November 16, 2022
35 for EMCC35 | Jack Ho
In this instalment of our #35forEMCC35 series, we spotlight Jack Ho, one half of music duo, Jack & Rai. Formed in 2002, Jack & Rai is one of Singapore’s most established local live music acts, and have made a name for themselves as emcees, producers, composers and songwriters. Their works have aired on local radio, including those from their debut album In Stores Now!, released in 2008. As an NUS undergraduate, Jack met Rai Kannu at No. 5 Emerald Hill, where they first performed as individual solo acts. They eventually teamed up for a gig at Wala Wala Cafe Bar in 2002, marking the start of their 20-year collaboration as Jack & Rai. Outside of music, Jack is also a business partner with Rai, owning a restaurant called the Flying Squirrel at Amoy Street, together with Jack’s wife. In between music commitments, Jack is currently relocating and setting up a restaurant in Bali, Indonesia.
Thank you, Jack for taking time to do this interview on EMCC!
I have to do this because EMCC is something that is I don’t talk about enough. And I think it means a lot to me personally, even before my own journey with Jack & Rai!
How did you get started with EMCC?
I was an undergraduate with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences from 1998-2001. I used to write and play music with my army mates, but we went our separate ways after army. I saw an EMCC poster about seeking auditionees for a campus-wide songwriting competition, called Songs. I auditioned in 1999, but didn’t make the cut. I persisted in 2000, and won Best Original Song!
What was the most cherished memory of Songs 2000?
My most cherished memory would be picking up the guitar and going up on stage to perform my original song during the competition. I was trembling from my head all the way down to my toes, because it was something new to me. It is definitely a memory that I will hold dear to my heart because joining the competition really paved the way for me to consider doing music as a full-time career.
What has this experience taught you about being an artist?
Don’t ever discount yourself in life, and don’t ever think that you’re never good enough. Just give it a shot! Competitions these days can be pretty cruel. Sometimes they shine a spotlight on you, and you have to listen to feedback which may not be what you want to hear. But as you grow as a musician, as you take stock of all these things that people tell you along the way, I think it only makes you a better person and better musician. When you are conscious about what your strengths and your weaknesses are, you are able to play to your advantage.
Like so many experiences in life, the EMCC platform provides building blocks to shape who we are, where we come from, and more importantly, how to move forward.
Was there a figure which you looked up to during this time at NUS?
There was a NUS staff by the name of Zachary whom I met during Songs 2000. I think he shortlisted my entry. We kept in touch for a short while after that. His belief in me gave me the opportunity to perform my music on stage. This is something that that I will always remember.
22 years have passed, and I am now in the position to mentor younger musicians. Zachary’s belief in me has taught me to see the magic and special quality in every person I meet, no matter how uncut the diamond may be at the beginning.
What motivates you as an artist?
I would say have perseverance, and help to give people the opportunity and platform, where they can enjoy what they do, or watch what they like. For me, I relish in providing a platform where audiences can come to, to enjoy some good music and see budding musicians express themselves.
What is Jack & Rai busy with these days?
We are thankful that the live music scene has reopened, and we are still doing gigs. I am taking some time out to focus on my new restaurant business in Bali, Indonesia. But we can never take the musician out of Jack & Rai. There’s always something special when the two of us get together and pick up our guitar. That’s who we are, and we can’t deny that it’s a special magic.
What hopes do you have for EMCC Crew or its programming?
Keep up the good job! I think EMCC has always been at the forefront of giving people and musicians and people on campus the opportunity to perform, and opportunity to watch good quality shows. I hope EMCC continues to curate more shows, as we open up and return to pre-pandemic norms.
I also hope that EMCC continues to do more music competitions and talent shows. It always makes me excited to see the fire and enthusiasm in the youth who have just begun their journey as musicians. Just to have the energy is just something amazing!
About #35forEMCC35
NUS Centre For the Arts is proud to commemorate 35 years of ExxonMobil Campus Concerts (EMCC) through our #35forEMCC35 series. Spotlighting 35 individuals from past and present editions of EMCC, the series showcases how EMCC has complemented these individuals’ academic and professional lives, and their hopes for EMCC in the years to come.