IBA Unplugged 2010 - His Perspective

After going through many practice sessions, we managed to conduct an interview with the manager of the team, Mr.Chew Kuang Ern, to see things from his perspective towards the event of IBA Unplugged 2010.

Shortly after their sound check in SSGC, we conducted the interview via MSN! Here we go:


1.) Can you kindly update us your full list of members and their roles?

Sure. The members in the band are Alex, Ian, Evelyn, Wen-Li, Jeana Joy, Johnson, Cher Maine and I. Johnson, Evelyn, Cher Maine are the main singers. Ian plays the bass, Wen-Li the acoustic guitar, Alex the drums, Joy the keyboard and I the electric guitar. Ian and Wen-Li do have roles in singing too though.

(From left: Kuang Ern, Ian Fan, Evelyn Tan, Cher Maine & John Khor)

2.) How's the preparations coming along?

The preparations have been coming along pretty smoothly. We have finalized all the songs that we're playing and now we're working to make our songs as tight as possible.

3.) What are your main obstacles or challenges faced in your preparations?

Well the biggest challenge we've faced is to bring out the best in the songs that we're playing. We're given points for creativity so it was a challenge to make the songs as creative as possible without spoiling the song or changing its meaning or message.

How about gathering for practice sessions? As it's during the examination period as well as other commitments?

We've had almost no problems getting the members to meet up. We're blessed to have a committed team of band members who are willing to sacrifice some of their time to attend the practices. And also to practice on their on and being prepared for each practice session.

(Photo: Wen-Li)

4.) When was the last IBA Unplugged our church participated and who won in that year?

The last time our church participated in IBA Unplugged was in 2008. SSGC was the church that won that year. They also were the champions last year as well.

How far would you rate our team compared to theirs in terms of taking champion placing in the year that TTDIGC participated?

Well we gave it our best that year. Many of the competing teams were very good and talented. However, I would say we probably would have placed second that year had there been a second place prize.

5.) How would you think TTDIGC would fare this year's IBA Unplugged then based on your preparations so far? Confident for champion placing?

Well we're all hoping to win this time. There will be four teams participating in IBA Unplugged this year so we're hoping that we either get first or second. I can't be certain we'll be champions but based on our preparations I think we can at least place second.

6.) Any tips for those interested to participate in the next IBA Unplugged from our youth?

Well start practicing your instrument or vocals! Listen to more Christian music as well as contemporary music. IBA Unplugged puts a lot of emphasis on creativity and the 'tightness' of the band. So its good to form a band among your friends and play together so that you get used to your friend's style of playing and he or she likewise gets used to yours. Also listening to Christian music as well as contemporary music gives you ideas on music arrangement which will help a lot as creativity is one of the criterias of the competition. Lastly just have fun! Enjoy what your singing or playing and you will naturally gain confidence and get better.

(From left: Jeana Joy & Alex Tan)

7.) Are there any specific prayer requests and are there any shout outs you would to give to your supporters?

Oh yes. Pray that God will help us in our final preparations that we get the songs done up well. Also that the musicians and singers remain in good health till and even after the competition. Besides that, we will not be nervous on the actual day of the competition itself and lastly we will play and sing to the best of our ability on the competition day. Shout outs? Well firstly, thanks to all the people who have supported us and helped us during practice. Secondly, to all the youth, come and support us for IBA Unplugged 2010!!


Indeed, they'll be needing all the prayers and support to ensure that they stay focused in offering songs of praise and worship due to God, our Father in Heaven. Do pray for the event as well, allowing non-believers to come with a receptive heart and mind, to be able to know our Father personally!

4 days to go. See you there!

God bless,
daryl 's u n d a e' heng