Jack Ho presently with one of the top music acts in Singapore, Jack and Rai, has been in the music industry since 1999. He has Performed regularly at venues such as No 5 Emerald Hill, Fat Frog, Off Quay, Wala Wala, Balaclava, Timbre, CM-PB & Beer Market, since 2002 and opening act for artistes like Daughtry, Lifehouse, Rachel Yamagata, Tristan Prettyman, Swingout Sister, Go West, INXS, Howard Jones, Level 42 & Ryan Cabrera.

Originally starting out as a cover band, their unique interpretations of songs by Coldplay, Oasis and U2 made them mainstays in clubs such as Wala Wala and Balaclava. Together with their band EIC, they developed a repertoire of music that was uncommon of bands at that period of time, and were amply rewarded, playing to capacity crowds at their performance venues.

In 2008, the duo tapped into their songwriting skills to release an album called ‘In Stores Now!’, which spurned popular songs such as ‘The Fa La La Song’ and ‘Fiona’. Since then, Rai has written songs for several TV series on Mediacorp Channel 5 and the Okto Channel, as well as government campaigns and Radio/TV jingles.

1. What is your dream destination and why?

my dream destination has gotta be Japan. I think my friends think i’m crazy, but i just love it too much. My recent trip took me to the smaller towns like Kanazawa, Takayama & Matsumoto which I enjoyed a lot.

2. Three things that you could never travel without?

Book, Headphones, Hong You (aka medicated oil).

3. Which destination surpassed your expectations and surprised you the most?

In the recent years, it has got to be Bali. Cuz as a kid growing up, Bali is one of those destinations that’s near to Singapore and fairly popular as a holiday option and you know, it’s got it’s lovely beaches and warungs that you can get a nice meal.

BUT… over the recent years, I have been truly wowed by the quality and level of culinary expertise there. Chefs from all over the world, bringing their culinary skills and the kicker for me— using locally sourced ingredients fusing local flavours with international ideas.

4. Where and what was your most memorable meal you have ever had while travelling?

wow… too many too many 🙂 But if I had to choose one, there’s this place in Bangkok called Bo Lan. Ha ha, Rai can’t stop laughing when I tell him but the food is really really good (and HOT too). I do believe it’s a local chef teaming up with an Aussie chef (forgive me I might be wrong). But again, the use of local ingredients sourced all over Thailand. They even make the effort to source for local wines to pair with their food (yes… Thailand makes its own wine!).

5. Where are you looking to travel to next?

Melbourne in May! Woo hoo! Rai and myself are actually headed up to play for a friend’s wedding at the Great Ocean Road. Really looking forward to that one. Melbourne is just crazy, and again the food adventures are just out of this world (not to mention coffee)

6. What projects are you currently working on?

Right now, a couple of songs to write for government agencies and even for a school! So that should be fun. But look out for a single coming up in the next few months. If got chance, hopefully me and the mama (rai) can come up with an EP this year (hopefully).

7. Do you have any tips or advice for budding musicians?

Being a musician I guess the one advise I have is to be true to yourself as a person and let that vibe transcend to what you are on stage. Don’t be someone you’re not i guess. If you’ve got Duracell batteries plugged up your ass and you’re always hyper, so be it! Don’t change anything (don’t mind ah, referring to myself).: P