#3EIGHTHCONVERSATIONS: PLACE & MEMORY WITH PREETIPLS & SUBHAS

#3EIGHTHConversations is a project where we celebrate people who dare, and support the brewing communities of the underdogs and everyone else in between. We hope to bring these heartfelt stories of strong, independent individuals who are living out their own beliefs and never backing down in challenging situations. After all, we’re all about people who try, and give themselves an allowance to be.

Starring Preetipls & Subhas
A Production by 3EIGHTH

We enter a new decade, and with it comes much to celebrate. It’s always nice to start things afresh and to usher in change; as they say, out with the old, in with the new. Except when you think about it, that concept seems somewhat flawed - things rarely begin on an entirely brand new slate. Roots remain remembered. We continually add to the palimpsest that is our lived realities. We are the evolving products of our pasts, our present, and the sum of our potentials.

In our first #3EIGHTHConversations of 2020, we dig through layers of memory with the Nair siblings, better known as Preetipls (Preeti Nair) and Subhas (Subhas Nair). Two-and-a-half months of fittings and conversations brought us countless moments of furious nodding as we listened to each other share about our lives, and cackling laughter beyond the kind of in-your-face humour their on-screen personas typically bring.

Preeti & Subhas is wearing Custom Wool-blend suitings in Panel-block designs.

How do these two understand with such subtle deftness some of the narratives that have been intentionally left out by the media at large? What was it about them that was so infectious? We felt like we were catching on a new kind of fever -  more than a brazen (and characteristically facetious) message, we revisited what seems like the perennial question: what does it truly mean to be Singaporean, and what is it worth to embrace all of our Singaporean-ness and all the other things that fall in between; even, and especially, when it’s most uncomfortable.

SO WHAT DOES PLACE & MEMORY TRULY MEAN?

Preeti & Subhas at the void deck of 101 Sunset Way, aged 5 and 7

It’s almost forgivable to not see beyond Preeti’s and Subhas’ internet selves. The epithet of “influencer” carries with it certain assumptions of smugness such as “living the dream life” and being “financially independent” through the manipulation of social media. But the truth is far from that. Throughout their lives, Preeti and Subhas have lived in more than 10 homes. This begs the question: just how many times should one move in a confined space such as Singapore’s? The deeper truth takes us to familiar grounds: via the bad decisions and errors of their father from a failed business to a gambling addiction, the family was continually forced to sell their home and move from one rental house to the next. There is some sense of irony when considering their addresses: from the heartlands of 101 Sunset Way to even Namly Gardens (located in Bukit Timah’s private estate area), the siblings appeared on the outside to be living that nebulous “high SES life”, when in fact they were merely bunking in with whichever relative was kind enough to spare them space before their next inevitable move.

Yet, the siblings held true to themselves, to each other, and with their mother, managed to maintain their own version of a loving family unit. Naturally, their lives’ journey has seeded their art; by confronting Singaporean issues, they challenge the dominant discourse of the nation, offering different versions of what our country could stand to be.

I'm sure many are curious about the Nair siblings just as we were - two very different personalities creating different modes of art, but yet, united in their motivation to tackle issues that happens right here, in Singapore. At what point did they decide to take up this challenge?

ON THEIR MOVE ACROSS SEVERAL HOUSES AND WHY

SUBHAS: My Dad had a gambling addiction all his life. He was always in debt with many people and he couldn't pay back his loans with the HDB. At that point we were kids, and because of that, we've had to move around a lot, only to later get evicted out of the houses because we couldn’t afford rent. It got to a point where even our relatives weren’t willing to help us no more.

We ended up living in Goodluck Gardens (it was a condo) at one point, and perhaps that was when my father knew - if I gave him the benefit of doubt, that he was going to leave us. He probably thought it was a safer environment since there were security guards and everything so loan sharks couldn’t get to us. But we were living on rent, and it became a real burden to us financially. We lived with a constant anxiety growing up... either from the fear of being evicted at  any time, or having the police knocking on our door, or to get bad news over a phone call... 

PREETI: And neither of us were working yet. Subi was in JC. And I was still doing my ‘O’ levels and there almost no source of income. We paid rent by just borrowing money, our parents had to borrow from family friends, from relatives. It was just so weird living there given the circumstances.

SO THEN, WHAT IS THE IDEA OF HOME?

PREETI: I think for me, although we moved so many times, there was always a sense of home because of the people I came home to everyday. Subi, my mum and Mini (my dog), were what that I looked forward to every single day. That meant home to me. It was always the people, it was never the location, the place. I always knew that at the back of my mind the house we lived in wasn’t a place we could call our own, so I never felt attached to the space or the people around me in the neighbourhood.

SUBHAS: For me, home has always been a very difficult concept. It’s something that exists but we cannot touch or hold I don’t know if I have ever felt ‘home’. I don't even feel like I belong here in Singapore a lot of the time. Internally,  there’s a constant conflict of who you are, who you believe you must be, and the place you're surrounded in. So I think home is wherever I can give. Wherever I can contribute back, wherever I can just share my voice, share my spirit, share my love. All I know is that wherever I find home, it will be with Preeti and my Mom.

The three of us have been through a lot and we've fought a lot of fires together, so I know that I'm never going to be alone in this. It's better that way - when there is no physical idea of home to me. Oh yeah, and home is where the heart lands are too lah.

...[H]ome is wherever I can give. Wherever I can contribute back, wherever I can just share my voice, share my spirit, share my love. All I know is that wherever I find home, it will be with Preeti and my Mom.

— SUBHAS

LIVING AT BLK 101 SUNSET WAY & RECOUNTING THEIR MOM’S GENEROSITY

Preeti & Subhas at the basketball court of Sunset Way estate

PREETI: My mum was always in the kitchen cooking, always preparing the best food in the world. She had her own system of running things in the kitchen. The most iconic one was the pulley system where she literally had this super long rope connected to an S-hook and she would throw down an empty plastic bag or an empty basket so that she could help carry up our bags or heavy items. As if we were living in the olden days even when we were living on the third floor.  She also used that system to pass down food and other stuff to migrant workers who were working in the Sunset Way area. She was always super friendly and if she bumped into one of them downstairs, she will be like "Have you had lunch? OK stay here" or “Come to my block, come downstairs, I'll pass you something".

SUBHAS: Ya, during Deepavali, she will always cook and prepare food for them. Thinking back, I think that's why a lot of my work and my focus is on migrant justice in Singapore. It’s  actually seeing my mum lead by example and being so caring and kind to people who are obviously much more vulnerable than we were. That really was remarkable and amazing parenting. Kudos to my mum lah. I think not many people do that.

PREETI: Yeah, the migrant workers were so amazing. They'd offer to help us, especially when we moved out! Two of the migrant workers came into our houses to help us transport boxes. They brought in spare boxes they had from any work areas and basically we had free boxes to pack our stuff up in. And also to transport everything into the mover vans. They were so grateful and they were so nice to us that I don't think we'll ever forget them. 

ESCAPING REALITIES AND FINDING THEIR PATHWAYS

3EIGHTH: How did you deal with the situation at home and find your present day selves?

PREETI: I actually am an introvert, which no one believes! I’m so introverted that I mostly keep to myself, and my closest friends. I think I just feel very comfortable and in my element as long as I'm surrounded by people I love and I can just completely be myself with. 

Amongst my group of friends I probably was the most outspoken one, always cracking jokes, kind of like the class clown (laughs). When I was really stressed out because things were difficult at home, I always had a safe space amongst my friends and made jokes around them. I just wanted to spend as much time away from home sometimes. And I think that was how I dealt with a lot of things - being funny, being me and comedic, just laughing at everything in life.

SUBHAS: I guess we both had different pathways of escapism. For me it was through basketball, music, and my only relationships. With basketball, that opened a lot of doors for me. If I didn't play basketball, Hwa Chong would probably never wanted anything to do with this kid who needed financial aid from New Town Sec. So being a first generation JC student, college student, and today first-gen adult in the family who is not in debt, that means a lot. Rap was also an outlet for me - because I saw the potential to translate issues and stories through the lyrics and music very directly.

Preeti’s and my pathways were extremely different, but what binds us is that knowledge that we're doing this for something greater than us. We're breaking some kind of intergenerational shackles that we both are still tied to in many ways, but we know that the work needs to be done individually and internally to heal, self-reflect and grow while also holding each other accountable, and being there for each other.

3EIGHTH: How did you both get down to making content that tackles Singaporean issues? Why do you go through the difficulty to highlight some pain points or focus on marginalized communities?

PREETI: Subi and I have always questioned the status quo or why things were done a certain way. Especially because of how things were at home. It was only because we started questioning these things that we realize all the lies and issues we had back at home, and how we had to step up. It's similar to the work we do today - we're not going to just sit here and accept whatever that is being thrown at us. We're actually going to speak up and say something. If something doesn't sound right or seem right, it's clearly not right.

It's not a matter of calling people out because I want to; I only do it when I think it’s absolutely important to, and since I have a platform now, more people are going to listen and start questioning these things, and I would love to encourage that kind of critical thinking.

It’s not a matter of calling people out because I want to;
I only do it when I think it’s absolutely important to, and since I have a platform now, more people are going to listen and start questioning these things, and I would love to encourage that kind of critical thinking.

— PREETI NAIR

SUBHAS: I don't even think about calling people out. I think it's so much more complex than that. There's power asymmetries and positionalities and so many other things. My intention is always towards the seeking truth from more than one voice or narrative, and towards dismantling systems of exploitation and oppression.

I think art making is the most effective way. Story-telling and making sure that there are multiple narratives is the only way we can get these systems that seems so robust and entrenched - first we must maybe laugh; then question, reconsider the options, and really challenge the status quo. We must always have hope. It's not just down to people like Preeti and I who are creatives, or artists. But it's about calling people into the conversation and taking that conversation forward, doing what we can with our time in this life.

RETURNING TO 23 DOVER CRESCENT AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS

SUBHAS: Through our childhood, there were many times we visited Dover Crescent. The home belonged to my Grandfather. I was born in 92, and my Grandfather passed away on Jul 7 1999. I remembered the date because I vividly remember trying to jump into his grave when we were customarily throwing dirt into his grave. I wanted to go where he was going. This line featured on my song in Blk 101. That was when I knew I was never going to see him again… and the concept of death wasn’t explained to me at that point. We eventually moved in to the home because it was unoccupied and we were stranded from moving house to house. And this influenced my song Blk 101 a lot because the song isn’t really about the block per se. It's about the idea of home - one that we have been grappling with all our lives. There's a line that goes "Family's loyalty ‘til lawyers fees and court cases. Really no one wins when the family feuds. They check on you when the check is due. The meanings that we all imbue”. That line reflects on how my Mom's side of the family fell apart because everyone was fighting over the house and money when our family was in dire need of a roof over our heads.

Preeti & Subhas during their childhood

PREETI: My Grandfather was a man who was very well-read, he taught us how to play chess and spoke Malay, Chinese, and Japanese. When I cried, he would literally catch my tears in a mug and tell to cry more so he had more to drink. It would always get me to stop crying. I don't think we will ever get over the loss of our Grandfather.

But here we are witnessing our aunts and uncles fighting over this house and how much shares they were going to get if they sold this house. And things were so messy and confusing for us. We just saw my mom and all her other siblings yelling. And my brother was old enough to kind of understand so he was yelling back at them too. I never understood why, but I eventually did.

3EIGHTH: So Subhas, being the elder brother of the family, did you feel like your role at home has also impacted you in the content that you do and your responsibility towards the subject matter?

Subhas: I choose to do the work that I do because this stuff needs to be said. We need people making music about soldiers who are dying in NS. We need to question systems that have gone unquestioned for far too long. We’re not here to start the ball rolling, but to continue the good work that so many people have done and continue to do. And we have a platform to do it - we have the talent to say what we have to say so we must.

I've always been an overprotective brother when I was a kid because of a version of masculinity that was transferred to me. With a lot of my work right now - I am creating all while learning and growing and healing. I'm always trying to pivot and grow because I'm not just trying to be the best artist or rapper. I'm trying to understand what it means to be human and use the platform to share my experiences so that I can help others along the way. I'm grateful that I have a sister who's still here with me because everyday - being a brother is not just one static idea or concept. Everyday I learn to be a better brother and how to be a better son and I try my best. I think what we really can do is to try and I probably fail a lot at those things but I'm just grateful that I have people who love me and are here for me.

Preeti: He's all about self-improvement and he really values the process of everything that he does and attempts in life. Whether it's in music, writing, rapping - anything. He would always look back at how much he's improved and how much more he can improve. And I think that is a very amazing quality to have.

I am creating all while learning and growing and healing. I’m always trying to pivot and grow because I’m not just trying to be the best artist or rapper. I’m trying to understand what it means to be human and use the platform to share my experiences so that I can help others along the way.

— SUBHAS NAIR

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3EIGHTH: Preeti, do you feel that people make light of your message and intentions because of how you use humour and sarcasm in more serious topics like feminism and body positivity for example?

Preeti: I always use comedy to get my point across, whether in my personal life or in my public persona. Not only because that's how I deal with everything in life, but I feel like that's the easiest way to get through to someone. People are probably going to stop at something that's funny if they are randomly scrolling on the Internet and if there’s a key takeaway or if I'm saying something important, it's probably going to stay with them if it's put in a super ridiculous exaggerated joke. And that's how I tend to approach it.

I feel like that's probably how it's best received because I've been doing that for so long. But sometimes when things are very blatant, and we know which video we're talking about, I think it gets uncomfortable for some people because it's too real and much for them. So if I keep being subtle and do over-the-top satire with Preetipls as a whole character, I think that's a better way to get my point across. And that's what I'll keep doing.

LIVING IN GOODLUCK GARDENS

CREATING NEW MEMORIES IN SPITE OF THE ODDS

3EIGHTH: I think it’s nice to know that both of you have kept your heads up throughout the tough times and stuck together as siblings. And on that note - we know you have a third “sibling” in the mix - Wee San, who is almost inseparable from your family now. How are you both feeling about his departure as Preetipls intern?

PREETI: (Laughs) I hired Wee San in April 2019, and he has been with me all the way till the end of January because he’s enlisting for NS. It is so sad because Wee San is pretty much a part of the family. He's like the younger brother we never had. My Mom loves Wee San so much that I don't know how she's going to cope when Wee San doesn't come over everyday. She cooks all his favourite food for him all the time, and Subi’s first question when he comes home from work is "Where's Wee San?" and sometimes I mess around and pretend Wee San’s left just to see how sad Subi gets. And then Subi gets so happy when he sees that Wee San is actually there. I swear Wee San really brings us so much closer together, he’s kind of plays the same role Mini (our late dog) did ha!

SUBHAS: Yeah, Wee San is really precious, I really love Wee San. Definitely will miss him but we have the rest of our lives.

WEE SAN: I met Preeti when I was working at 987 (radio) as an intern and she came up to me one day with this opportunity and I was like I’d rather try something fun. I’ve ever watched her videos before we started hanging out over supper after work and it was quite funny how it all transpired. I was a fan before a friend, and I would work for her again in a heartbeat and if the situation allows for me to work full-time with her. It was fun exploring all the different things and making our random ideas come to life together.

PREETI: I'm so excited for him to get out of the army and work for Preetiplsfull time. Okay, I'm putting it out there to manifest. (Laughs)

Preeti and Subhas right at the corridor of their previous home at Good Luck Gardens

 

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SO WHAT DOES HOME MEAN NOW FOR THE SIBLINGS NOW?

 

SUBHAS : I have always tried to reframe my past into a narrative of strength that helps me move forward and focus on the future and how I can be better. In a way, I don't even think our idea of home has been messed up. I just think it's just preparations for the many more tests that I have in this life.

I wrote a line in a song once, "I put stitches between my future and my past, now I'm sticking to the task to put my pain in paragraphs." All I seek to do is to write and create. By doing that, I can created space. Space for other people to create. Space for me to reflect. It's crazy to think what time means and when you can look back and forward, it's a powerful thing and a privilege that you must share. So I'm just grateful that I can articulate myself. I have a lot, a lot left to do in this project of being human to be the best version of myself. And I'm grateful that I can do this with people like Preeti, my Mom, Wee San, and y'all. I'm just grateful.

PREETI: I think what home means to me right now is a place where I can just create and feel truly like myself and the best ideas come to life. Have amazing home cooked food, and my Mom smiling at me across the table, I think that's literally what home means to me. Both of us at the dining table coming up with the most ridiculous music video ideas, Preetipls ideas, and Wee San coming in to eat his favourite food that my Mom will cook for him all the time, and our dog (Maxi) destroying everything – she's ruining something for sure. That's all I want.

 

 

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A LITTLE SURPRISE FOR ALL OF YOU…

The sibling pair has made a song about suiting up (we can’t wait either!).

“SUIT” will be available on all streaming channels including Spotify and the full video drops on Friday, 17 Jan.
Keep your eyes peeled!

 

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We thank the Nair siblings for being a part of #3EIGHTHConversations, and for sharing their stories, as well as give us new perspectives.

A 3EIGHTH Production

Photography by Sherman See-tho | Videography by Robin Thang
Hair & Make up by Atiqah Ho
Production Coordination by Philip Ho & Joshua Yeung
Special thanks to Wee San and

Edits to article by Ho Kin Yunn

 

 

ABOUT THE SUITS AND DESIGNS FOR PREETI & SUBHAS

The designs were birthed through an ebb-and-flow process, we bounced back and forth through multiple conversations before we rounded things off on a classic adaptation. 

We wanted to design suits that would best represent the tenacity of the sibling pair. The final suits were adapted from classic fabrics and colors but with a twist. For both siblings, we used black as the core of the design and played around with panel-blocking to reflect their dynamic personalities. They were people who believed in the core ideas of staying true to oneself but were willing to take risks and push boundaries.

The use of a bright colours on their design detailing, mainly on the sashes, were also a nod to their bold spirits and "dare to stand out" philosophy. Hand-stitched embroidery was also used to express the messages or keywords that alluded to their work and belief system, completing the looks of both suits. Every detail of the two suits are intentional and took time to carefully piece together - much like the work of the two people wearing them and bringing our collaboration to life.