Ubud, the informal Indonesian art capital, already has two major international events and in a few months the Ubud Village Jazz Festival shall knock that tally up to three.

Last time I was in the hills, a couple of whispering spirits insisted the duo behind the newest event, Yuri Mahatma, the Bali jazz veteran responsible for the Underground Jazz Movement, and Anom Darsana, Bali’s sound engineering guru turned die-hard event organiser, were up to something. It turns out that this ain’t gonna be one of those same old Jazz festivals. In fact, it’s goodbye-metropolitan-hello-Ubud hill tribe perfection… and all that kind of jazz.

What inspired you to organise such a massive event? Why jazz? Why Ubud?

Yuri Mahatma: Despite the fact that I’m a jazz musician, I have learned that jazz represents freedom, something that any artist must possess. It also represents, in a wider sense, democracy. In jazz music, you have to listen and appreciate other musicians’ styles and, within this, play with whom you play, even if you don’t agree with their particular style. I think this is what jazz is all about. It’s timeless and as long as there is a need for self expression, you will hear people play it.

I personally think that people, especially Indonesia’s younger generations, should learn how to appreciate art. Not only jazz, but art in general, there are many art forms out there which are not meant to be used for entertaining and party, but fine arts that will feed their hearts and minds.

Anom Darsana: Why Ubud? I’m surprised you ask! Some people say that Ubud is the Indonesian capital of art and that’s a major factor in why we’re doing this jazz fest there. Besides, Ubud is also representative of the uniqueness of Bali. That’s why we’re quite confident of harmonising this unique jazz fest with our local Balinese wisdom, and not just creating a copy and paste of the been-there-done-that metropolitan kind of festival.

This is the second year of the festival, right? Is your optimism built on having received a positive response last year…

AD: Actually this is gonna be our first festival involving well known international and national jazz artists. You’re right, we did hold an event last year but, last year was meant to "test the water" within the community, even though we used the same name, Ubud Village Jazz Festival. Now we have a good support base for UVJF2013 from within the various communities who were involved last year, especially from the founders of Ubud’s two established festivals, Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) and BaliSpirit Festival (BSF). They have given us a lot of advice.

YM: As a newly born festival in Ubud we are here as a complement to what already exists. Above all, as part of the community, we are more than happy if we can build a stronger relationship with these other festivals so that we can also help each other. It is obvious that we are different in content with UWRF, and we do not expect our audiences to dance and party like in BSF’s night event. UVJF is designed to be sophisticated jazz experience, one in which I believe not so many people attend in order to dance and party. Our audience wants to sit back, relax, and enjoy some incredible performances within a perfect setting.

What makes your jazz festival special, different than all the rest of the jazz events? Will there be any musicians performing their own original stuff or are we going to be served up just the same old generic covers by incredible jazz musicians who seem to only want to be singing other people’s songs?

AD: Well, it is special! In order to suss out if a festival is going to be ordinary or exceptional, the best indicator is to check out the performers; the bands, the singers, and the artists who’ll play. Just look at our line up! Not only do we have a selection of Indonesia’s finest jazz musicians, people such as Dwiki Dharmawan (acclaimed as the Indonesian Jazz Ambassador), Simak Dialog, Koko Harsoe, and Ito Kurdhi, we also have some great jazz musicians from Europe: the famous Peter Beets Trio (Holland), Uwe Plath band and Dian Pratiwi (German-based Indonesian jazz singer), and Steve Thornton.

YM: In jazz, we avoid the word "must". We trust the artists to explore their music and because of this, everything in jazz is original, even if they play covers/standard songs. I’ll explain this a little further…let’s say that the average length of a song is approximately 2 minutes. If a jazz musician gets their teeth into this song, explores the potential of the tune, the song can be extended to 10 minutes—meaning that 8 of these minutes is improvisation, a whole new arrangement, involving great length of creativity and, for me, this represents originality. It doesn’t matter what song they choose to play, cover or not, we can hear something new.

I salute you guys for working so hard to make this event come to life. I know it must super tough to find sponsors, people who believe in you. Any support from the government?

YM & AD: Sponsorship…yes, it is definitely hard, it’s always been the biggest obstacle to event organising. But, as a community based festival, the spirit is more about working together, making the collective dream come true by supporting each other. So yes, our main strength is on our capability to reduce the costs. Besides, it’s a community based festival and, hopefully, support from the community will pretty much ensure a sustainable existence. However, we do still get help from outside and it helps that we are also endorsed by Gianyar regency government, Bali Tourism Board, and the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI).

And with that, I’m going to leave you. If you’ve got yourself a jazz soul, go to Ubud Village Jazz Festival on August 9 and 10, 2013. I might see you in the hills.

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*Homegrown & Well Known is my biweekly column in The Beat (Bali) mag. Basically it’s an interview via e-mail with Bali’s local big shots. This is the 29th edition, was firstly published—a slightly different version—on The Beat (Bali) #337, May 10-23, 2013
*Co-Editor: Lauren Shipman
*Front page photo of Yuri Mahatma by Guz Wier
*Check out Yuri Mahatma’s performance at the 2011 Jazz Rendezvous:
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ANDEZZZ
Musician, Producer, DJ

What music are you into at the moment?
These days I’ve been listening to a lot of jazz—especially in the morning. Chet Baker, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Miles Davis have been on rotation in the early hours. Tunes from these guys function as a kind of spirit ignition for my day.

What was the first record you bought—any interesting story behind it?
Jeez…I don’t really remember. It was either Chrisye’s Hip Hip Hura Hura or Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I can’t remember any particular reason why, I was just a kid who bought a record because I liked the way it sounded.

What are your all-time favourite albums? Why?
Well, for that question, I have a long list. Each effectively shapes my mood to different kinds of situations. When the day is one of those long recording session kind of days, John Coltrane’s Giant Step is always effective as a mood booster. When the day needs me to be creative, to make fresh new tunes, I’ll go for Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suites. And, when the day is full of meetings, Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall.

What was the worst record you ever purchased?
Milli Vanilli. I still feel cheated.

Who do you want to be, other than yourself, next time you reincarnate?
I haven’t a clue. All I can say is that if I wasn’t making music, I’d like to be a chef.

What book are you reading now and what’s the score (1-10)?
The Magic by Rhonda Byrne. I just started Chapter One. Oh, but I love The Secret.

What new movie should people see? Why?
Have you seen Argo yet? In the beginning it feels like you need a good supply of popcorn to keep you awake, but then you realise it’s a kind of slow story building movie. It gets interesting from the middle to the end…you’ll be glued to your seat.

What music do you choose to start your weekend?
Bebel Gilberto or some other such Brazilian music is always a good start. But then again, it depends on how busy I am. If I have to work that weekend, to get into the right kind of mood, I’d just listen to the playlist I’ve worked out for my show.

And music you choose to end your weekend?
My weekends usually end with music from the radio. I’m usually on the way from airport to home, and listening to stations which play the latest pop music so that I keep up-to-date on what is really going on out there.

Within months of releasing his newest album Electric Lov3, Andezzz has signed exclusively with Laxity Recordings, a label from New York. Thus, his international debut and being an integral part of EDM global scene is set, ready, and about to begin.

Here in Indonesia, the man’s busy in the studio collaborating with talents such as Lona Cindy, Bayu Risa,and Ricad Hutapea but if you’re quick, you might still find him dj-ing Jakarta and maybe a few other cities in Indonesia as well.

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*This interview was firstly published on The Beat (Jakarta) #85, May 2013
*Co-editor: Lauren Shipman
*Check out also Andezzz’s composition, "Pergi ft. Amandia"
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Other than Putu, Made, Nyoman and Ketut, one of the most generic names you’re likely to find in Bali is "Gusde". People get so confused by their Gusde conversations, they have no choice but to ask "which one?" When the answer is "Gus De Photography", everyone knows. Gus De equals exquisite pictures.
So, do you know Gus De? This one tried to be a banker once. Next time you’re at the bank, thank them would you. Image-wise, rejecting him may well be the best decision an Indonesian bank has ever made.

You’re one of few prominent figures in the Bali photography scene. How did your career start? What got you into photography?

You know, my parents wanted me to be a banker?! I took economy as my main subject when I was at uni, just to be a good son to my parents. I did get my degree but it turned out that it wasn’t so easy to find a job. No banks accepted my application. For three years I was unemployed. I went back to college and this time I enrolled to study graphic design. Mind you, I had been wanting to go to graphic design school forever, but never got approval from my parents. I’ve always been into art, always like painting—I guess it’s an influence from my grandfather who’s a painter. I painted a lot when I was a kid, won quite a few trophies representing my school in painting.

I landed in the photography world after getting a job working as a graphic designer for a surf company in Kuta. I had to buy a digital pocket camera as a support tool for my job and I used it quite a lot, work wise. Having to use this little camera, I became fascinated by photography, I really wanted to be able to take pictures properly. I learned from the internet, joined online photography clubs, and talked to photography enthusiasts who were part of these virtual communities. Then one day I took one of the bravest steps in my life: I purchased a DSLR. Guess I may be not the greatest example in making parents happy!

What obstacles have you faced in your career? Anything major?

This photography thing, it all started as a hobby. I never dreamt that I would be doing this professionally, making a living out of it. After I purchased a DSLR camera, even though I was really excited, I didn’t think I would get this far.

In the beginning it was a bit hard for me to find people that I clicked with. I mean, yeah sure there were a few photography enthusiasts out there but they were pretty much doing their own thing. So I began to connect with people from outside of Bali as I was quite active in photography forums, particularly international photography forums. They were so open, people who were interacting through these networks didn’t think twice about sharing knowledge. They certainly weren’t afraid of anyone becoming their competition. I learned a lot from them. I didn’t have quite the same experience with photography enthusiasts in Bali as, back then, they tended to be kind of individualistic and, overall, not the types to share.

I spent around three years as an amateur, hobby-based, photographer and then began to step into the professional scene by taking landscape pictures and also photographing lesser-known models. After I had taken those steps, thanks to a friend’s recommendation, I found myself taking photos for national fashion magazines.

Just so you know, there’s a problem between local and overseas photographers here in Indonesia: we get paid differently. It’s classic. Despite obvious proof to counter this argument, local photographers are considered to be of a lower class. People say that what we produce lacks quality, that our work is not professional and then, of course, this line is thrown at us to justify cheap and disrespectful payment for our work. Meanwhile, overseas photographers, without scrutiny, are considered to produce work that is better in quality, more professional, and therefore are automatically offered much higher payments. As a matter of fact, between local and overseas photographers, there isn’t much difference anymore, we’re the same. The real problem with local photographers is that we can’t—I can’t—sell ourselves. We are bad at communicating our worth and we are not the best negotiators. It’s often because we can’t speak English well enough to express ourselves confidently but it’s also because, in our very own culture, we are not taught to talk directly, it is considered impolite to name your price (except when you are in a traditional market, or a shop selling something, basically anywhere where one is practicing "real" trading). Overseas photographers, they’ve already won. They speak English confidently, know how to sell themselves, and have zero problem getting straight to the point. This is the real reason they are getting people to pay them right—expensive. But locals deserve to be paid right too, without having to breach our culture. I’m not meaning to generalise, and the issue that I’m trying to raise isn’t that overseas photographers shouldn’t be working here or that they are bad, I’m just trying to highlight the fact that this unfounded discrimination is a reality, and it something that local photographers, talented photographers, are faced with each and every day.

Do you think there is a way to resolve this discrimination?

Rather than playing blame games, I think local photographers need to be tactical. We could do this by communicating the way clients expect. I guess, using the same tricks the overseas photographers use could work. Begin by including your "award-winning" title in your portfolio! Or maybe we have to start joining international competitions, just to win something, and then include that on our cv. I mean, that seems to work well in overseas photographer negotiations.

Other than that, I have been talking with some friends about building an association of local wedding photographers in order to create fair competition. We set a certain standard and a set of guidelines, and help to facilitate recognition and respect for members. We work together, to be stronger, for the better.

Achieving this isn’t going to be as easy as I make it sound though. When I was a fashion photographer, I found out just how unfair the competition was. Bad discrimination. So hard to fight it. Too complex. This was a major factor in me changing my direction to wedding photography. I think I do alright today. Oh yeah, me and my colleagues, we all submit our photos to wedding photography competitions like Fearless, ISPWP, Junebug, to name a few. And we’ve successfully gotten a couple of awards out of it too. It totally helps. We’re making progress.

How’s the photography scene in Indonesia today?

All in all, it’s very positive. I think this is thanks in part to Facebook, or socmed in general. These days every person who owns a DSLR thinks that he or she is a "real" photographer and they have access to quick and easy outlets to share the images with their peers, by posting the photos on Facebook. There’s Instagram as well of course. Since this popular photography movement began, photography competitions have been popping up all over the country, there’s one almost every week. It’s not about the photos being good, it’s the enthusiasm. It all helps to transform the scene and now the scene has evolved into one that is dynamic and enthusiastic. Maybe soon all this activity will allow the general public to comprehend the importance of photography and how it has become a significant part of life in Indonesia. When this happens, photography will be given the respect and recognition it deserves here. Plus people will always try to make better pictures than their peers, with each image they strive to improve, and this elevates overall quality. Public eyes are already educated. It’s exciting to witness such enthusiasm and, integrated with the harmonious atmosphere occurring among photographers, photography enthusiasts, and photography clubs….perhaps this harmony means we’re entering into the heyday of photography in Indonesia!

What is the best achievement you have received so far?

Not so long ago I was offered the opportunity to talk about my photography work in Denpasar. I was really humbled by the turnout. It’d never occurred to me that this chat I was going to have would become such a big thing, with such heavy buzz, let alone that hundreds of people were going to show up to hear it! It was a surreal. And to see that people weren’t just coming from Bali, but also all the way from Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan, made me feel really appreciated. What else? I was pretty pleased when Elle Indonesia magazine gave me their whole fashion spread. Awards-wise, it was exciting to have been included in Rolling Stone Indonesia’s 2009 Hot List. And I was pretty damn happy to receive those two consecutive awards from Fearless Photographer, 2012 and 2013.

Any plans for a solo exhibition?

Not at the moment. Back in 2009 I was included in BLIPfest Imagemakers together with a few other young Indonesian photographers…group shows, group shows. Hmmmm, now you’ve said it, yeah, maybe I should start thinking about exhibiting solo.

Name your favourite local photographers and why.

For fashion photography I definitely admire Nicoline Patricia because, through her, international eyes have begun to focus on the talents of Indonesian fashion photographers. And, I’m a big fan of Erwin Damali and Ray from Apertura. These two wedding photographers may not live in Indonesia but they’ve helped Indonesian photography get recognition as a significant part of the global photography map, especially once their names appeared in the Top 10 Wedding Photographer list compiled by American Photo magazine. And I respect Rio Helmi too, his photos are one of a kind—he was already a professional photographer before I was even born!

Any last nagging words?

You call yourself a photographer? When you’re on a holiday, don’t bring a camera. Trust me, it’s nicer.

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*Homegrown & Well Known is my biweekly column in The Beat (Bali) mag. Basically it’s an interview via e-mail with Bali’s local big shots. This is the 28th edition, was firstly published—a slightly different version—on The Beat (Bali) #336, April-May, 2013
*Co-Editor: Lauren Shipman
*Check out Gus De’s photoworks: www.gusdephotography.com

He gained respect by mixing craftsmanship, loud guitar and activism. Bayak is one of today’s most distinctive Bali young artists. While his band, Geekssmile, should be used as the role model for other Indonesian bands: quit singing cheesy love songs, stop crying, start helping this in-a-state-of-emergency country.

Are you a guitarist or a visual artist?

I prefer to call myself as an artist (as recorded on my KTP/Indonesian ID card). You know, I grew up in a village where being artistic is a normal part of daily life. So since I was a kid I’ve been into drawing. Since the age of seven I’ve been drawing figures from wayang stories. Not only drawing on paper, I sometimes draw outlines on coconut skins and then etch into the coconut manually.

My interest in (rock) music began after I was "ambushed" by my cousin (and his friends) who are older than me. He liked cranking up the volume of metal records that he owned like Metallica and Helloween, from his self-modified speakers, at whatever time he/they wished. That was the era when I was introduced to guitar. After graduating from middle school I continued to a senior high school that specialised in visual arts. That’s when I became really inspired to mix music and visual art. My finest moment was when my bandmates in Geekssmile decided to let me interpret each song in our album Upeti Untuk Macan Asia into visual art, which became the concept for the whole artwork of the album.

You just got back from exhibiting in Singapore. How was it? That wasn’t your first overseas exhibition right?

True, my exhibition in Singapore wasn’t my first overseas exhibition. In 2010 I was included in the Pozan Biennale in Poland, and the year after in Hanover, Germany, and this year also in Germany (Frankfurt, to be precise). But, yeah, it was just my art work, without me included! For this Singapore exhibition, I sent my artwork into their competition. I was chosen as one of 20 young finalists from South East Asia. My artwork was exhibited at Espace Louis Vuitton Singapore. A few colleagues of mine were kind enough to sponsor me to attend the opening night of the exhibition.

Even though I wasn’t there for long, I noticed that the art scene over there seems to run well. There are so many established galleries and public spaces filled with art pieces. Public appreciation seems great as well—you see school kids come to the museum for art studies, for instance. At their museum (which is owned by the government), they collect works not only from veteran, established artists, but also young artists. You even find young Indonesian artists as part of the collections. You can really tell that the Singapore government is actively involved in supporting the art scene.
Bayak’s distinctive creations
Bayak the Mercenary Axeman

Any big plans for your upcoming visual art activities? Another mural project, perhaps?

I just did a 5 days workshop at BaliSpirit Festival. In the very near future I plan to hold a solo exhibition at Arys Warung, Ubud, and join a group exhibition with the collective Ten Fine Arts - Sanur at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. I will also continue to apply to join biennales overseas.

At the moment I’m focusing on my own "Plasticology" theme, where I transform plastic trash into works of art. The idea is quite straightforward: to respond to big issues with simple actions. Regarding murals, I still do one every once in a while—I can’t quit doing it, I think it’s in my blood already hehe… I’m a big supporter of mural activities as they’re soaked with street cred. When you create a mural, you do it on the street, exposed to the community, the outside world, the smog, reality. Plus here, in this mural world, art doesn’t feel arrogant, or separated from mainstream life, cause it’s so easily accessible for everyone. You get direct appreciation or criticism right from "the critics"/the public. They either protest to you on the spot or by vandalising your artwork. I like this sense of egalitarianism.

And your band, Geekssmile, what’s the latest news?

We are in the process of recording a few new songs while finishing up other songs that are already half ready. Aside from that, we are in the early stages of making our second video clip. We also keep producing propaganda tools, and are building our own website.

I really respect your band. I think, like you, that bands in Indonesia should be more socially conscious rather than just singing cheesy love songs. This country is in critical condition. Musicians should participate in inspiring the youth to be the agent of change.

True what you said, the situation in Indonesia is critical. It would be better if us young people in bands tried to contribute something to this country by doing things that we are good at: singing or even screaming, while making a constructive contribution to society. We can’t just act as if everything is alright so let’s sing love songs. People can do whatever they want, but I just think this country is in an emergency situation and we should recognise it as such. As a band, we participate in almost every social cause  or rally—especially in the context of environmental and human rights issues. We work a lot with WALHI (an environmental NGO) and Frontier (the student activists collective) especially. We sing at their events and sometimes join rallies on the streets with them.

Name 3 of you all-time favourite musicians-cum-activists and why.

Just so you know, Geekssmile was founded after being massively inspired by Rage Against The Machine. That’s why I am naming two of their personnel here: Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello. Zack, the vocalist, screams protest in every lyric he spits out. The more I listen to him the more I want to know about him. His reference, his words, he’s a living (activism) library. While Tom, as well has being a brilliant guitar innovator, is also a real activist. He’s seriously pro minorities, and built a foundation for advocation for minorities, fighting for justice.

My other idol is Herry Sutresna—better known as Ucok Homicide. A true visionary, wicked lyricist, and rhyme terrorist. He uses lots of strange yet sophisticated Indonesian words, mixes them all together, and when he shouts them out, those words become deadly weapons, with super strong venom. He’s a punk poet, a lavish linguist, and a revolutionary rapper. Oh, plus he’s not only singing/rapping on stage but also down on the streets, a true activist.

Any last nagging words?

Every person is born with their own weaponry. Sharpen it and use it to to fix problems, not to stab and spill blood.

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*Homegrown & Well Known is my biweekly column in The Beat (Bali) mag. Basically it’s an interview via e-mail with Bali’s local big shots. This is the 27th edition, was firstly published—a slightly different version—on The Beat (Bali) #335, April 12-25, 2013
*Check out also Bayak’s video with his band Geekssmile, "Yeah Yeah Indonesia"
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Setelah tenggang waktu lebih dari setahun akhirnya Morfem meluncurkan album penuh keduanya, Hey, Makan Tuh Gitar!, pada bulan lalu. Komposisi yang terdiri dari 11 lagu ini masih berkutat pada tema keseharian. Sementara di soal cengkok musik, rangkaian tembang yang dimunculkan lebih berwarna dibanding karya rekaman sebelumnya.

"Materi variatif. Kadang keras seperti old school hardcore. Di saat lain menukik ke folk. Ada juga sentuhan surf rock serta intens direcoki shoegazing juga," jelas sang komandan Jimi Multhazam tentang album yang dirilis di bawah label Demajors Records ini. "Intinya genre yang tersedia di galeri di dunia kita jadikan mood di tiap lagu. Benang merahnya ya di sound Morfem dan lirik lagunya."

"Di album ini sound-nya lebih raw," tegas Jimi lagi saat ditanyakan apa yang membedakan antara terbitan terbaru dengan yang sebelumnya. Ketika dikomentari bahwa cara bersenandungnya di "180 Derajat" unik dan menarik, veteran skena alternatif Jakarta ini dengan riang mengamininya, "Benar, setelah bertahun-tahun baru gue dapet cara menyanyi yang gue mau…" Memang, sebelum album resmi dirilis grup asal Jakarta ini terlebih dahulu mendistribusikan secara gratis single sekaligus video "180 Derajat" pada awal Maret.

Dideklarasikan pada 2009 pasca acara "Tribute to 90′s Shoegaze", Morfem pertama kali menerbitkan album penuhnya pada 2011 dengan tajuk Indonesia. Setelah sedikit mengalami perombakan formasi kini Morfem beranggotakan Jimi Multhazam (biduan), Pandu Fuzztoni (gitar, vokal latar), Freddie A. Warnerin (drum) dan Yanu Fuadi (bas, vokal latar).

Ikuti terus perkembangan Morfem dengan rutin menyambangi situs resmi mereka di morfemband.wordpress.com. Morfem datang semua senang!

English version

If you are into noise music and shoegazing sounds (think Sonic Youth meets The Jesus and Mary Chain), with a healthy dose of punk rock, you should check out Morfem. Especially their second full-length album, Hey, Makan Tuh Gitar!, which was just released last month.

The first single, "180 Derajat", was released for free online earlier (before the album formally launched). At the same time the Jakarta quartet also published their video clip for the single. Consisting of 11 songs, the album’s theme remains dominated by daily issues. The sound through the whole album is more raw than their previous record, Indonesia. Morfem, founded in 2009, are one the music projects of Jimi Multhazam, one of the long standing Jakartan alternative scenesters.

Go to YouTube to listen and watch "180 Derajat" and keep yourself updated by visiting their website: morfemband.wordpresscom.

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*This article was firstly published on The Beat (Jakarta) #84, April 2013
*All photos taken from morfemband.wordpresscom

Indra7
DJ, Club Owner, IT Consultant

What music are you into at the moment?
Mostly Indonesian bands like Rumah Sakit’s 1+2, Mata Jiwa, and Suar Marabahaya by ((Auman)). I still keep updated with the electronic stuff from www.residentadvisor.net as well.

What was the first record you bought—any interesting story behind it?
I don’t really remember the first record that I bought. What I really remember is one of my older cousins introduced me to Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite For Destruction. I was still in elementary school, 4th grade, at the time. Then I asked my mother to buy me the album at Duta Suara Sabang. Appetite For Destruction really changed my life. It was absorbed deep into my bones. While other kids wrote on their school assignments that they wanted to be presidents/doctors/architects when they grew up, I declared that I wanted to be a musician—yes, I fell in love with rock-n-roll since that early age! And rock-n-roll became my future. I thank Guns N Roses for that.

What are your all-time favourite albums? Why?
Guns N Roses’ Appetite For Destruction. ‘Nuff said.
The Prodigy’s Music For The Jilted Generation. This record was a massive turning point, it opened my heart wide, turned me into a serious electronic music junkie and pretty much inspired me to cofound my electronic band, Media Distorsi.
Mötley Crüe’s Dr. Feelgood. The true essence of sex, drugs, and rock n roll.
Ghost’s Opus Eponymous. It was like love at first sight when I first heard that album back in 2011. Oh, they are Swedish, too, for God’s sake!
Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral. Trent Reznor at his best.
Original Soundtracks of The Crow, Singles, Judgment Night, and Spawn. They are vital legacies from the 90s, when everything was so cool (unlike now).

What was the worst record you ever purchased?
To be honest, Metallica’s 12″ LP Load. Until now I keep thinking why I did I buy that record. Haha!

Who do you want to be, other than yourself, next time you reincarnate?
Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

What book are you reading now and what’s the score (1-10)?
Memoar Melawan Lupa: Catatan-Catatan Tentang Insiden Sabtu Kelabu Tragedi AACC 9 Februari 2008 dan Ujungberung Rebels by Kimung. I give it a big 8.5.

What new movie should people see? Why?
I just watched Sound City (directed by Dave Grohl). It’s like a revelation. If you are passionate about music, live for music, sleep with music, and ready to die for music, you better watch this movie.

What song do you choose to start your weekend?
"(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do?" by Filter & The Crystal Method.

And song you choose to end your weekend?
"Pure Shores" by All Saints.

Indra7 seems to always have loads on his plate. Other than his 9-5 work schedule in the IT industry, he runs his newly renovated Borneo Beer House after office hours, DJ’s around the clubs in Jakarta on the weekends, a good father and husband on Sundays, while, amongst all of this, also active with his Jakarta Techno Militia collective and Microchip record label.

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*This interview was firstly published on The Beat (Jakarta) #84, April 2013
*Check out also video of his now-defunct electronic band, Media Distorsi, "Confession Pt. 1″
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Mar 28 & Apr 04 ’13 Edition
Queens of Noise & Riot Grrrl: Yesterday and Today

Jen Smith, personel Bratmobile, di suatu ketika di tahun 1991 pernah bilang, "This summer’s going to be a girl riot". Dan tak lama setelahnya, Wolfe serta Molly Neuman bekerjasama dengan Kathleen Hanna + Tobi Vail menerbitkan fanzine Riot Grrrl.

Namun sejatinya pergerakan ini telah dimulai sejak tahun 1990, berpusat di Olympia, Washington, AS. Saat itu Punk Rock sedang melanda Olympia. Etos Do-It-Yourself sungguh diminati para anak mudanya. Perempuan-perempuan yang merasa suaranya kurang terdengar lalu berlomba-lomba mengambil peluang dengan menerbitkan fanzine, mengekspresikan pendapat pribadinya. Lalu di tahun 1991 stasiun radio KAOS di Olympia berinisiatif memberikan ruang kepada para wanita yang resah-marah dengan membuat program Your Dream Girl.

Fenomena Riot Grrrl kemudian direspons baik di International Pop Underground Convention dengan membikin konser khusus musisi perempuan saja pada hari pertama, 20 Agustus 1991, bertajuk Love Rock Revolution Girl Style Now.

Secara musikal para aktivis Riot Grrrl pekat mempraktekkan ideologi Punk Rock yang kecil peduli pada kepiawaian bermain instrumen. Musik mereka terkesan mentah, lo-fi, amatiran. Slogannya: "Play just ’cause you wanna, no matter what".

Riot Grrrl ini juga amat dekat dengan gerakan feminisme. Isu-isu yang sering diusung adalah mengenai pemerkosaan, pelecehan seksual, KDRT, pengakuan eksistensi lesbian, serta penguatan perempuan. Band-band yang kerap dikaitkan dengan Riot Grrrl di antaranya Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, Heavens to Betsy, Sleater-Kinney, Team Dresch, Excuse 17, Huggy Bear, dsb.

Di edisi Vive le Rock kali ini, Riot Grrrl & Queens of Noise: Yesterday and Today, saya pilih artis-artis yang baik secara langsung memang terlibat di skena Riot Grrrl macam Bratmobile, Bikini Kill, Team Dresch, dan Heavens to Betsy; juga kumpulan seniman perempuan yang besar menginspirasi gerakan persamaan derajat di Rock-n-Roll semisal Suzi Quatro, Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders), Poly Styrene (X-Ray Spex), The Slits, Exene Cervenka (X), Wendy O Williams, Joan Jett, pula Lita Ford; serta sosok-sosok wanita yang walau tak terkait langsung dengan fenomena Riot Grrrl namun tersimak punya peran menonjol, kental kesan pemberontak, in-your-face, bingar lagi bising, di blantika musik seperti Peaches, Brody Dalle (The Distillers), Lesbians On Ecstasy, Kittie, Le Tigre, Shonen Knife, plus lainnya.

A movement formed by a handful of girls who felt empowered, who were angry, hilarious, and extreme through and for each other. Built on the floors of strangers’ living rooms, tops of Xerox machines, snail mail, word of mouth and mixtapes, riot grrrl reinvented punk
- Beth Ditto

Yesterday
01. Oh Bondage Up Yours - X-Ray Spex
02. We Got The Beat - The Go-Go’s
03. Race With The Devil - Girlschool

04. School Days - The Runaways
05. I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
06. We’re Desperate - X
07. Ballroom Blitz - Suzi Quatro
08. I Love Sex (and Rock and Roll) - Wendy O Williams
09. Hong Kong Garden - Siouxsie and the Banshees
10. Only Loved at Night - The Raincoats
11. Ping Pong Affair - The Slits
12. Let’s Do Rock Steady - The Bodysnatchers
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13. Because the Night - Patti Smith
14. Brass In Pocket - The Pretenders
15. Rev It Up - Vixen
16. Kiss Me Deadly - Lita Ford

Today
17. Pretend We’re Dead - L7
18. Seether - Veruca Salt
19. Luxury problem - Lunachicks
20. Walk on the Wire - Sahara Hotnights
21. Take It Off - The Donnas
22. City Of Angels - The Distillers
23. Bitchsy - Lesbians On Ecstasy

24. Deceptacon - Le Tigre
25. Calculated - Heavens To Betsy
26. Cool Schmool - Bratmobile

27. Suck My Left One - Bikini Kill
28. The Scratch - 7 Year Bitch
29. Sweet 69 - Babes In Toyland
30. Entertain - Sleater-Kinney
31. Watchin’ Girl - Shonen Knife
32. Fagetarian and Dyke - Team Dresch
33. Kick It - Peaches feat. Iggy Pop
34. Brackish - Kittie

More details and full description coming soon!

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

Kicking off the night is Sigmun, a group of four 20-something musicians united by their love of Zeppelin and Sabbath. The Bandung-based band have officially released only one EP but if you saw The Raid in Jakarta, you will know them from the killer song at the end of the movie. As the credits rolled so did my head when I heard that kick-ass track - which the band has promised to play at the event. The song is not available anywhere so you definitely do not want to miss them play it live!

Hot on the heels of our Freudian friends is another head case that used to be called Denial. After discovering a conflict with another band of the same name the Jakarta natives opted for the sadly romantic name of Negative Lovers. Regardless, their music is still in a class of its own, equal parts psychedelia, garage rock and 60s chic. Known for their trance-inducing live performances, the band is in its own right a kind of supergroup with members from The Brandals, Ikat Kepala dan SPCLMVS. The Dark Knight rises again indeed!
Jirapah

Jirapah, in penultimate position, was born in Brooklyn, where Ken and Mar earned a solid following of underground fans. Since moving back to Jakarta in 2010, the couple has picked up a few more personnel to help them round out their experimental sound. Frontman Ken Jenie’s life-long interest in composing has produced a sound that he calls "raw and heavy on the reverb and delay" and that quickly becomes apparent when checking out the band members work their myriad effects on stage.
Jamie Aditya

Closing out the night we have a rare appearance by a multi-talented artist, Jamie Aditya, though he too is going by a different name these days. To find out what it is check out his debt album LMNOP, a soulful romp where Motown meets Curtis Mayfield. Almost entirely self-produced, the album features the former MTV VJ and Discovery Channel host on just about every instrument, from keys and guitar to vocals and percussion. For the gig, his first in two years, Jamie has put together a solid ensemble from Jakarta to help him tear it up and bring down the house.
DJ Bodrek

And if all of that’s not enough, DJ Bodrek will once again be keeping your ears company before, during and after the show. Get your tickets fast as only 300 have been printed. Early birds pay 75,000 rupiah but tickets, if we have any left, will also be sold at the door for 125,000 rupiah. For pre-sale tickets (no reserving by phone or email) stop by the JFCC office or contact Ida at office@jfcc.info or 390.3628. Tickets are on sale now!
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*Photos: Sigmun by Adi Nugeraha, Jirapah by Lutfi Kurniawan

You can learn a thing or two about dedication and integrity from this die-hard duo. Agung and Eka have brought local documentary movies back alive and kicking. Actually, it’s deeper than that: they have brought back hope and confidence to the industry.

Previously, you guys weren’t really involved with documentary movies. But lately you seem very concerned about it. How come?

Agung: As a matter of fact, I’ve been exploring the audio-visual world since 1996. I was working as a journalist for now-defunct politic tabloid, Detik. At the time I remember that I went to Bali for a project, there was quite a big drama in Bali, as a videoclip from this American rock band, Saigon Kick, was accused of insulting Bali. I chose not to get dragged into that controversy, rather, I chose to learn how to make a proper movie from Eros Djarot, who was a respectable movie director also the Chief Editor of Detik.

I thought that rather than the Balinese going berserk and getting offended, in this case as it was a motion picture, it’d be wiser to counter it by making a motion picture which told a positive story about Bali. Other than Eros, I also learned from movie kingpins like Slamet Rahardjo, Chalid Arifin, Soemardjono, and Gotot Prakosa. Things evolved from there, I got involved with various movie productions, whether for television or cinema. Then I decided to return to Bali in 2007.

There I met Eka and we built our company, that focuses on writing, publishing books and making documentary movies; the things that integrate us—with our different skills and backgrounds—together.

That same year I proposed to the committee of the biggest and longest running art festival in Bali, Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB), to include movies as part of their annual program. My idea of including movies in the festival became a big issue in the media, but didn’t come to fruition. Finally in 2010 we were asked by the government of Bali to manage and execute a documentary movie competition (Lomba Film Dokumenter) as a part of PKB.

Even though it was so late to be confirmed, and the budget given to us was so small, we felt appreciated. We did the best we could to make sure it ran well. At the time the scope was only local, Bali centric. The following year, with a similarly small budget, we widened the scale. Plus we changed the name to Festival Film Dokumenter Bali. This time the participants weren’t only from Bali but from all over Indonesia. We also had big name judges involved, such as the producer of the Ring of Fire documentary movie, Dr. Lawrence Blair, the famous movie director, Slamet Rahardjo Djarot, and photography master, Rio Helmi.

In 2012, supported by Arti Foundation, we developed the festival even further. We grabbed Marlowe Bandem, a young Balinese activist who’s been giving serious support to the local creative movement, and Marcella Zalianty, a movie actress who was previously awarded a Citra (Indonesian version of an Oscar) yet lately has been busy making her own documentary movies. We had them on the team, hoping to elevate the festival, and magnify the attention it received from the public. The government from the City of Denpasar could sense the potential of the festival, they came in and supported us well. This year, the name of the festival has been once again changed to the Denpasar Film Festival.

Eka: Along the way we discovered that to start and then develop a documentary movie festival takes special, focused attention and energy. We are not only activating the competition, but also workshops that cater for the type of people who appreciate documentary movies. In 2011 we even visited all the capital cities in Bali and gave workshops.

Agung: We have had to put our plans to produce our own documentary movie on hold till our documentary movie festival is a little more established—which I think won’t be long now.

Eka: However, we are still involved in helping other (overseas) directors when making documentary movies domestically, for example Tarsier Towers (in North Sulawesi, 2012) and Living Prayer (in Bali, 2012).
Maria EkaRisti, Agung Bawantara and Slamet Rahardjo during Festival Film Dokumenter Bali, 2012 | Photo: Guz Wier

Maria Ekaristi, Michael Sheridan, and Agung Bawantara during a movie workshop, November 2012

What’s the story with documentary movies in Bali and in Indonesia in general?

As far as I’m concerned, lately documentary movies are pretty "in" here in Indonesia. And I think this isn’t just euphoria, or a temporary trend, but an awareness from the young creatives that making movies isn’t really a too-difficult, way-expensive thing to do anymore, especially due to sophisticated technology these days. Gadgets to make films are easy to find, easy to use, and in the palm of their hands everyday.

Workshops and festivals that we have held were designed with the intention to facilitate relevant exchange of information and ideas about documentary movies. As well as to update participants about the progress of documentary movies in the world today.

So you think you’ve gotten enough support from the government?

The Mayor of Denpasar especially, is the one who’s very supportive. He is genuinely concerned that creativity remains healthy and alive within Denpasar society. That’s why our program gets full support from him.

In other cities, I guess it’s different. But we don’t really know details beyond Denpasar.

Generally in Indonesia, and not only for movies, creative industries are not taken care of properly by the government. As a matter of fact, the concept of creative industries, and how they should be supported, was well planned, and ready to go from 2006. It has been applied only sporadically and of course been overshadowed with corruption. Only a few events have represented a true movement with real, participative spirit.

How is it going so far for this year’s Denpasar Film Festival, still as tough as before or already a little easier?

Agung: The festival is planned for August this year. Before that, we’ll hold a series of workshops involving instructors from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Jakarta Art Institute (IKJ), and the European Broadcast Union.

Eka: The composition of curators and the panel of judges is going to be a bit different this year. Still same faces in the judging panels plus new judges like Prof. I Made Bandem, Dr. Lawrence Blair, Wayan Juniartha, and fresh faces will also appear in the curators panel like Erick EST and a few more (details: http://denpasarfilmfestival.blogspot.com/p/juri-dan.html). This year is a bit easier—well, kind of, as we seem to already have some momentum—but still very challenging.

Name three documentary movies that you think can inspire local film makers and why.

We think Myth, Magic and Monster by Dr. Lawrence Blair is worth watching. Not only enlightening in the way it compares cultures in a unique way, but it also shows Indonesia’s beauty (which we may have never really bother to look at, or worry about, previously).

Also The Farmer’s Wife by David Sutherland which is like a guide in how to make a documentary movie with a live reality approach.

And Negeri di Bawah Kabut by Salahuddin Siregar due to its terrific contents and cinematography.

Any last nagging words?

Agung: Use your own initiative and move whatever needs to be moved, change whatever needs to be changed, to get things right. That’s the start of setting your environment and the universe straight.

Eka: Nobody can help you but yourself. Make as many friends as you can and take notice of the insights their friendships create in your own life.
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*Homegrown & Well Known is my biweekly column in The Beat (Bali) mag. Basically it’s an interview via e-mail with Bali’s local big shots. This is the 26th edition, was firstly published—a slightly different version—on The Beat (Bali) #333, Mar 15-28, 2013

VIVE LE ROCK
Every Thursday 7-9pm (Bali time)
Rebel Radio Indonesia

Mar 14 & 21 ’13 Edition
Fuck Art - Let’s Dance: Party Punk Psalm 69

I’m the type of guy who’s into getting high
On a Friday afternoon
So now you know I’m a regular Joe
I’ll tell you what I like to do

I like to make the scene
In my machine
I like to make the scene
I leave ‘em in another state
Whenever I accelerate

I live for cars and girls, cars and girls
Car, cars and girls

The Playlist:
01. (I Live for) Cars and Girls - The Dictators [1975]
02. Love Comes in Spurts - Richard Hell & The Voidoids [1977]
03. Orgasm Addict - Buzzcocks [1977]
04. Chinese Rocks - Johnny Thunders [1976]
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Bootleg of Johnny Thunders performed Chinese Rocks, from the Roxy Gig, LA, 1987

05. I Love Livin’ in the City - Fear [1977]
06. Alternative Ulster - Stiff Little Fingers [1979]
07. Cherry Bomb - The Runaways [1976]
08. One Way or Another - Blondie [1979]
09. Another Girl Another Planet - The Only Ones [1978]
10. Ask the Angels - Patti Smith Group [1976]
11. Baggy Trousers - Madness [1980]
12. Canary in a Coalmine - The Police [1980]
13. Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand [1977]
14. Roadrunner - The Modern Lovers [1976]
15. Do Anything You Wanna Do (live) - Eddie and The Hotrods [1978]
16. Enola Gay - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark [1980]
17. Turning Japanese - The Vapors [1980]
18. Gimme Head - The Radiators [1979]

19. Hey Lord Don’t Ask Me Questions - Graham Parker & The Rumour [1978]
20. (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea - Elvis Costello [1978]
21. Personality Crisis - New York Dolls [1973]
22. Love Song - The Damned [1979]
23. Killing an Arab - The Cure [1978]
24. Looking After Number One - Boomtown Rats [1977]

25. The Modern World - The Jam [1977]
26. My Sharona - The Knack [1979]
27. Police on My Back - The Clash [1980]
28. Rock Lobster - The B-52′s [1978]
29. Sheena is a Punk Rocker - Ramones [1977]
30. Silly Thing - Sex Pistols [1979]
31. Love & a Molotov Cocktail - The Flys [1978]
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32. Sunday Papers - Joe Jackson [1979]
33. Take a Long Line - The Angels [1978]
34. Bloodstains - Agent Orange [1979]
35. This Perfect Day - The Saints [1977]
36. Uh Oh, Love Comes to Town - Talking Heads [1977]

37. Wake Up and Make Love With Me - Ian Dury [1977]
38. Spanish Stroll - Mink De Ville [1977]
39. Where’s Captain Kirk - Spizzenergi [1980]
40. Whip It - Devo [1980]
41. Sound of the Suburbs - The Members [1979]
42. Money (That’s What I Want) - The Flying Lizards [1979]
43. Happy House - Siouxsie and The Banshees [1980]
44. What I Like About You - The Romantics [1979]
45. The Saints Are Coming - The Skids [1978]
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The Skids performed "The Saints are Coming" on Top of the Pop tv program, 1978
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46. Babylon’s Burning - The Ruts [1979]
47. Ready Steady Go - Generation X [1978]
48. Shot by Both Sides - Magazine [1978]
49. 12 X U - Wire [1977]
50. Echo Beach - Martha & The Muffins [1979]
51. Public Image - Public Image Ltd [1978]
52. Damaged Goods - Gang Of Four [1979]
53. I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles - Cockney Rejects [1980]
54. Is Vic There - Department S [1980]
55. The Strange Boutique - The Monochrome Set [1980]
56. Oh Bondage Up Yours! - X-Ray Spex [1977]

57. C30 C60 C90 Go - Bow Wow Wow [1980]
58. Kings of the Wild Frontier - Adam and The Ants [1980]
59. Rich Kids - Rich Kids [1978]
60. Don’t Dictate - Penetration [1977]
61. Teenage Kicks - The Undertones [1978]
62. Little Girl - The Banned [1977]
63. Milk and Alcohol - Dr Feelgood [1978]
64. Being Boiled - The Human League [1980]
65. Holiday in Cambodia - Dead Kennedys [1980]
66. We’re Desperate - X [1978]
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67. Hate the Police - The Dicks [1980]
68. All for the Love of Rock ‘n’ Roll (live) - Tuff Darts [1976]
69. Max’s Kansas City 1976 - Wayne County & The Backstreet Boys [1976]

More details and full description coming soon!

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