Only 20 minutes of fame for local bands
Only 20 minutes of fame for local bands
By Dini S. Djalal
JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Pop Alternative Festival was a big day for both the 3,000-strong audience and the headlining American groups, but a little disappointing for the local supporting bands.
"We only got 20 minutes onstage while the foreign bands got an hour-set each," singer Nugie Nugraha told The Jakarta Post before the concert.
Even these 20 minutes were lost to most. Many who arrived at the East Parking Lot of Senayan jam-karet (rubber-time) style missed the three Indonesian bands altogether. The day-long concert was unexpectedly launched on time at 11 a.m. with Netral's show, immediately followed by Nugie and PaS. By 12:20 p.m. the show was over for the local acts.
Many in the audience didn't seem to care. "They weren't very good anyway. I'm just waiting for the Beastie Boys," said university student Ira. "Nugie was booed off the stage," said another trendy teenager.
Others were more generous. "Did you like PaS?," asked a sweaty, wide-eyed youth. "They were great!" he bellowed. Minutes before, he and his friends had frenziedly pogoed to PaS' raucous riffs, following the lead of Pas' wiry front man Yukie.
The positive reception PaS played to was infectious. PaS drummer Richard Mutter told the Post that they were grateful for the experience of holding their own with world-renowned artists.
"We were lucky because the crowd was really supportive. Even non-Indonesians in the audience sang our songs!" said Richard.
The best reward, however, was seeing Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl (formerly the drummer of Nirvana) and Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore rocking on the side of the stage. "Dave Grohl hugged us and said we were really good!" Richard exclaimed. "There's no better promotion than established musicians telling the international music business 'yes, Indonesia's rock bands can play'," said Richard.
As for their 20 minutes onstage, PaS accepted the difficult situation they were in. As all the bands brought their own instruments, the day's schedule was tightly organized to make time for set changes. "We wanted to play longer, but the organizers wanted to avoid going overtime," said Richard.
Professional
However, everyone surprised themselves by working so quickly, said Richard. "It was a real learning experience for us to work with foreigners. They're very professional," Richard added.
A lack of professionalism is one of the many obstacles facing aspiring local rock bands. Nugie realizes that the opportunity to play to an audience this size will unlikely come again. "There's few prospects for us to play anywhere. The record companies limit their promotional budgets to videos and posters," he said. "It's not even a question of change. A support system for rock bands here just does not exist," he added.
The available opportunities, such as playing at the Hard Rock Cafe or other restaurants, require playing cover versions rather than their own songs, which do little to encourage local artists. Nugie is frustrated by the lack of local support for homegrown talent. When the foreign groups were ecstatically cheered at the press conference, Nugie sank into his chair. "Indonesians don't appreciate local groups," said Nugie. Earlier on, the press gave the local bands a lukewarm reception.