'I feel like I am too old to be called a lady rocker'

One of the biggest music stars of the late 1980s, Nicky Astria is still rocking today at the age of 32. A longtime resident of Bandung, her melancholic, haunting vocals continue to enthrall both her longtime fans and those who were toddlers when she made her debut almost 20 years ago. Nicky talked to The Jakarta Post's Bruce Emond about bearing the title of "lady rocker" when one is the mother of two, and what she wishes she had known when she was younger.

If you had the choice, what would you be doing now?

Making music. I have no other choice. I've been very blessed. My family is supportive, my husband is very wise. Everything goes well. I'm doing what I want to be doing.

What makes you tick?

Again, music. I've been doing it since 1984 when I was 15. I can express myself and create. I realize I have many failings, but I have been given this gift ...

Which trait do you most like about yourself?

I'm so honest and open.

And what don't you like?

I'm very fickle, because I'm a Libra. I can change very quickly and it's hard for me to make a decision.

Whom do you admire?

Guitarist Ian Antono. He gave me the color in my music. And my husband because, as an eastern woman, I need his permission to do what I'm doing. He is very supportive.

What kind of clothes do you like?.

I'm happiest in casual clothes.

What was the last book you read?

I don't really like to read books. But I did read (women's magazine) Femina this morning!

What makes you angry?

Being lied to.

What characteristics do you dislike in others?

Being overly naive, and lying.

What makes you laugh?

Being together with my friends, and we start joking around. But we don't always have a laugh. I have to be in the mood.

And what makes you cry?

I cry so easily, anything can set me off. A movie, one of my children being sick, things like that. I'm very sensitive.

Are you happiest in a crowd or by yourself?

I can't be alone, I hate it. If my husband is away, I have to have my children with me.

What is your favorite place to be?

I love nature, it can be the beach or in the mountains. I like hunting with my husband, but, of course, only at permitted sites, going into the forest with him or camping, or accompanying him fishing.

Do you have a favorite song?

I love songs -- after all, I make my living from music -- but I don't have a favorite. People know me as a rock singer, but in my home, in the car, I like Latin music. It gives me energy.

What about being called a "lady rocker" -- I heard you don't like that title anymore.

It's not that I don't like to be called a lady rocker, but it seems like it's been going on for too long. I feel uneasy with it now, because every time I am on the TV, in the media, that's what they say: "Number one lady rocker ... blah blah blah."

And I always get awards as "best lady rocker", and I really would like to get something else, like the top artist, which means you have been picked from all the genres. It would be good to have someone else come along and take that title.

Maybe my was of thinking is too eastern -- I feel I'm too old to be called a lady rocker. I'm not like Tina Turner, who is 60- something and is still the queen of rock. I also don't only do just rock. For instance, on my new album there is blues, pop, rock, etc. We need challenges in life.

What do you like to eat?

I love to eat. I like everything. That's why I have to exercise and go jogging, otherwise I would get big.

What would you change about your appearance if you could?

I wish I could be slimmer.

But you are already thin.

No, I've gained weight again. That is my problem -- my weight goes up and down.

So you worry a lot about your weight?

Yes, because I'm a woman, and I'm an entertainer, so appearance is important. At least you have to keep your weight in proportion to your height ... and my husband wouldn't be very happy, either, if I got too big.

Would you have cosmetic surgery?

I won't say I will, I won't say I won't either. Hopefully, I won't need to, because inner beauty always comes out, and you are only young for so long ...

What three things would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

That's a funny question (laughs). Well, a speedboat, to get off the island. Gas. I wouldn't need any water, because there would be palm trees there and I could drink the coconut juice. Matches. No, no. A credit card, in case I tried to get home but got lost and ended up on another island. All I would have to do then is use my credit card to buy a plane ticket home!

Do you have any regrets about life?

Wow, it sounds like I'm going to die tomorrow! If I have to answer, it's that I didn't know enough about the music industry when I started. I've only got to know it recently, after 17 years in the business. I should have known about it in the 1980s, when my career was in full swing. I should have known about how it works then, instead of letting other people handle everything, because there is such a big "music mafia" out there.

How would you like to be remembered?

Now you're really making me scared! Well, as a good musician, and as an example to a lot of people, both in music and outside. Right now there are a lot of musicians who are known for another side of their lives. I want to be known as a musician who is clean, who isn't into drugs, and for my music.

What would you do if the world was set to end tomorrow?

Wait, give me a moment while I take a deep breath! I will pray continually, because I'm a Muslim. Gather with my family. I would be resigned to what was coming.