Where Did You Go

Where Did You Go by Shimona


Almost 5 years ago, my brother, Reuben Kee, was one of five boys who drowned in a tragic dragon-boating accident in Cambodia.

A few days ago, I allowed myself some time to sit and miss him.

You see, when the event transpired, I was so clammed shut with emotions that I could not write.
Ironic, me being a songwriter and whatnot...

But inspiration is a tricky fella.
Almost 5 years later, I find myself remembering - the disbelief that he was really gone.
I think one of the most difficult things about death is that it usually happens suddenly... and well, lasts forever.

When my brother passed, I sometimes wanted to run away from my house.
The jarring "sameness" of everyday life was contrasted by the fact that nothing was ever going to be the same again.
I remember my mother being so devastated, she kept thinking he would just open the door and walk back into our house.

We've come a long way since then.
I strongly believe that it is not enough just to survive... we must also THRIVE.
Death is a fundamental part of life, and nothing on earth is permanent.
We took one step at a time, one day at a time..., and slowly but surely, we learned to live life again - without him.

But that hole is still very much there... still where he left it.

So this song is perhaps one of many other songs I shall write about the brother I miss so much.
Not with us anymore, but never forgotten.
We love you Reuben.

LYRICS:

Where did you go
when I turned around
you were there just a while ago

You walked along this life so strong
how could you suddenly be gone

And I am waiting for the moment
you return
I am waiting for the door to open
I am waiting to hear your voice
But where did you go, you're not here.

Where did you go
in the blink of an eye
you were gone and I did not know

I cannot see how you disappeared
from my life in a wisp of wind

Maybe someday I will understand
Maybe someday I will see
Why the Lord had to take you from me
but for now, you are gone, you're not here.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SONG - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO!!!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, presenting....

"Simply Shimona" - International Preorders!

If you're outside of Singapore and are wondering how you can get your hands on a copy of my debut album "Simply Shimona", I've got good news for you!

You can now preorder your CD, and it will be mailed to you once they are ready! Yahoo!!

Just FILL OUT THIS FORM: CLICK HERE.

This is IT!

No words can describe how I feel about finally completing my first full-length all-originals album.

Instead, if you are in Singapore, please let my music tell all:

SIMPLY SHIMONA DEBUT ALBUM LAUNCH

8pm, Feb 23rd, 2012

@The Merry Men

86 Robertson Quay

CLICK HERE --> Facebook invite and full details.

EXCLUSIVE Pre-Album Release SINGLE!

While my first ever full-length originals album is due for release January 2012, I’m releasing ONE of the songs from the album a little earlier! Yay!

“Sweet Company” is one of my most popular songs, and also my own personal favourite on the album.
This pre-album release version is a little different from how it will sound like on the album.
You can buy it from BANDCAMP for a measly 1USD (or help a struggling independent artist and pay a little more)!

About the song:
Whether you are single or attached, 15 or 50, you can probably identify with the words of this song.
"Sweet Company" is all about dealing with loneliness and learning to be comfortable with every aspect of yourself... Sitting with your flaws, and loving yourself in spite of them... Delighting in having alone time, and romancing yourself because you are special!

I hope that this song will encourage you to be happy the way you are.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AND BUY:




==================

Little Things....

The floods in Thailand have been on my mind lately.

Usually, when it rains, I think of happy things like lazing around and hot chocolate... (Rainy Day)
But when it rains these days, I'm reminded that there are people who have lost their homes and even lives because of too much rain.
Thailand has a very special place in my heart... and my heart is heavy thinking about them dealing with the deluge.


On a more reflective note - the contrast between a little rain being normal and even enjoyable, and torrential or constant rain accumulating and turning into floods that cause people hardships and pain... well, sometimes that happens in our lives too: The little things that occur (good or bad) can build up and become one big flood at any certain time.

Too often, we unconsciously try to brush aside the little hurts and failures... trying to stay positive, trying to succeed... but if we don't face up to them or deal with them, they can build up in the back of our minds and one day simply overwhelm us.

OR.. we can focus on the little blessings that happen on a daily basis - and let those little things build up and make us stronger.

That's what this song is about.

LITTLE THINGS by Shimona Kee

These small things line themselves
and fall in my hands
Like tears from the sky
pitter patter pitter patter...
little rainfalls. Rain falls.

The flood in my heart
gathered over time
scratches and scars
little girl it's only in your mind

Perspective keeps itself
Big is big and small is small
or so it seems
these little things

oh oh oh..

And they say that everything that happens

has its reason

I don't care how long it takes to get there

these little things won't weigh me down

down down down won't weigh me down

Walk on just fine,
suddenly it starts to pour
you never noticed before

Watch out little things
hide themselves
collecting themselves
nowhere to be seen

And they say that everything that happens

has its reason

I don't care how long it takes to get there

these little things

are not what they seem

so I will choose
which things to believe

And they say that everything that happens

has its reason

I don't care how long it takes to get there

these little things won't weigh me down

down down down won't weigh me down...

Sing a song about faith....

I want to tell you about a song I recorded today.

I wrote this song a little more than a year ago.
It's called "A Promise is a Promise".

At the time that I wrote it, I wrote my excitement and fears about leaving Bangkok to move back home to Singapore.
The words spoke of a promise that was to be claimed - a strength that could be grasped in times of fear and doubt.

Last week, as I practised this song in preparation for today's studio recording, I realised how much more apt it was for my current circumstances.

Please don't think I am complaining.
I am not.
I am simply stating this:
It is insanely difficult struggling to make a living as a musician/singer in Singapore.
Why?
There are so many factors that I could site.
But I'd rather not get into that....
Just suffice to say that this is possibly the one trade you can be fantastically good at but still, hardly anyone will pay for your services/product.


ANYWAY....

Given these tough circumstances, and set it beside the fact that SINGAPORE IS AN EXPENSIVE PLACE TO LIVE IN...., and what do you get?
STRESS.


The point is - music is my full-time job.
I'm not in it for the money.
Never was.
I'm in it because I love music so much.
And somewhere along the way..., the industry, the lack of support, the brutal truth of reality - started to eat away at my faith in myself.
"If I'm really good at what I do, why aren't I succeeding?"

BUT.
Back to the song...

As I practised - sitting in my room, plucking at the guitar strings, legs crossed sitting on my bed - just like when I started out learning to play the guitar.. sitting on my bed at night, plucking and singing...,
I realised - the song isn't so much about a promise as it is about FAITH.

The focus isn't about the promise to be claimed at the end.
It's about how DIFFICULT faith can be during times of trouble.
How even when you don't FEEL like you're worth it..., that you're good enough, that you DESERVE the beautiful promise..., that you can STILL hold on to that sliver of hope and KEEP THE FAITH.

"Hold on.
Hold on.
Hold on to His promises...
they're true."

** "A Promise is a Promise" will be released online (only) as a Single before my album release. Stay tuned for more details as they come.

Sweet Company (NEW SONG!)

Sweet Company


I'm happy to be me
wouldn't want it differently
I buy me flowers
occasionally.

I used to be confused
about who I should be
but now I take it easy on myself
and slowly

I find that I am ok to hang out with
I kinda like my own sweet company
I'm nowhere near perfect
but God made me
so I'm happy just to be me


I'm happy to be me
wouldn't want it differently
I sing me love songs
occasionally.

I used to wish that I
could be that somebody
someone with perfect hair and always looks so skinny

but I found myself in my own skin
I kinda like my nose and eyes as is.
I'm nowhere near perfect
but God made me
so I'm happy just to be me.

"One Last Try"

Last week when I was in BKK, my buddy Johnny and I were jamming.
He started playing a nice guitar rift, and suddenly turned to me and said "sing something to this".

Now, mind you, I was properly tired out - it was 1am(ish), and we'd been practising for the last few hours.
So as he played, I closed my eyes and sang the first few words that came to mind...

"Sitting in the dark, I wonder how. How it came to this - where we are right now..."

And thus a song was born.

I had no premeditated idea of what the song would be about.
It simply came to be.
And as I wrote the lyrics, a memory crystallized in my mind.
2007/2008 - those were two very dark, difficult years in my life.
Part of it was due to the tragic accident in which my younger brother passed away.
But the other part of it was the fact that my "happily ever after" had becoming a nightmare.

For a long time, I struggled and fought for a marriage that just wasn't meant to be.
And even till the point where I received the divorce papers... I truly believed that we could work it out.


I've moved on since then.
I'm still a happy person - I don't place blame, nor harbour regrets.
I simply decided to give myself a happy future.
But I never wrote a swan song for my marriage.


Recently, I learned that one of my friends is going through a divorce.
Empathy immediately flooded through my veins.
Not many people my age understand what it's like....


So when I wrote this song - I wrote it for myself.
And for all the broken people sitting on the brink of a big decision - to stay, or to go.

One Last Try

Sitting in the dark, I wonder how
How it came to this - where we are right now
I remember when our love was young and we thought we could.
But now we're stuck for words and we just can't figure out...

Is this goodbye or do we give it one last try?
Is this goodbye?
We cannot live a lie.
Is there something different this time?
Or is this goodbye?
Baby is this goodbye?

"Forever" was a word we thought that we could do.
If other people can, why can't we too?
Is it really so hard for us to stay in love?
Does it have to feel like work?
Have we lost track of who we are?

Is this goodbye or do we give it one last try?
Is this goodbye?
We cannot live a lie.
Is there something different this time?
Or is this goodbye?
Baby is this goodbye?

Leaves me cold and longing still...
for your warmth - I know I will
wonder if I leave you now...
Can I live without your love?
Or am I already living without?

Is this goodbye or do we give it one last try?
Is this goodbye?
We cannot live a lie.
Is there something different this time?
Or is this goodbye?
Baby is this goodbye?

Now and Then

Recently I've been pondering how society exalts "couplehood".

Don't get me wrong - I'm no hater. I think it's wonderful to be in love.
But so many people just cannot stand being alone.
And so many people pity friends who are still single. Especially the older they get.
As if they have some kind of personality disorder if they're still single.

I beg to differ.
I think it takes strength of character to stay single and true to oneself, and not "settle" for anything less than what is right for you.
If more of us had this mentality of "not settling" and being happy as an a single individual, we would easily solve many of our relationship problems, and have less unhappy separations.

Yes, the single person does experience bouts of intense loneliness.
But honestly, even people in relationships can feel lonely. It's human nature to feel alone... even when we're with the people we love.

So with these thoughts in mind...., I wrote this song.

Now and Then

Now and then
I get a little bit lonely
and I must admit that I'm
usually good at being alone.

But just sometimes
I feel a little bit silly
thinking about the space
that is like a gaping hole.

But don't feel too bad for me
I'm not broken.
'Cuz some hearts are joyful still
standing alone.
I might cry a tear or two
every now and then...
But life is still beautiful
even if you're alone.

No I won't lie
and say I wouldn't want someone
to fill up my lonely nights
and some lonely afternoons too.

I'm not one to spend my life just pining
dwelling on coulda beens
or shoulda, or woulda, maybes

So don't feel too bad for me
I'm not broken.
'Cuz some hearts are joyful still
standing alone.
I might cry a tear or two
every now and then...
But life is still beautiful
even if you're alone.

Listen to it here:
http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_8244229
(Video to come soon...)


Now and Then by Shimona Kee is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at networkedblogs.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.shimonakee.com/contact/.

2011 UPDATE!

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lapse in updates!
So here's a short 2011 update on what's going on with my music...

First of all, I'm starting work on my debut full-length album.
Everything's still in the beginning stages right now, so I can't offer many details... but watch this space.

Secondly, "Christmas Lights" CDs are no longer for sale.... until end of the year.
There are only a limited number of CDs left. So I will start selling them later on as a limited edition CD. (Because they are LIMITED!)
But if you really want, you can still buy it the mp3s from www.shimona.bandcamp.com.
Oh and by the way, if you bought "Christmas Lights" and wish the CD came with track notes and lyrics, stay tuned - I'll be adding a page to my website which will feature the album notes.... akan datang (soon) !

Lastly, I'm taking in more voice students! So if you're interested in taking private voice masterclasses, do drop me an email - info@shimonakee.com.
I'll be starting to teach Private Voice to a select few at United World College SEA, and Replugged Music (both of these school and I are still in the scheduling stages) as well. Please note that my style of voice lessons focuses on both stylistics as well as basic fundamental vocal techniques that are often based on my classical voice training - I tailor lessons to the individual.

OK boys and girls... CNY is coming up. So enjoy the festivities, treasure your loved ones, and eat till you're prosperous!!
恭喜发财!!
Love,
~Shimona.

PS: I'll leave you with some of my songs from my the 1st night of my Originals Only concert at the Esplanade Concourse: CLICK HERE TO WATCH.

"CHRISTMAS LIGHTS" on sale ONLINE now!!

I'm am VERY VERY pleased to announce that my debut EP, "Christmas Lights" is for sale online!! WOOHOO!!!!!

http://shimona.bandcamp.com/

Have a pre-listen, and please please please support this indie artist by actually BUYING it!
I've painstakingly written notes for EACH track with great care - so just click the track titles and you will be able to read about some of the "stuff" that happens behind the construction of a song.
I never knew THIS much work goes into producing your own album! Ack! :p

Physical CDs will be on sale NEXT WEEK :
I will be selling them at gigs once it's ready.
My gig venues (CMPB and HOOD) have also agreed to hold some stock - so you can drop by and pick one up there even on days I'm not singing!
For details on gig dates/timings, check: http://shimonakee.com/anticipate
OR - if you know you will see me, send an email to info@shimonakee.com and I will save an EP for you - you can pay me direct whenever we meet for coffee/movie/dinner/church/whatever.
NOTE: If you are buying direct, pricing is minimum S$5, more if you're feeling charitable. :)

MAIL-ORDER THE EP:
Send an email to info@shimonakee.com and state the following information:
1. Your Name,
2. Your mailing address,
3. No. of CDs,
4. Amount you want to pay: Minimum cost is USD5 per CD, but you can give more if you… like, since part of the proceeds go to charity, no not my own charity… THIS CHARITY: http://insearchofsanuk.com/

PLEASE NOTE: You will get an invoice via email (to be paid to PayPal), and once payment is made, the CD will be on its way (once it is released).
I will be hand-mailing EACH EP personally. By regular mail. (Yeah, go INDIE artist!!) Postage will be included in your PayPal invoice.
CDs will be mailed out somewhere around Dec 15th. And YES, of course, the EP will be autographed with lotsa love and appreciation.

Musical Inventory...

There's a new hot venue in town - TAB, which showcases local original talent, as well as new international artistes.

I'm singing there tonight.
Yay!


Despite having enough original music to fill at least 3 albums, I've never actually performed more than 3 of my own songs at one single performance.

Why?

Let's just say - audiences at venues such as bars or restaurants aren't usually too keen on hearing unknown stuff.
Familiar is comforting, and their ears perk up whenever I play a song like "Kiss Me" or "Time After Time".

That and - it's often hard to hear lyrics at live venues - and if you aren't familiar with a song, and can't hear the lyrics - it's probably going to be hard for you to identify with the song.

Yes, a catchy tune is important.
But to me, as a songwriter, lyrics are often what "gets" people.
I mean, yeah, music can push past language boundaries... sometimes a song without words can make you cry, or a song in a foreign language will touch your heart.
But more often than not, our favourite songs are the ones that we resonate with lyrically.


So tonight, I will be singing mostly originals.
Songs that have stories behind them - songs about love, betrayal, loneliness, friendship, tragedy... and I hope that whoever is in the audience will be able to listen astutely to the lyrics.

Because I wrote my heart into each of these songs.

Music on My Mind...

Tonight I play at Hood Bar (55 Keong Saik Rd).

Gathering my repertoire together yesterday, I decided to up my game a little and do more than just my usual guitar-sing, one-woman show.

First off, tonight I will be accompanied on the cajon by Rahman - whom I only just met a few days ago. (Ahhh the magic of music!)

Secondly, I once said, whilst performing at The Iron Fairies in bkk, that I would one day do a ukulele set... and so I've mustered some songs together for tonight - on the uke.

Thirdly, I've had some songs that I only play when accompanying myself on the piano/keys... and so far, have not had the opportunity to do that at a gig -- either there is no piano/keyboard at the venue, or I didn't have the time to practise the songs on keys. Ha.
Well, tonight will mark a new beginning for playing the keys as well. :)

Lastly, I hardly ever play more than 2 originals at any one performance.
However, I have decided that I need to give my originals more exposure (and practice). So I'll be doing at least 5 tonight. :)


Let's see what happens. I'm excited....

A Promise is a Promise (New Song)

Just from time to time
I lose my faith and cry:
Lord, where are You?
Can You hear me?
Everything I knew, all I thought was true
Seems to be just one big white lie.
Or maybe I don’t want to hear You.
Thinking I can get my own way
Instead of listening when you say…

“A promise is a promise
And you know I promised you.
So rest your head now on My shoulder child
Love will come to you.
Don’t listen to those silent fears
I’m looking after you.
Oh a promise is a promise…
So believe and claim – it’s true.”

I know that You have plans for my own good
I lack the patience to wait on You
My vision gets obscured by feelings I have now
Doubt still lingers, hurt is so strong.
How can I believe what I can’t see?
Open up my heart to hear You speak into my life that

“A Promise is a promise
And you know I promised you.
So rest your head now on My shoulder child
Love will come to you.
Don’t listen to those silent fears
I’m looking after you.
Oh a promise is a promise…
So believe and claim... ”

When all the evidence goes against my intuition
Father You still hold tomorrow.
I’ll keep on holding on in faith
And remember Your mercies
I’ll let You be my strength & my hope…

Cuz a promise is a promise
And I know I promised You
To rest my head upon Your shoulder Lord
I will trust in You.
I won’t listen to those silent fears
I’m looking up to You
Oh a promise is a promise,
Oh a promise is a promise…
I believe and claim – it’s true.

Hold on, hold on, hold on to His promises
They're true....

All Rights Reserved ~ S.27052010.

Hustle Bustle - NEW SONG!!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN: Listen to Hustle Bustle.

Lyrics:

Hustle Bustle

I see you everyday
and hear the words you say.
We meet for coffee, dinner, work, and even play.

Our words can fill the space
that hovers round your face,
But do I really know you what's beneath your thick surface?

Hustle bustle round and round
I should take the time instead
to sit down on the ground.
Really learn to appreciate
every little thing you do and everything you hate.

When running to and fro
we often stop and go
Oh honey kiss me on the cheek now, don’t be slow.

But baby we have time to stop and make this rhyme
Just tell me what is on your heart
I promise to be kind.

Hustle bustle round and round
We can take our time instead
to sit down on the ground.
Really learn to appreciate
We can make a new start now, it’s really not too late.

~S.22052010~

The Gym Song (ORIGINAL!)

*cheesy grin*

(note: You can share and/or download the song if you like it. Please like it...)

The Gym Song

Wake up, go to the gym
It's time to get yourself moving
No one else can do the right thing for you, but you.

Takes a little will power
Each time, you will get stronger
Keep your eyes set on the prize
and just move, MOVE!

I know that you're tired
everyone around you is too,
but if you just give up today
then what will we all do? So...

Wake up, go to the gym
It's time to get yourself moving
No one else can do the right thing for you, but you.

A Modern Woman's Valentine Day Plea

A Modern Woman's Valentine Day Plea

You asked me why we haven't been in touch.
Why we're not as close now as before...

I stutter in amazement.
It's so obvious to me.
An outstretched hand was left wanting....
So turned away from thee.

These days, we women see the truth:
There's no sense in just waiting endlessly...
For romance
and being swept off your feet
are luxuries of eras past.

The modern woman faces her plight
with grace and dignity.
Her independence, wit, and intellect
by society so esteemed,
are double-edged deterrents
few a knight has truly seen.

So... modern man,
should you ever understand
the yearnings of a woman's heart
be gentle yet persistent for our love...
... and we promise to do our part.

A Modern Woman's Valentine's Day Plea by Shimona Kee is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here's how we do Christmas in BKK:




And on a more serious note, here's my Christmas gift (in song) to you all:
CLICK LINK TO PLAY: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/song_3028407

Video of the song here (sound quality is prolly not as good):

The Call - Rough Video Draft

Am definitely going to record this song properly, but in the meantime, I've done a very rough video version of it.

Hope your ears are open and your heart understands. ;)