Zhen Zhu' (symbolizing Pearl). The album will probably have more instrumentals than vocal songs, and it adds up with an orchestration feel towards Modern Asia. It will be a collaborative effort between Calvin and Simon Betts. 'Pearl' and 'Horizon' are 2 songs probably featured in the album, these 2 songs were originally targeted to be released in Sleeper's Tale LP, taken out due to the need to allow more involvement of May's vocals
How many albums do you intend to release?
ShiXian isn't just an original band, it is also Calvin's portfolio and working band. Calvin has intention to release many of his song productions under ShiXian, in order to showcase for clientele in Parablue Studios, as well as for freelance music projects in production houses. So far, there are a total of 6 albums forecasted for ShiXian in this lifetime, but there could be more, depending on circumstances and needs. Each album will also feature a different style and genre as a showcase and for story board purposes
Planning:
Shixian & Frens - Secret Place LP
ShiXian - Peaches' Way EP
Shixian & Frens - Astralnesia LP
ShiXian - Colors of the Aura LP
ShiXian - Zhen Zhu LP
Why does the name Lam Oiee appear so often in Sleeper's Tale LP dedications?
Many of the songs in the album was written when Calvin was with Oiee, many years before May ever appeared in his life. It was also in his relationship with Oiee that made him decide to pursue music as his dream, however, the relationship went long distance and ended up in a break up. The whole story of it and what pursued after is the meaning behind the album, setting the gloomy, farscape angle to the album's music imagery and style. In short, the album was inspired by Oiee indirectly. May does get jealous about it, but well, that's the historical facts which should not be changed.
Why did it took so long to complete Sleeper's Tale LP and will future albums take as long?
Most of the songs from Sleeper's Tale LP goes as far back as the year 2000, and it was that year which Calvin started learning music production. When May came into the picture, Calvin had difficulties in finding the right musical direction for ShiXian, there were various attempts, songs like Ditata (Chinese Techno Pop), Power Extreme (Chinese R&B), When I look into your eyes (Gothic Rock) were several experiments to seeing what fits with May. Fronting from Calvin's repertoire of original productions, in which the year 2000 batch of electronic songs were already in production, Calvin decided to create Sleeper's Tale LP in 2005. This year, new musical directions can be seen for ShiXian. The long time length for Sleeper's Tale LP has a lot to do with learning the art of music production. By Dec 2009, upon finishing the album production, he has mastered his skills to the commercial level. The future albums weren't take as long as learning has already been done.