Marc Tan

Director / Photographer — Singapore

01Profile

A Marc Tan Photo

03Interview

Name, what do you do?
Marc Tan, Director & Photographer at STUDIO PERIPHERY.

Describe your style in three words?
Comfortable, understated, researched.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
Well-kept guys playing tennis in pants.

When did you first dabble in the creative field?
Since I was a kid, I used to love doodling and playing with plasticine.

What inspires your work?
Music, natural light, and tactility – a feeling/vibe.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hardcore punk scene.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'After The Party' by The Menzingers.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Ezra Stoller.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Don’t Start Now' by Dua Lipa.

04Playlist Notes

'New Scream' by Turnover.
I loved this band's five track EP when it came out in 2011, it was emo pop-punk at its best, and it was on seriously heavy rotation. Their next couple of releases didn’t interest me much until they released the music video for 'New Scream'. The complete change in the genre of music, the music video and of course the track itself caught me off guard, and the whole thing was beautifully sad, in the best way possible. The album 'Peripheral Vision' was what inspired STUDIO PERIPHERY actually. I felt the sadness of the songs translated perfectly to the kind of melancholic images I wanted in my work.

'The Long and Winding Road (Naked Version)' by The Beatles.
This version of the song is my favourite because of a single minor chord change in the final chorus, which changes the entire track for me in a good/melancholic way.

'Death of Seasons' by AFI.
Dark, hardcore, punk. This is everything AFI is to me. Such a smooth fusion of genres in one song.

'Head Over Heels' by Tears for Fears.
This song has been stuck in my head ever since I first watched Donnie Darko.

'It’s Far Better To Learn' by Saosin.
I find myself going back to many songs I listened to during high school and this album, though was already on rotation for me at that time, is now on an even heavier rotation, especially when I’m driving home after work.

'May 16' by Lagwagon.
Come to find out many people got to know this track through Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, but I never played video games. Instead, I had a high school friend who was super into all the Fat Wreck Chords bands and introduced me to the wonderful world of punk. Playing along to the track on guitar, bass and drums is also super fun and I don’t think I’ve ever nailed it.

'Supersonic' by Oasis.
Great album, great opening track.

'A Letter To Elise' by The Cure.
This song for me represents who The Cure are. There are many other tracks by them on heavy rotation ever since I discovered them as a kid. Even Blink-182 did an amazing cover on MTV.

'Aquasun' by Basement.
This band in general has a special place in my heart. I got to know of them through another band, More Than Life. These were the days when everyone was blogging and that’s how you found out about new music, etc. At least for me. When they first toured Australia (when I lived there), I remember getting so excited about getting tickets to see them play these tiny venues. Though 'Aquasun' is poppier and some might say more mainstream than their discography of work to that point, every time I listen to that harmony in the chorus, I think about how perfect it is.

'Holy Roller' by Spiritbox.
One of their heavier tracks, something to throw down to or blast in the car/studio when spending some alone time. I also got my wife into it, which is great.

'Heir Apparent' by American Football.
I find this track off American Football’s LP3 saddest of all the tracks, and it seems I indulge myself with sadness, especially when it comes to music. I love the repeated line in the final chorus "Heir apparent to the throne, the King of all alone…”

'Shook Down' by Yuck.
This track is based around my all-time favourite chord progression; it works every time. Throw in some classic Fender Jaguar tones and band members who look like they couldn’t care less about anything in the world. Perfect!

'Something To Remember Me By' by The Horrors.
I loved The Horrors when 'Skying' came out. Then when 'V' dropped with this track as the single (I think) my mind was blown, because they basically came out of nowhere with this amazing and super catchy dance track.

'Sign' by Roosevelt.
I found out about Roosevelt on KEXP when they performed their 'Young Romance' release. When the band teased their follow-up release with 'Sign', I knew I loved it as soon as I heard the synths in the intro. They're a bunch of remixes, but the original is still the one.

'Idaho' by Slow Pulp.
These guys were another KEXP find. They opened the session with 'Idaho' and I think I listened to that live version seven times straight before looking up the full album and falling in love with it. Great vocals and I love the guitar tones.

03Interview

Name, what do you do?
Marc Tan, Director & Photographer at STUDIO PERIPHERY.

Describe your style in three words?
Comfortable, understated, researched.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
Well-kept guys playing tennis in pants.

When did you first dabble in the creative field?
Since I was a kid, I used to love doodling and playing with plasticine.

What inspires your work?
Music, natural light, and tactility – a feeling/vibe.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hardcore punk scene.

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'After The Party' by The Menzingers.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Ezra Stoller.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Don’t Start Now' by Dua Lipa.

04Playlist Notes

'New Scream' by Turnover.
I loved this band's five track EP when it came out in 2011, it was emo pop-punk at its best, and it was on seriously heavy rotation. Their next couple of releases didn’t interest me much until they released the music video for 'New Scream'. The complete change in the genre of music, the music video and of course the track itself caught me off guard, and the whole thing was beautifully sad, in the best way possible. The album 'Peripheral Vision' was what inspired STUDIO PERIPHERY actually. I felt the sadness of the songs translated perfectly to the kind of melancholic images I wanted in my work.

'The Long and Winding Road (Naked Version)' by The Beatles.
This version of the song is my favourite because of a single minor chord change in the final chorus, which changes the entire track for me in a good/melancholic way.

'Death of Seasons' by AFI.
Dark, hardcore, punk. This is everything AFI is to me. Such a smooth fusion of genres in one song.

'Head Over Heels' by Tears for Fears.
This song has been stuck in my head ever since I first watched Donnie Darko.

'It’s Far Better To Learn' by Saosin.
I find myself going back to many songs I listened to during high school and this album, though was already on rotation for me at that time, is now on an even heavier rotation, especially when I’m driving home after work.

'May 16' by Lagwagon.
Come to find out many people got to know this track through Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, but I never played video games. Instead, I had a high school friend who was super into all the Fat Wreck Chords bands and introduced me to the wonderful world of punk. Playing along to the track on guitar, bass and drums is also super fun and I don’t think I’ve ever nailed it.

'Supersonic' by Oasis.
Great album, great opening track.

'A Letter To Elise' by The Cure.
This song for me represents who The Cure are. There are many other tracks by them on heavy rotation ever since I discovered them as a kid. Even Blink-182 did an amazing cover on MTV.

'Aquasun' by Basement.
This band in general has a special place in my heart. I got to know of them through another band, More Than Life. These were the days when everyone was blogging and that’s how you found out about new music, etc. At least for me. When they first toured Australia (when I lived there), I remember getting so excited about getting tickets to see them play these tiny venues. Though 'Aquasun' is poppier and some might say more mainstream than their discography of work to that point, every time I listen to that harmony in the chorus, I think about how perfect it is.

'Holy Roller' by Spiritbox.
One of their heavier tracks, something to throw down to or blast in the car/studio when spending some alone time. I also got my wife into it, which is great.

'Heir Apparent' by American Football.
I find this track off American Football’s LP3 saddest of all the tracks, and it seems I indulge myself with sadness, especially when it comes to music. I love the repeated line in the final chorus "Heir apparent to the throne, the King of all alone…”

'Shook Down' by Yuck.
This track is based around my all-time favourite chord progression; it works every time. Throw in some classic Fender Jaguar tones and band members who look like they couldn’t care less about anything in the world. Perfect!

'Something To Remember Me By' by The Horrors.
I loved The Horrors when 'Skying' came out. Then when 'V' dropped with this track as the single (I think) my mind was blown, because they basically came out of nowhere with this amazing and super catchy dance track.

'Sign' by Roosevelt.
I found out about Roosevelt on KEXP when they performed their 'Young Romance' release. When the band teased their follow-up release with 'Sign', I knew I loved it as soon as I heard the synths in the intro. They're a bunch of remixes, but the original is still the one.

'Idaho' by Slow Pulp.
These guys were another KEXP find. They opened the session with 'Idaho' and I think I listened to that live version seven times straight before looking up the full album and falling in love with it. Great vocals and I love the guitar tones.