The Surfers (image) pressed many vinyl EPs with EMI in the mid 60s and were successful as recording artistes. In 1968 they became October Cherries and recorded under BAAL, their own label. Peter Diaz ( in brown), lead guitarist and singer of the band, was interviewed by The Straits Times in Singapore on February 26th, 2009 and was asked about busking. He explained, "Street busking was the one thing I never did in my life-long career in music. It's quite challenging, since there's no ready audience, or script or microphone. You really have to deliver the goods as well as connect with the audience."
Peter had started busking in town and remarked that with the downturn in the economy, the situation was depressing and gloomy but music "might take their minds off things."
He is well known in Singapore's music circle and has a blog of his own. As The Straits Times mentioned, Peter played with rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, ('Breathless', 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', 'Great Balls Of Fire'), in the West.
So come on everyone, let's give Peter Diaz some support when you see him on the streets of Singapore. Stop, look and listen because he's really great! And don't forget to contribute.
You Tube: Key in: october cherries singapore
Yes, we should give them our whole-hearted support. I suggest those who have taken up busking give a short write-up of themselves so that the public knows their past musical background.
ReplyDeleteThere are many musicians out there who do not have a voice. Foreigner musicians are taking the jobs for a song, some for even half the salary of the usual pay of a Singaporean artiste. It's the same problem all over again.
ReplyDeleteSome 'Comments' are sent by friends to my email address with concerns regarding their views, language, anonymity, etc so I usually provide a summary of their views and post them under 'Anonymous'.
ReplyDeleteAndy
Comment 2 should read, "Foreign musicians".
ReplyDeleteAndy
Is this the same peter diaz i went to school with? i think we were in the same class with paul david and david chua (i think , the latter's last name) the football captains. peter was living near cathay at sophia road , if i recall. it was between cathay and rex cinemas.
ReplyDeletei think peter was already playing music before i even thought of playing in a band. i was still too interested and too active playing football and chasing convent girls, lol.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering if you have any of October Cherries' records or CDs?
I'm a film student, and am looking to make a documentary on October Cherries, hence this will enable me further in my research process.
Hi I would love to help you but my collection will not be available since it may be lent out to an institution this year and the next. Perhaps you can check out other sources.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and writing to this blog.
Anyone willing to lend the collection can contact me and I shall provide the writer's email address so we can assist him in his documentary.
ReplyDelete