Rudolf Dethu

rumahsakit: 1+2

• Versi Bahasa Indonesia silakan klik di sini

One of the most respected bands from the 90-s era, rumahsakit, are back from the dead with their newest album, 1+2. Released on 12/12/12 this is their third album after rumahsakit (1998) and Nol Derajat (2000). A few weeks before the album was released, they distributed their first single, “Bernyanyi Menunggu”, as a teaser, for free (online).

According to Andri Ashari, the vocalist, the album title 1+2 is based on the fact that some of the songs are taken from the first and second album and rerecorded, while another 4 songs are absolutely new. Completed over two months in early 2012, the album is released under Off The Records/Bravo Musik.

Founded in 1994, rumahsakit have created big buzz from the start. Their group of loyal followers is well established. Their reputation as one out of only a few 90-s alternative local heroes is still strong, and was well evident during their album release party at a bar in Cilandak Town Square on 12th of December. The place was packed with an enthusiastic crowd and quite a few indie-scene veterans were sighted.

Keep yourself updated by frequently visiting their official website rumahsakitband.com

Tonite! Vive le Rock: Way Back Before You Were Punk!

My new weekly radio program on Rebel Radio Indonesia:

VIVE LE ROCK!
Every Thursday 6-8pm (Bali time)

Dec 20 & 27 edition: Way Back Before You Were Punk

♪ ♬ ♫ Online streaming http://rebelradioindonesia.org/rebel-stream

Homegrown & Well Known: DODIX

He has chosen to live a rock-n-roll life and spins reggae tunes now, instead of pursuing his previous brilliant career as a hotelier. Following his heart seems to have worked out well.

Ganyang Nasionalisme Usang Lalu Sambut Pahlawan Baru

Sekarang sudah tahun 2012 menyongsong 2013. Jaman sudah brutal berubah. Makna juga telah banyak bergeser. Sebagian hal-hal di masa lalu yang tadinya dipandang adiluhung kini berhenti menjadi sekadar barang usang. Benda-benda pada dahulu kala dipandang keramat di jaman sekarang nilai angkernya anjlok berkurang—atau melulu dihargai atas alasan sentimental semata. Begitu pula dengan fenomena pahlawan. Siapa—atau apa—yang layak menyandang gelar pahlawan, yang klop dengan kekinian sekaligus pekat cengkok lokal, khas selera Nusantara?

Domestic Groove: SYAHARANI

DOMESTIC GROOVE ~ Celeb’s Chosen Nine is my biweekly column in The Beat (Jakarta) mag. Basically it’s an interview via e-mail which focuses on small, intimate, domestic stuff; what Indonesia’s public figures are really into.

For the 42nd edition I went upclose-and-personal with Syaharani.

Homegrown & Well Known: MARLOWE BANDEM

One word to describe him: Multitasking. And sharp. And slick. (Oh, that’s three.)

The Upstairs: Katalika

• Versi Bahasa Indonesia silakan klik di sini

The Jakarta new wave veterans, The Upstairs, are back. Following the release of their last album, Magnet! Magnet! in 2009 they went on quite a long hiatus. A few weeks ago they finally showed up again with strong new record called Katalika.

According to the group, who have been around since October 2001, this fourth composition is to celebrate their 11th anniversary and is also a special gift, a thank you gesture to their die-hard fans, Modern Darlings.

Now as a trio formation (plus 2 additional musicians)—Jimi Multhazam (vocal), Andre Idris (guitar), and Beni Adhiantoro (drums)—the band consider Katalika as the starting point of their evolution from loud and aggro collective into a calmer and more mature group, musically speaking. The arrangement, lyrics and sound have acquired a softer, more laid-back quality. Even in their fashion style they have moved away from the dramatic bright neon they have been famous for towards lower profile, safe-steady colors. Although, Jimi’s Jagger-esque meets Iggy-ish quirky dance moves will remain the same.

Join their Facebook page www.facebook.com/theupstairs to be the new Modern Darlings and keep yourself totally updated.

Homegrown & Well Known: AYU LAKSMI

There are many things that you don’t know about this lady rocker-cum-World Music Diva. These questions and answers will help you understand Ayu Laksmi deeply, how she evolved from thinking that screaming—being a rock singer—was cool, then finding out that chanting—being a new-traditionalist artist—was even cooler.

Domestic Groove: MELANIE SUBONO

DOMESTIC GROOVE ~ Celeb’s Chosen Nine is my biweekly column in The Beat (Jakarta) mag. Basically it’s an interview via e-mail which focuses on small, intimate, domestic stuff; what Indonesia’s public figures are really into.

For the 41st edition I went upclose-and-personal with Melanie Subono.

Homegrown & Well Known: SUARNATHA

The guy behind one of the longest running NGO in Bali—Wisnu Foundation, the person who walks the talk of so-called “creative industry” even before the term was coined; the calm but sharp man, Suarnatha, has a big plan. A very big plan.