I'm Off for Holiday!!
Hello everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all reader for support and comments regarding my articles. As for now, i'm off for holiday and will be back posting my review soon. Until next release, feel free to browse through the past issue of Away & Away Zine by clicking "Previous Issue" box located at the right section of the zine. Have a good month everyone, see you on the next release!

regards,
Somewhere Above Us

Kate Voegele - Hitting The Right Tune

“Voegele song writing is often influence by her young experience and her in-depth intellectual thought about nature.”

Start to write song as early 15, Kate Voegele, a fresh pop and rock grooves artist is keen to serve the listener with her first full length debut album ‘Don’t Look Away’. Signed under MySpace records, this 21 year old singer/songwriter have eventually on the stage performing with present famous artist like John Mayer, The Wreckers as well with other several acts like Counting Crows, Howie Day, Jamie Cullum and Dave Matthew. Describe as ‘the commercial Patty Griffin’ by A&R World, Voegele song writing is often influence by her young experience and her in-depth intellectual thought about nature.

Flashing back her ways before had come to this far, Voegele were exposed to icon like James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Carole king by her father who also a musician. From there, she begins to compose and write music, releasing the inner sense of legendary figure in her tune that we heard today. “It’s my personal goal to continue the standard set by those before me, no matter how a song develops, my main goal is to reach people, because there were so many musicians who spoke to me, and still do, to help me to deal with situations” Being a youngster, she had absorb many experience dating back before finishing her high school where she got chance performing side by side with the veteran, even, filling her notebook with song and never stop learning.

“When I walked into MySpace, I really didn’t know what to expect because the label was just starting out,”

Thanks to her demo recorded along with her father, Voegele was invited to perform as opener for Counting Crows and John Mayer in 2003 shed tour. She also presents her music at Farm Aid concerts, CMJ and Summerfest, include club show at New York’s Bitter End and House of Blues in Chicago. At that time, offer and invitation by other label start to flooded until she finalizes her decision, signing under MySpace Records in October 2006. For Voegele, there is no regret sheltering under new label like MySpace, the commitment reflect by the management for young artist and creative marketing method of MySpace straight away tackle her heart. “When I walked into MySpace, I really didn’t know what to expect because the label was just starting out,” she added, “But the atmosphere was really cool and so different from the other labels I’d been to, a lot of which were cold and intimidating. MySpace wasn’t like that at all.”

Producing her first full length album with Marshall Altman, ‘Don’t Look Away’ is one of Voegele quest to approach people with her music. Furnish with her signature which believe as mixture-stir between oldies and revolutionise of today pop, the album armed with surprising tracks with the usage of mandolin and accordion. Ranging from “Chicago”, a track that Voegele translate it as metaphorical representation of try to get away, a rocker track of “One Way or Another”, the piano note of “Kindly Unspoken” to ballad tracks of “Wish You Were” and not to be left behind, the famous tune of “Only Fooling Myself” , Voegele seems really prepare with her product. Her official debut into the industry is at the right time, right place and most importantly, hitting the right tune for sure. – Hitting The Right Tune

Travel - Kuala Kangsar

The Flowing Economics and Royal Heritage

Having the reputation of royal city, Kuala Kangsar, continue to reflect its shine as one of important district during the early days. Being the home of rubber plantation, the place have set the standard of economic development in Malaya where the establishment of the plantation site making interest among local and immigrant to come and contribute their energy for the progress of nation. As time goes by, the city slowly left its bustling busy environment, faded away leaving the memory of struggle, hardship and desire of our forefathers behind. Paint with the past colour, the city contains the history landmark of British colonial period and the rule of Sultan Idris Murshidul Azam Shah (1887 – 1916) the 28th rulers of Perak, in the late 18th century.

Kuala Kangsar, part of Perak state, located about 200KM from Kuala Lumpur capital which is connected by various transportation such as train and South – North Expressway. Among major highlight when arriving in the city such as Ubudiah Mosque that was built in 1913 as part of Sultan Idris Murshidul Azam Shah request. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, one of government architect based in Kuala Lumpur, it was constructed with the influence of moorish architecture and reach its completion in 1917. Besides Ubudiah, there is another mosque named Ridzuaniah, it was built with concept of an eight pointed prayer hall, wood carving and a big dome on top of it.

In 1877, Sir Hugh Low - known as the one who smuggled rubber seeds to London from Brazil, become the British resident in Perak. The seed was taken to Kew Garden in Singapore before it was post and planted in Kuala Kangsar. The event is so significance as rubber becomes the main contributor for income in Malaya during that time. Today, one of nine original seeds that been planted is still exists and become signature in the city. Other than that, a memorial dedicated for the fallen British soldier during ‘Perak War’ occurred from January 1876 until March 1887 is also part of attraction.

Have a look at other interesting spots like Iskandariah and Victoria Bridge. Both have it own uniqueness and were built for specific purpose. Then checkout other recommended site like Pavilion Tower, built in 1920, Hulu Palace - finish construct in 1903 and it was use by Sultan Idris Murshidul Azam Shah Prince, Sultan Abdul Jalil. Memorial Palace, which was built without single nail and wrap off the visitation by going to Iskandariah Palace – the home of all Perak rulers since 1933 that provide precious knowledge for the visitor. Not to forget, travel to Kuala Kangar will not be completed without a stop at local food stall to taste ‘Rojak Pasembur’ and a snack called ‘Putu’. Hey ho! lets go!

Getting There
Travel to Kuala Kangsar is quite easy as the city it is connected by PLUS South-North Highway. Other good way by taking train from Kuala Lumpur via Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) which is less cost. However, travel by train will take some time but it still the best way to go as the track will pass by the scenic site of Peninsula Malaysia.

Away & Away Rating
Location Interest – ☻☻☻½☺☺
Transportation – ☻☻☻☺☺
Value for Money – ☻☻☻☻☺