Jack & Rai

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Jack Ho, 31
Singer & Songwriter

Rai Kannu, 30
Singer & Songwriter

Sometimes, mistakes are good.

Just ask Jack Ho and Rai Kannu – two musicians who met because of scheduling mix-ups but struck the right chord in each other to form Jack & Rai, a popular duo.

“Jack and I were performing at #5 in Emerald Hill then,” 30-year-old Rai recalled.

“We were singing on different nights but once in a while, because of mix-ups in schedules, we kept bumping into each other.”

Jack, who is a year older, remembers well his first impression of his future singing buddy and business partner.

“Usually when something goes wrong, people will just curse and swear, but Rai was very cool about it,” he said.

“Both of us are quite easy-going,” he added, “so we often ended up just jamming together.”

Rai spent the first 15 years of his life in the western part of Singapore.

His dad is semi-retired and mom is a homemaker. He has an older brother, Vigneswaran, who is an EDB Centre Director based in Frankfurt, Germany.

Rai went to Raffles Junior College (RJC), received his degree from National Institute of Education, and then went back to RJC to be a Physical Education teacher.

But music has always been Number One in his life.

Son of an Insurance Agent and homemaker, Jack became a full-time performer in 2004.

Growing up in the Braddell View and Thomson area, Jack worked as a Marketing Executive for Sony after university.

The Political Science graduate from the National University of Singapore went to St Joseph’s Institution and then to Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) - quite the opposite of Rai’s Rafflesian upbringing.

But there is just no turning back as far as their relationship is concerned.

By 2002, they were a regular duo belting out pop rock covers as well as their original compositions at Wala Wala, a popular drinking joint in Holland Village.

The two also found that apart from music, they share many things in common, particularly the way they approach life.

“Music brought us together,” Rai said. “We became good friends through music.”

“Jack is from ACJC and I was from RJC, but we realised that we have a lot of mutual friends.”

“Jack also had some army friends who are my friends.”

“Somehow, we just kept ending up in the same parties.”

Fast climbing the popularity chart, Jack & Rai also became inseparable in life as well.

“My name is on Jack’s wedding certificate as a witness,” Rai said.

“I can’t recall exactly how it happened.”

“I think he asked casually one day. I said “Of course, it’s my honour’ and that was it.”

“I see Jack almost every day,” Rai said, “more often than my girlfriend.”

“We sort of know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and we try to work around them.”

Recently, their partnership reached a new peak when they released their first music CD aptly titled “In stores now”.

“There are 11 original compositions by us and the first print of 2000 copies is almost sold out,” Rai said.

“Everybody enjoys watching us because we are very pally,” he added. “We poke fun at each other and call each other names.”

“We are close to the extent of being telepathic,” Rai explained. “Often we know which song the other person is going to play next.”

“There is a lot of give-and-take between us.”

Rai finally quit his day job as a teacher in May 2008 to pursue his personal dream of becoming a full-time musician. Jack was totally pleased and supportive that his partner could concentrate on music fully.

For the immediate future, the duo hopes to expand on their production and song writing.

“We need to balance moneymaking and passion.”

In the past years, things have been moving in the right direction for them.

Corporate gigs have taken them to Bintan, Bangkok, Bali and most recently the Maldives.

Besides working, they also found time to have fun and learn new things.

“We tried things together, like snorkelling.”

“Rai is part of my family,” Jack proudly announced.

“We went through enough ups and downs together, not just in music but also in our personal and family lives.”

“Our friendship is not just about music,” he added. “I’ve relied on Rai to bail me out on many occasions.”

“We don’t run away from the race question,” he elaborated.

“In fact, race has been a wonderful conversation topic for both of us.”

Rai said, “Jack is always ordering ‘roti prata’ and me, ‘wonton mee’.”

“Because of our racial and cultural differences,” Jack said, “I learned a lot and it also makes me want to find out more about Rai.”

“Through Jack,” Rai interjected, “I know a lot of new Hokkien terms.”

Often, they find ways to introduce fun into their performances and that often consists of self-deprecating jokes and jokes about each other.

“For example,” Rai added, “I always tell people to turn on their flash when they want to take a picture of me.”

Jack said, “We have had a few complaints, and mostly, they want us to stop cracking racist jokes.”

Rai asked rhetorically, “I mean how can people accuse us of being racists when a Chinese is making fun of an Indian and vice versa right?”

“I think if I were to take everything offensively,” Jack said, “life will be very difficult.”
- National Heritage Board (Singapore)

MH Interview: Jack and Rai

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Meeting Jack and Rai for the first time, one is immediately struck by the gulf between their personalities. Jack Ho, 32, is a livewire, a bundle of energy with an inquisitive interest in every aspect of this interview (including the photo shoot). Sivadorai Sellakannu, 31, is soft-spoken, and content to sit back, chill and speak only when spoken to.

Yet this apparent chasm bridges itself in a most remarkable manner when the two come together to perform on stage. They harmonise smoothly, and one will instinctively jump in to cover when the other forgets a line or flubs a chord. You could attribute this almost intuitive understanding to the fact that both have belted out tunes together for close to seven years. Turn back the clock eight years, to the time they first met while performing as soloists on separate nights at local bar Barcelona. They struck up a friendship and became the frontmen of EIC, landing their first gig at Wala Wala in 2002. They soon became regulars at such nightspots as Balaclava and Timbre, entertaining the crowds with covers of songs from U2, Coldplay, Oasis and the Dave Matthews Band.

In 2006, they decided to make the transition from cover band to original artistes: Jack & Rai. They quit their day jobs – Rai was a PE and English teacher at Raffles JC, while Jack worked as a marketing executive at Sony – to focus on playing, writing and recording music, releasing an album called in stores now! in late 2008, with radio favourites like The Falala Song and Fiona.

To date, Jack & Rai have opened for bands such as Lifehouse and Vertical Horizon, and composed the themes for Channel 5 dramas Polo Boys and Red Thread. They also cohost a show on Class 95 with Jean Danker every Monday and Friday evening, and have just entered into a partnership with Timbre to conduct a module for the latter’s music academy. Plans are also in the pipeline for a second album in the near future. Who says local musicians cannot make it?

What was the theme of your very first original LP?

Jack: Life, and all it brings – every song is based on experiences.

Rai: The situations I’ve experienced and emotions I’ve felt are all reflected in these songs. They aren’t all super-emo, but rather happy songs, pensive songs. The album’s a little collection of our thoughts, all detailing different situations over different points in time.

Quitting your day jobs to become full-time musicians - Why did you make the leap?

J: I was at the crossroads between full-time work and full-time music for a long time – and swayed towards the latter. It wasn’t an easy decision – I had to weigh my priorities, future income and all those other “real world” issues we hate so much. Before I quit, I contacted the clubs and agents to tell them I would be ready to take on more jobs. The uncertainty was scary, but I’m happy where I am right now.

R: It’s a common stereotype that “band boys” or musicians will never be able to carve out a successful career in Singapore, compared to other more “prestigious” occupations. I loved my students, but it came to a point where Jack & Rai was getting more opportunities. So I left teaching because I really wanted to try playing music professionally. It was a calculated risk, of course – I made sure I could balance my account sheets before making the switch. My parents are still concerned about my future, but I hope I’ve gone some way in allaying their fears.

Looks like the risk has paid off - You score about eight gigs a month, and you have a band and an album

J: I strongly believe that perseverance and hard work will always pay off.

R: The key is diversification. Jack and I both knew we were never going to be bar musicians playing covers the rest of our lives. So we’re trying to put on different hats, and trying various things in the music industry. This gets us recognition as well as additional income. I’d say we’re comfortable at present, and just doing the best we can.

What life lessons has the music industry taught you?

R: At the end of the day, it’s the people around you who will either make or break you. Humility is a good trait to have. People see us as down-toearth, chilled out and easy-going, and that helps us maintain good relationships and a strong network.

J: Being narrow-minded will close off the opportunities. You should never give up trying.

Was there a time you felt like giving up?

R: It’s never crossed my mind. The projects we’ve been involved in mean that life is never mundane. It’s important to keep busy, and we also keep ourselves fresh by constantly trying out new ideas and looking out for new things to inspire us.

J: No way… but we definitely feel like we need a long holiday! Rai and I are very open with each other; we always make it a point to gripe to each other. When you keep things bottled up, the problems start. We might be stressed out by clients, but when you listen to the end product, it’s a shiok feeling.

What's in your future?

R: Making good music and continuing to perform our hearts out. We’d also like to break into the foreign market, but we’re still planning our strategies for that. And, most definitely, a new album for maybe later this year, or early next year.

J: To become damn good at sound engineering! In the Jack & Rai mix, Rai handles the creative department, while I manage the mixing and engineering side of things.

Jack & Rai’s top tips for making a career switch.

MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK

“Research the industry you want to move to carefully, and remember to see if your qualifications and experience are a match. Don’t just do it on a whim and find yourself in something you’re not cut out for.”

UNDERSTAND YOUR REASONS FOR THE SWITCH

“Some people switch jobs because they believe there is something less stressful out there. But, at the end of the day, there’s no such a thing as an ‘easy’ job. Every occupation has its own set of difficulties.”

SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU

“Remember that your decision will affect your parents, wife or partner, especially if they depend on you for income. Most importantly, as much as you think it’s only about you – it isn’t. You still need their love and all their support.”

For the latest updates about Jack and Rai, visit www.jackandrai.com - Men's Health Magazine (Singapore)

Singapore Slung: the Jack & Rai way

Jack Ho and Sivadorai Sellakannu - Rai for short – are sitting at a table in Wala Wala, a laid back bar in the smart Singaporean enclave of Holland Village. It is a few minutes before the singer-song writing duo is due on stage, but there are no signs of pre-gig nerves.

Wala Wala is their spiritual home. It was here, five years ago, that Jack & Rai (sensibly enough, the name of their band) first took their chances on Singapore’s live music circuit. They started out as a cover band, and have had to graft to get their feet on the wobbly ladder to stardom.

The amiable pairing have appeared with international names such as Lifehouse and Chris Daughtry, and made songs for local music TV shows. But it was September last year when they chalked off an early ambition; they released their debut album, In Stores Now. A follow-up album is in the pipeline, and the future is looking bright for Singapore’s answer to Simon & Garfunkel.
Logical thinking

Starting out, these self-taught musicians needed a simple solution to their biggest problem: how to make lots of good music without breaking the bank. They needed technology that was affordable and accessible to new users. So they chose Apple's Logic Pro 8 songwriting and music production software and ran it on a Mac Pro computer.

“Logic was so easy to use, even for a beginner like me,” says Rai. “The interface is so user-friendly, and you don’t have to go through loads of steps to get where you want to go. Which I would not say about other studio gear I’ve used before.”

Logic helped hit them ground running. “After seeing Logic’s Midi functionality and audio power, I was instantly blown away,” says Jack. “I love the interface of Logic 8. It allows you to work effectively, even if you don’t have a lot of screen space.”

Rai cuts back in. “Logic comes as a complete system. You get all the basic tools to help you cut your first demo, and a whole lot more. I found that some other programs only came with basic plug-ins, and you have to purchase additional ones.”
A song for everyone

Jack write songs about everyday life, Rai more introspective, broodier stuff. “We meet in the middle and it just works,” says Jack. The same thing applies to their recording kit. They have needed a range of sounds to help them move between genres as they explore new projects. Which is where Logic Studio’s range of samples and loops came in.

“Drums, a wind section, break-beats, the sound of a vacuum cleaner. There’s a huge library of sounds on Logic. And it’s easy to manipulate.” Rai explains.

The variety of sounds on Logic has helped the twosome step out of their comfort zone. “Being a pop-rock musician, orchestral parts don't come naturally to me,” admits Rai. “But in songwriting for a TV series, I used some orchestra loops to add to the structure of the song. The loops are pretty full by themselves, but they can be broken down into viola, violin and cello, if need be.”

Jack & Rai used the loop 'Avenger Strings' for the track Breathe, which was featured in the local show School House Rockz: The Movie. “I could cut and modify the loop to suit the song I was writing, and it filled in really well,” says Rai.



A range of plug-ins available in Logic Studio has helped Jack & Rai work creatively in their home studios. “I find the guitar amp modeling plug-in useful,” says Rai, “especially for someone like me who records from home.” Jack added, “I often use the effects that come with Logic, such as EQ, reverb, compressors, and my favourites are Space Designer convolution reverb and the array of synthesizer sounds.”
Working apart

Logic has allowed the twosome do something that is hard to imagine: work apart. The pair recently produced a song (Take me as I am) for the ending theme to soon-to-air TV series Red Thread. Jack worked from home on the template, while Rai was at his place browsing through Logic’s loop library.

“We do have personal stuff to do, you know!” says Jack. “With Logic, we could do what we had to do in our free time without wasting time going back and forth from a studio. And we could work on the song without having to meet and update each other on every change.”

Jack & Rai used the Timpani loops for Take me as I am, which filled out the chorus and gave the song its dramatic ending. “Orchestra samples and loops have worked well in helping to develop a song idea, as well as form the base upon which a song is written. Just browsing through these loops and keeping an open mind can help give birth to new songs,” says Rai.

Jack jumps back in. “Logic helps musicians be more versatile, it’s as simple as that. Using it does not cut down on the level of musicianship required. You can’t master it in a week and you need to play with it a lot. Now, though, if a song comes into my head, Logic helps me get it out and recorded, quickly.”
Going live

Jack & Rai work from home less these days, and the next step is to take their rig live. Enter MainStage, a tool that enables artists to take LogicStudio’s audio wizardry out of the studio and on to the stage.

Jack explains: “What catches us about MainStage is that we can bring our 'studio' sound from Logic out into the live arena. We can build different sound-scapes over and above the instruments we play, which we need to do to evolve as a band and give our audience new experiences.”

So would their idols, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, have followed the same path if they were in Jack & Rai’s shoes? “Oh, I think they probably would,” chirps Rai. “Coldplay and The Killers used Logic to produce their latest albums - and if it’s good enough for them…” - Apple Inc.

Jack & Rai leap from cover band to original album
Posted: 25 July 2008 0817 hrs

SINGAPORE: The vibe that you get from Jack and Rai is one that is casual and unpretentious; almost familiar, with inklings of a long-lost friendship.

Jack and Rai’s smooth vocals and soulful melodies have gained a strong following and their album serves to be “an evolution” of their musical journey.

The REAL Message

Their album consists of their earlier tunes such as the cheeky song "Fiona" inspired by a certain local celebrity, right up to their more recent pieces such as delicate ballads "Contemplate" and "Us’. You can bet that every moment spent replaying the album will be emotionally-tinged.

All 11 tracks on the album are self-penned and you’re guaranteed straight-from-the-heart lyrics as the two draw their inspiration from everyday musings and keen observation of human relationships.

“(The album is) real, it’s about real experiences, real tears and real happiness,” shared Jack.

“It takes the listener through a journey of who we are and where we are right now.”

“We’re just a bunch of happy, free-spirited guys!” the ever exuberant Rai exclaimed.

That’s pretty clear with infectious tunes such as "The Falala Song" which conjures up sunny images of puppy love, and is still playing in my head!

With excitement written all over their faces, the two seasoned musicians agree that the most significant milestone to date has to be the day their album was officially released in Singapore.

What makes "in stores now!" even more special is the fact that it has been a self-supported project from start to finish.

Jack and Rai took care of everything from creative direction to marketing to distribution - a decision they made to ensure that the final product would stay true to their vision.

If you want to decide if "in stores now!" is really worth to be in stores now, head off to pick one up at Gramophone, HMV and Wala Wala Restaurant and Bar.

After that, you’ll want to catch the duo who will also be performing at upcoming events such as the opening of the new Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on August 8 as well as the Nike Human Race on August 31.

-CNA/jk - Channel NewsAsia

There’s more than a little sentimentality associated with Jack & Rai’s debut album, In Stores Now! Inevitably, you know someone who went to school with either Jack Ho or Rai (yes, just Rai) – or maybe you went to school with them. You’ve seen them as part of local band EIC, or playing covers at Wala Wala, Balaclava or Timbre. Even the album title is a cheeky nod to the six-year buildup to this release. And though it’s been a long time coming, the result is enjoyable; it’s not particularly special pop-rock – Jason Mraz seems to have a monopoly on their sound right now – but the CD is well produced, its tunes are catchy and playing it on repeat helped this reviewer overcome her crazy cabbie-induced headache. Always a plus.

Their all-original tracks have their highs and lows: ‘The Fa La La Song’ – with a title like that, how could it be anything but upbeat – showcases Rai’s impressive vocal range, while ‘Fiona’, a riff-heavy, silly romp about a local TV star being well endowed, is better musically than lyrically (‘My oh my you’ve got some lovely…eyes’). They struggle a bit when they slow down; melancholic ‘Contemplate’ has pacing that plods, detracting from the song’s tenderness. But luckily, Jack & Rai’s tone is more ‘holding hands and drinking beers’ than ‘a bottle of Jack a day and kill-me-now Nick Cave on repeat’, so songs like ‘Contemplate’ don’t dominate.

Can these ‘Prophets of Universal Love’ make it beyond the Singapore stage? They might have to hip-check a certain ‘Curbside Prophet’ out of the way first, but with a strong opening disc like In Stores Now!, they’re certainly giving it a shot.

By Laura Dannen
- Timeout! Singapore

If you’re into bubblegum pop, this is definitely the album for you. Unapparent from the album’s x-ray cover, this is a fun and light album. The tracks do not leave much to the imagination and the vocals are easy on the ear, almost bordering on the better side of dull. In Stores Now has a good mix of fast and slow tracks, obviously thoughtfully arranged. Albeit its pleasant vocals and melodic tunes, this is not one for the intellectual as the lyrics lack depth. If like me, you enjoy a good easy-listening album once in a while, listening to Jack & Rai is similar to being in an aural candy store; this album will definitely put a smile on your face. - sixtyfive.sg

JACK & RAI In Stores Now (Self released)

Better late than never surely applies in the case of Jack & Rai’s delayed debut album. Originally slated for September 2007, the album is finally available and hopefully the pent-up anticipation will see the sales go through the roof. The duo certainly deserve it, after all this time!

Jack & Rai have been playing the Singapore pub and club circuit for a while now and they are certainly popular with pub-crawlers here. Whether on their own or with their band EIC, Jack & Rai are adept at entertaining any crowd with their interpretation of top 40 hits, on-stage banter and harmonic rapport.

What is not so well known is that the boys are accomplished songwriters in their own right. Which is showcased on this excellent debut. Review follows…

Beetle Girl

A smooth pop jazz number about a close encounter of the opposite sex. You can almost feel the class ooze from every note and chord. Sophisticated chord changes tumble and atmospheric synths swirl around what is very elegant tune. Excellent.

The Fa La La Song

The first song I ever heard from Jack & Rai got me hooked instantly with its easy way with melody and harmony. Commercial appeal is obvious and the boys have earmarked it as the first single off the album. Good choice.

Fiona

One of my all-time favorite Singapore tunes. No contest. Presented here in a power pop fashion which escapes most Singapore bands and features an irresistible chorus which echoes the Everly Brothers AND the Fountains of Wayne. Written from a distance for TV actress Fiona Xie. She should be extremely flattered… Should be played over the radio constantly.

Contemplate

As the title suggests, this is a contemplative ballad which find Rai in this element, utilizing his voice in the high register to good effect. As usual, the melody quotient is strong.

Us

It’s Jack’s turn for the thoughtful ballad as he ruminates about romances and love experience. Not as immediate as the rest of the album though.

Pixelated

This chirpy folk-rock treatise on long-distance relationships via videocam (hence, the title) contains a bright chorus that will have you bopping and singing along.

Hurricane

Ah, the piano ballad. Ambitious and never quite easy to pull off, Rai tries his best to convey the emotional core and by and large succeeds.

Poof

A sweet nothing kind of track. Both lyrically and musically. Not that it’s throwaway but it’s so breezy that you might actually be blown away if you get too caught up in the vibe.

Television Affair

Slightly heavier than the rest of the album, Television Affair comes across like Rolling Stones lite and 80s anthemic (think: Bryan Adams, John Cougar Mellancamp) which is a fair stomp live and will no doubt get you toe tapping.

Release Me

A plea for freedom presented in a sweet atmospheric chorus which references Coldplay, Radiohead and U2. Slightly more alt-rock than the rest of the album but an interesting effort that works.

Prophet of Universal Love

Rai imagines himself as a tongue-in-cheek authority on love with this easy listening paean. An excellent closer for a top notch album.

As it stands, In Stores Now, is an album with tremendous commercial appeal, chock full of wonderful melodies and cool vibes. A bit heavy on the ballads but I’m thinking that Jack and Rai’s target audience will thoroughly enjoy every emotion-tinged moment.

It’s been a long time coming but the wait was definitely worth it.
- powerofpop.com