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.