Iwan Fals turns his talents to orchestral music

Iwan Fals turns his talents to orchestral music

By Endi Aras

JAKARTA (JP): Virgiawan Listanto took pleasure in the hardship
of starting out in music 25 years ago.

As a high school student with strong social concerns, Tanto,
as he was nicknamed, wanted most of all to be independent. He
chose to be a public transportation conductor and a street singer
in pursuing his goal of independence.

"From stall to stall, my singing rings out, oh, for this is my
lot in life" -- the lyrics of Kulangkahkan (The Steps I Take)
are testament to his great love for his work in the early years.
With a guitar in hand and a shrill voice, he sang for his supper
in the markets and residential areas of Bandung, West Java.

It led to some colorful experiences. "I once had hot coffee
thrown over me and was given Rp 25 (0.3 US cents)," he recalled.

The young man who enjoyed studying self-defense and playing
soccer, and was called "fals" by his friends because he sang in a
falsetto, made it through the trials.

The nickname stuck, and at 39 Iwan Fals is a living legend in
Indonesian rock music.

In recent years, the musician known for continually changing
his look has preferred to live far from busy metropolitan life
full of frivolity. When his career started to take off, he chose
Condet, East Jakarta, as his place of residence with his wife
Rossana, his son Galang Rambu Anarki and daughter Anisa Cikal
Rambu Basae. Although he has frequently moved house, Iwan
continues to choose homes in pastoral surroundings, such as
Cipanas, Bumi Serpong Damai and in the Bintaro area.

Since the death of Galang, reportedly from a drug overdose,
Iwan has lived with his wife, nicknamed Yos, and his daughter in
the village of Leuwinanggung, far from urban centers. They are
putting their lives back together after the ordeal and severe
impact of Galang's death.

Earlier this month, Iwan was a surprise visitor to Kampung
Naga, the insular village situated between the cities of
Tasikmalaya and Garut in West Java. Iwan, Yos, Cikal and several
members of their contingent appeared to savor the unusual sights.

"We just came from a show in Tasikmalaya. The organizers
invited us here," Yos said.

After taking in the spectacular architecture, Iwan performed
the Friday prayer with the villagers, renowned for their rigid
adherence to tradition.

Iwan and his entourage explored the village. He conversed with
the villagers, most of whom were ignorant about Iwan Fals the
musician. He prayed, ate and danced with them, also trying his
hand at the traditional rebana musical instrument.

"I don't know if I'll want to compose a song from this, but
this is interesting for me," Iwan said as he rested after
climbing the 316 steps which connect Kampung Naga to the parking
area.

The previous day, Iwan, along with Cok Rampal, Inissisri and
Nanoe, held a concert in Tasikmalaya at the invitation of Oi
Tasikmalaya, his local fan club. Although it was the middle of
the day, Iwan and friends kept their agreement to perform 25
songs in succession.

Iwan appears different today. His hair is short, and he has
shaved his mustache and sideburns, making him appear younger than
his years.

Apart from his simple ways, Iwan also seems a wiser man.
"Yeah, it's all part of getting up there in years," he said
succinctly.

In his characteristic halting speech, Iwan talked about his
plans for Oi and what he hopes to do next on stage.

Question: You look younger.

Answer: Yeah, only because of a botched haircut. When I was
making a video clip, the director said my hair should be cut. I
went along with it. It turned out to be too short.

You were said to be apathetic about releasing the new album.

Yeah. They are just old songs with new arrangements by Iwang
Noorsaid. It's called Entah (I don't Know) and Kumenanti Seorang
Kekasih (I'm Waiting for a Lover).

When will it be released?

I don't know, that's up to Musica Studio. But they said this
June.

You don't have any new songs?

Oh, lots. I never stop making songs because that's my job.

How did you feel about singing your old songs with their
lyrics about love?

It was a bit awkward. It's been a long time since I sang them.
Maybe it's also because I'm already an old man, but I'm singing
love songs.

Are you giving your full concentration to your fan
organization?

Yeah. It's great. Like yesterday's show, which was arranged by
Oi Tasikmalaya. They obtained the funding themselves, then put on
the show.

When you get a lot of requests for shows, which do you choose
-- the regular organizers or Oi?

For the time being, my preference is Oi. What's more if the
events are scheduled at the same time, then I prioritize Oi.

Why? Don't you stand to lose?

That is my commitment. If I have given my word, I keep to it.

Any plans for a solo concert?

Yeah, maybe for a foundation. But I don't know for sure.

There are rumors you want to set up an orchestra.

Oh, that's up to my friends. It's probably still a long way
off.

What do you think about orchestral music?

Well, I think it's more perfect. The nuances are wider. I
always imagine the expressions of the musicians. Just think about
if musicians are playing together with the same feeling, the same
expression -- it's bound to be great.

What if it does happen?

Well, I don't know. I would have a new experience and enter a
wider world.

You will need time to practice together, right?

Yeah. For me, the most exciting part is being able to
communicate with them. I'd be able to get to know their world.
But if I only show up and sing, then it's much lighter.

What ideas do you have for them?

I haven't thought about that. I just wonder if the orchestra
would play without looking at the score.

Why?

Members of the orchestra usually look at the score and to the
conductor to give directions. In my opinion it breaks their
concentration.

What would you propose?

If possible, not using the score. Thus, there would be full
concentration and the result would probably be excellent. All of
them would be playing according to their feelings. I believe in
that. If we reach that point, it'd be awesome; the players will
be able to express themselves. Imagine if all the violinists were
playing with feeling. Well, it'd be wild.