Hey guys, this week I have an exciting time capsule of an episode with one of Singapore’s Pioneer Blues Musicians, Jimmy Appudurai-Chua. He is the guitarist for many blues band like the Meltones, Motifs and notably Singapore’s first blues band, the Stray Dogs. 

In this episode, Jimmy shares his journey as a musician and the bands he has played in prior to the Stray Dogs, he recalls how the band got started and how he was involved and tells me was it was like being infamous for their popular single, ‘Freedom’ that was banned in the country.

He talks about lifestreams, the importance of sound in music and getting a sound man in the band. He explains the music industry and how performing for the different venues in Singapore and how bands find it difficult to find a stage for musicians.

He recalls going to Newcastle, UK and meeting his music heroes, giving up the music and joining the photography scene. He tells me how he was broke in London and how he got a job in a photography factory, he shares his story of being promoted to head of a lab in two years before coming back to Singapore and gaining the confidence to go back to music.