Leonard Chua |

10 Most Memorable Moments in 2012

Posted on Jan 1, 2013 in Life & Shit | 0 comments

As I enter a brand new year, I would like to just give thanks to God for being ever faithful throughout the entire 2012 and also the blessings and opportunities He has given to me. So here are my 10 most memorable moments in 2012.

#10. Picked up DJ-ing as a hobby & Gig a few times at CHURCH.

2012 has been really busy and hectic for AN HONEST MISTAKE and it reached a point where I feel burnt-out even though I love music and playing music. That’s when I started to seek for alternative to make me LOVE music again, that got me started picking up DJ-ing in March.

It was really FUN and I really love it, found meaning in music again *laugh*. To my surprise, my church (especially the leaders & pastor) is very open to the idea after I showed them some of the TOMORROWLAND Aftermovies. Several church mates came to me and said they love my mixes and that I should spin in clubs but honestly, I just got so tired doing music professionally as an Artist. DJ-ing should be kept “SACRED” for now. I’m happy just spinning good music in my bedroom to myself.

#9. Met Some Incredible Fans (who eventually became friends)

AN HONEST MISTAKE been gigging around for about 3 1/2 years but last year we started rockin some high-schools and that changed everything. We found fans who really love our music and went crazy with us on every show. That was a good feeling!

*See what I mean?*

I just wanna thank all the high-schools (more specifically the Interact Clubs) for inviting AN HONEST MISTAKE and being so supportive of our music.

#8. AN HONEST MISTAKE’s 2nd Album Launch & Showcase “SAY WHAT YOU WANT SAY WHAT YOU WILL”

This is probably the pinnacle of AN HONEST MISTAKE. Considering the fact that we’re only 3 years old and we are already releasing our 2nd album and 2 of the tracks in this album was ranked #1 on HITZ Malaysian English TOP 10 and one of the track “I’ll Take You To The Dragstrip and We’ll Cut To The Chase” was getting tonnes of air-play and it went of to the TOP 40 Charts side by side with other international artist. That makes me really proud of my band!

and I can assure you no small time independent band like ours is able to put up a BIG launch like what we just had. Thanks to all our great friends and especially a little sweet buddy of mine Isabella Wong for making the bazaar happen for us too.

#7. Invited to speak at TEDx Gurney Drive, Penang.

I’ve been watching videos from TED.com for a long time and I’ve seen TEDx events being organized locally for many times but never will I ever imagine that I will be invited to speak at TEDx along with individuals and personalities who are so much more senior and with more experience than I am. I’m feel truly honored and grateful for the opportunity!

#6. Met Diana Danielle & Recorded our debut Malay track with her.

Confession time, before I got into the industry (probably around the age of 20) I came across this sweet looking Malay girl in a newspaper article and her name is Diana Danielle and I got a crush on her then. Never knew after so many years, I finally bumped into her in-person during the STANDARD CHARTERED Marathon Celebrity Run. Talked to her and we clicked and…everything started!

I love her vocals and she loves the sound of our band and the next thing, we recorded our debut malay track with her in conjunction with the HARI RAYA CELEBRATION. Considering that fact that she’s one of the top actress in our country, she’s just way to sweet and too nice.

#5. Met the Drowleys, the Bumas and the Avdyushins

These are the 3 Ex-pats couple who are based in KL for work and attended/attending City Harvest KL. That’s how we met and my life have been so blessed knowing them and their love & commitment towards their spouse are also very inspiring.

a. This Grigory Avdyushin from Russia (and Natalia behind the camera). Sadly, they’ve gone back to Russia.

b. Luke & Libby Drowley (and little Ethan).

c. Nathanael & Ruth Buma

#4. Visited & Performed in the Philippines. Cebu & Manila!

An Honest Mistake was invited to perform at the SONICBOOM Music Festival in Cebu during January and again in Manila somewhere in July (if I remembered it correctly). I love the pinoys! They really treat their guest (especially foreigners) well! Thankful that I have met so many people there and some became really close friends to me and also to the band.

#3. Met Shin Yee

I first got to know Shin Yee is via Instagram! *laugh* and she also happened to be one of the pretty vendors during our Album Launch but only in August we met and hung out officially.To be honest, she’s really some kind of girl! I have met many nice girl for the last one year since Adeline & I broke up but Shin Yee really stood out from the rest. I love how well we communicate and I would like to consider we’re very compatible….but sadly, the story doesn’t end there. We found out there are things I can’t Give-In and there are things she can’t give-up. So, we decided not explore futher and ended it before a new year. On the brighter note, for the months we spent time together…I’ve been stretched! In terms of patience and also the criteria of being a good keeper. Not Easy but I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn. She’s still very dear to me and definitely one of my good friends now!

#2. Attended my first Leaders’ Retreat & Graduated from Cell Group Leaders Training

For some, many it is no big deal but for me it is a BIG DEAL because I came to City Harvest KL since 2007 and I have always feel like a visitor and it is so hard to connect with anyone because it is a big church and many known me for my lifestyle and that created alot of “interesting” or should I say judgemental perspective on me. Not that I bothers me though but thank God for great leaders like Shirley Boon who believed in me and willing to disciple me and that today I am equipped and also I feel more accepted into the church.

#1. Shared the stage with some of my favorite artist (and by far my biggest show).

In July, An Honest Mistake was invited by LIVESCAPE to perform with Boys Like Girls during the Rockaway Festival Showcase.

and that’s not just yet!

in August, An Honest Mistake was invited by World Vision 30 Hour Famine to perform with Taiwanese Popstar Wang LeeHom.

and it was also the largest crowd I have ever performed to. 18,000+ audience.

and with this I bid farewell to 2012 and ready to embrace a greater, better and LOUDER 2013.

SUCK IT UP!: Making Things Happen, Myself!

Posted on Dec 13, 2012 in SUCK IT UP! | 0 comments

Have you ever felt cheated? Short-Changed? Under-Appreciated? Over-shadowed by someone before?

“Never Risk Your Ideas, Contacts & Resources For Someone Else To Make It Happen For You. Assemble A Team & You Make It Happen.”

What inspires me to come out with such quote or statement is simply because since few years back, I have always been recruited for projects or even for jobs because of the ideas I have, the contacts I acquired and the resources which I’m able to gather. So, people will always come to me with statements like “Providing you a learning platform”, “Giving you an opportunity”, “Let’s Collaborate”, “You should take ownership of “This” or of “That” “or sometimes even offer me TITLES or POSITIONS.

Before I go on further, I have to admit that I am thankful and grateful to all these wonderful people. However, most often than not I’m being used for everything I mentioned rather than “Learning Opportunity” well I guess they are a learning opportunity for me if I were to look back. The Lesson is – Never Risk Your Ideas, Contacts, Resources For Someone Else to Make It Happen For Me.

Here are some pointers I’d like to share:

1. Never Work With Amateur Entrepreneur(s)

I understand every entrepreneur was once an amateur but Hey! if they’re going be a headless chicken and do their “Trial & Error” at my expense, NO WAY! My Ideas are being used, my contacts/connections are being used, and I have to even gather the resources to support their vision. Man.. That’s Insane!

2. Do not be too easily convinced by SOCIAL CURRENCY

Usually when these people come to you, they’d tell you great stories & offer you perks or titles which makes you feel Belong, Significant and then slowly suck everything out from you. Be careful! It is actually OK if they’re genuinely helping you to grow but if you know you’re being taken advantage then better not.

3. Why build other people’s dream when you can build yours?

You see sometimes people get you on-board and because of your ideas, connections and resources it has help the other person move-up in life. That’s fine, but it is not fine when the other person takes it as if he has helped moved you up instead of the other way round. My advise would be…screw it! Leave them alone and see how much further can they go.

Having said all this, I believe there are still genuine & sincere individuals out there who are willing to synergize strength and celebrate differences. The only thing is that, it is rare but they’re out there. What I shared are solely based on my personal experience and it shouldn’t be taken as “TIP TO SUCCEED” or anything like that.

So, to conclude I would rather assemble a team and make things happen for myself.

Full Line-Up for A State of Trance #ASOT600 Kuala Lumpur

Posted on Dec 6, 2012 in Arts & Entertainment | 3 comments

I was up all night to wait for the announcement of the line-up for #ASOT600 in Kuala Lumpur this coming March.

It was worth-while! The other DJs who will be joining ARMIN VAN BUUREN in Kuala Lumpur this coming March are:

COSMIC GATE
W&W
SUPER8 & TAB
BEN GOLD
ALY & FILA

So, wait no more! Go grab your passes and join me for #ASOT600 & Future Music Festival Asia 2013. I’ve got a feeling this is going to be the MOST EPIC festival ever.

Tomorrowland Festival

Posted on Dec 4, 2012 in Arts & Entertainment | 3 comments

How many festivals out there could proudly boast about being the BIGGEST electronic dance music festival in the world?

Tomorrowland, the world largest electronic music festival first got my attention through their “2011 Aftermovie” video I stumble upon on YouTube and it has ever since become 1 of the things to do or must go places before I die.

This year, they’ve once again kept up to their EPIC-ness. 3-Days of festival! The line-up consisted of 400 DJs, such as Skrillex, Avicii, David Guetta, Nervo, Hardwell, Swedish House Mafia, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Carl Cox, Paul van Dyk, Chuckie (DJ), Fastboy Slim, and Pendulum playing on 15 stages per day.

You just got to watch this video yourself and if this doesn’t pump you… obviously something is really wrong with you. *laugh*

Would like to apologize for the low-res photos. I promise, if I ever get to attend Tomorrowland 2013 I will personally capture some hi-res photos for your enjoyment.

26 Things I Want To Share On My 26th Birthday

Posted on Nov 26, 2012 in Life & Shit | 1 comment

After having myself not blogging nor attending those social events for almost a year, it has very much helped clear my perspective in life. I feel a great sense of…RELIEVE!

A lot has happened throughout these months and from the experiences & encounters, It has re-inspires me to revive my blog with the objective to continue writing & sharing my life, my perspective about various things again.

So, to get the ball rollin’ and in conjunction with my 26th Birthday, I will list down “26 Things” based on my experiences & encounters and Im gonna list them from the least to the closest to my heart.

26 Things

#26. I play in a Pop Punk Band but…I listen to mostly electronic dance music than Bands.

#25. I picked-up DJing somewhere in May’11 and it is actually pretty easy to beat-match. I guess all you need is to have basic knowledge in Music and also good sense of taste for song choice.

#24. The DJ community can be very selfish (not everyone is like DJ Faith-Angela) as compared to musician. When you ask for basic tips from DJs, they’ll start to offer Paid-Lessons to you. Blardy Hell!

#23. Performing with An Honest Mistake brings fulfillment. It is really tiring but fulfilling!

#22. Being a band member is certainly not as glamorous as a Solo Artist, DJ or…YouTuber. Sad Fact!

#21. You gotta do Music as if you’re running a business/SME.

#20. Music has evolved, all you need is just good music with catchy tunes & lyrics, good production…oh and good looking members. No cares what catchy chords or complicated licks or solo you’ve got. Sad! Get Over It!

#19. The Social-Event scene is very very very superficial. Once I stepped away from it, I loses “recognition”, “influence” and “friends”. Notice the open-inverted commas?

#18. ..continue..Most of them are just trying to leech on each other for networking purposes, resources, “Tumpang Glamour” a.k.a to bask in reflected glory. All this MUST NOT BE MISTAKEN AS GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS.

#17. Our identity & status shouldn’t and MUST NOT be define by those event you attend or the socialites.

#16. What I used to know about being a Boyfriend few years back and from the last 12 months, it is definitely very far-off. More patience, more understanding, more listening, more sacrifices and more commitment than I thought.

#15. I realized my Criteria of a girlfriend has also changed majorly.

#14. Sucks that my Risk Tolerance has significantly decreased.

#13. Sucks that my Energy Level has also significantly dropped… Although, I’ve party lesser and sleeps more.

#12.Sometimes what I enjoy doing most may not necessary be what I’m damn good at doing and Vice-Versa.

#11. I was so obsessed and driven with career and achievements until I have neglected my love ones and it really sucks when you lose them.

#10. Never…never…never to go in partnership for business with someone who lacks character, business knowledge and doesn’t watch your back. (Oh and a gold digger…)

#9. Be careful with “BIG OPPORTUNITIES” given to you by “BIG PEOPLE”. Be extremely cautious when perks are being offered to you.

#8. I met many top business personalities but there’s this one, just one- he’s what I call an ASS-HOLE! Never listen an advice from multimillionaire when his wealth is actually inherited from his late dad.

#7. and it was my life’s biggest mistake of having to be involved in pioneering a business with him.

#6. Betrayed by a friend whom I knew for about 10 years. I am so tempted to reveal her darkess secret but no point.

#5. On the brighter note, I’m glad I have friends like BryanLYT that has always been there for me no matter what situation I might be in.

#4. Women, Wealth & Winning are my greatest temptation but…I guess I’ve gotten close enough to see the price & consequences one have to pay in order to gain them, so..no, thank you!

#3. I would rather Invest in people and their lives than anything else.

#2. Some of my friends from church are the ones I know I’m able to truly depend on them and also friends I’m able to fall back on no matter what happens.

#1. God is my strength, refuge & hope. Today, Tomorrow and all the days of my life.

With this list, I shall end my 1st blogpost and also officiate the re-launch of my blog. May 2013 be the best year yet!