ALTERED FREQUENCY
(alteredfrequency@yahoo.com)

Debut album ~ Exalt ~

To alter means to change, make different or adjust for a better fit. We live in a generation where many desperately need to alter and tune in their frequencies to God's. Altered Frequency's passion is to be an instrument God can use to speak to this generation. Altered Frequency was formed in mid-June of 2000. It all began when Agnel, the drummer of the band, received a call from Help College and was asked to put together a band for a musical night that will feature new and upcoming bands. Getting the members of the early Altered Frequency was easy, as all the initial members have played together in various school and church related events. Plus, all the members of the band lived in Klang. The first members of the band were Agnel Raj, Joshua Jeevan, Kysern Lim, and Nicholas Teh. Daniel Wong joined the gang not long after and Andy Yeoh hopped on the bandwagon in 2001. Joshua Jeevan decided in October 2003 to move on from the band to pursue other areas of ministry and David Gary filled in his place as bassist of the band in November 2003. It has been an interesting, bittersweet journey for the band. None of the members had imagined that the band would be something long-term. Everyone thought that this coming together was only for that one night. But looking back, God had a different plan altogether for Altered Frequency. The band continued to exist because we believe that it is our ministry to be a musical blessing to the church as well as an instrument of outreach to the world.

The members of the band are:

Agnel Raj - Drums
Andy Yeoh - Lead Vocals
Daniel Wong - Guitars, Vocals
David Gary - Bass
Kysern Lim - Guitars
Nicholas Teh - Guitars

ALTERED FREQUENCY'S MISSION STATEMENT

To be a band on the cutting edge-that is relevant and respected by virtue of its high quality musicianship and Christian integrity-in order to impact, influence and inspire this generation and beyond with the power and message of Jesus Christ; as well as to pursue excellence in music and Christlike character.


WHERE ALTERED FREQUENCY HAS PLAYED IN:

• The Rock

• Soul Café

• Crossroads

• Dream Malaysia 2002

• AYA's Friday Nite Jam & InFest 2003

• Youth Alive Malaysia HUGE Camp 2001

• Singapore's MegaLife Camp 2002

• Shekinah Glory Youth Camp 2002

• Subang Inter-CF Rally in Prime College (May 2003)

• Breakout Conference in Sitiawan (May 2003)

• DUMC Carnival 2003

• The School of Acts Youth Rally with Dean Sherman (2003)

• Sonic Edge (Singapore) CD Launch in FGA, KL

• Freight Management's Annual Dinner 2000

• Sri Kuala Lumpur's Children Day 2002.

BAND MEMBERS PROFILE

Agnel Raj

Agnel was introduced to his first rock & roll album when he was 10 years old. It was Petra's "Beat the System" album. Since that day, he fell in love with the drums! When someone from church gave him a pair of sticks, he started hitting pots, pans and anything he found around him. Agnel was 11 years old when he played his first Sunday church service. At the age of 16 was the time when he began taking drums more seriously and became more exposed by playing in youth rallies and concerts with musicians from other churches and youth groups. He has never looked back since.

Agnel was part of the percussion unit for the Levi's "Free To Move" Launch Penang tour. His recording credit thus far includes Acts Church's "Totally You" worship album.

Some of the acclaimed drummers who has greatly influenced Agnel's drumming are Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band)-who is also left-handed like Agnel!, Phil Collins (Genesis) , Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), and many others.

Agnel particularly likes drummers who have strong grooves as he feels this really helps a good drummer be steady and consistent. This is very important to Agnel because he believes there is nothing like a drummer who plays "in the pocket".

For Agnel, playing drums is a way he shares his gift and passion to people around him. Passion in worship and serving God through the gift of music are the elements that constantly encourages him to go further and higher with Altered Frequency. As Agnel puts it, "The most satisfying moments in playing drums for me is when I see people who attend our gigs really being liberated and worshipping God with their mind, soul, body and strength!"

Agnel Raj is a member of ACTS Church, Subang Jaya and is involved in its Young Adults cell ministry called L.I.F.E (Living to Inspire Friends for Eternity).

Some interesting stuff about Agnel Raj:

• Favourite Makan Spot: New Lane Hawker stretch, Penang

• Fear was a factor when: I bungee-jumped from a crane!

• Will never leave home without: My handphone and ATM card

• Childhood dream: To fly a plane

• What's playing in my CD player at press time: Linkin Park (Meteora)

Andy Yeoh

Andy has always been a "bathroom singer" until he was 15, when he was given an opportunity to lead praise & worship in school during one of their CF meetings. Andy continues to sing beyond the walls of his bathroom till today. His passion & greatest satisfaction comes from seeing people lost in the presence of God during worship and seeing lives touched by the Hand of God-not only through music & songs, but also through the testimony of his life. It is also his desire to not limit anointed music within the walls of the church, but believes there is a place for such music to be heard outside of it-be it in a café, an event or even on the radio!

While he was studying in America, he had the privilege of being a part of the University of Georgia's African American Choral Ensemble (AACE), which was led & directed by Dr. Gregory Broughton. He also led praise & worship in Bulldog Christian Fellowship (University of Georgia), and Solid Rock Church in Amsterdam while on mission trip there.

Andy is into various kinds music which includes jazz, rock, alternative, pop, blues, R&B, retro and black gospel. He is especially influenced by Black Gospel singers like Alvin Slaughter, Andrae Crouch, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, and many others. He is also strongly influenced by the likes of DC Talk, Sonicflood, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Carman, Youth Alive Australia, and Planet Shakers. However, his appreciation and love for music in general has led him to listen (and often use as references) to many other artistes like Sting, Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Frank Sinatra, Creed, Goo Goo Dolls, The Calling, Bill Withers, Incognito, and the list goes on & on. Check out his CD collection and you'll know!

Songwriting was a "next step of faith" Andy took with Altered Frequency. He only got into songwriting seriously in 2002. His deep passion for God, people & music continues to drive him to bless with what he has been so graciously blessed with. God is and will always be the Center and Source of everything in His life.

Andy is also a member of ACTS Church, Subang Jaya and serves in the worship ministry, ACTStream and in L.I.F.E. as "Area Representative." 

Some interesting facts about Andy Yeoh:

• Favourite "mamak" drink: Teh Tarik Besar Kurang Manis or Limau Panas

• Would like to star in a movie with: Chris Tucker-have you seen this guy? He's funny!

• Life is not complete without: Fried ikan bilis?

• Most unforgettable childhood experience: In kindergarten, I chased a girl around the kindergarten until she gave up and let me kiss her!

• What's playing in my CD player at press time: 1. All Together Separate (Ardent Worship) 2. Sonicflood (Resonate) 3. Babyface MTV Unplugged 1997 4. John Mayer (Room for Squares) 5. Hoobastank 6. Herbie Hancock (Gershwin's World) [6 Disc CD Changer in the car mah]

Daniel Wong

Daniel still remembers the time he got his first guitar. He asked his mom for some money to buy a camera he needed. With that money, Daniel bought a cheap camera and a guitar with the rest of the money! What triggered Daniel's interest in playing the guitar was when he was introduced to "power chords" by some friend who were already playing the guitar at that time.

His first exposure to live band performances was when he saw "Joshua Race" perform. What furthered his interest in rock music was when he started listening to Petra Praise, Whiteheart, and Whitecross. Among those who have strongly influenced Daniel are artistes like DC Talk, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sonicflood, Fred Hammond, Delirious, Planet Shakers and many others. These musicians have inspired Daniel to believe that Christian music can be both radical and relevant at the same time; and that it doesn't have to be boring!

Being a part of the band has given Daniel an opportunity to express himself in the area of singing, apart from playing the guitar. Other artistes like Creed, Lifehouse, Third Day and Jeremy Camp have been a major influence on Daniel's singing style.

Daniel enjoys leading people in praise & worship. This greatly impacts him as he believes that nothing beats the feeling when you know that God is pleased with your offering.

Daniel also attends ACTS Church, Subang Jaya and is involved in L.I.F.E.

Some interesting stuff about Daniel Wong:

• Celebrity I would like to have dinner with: Robert DeNiro

• Favourite comic character: Spiderman

• Most used expression: "Phwoar!"

• If I were not playing music, I would be: A great chef!

• What's playing in my CD player at press time: Jeremy Camp (Stay)

David Gary

David Gary is a man who sees no boundaries, as far as excelling in music and life is concerned. He is in a constant pursuit of excellence and his passion is to serve and bless others with the gift the Lord has given him-music. He started off with no musical education or knowledge-none whatsoever. However, one fine Sunday morning in 1988, David asked the Lord in a worship service if he could play and use music for Him, despite knowing very well that he was a "zero" in music. Since then, he has been relentlessly improving his skills as a bassist. His drive to improve had made spend much time & money on instructional videos, books, CDs, DVDs and listening to various genres of music i.e. Classical, Rock, R&B, Soul, Blues, Funk, Drum & Bass, Dance, Hip Hop, Pop, Alternative and Jazz.

David listens to and is influenced by world renowned bassists like John Patitucci, Brian Bromberg, Marcus Miller, Jaco Pastorious, Francis Rocco Prestia, Steve Bailey, Victor Wooten, Alain Caron and Gary Willis. He also listens to drummers like Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith and Jeff Pocaro.

His involvement in music production started when he was 20. A man that he greatly respect and honor was Michael Veerapen, regarded as the best jazz pianist in Asia, recruited David to work in his company called Scat Productions as a Sound Engineer. Since then, David has also worked with accomplished Malaysian music producers/musicians like Josie Thomas (Guitarist), Aubrey Suwito (Keyboardist), Zahid Ahmad (Drummer) and Amir Yussof (Singer). He was also involved in recording albums of artistes like Casey, Amir Yussof, Michael Veerapen, and Nora, just to name a few.

He then moved on to work in Incognito Production in 1996 when Aubrey Suwito employed him as a Sound Engineer and later as Musician/Music Producer. Some of his work includes TV Commercials such as Honda City, Camry V6, Petronas Syntium, Konica, I-Home, Biore, Time Square (radio), Whiskas, BMW 3.5 & 7series, Castrol GTX, Tumix, Nissan X-Trail and many more.

Currently, he is serving in ACTStream, the worship ministry of ACTS Church, Subang Jaya, which he is a member of. David has decided to take a "step of faith" to serve as a full-time musician in the church, starting year 2004. He will be heading a music academy called "ACTStream Academy." His passion and dream is to train Christian musicians to excel in playing music for the Lord and raising the standards of musicianship in Malaysia and beyond through ACTStream Academy.

His desire is to see all Christians worship God passionately, not holding back, but playing music skillfully with every bit of their strength, singing with every single breath that they have and always taking worship to the next level. David describes worship as being a "party" and that it should be like one. Worship is God's time and therefore we should give Him the best and enjoying while we do it!

Some interesting stuff about David Gary:

• Favorite Food: Chicken Chop (uptown) and seafood (Bukit Tambun, Penang)

• When I'm free, I…: Watch DVDs or play with my PS2!

• I'm stressed out when…: Someone sings out of pitch/tune or when someone plays the wrong notes!

• Most unforgettable time: Signing 20 autograph books for 20 girls! (in Primary 6)

• What's playing in my CD player at press time: Gary Willis (Bent), Prophesy (CCC Worship), Tower of Power (Monster on the Leash). Lord of the Rings soundtrack (Fellowship of the Ring), 1 Giant Leap, Bass Extremes (Victor Wooten & Steve Bailey)

Kysern Lim

Born in 1980, Kysern has lived in Klang for the whole part of his life...so far, anyway. He has been a Christian since the tender age of 9 and started guitar lessons when he was 14. Since the age of 16, he has been actively involved musically in church, various rallies and other events. He is also remembered for his ability to pick up a guitar and serenade anywhere, anytime!

The type of music Kysern is into are, basically, jazz, rock, blues and some other stuff in between. His influences ranges from guitar players like Steve Morse, Pat Metheny, Joe Satriani (his "not-so-holy trinity" of guitar players!), Eric Johnson, Mike Stern, Joe Pass, Jimi Hendrix, the list goes on....

He is also into musicians like Jaco Pastorius, Dennis Chambers, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane; and bands like the Dave Matthews Band, Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment.

Nevertheless, the inspiration to fuse music and ministry together comes from artistes like Lincoln Brewster, DCTalk, Delirious, Steven Curtis Chapman, as well as Youth Alive and Hillsongs.

It has always been Kysern's passion to serve God in music and to give back what has been so graciously granted by Him.

Kysern attends the Church of Shekinah Glory in Klang and serves in the Youth ministry there.

Some interesting stuff about Kysern Lim:

• If I was not a guitarist: I wouldn't be in the band!

• Can never go wrong with: Freshly steamed burger bun with a huge slice of butter and lots of kaya. Mmmm….

• If I were to be a CEO of any company, it would be: Starbucks. They are taking over the world man…and, of course, free coffee for me

• Favourite MU player: Joshua Jeevan. Definitely better looking than Beckham any time (that is, if you consider ex-MU players)

• What's playing in my CD player at press time: Allman Brothers Band (An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band-First Set)

Nicholas Teh

Nicholas could still remember the first time he picked up a guitar. He was 10 years old when he asked his mum for his first guitar. She had bought a Kapok guitar from Singapore for his youngest uncle but since he didn't use it, it was passed on to Nicholas. When he first strummed the guitar, it was a chord that he made up himself. Then, with the help of books, friends and few simple classes, he began to be able to play the guitar. Nicholas' first exposure to playing was in ISCA (Inter School Christ Ambassadors) when he was 13 years old. CF rallies, youth rallies and youth concerts then followed. Some major exposures were Rock the House in Singapore and lately in other youth camps, rallies and concert.

Music, he believes, is an expression of what's inside of you. If you have the devil in you, you sing songs that will destroy yourself ultimately but if you have Jesus inside you, you will sing with anointing and it will transform lives for the better. Music is an international language that is an awesome platform to reach out to all ages. But ultimately, letting himself be used by God to touch lives through music is what brings joy and satisfaction to him. Nicholas believes that music is a great platform to minister as well as start conversations. Everyone clicks when you talk about music and from then on, you go on to talk bout the Creator of music….

His personal believe is that the Gospel should be made known and brought to where the people are. It should not only be confined in the church. That is why he believes in singing in places where many might be scared and sceptical to go. When light is present, darkness disappears…

Nicholas believes that music originated from God but Satan has taken it and perverted it. It is his conviction that it is time we as God's servants take back what the devil has stolen from us! His cry echoes that of Larry Norman, the author of the song, "Why Should the devil Have All the Good Music?"

The Christian music arena as a whole has been a major inspiration to Nicholas. Among those who have greatly influenced him are Delirious, DC Talk, Jive Express, Planet Shakers, Youth Alive Australia, Carman, Steven Curtis Chapman, Petra and White Cross. These musicians have, in one way or another, played a role in moulding Nicholas' music to be what it is today. Other bands like Creed and POD have also played a vital role in shaping Nicholas' music.

Nicholas Teh is a member of Grace Assembly, Klang and he serves as one of the leaders in their youth ministry called Youth Energy (YE).

Some interesting stuff about Nicholas Teh:

• If I had a supernatural ability, it would be: to make people feel loved and accepted.

• Favorite hawker food: chee cheong fun

• When I'm 50, I would: coaching my son's band.

• I would sing this song for my wedding: my angel; self compose

• What's playing in my CD player at press time: Creed - Human Clay.