Pop band Sheila on 7 shows its serious side

Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Pop band Sheila on 7 used to have a notorious reputation among interviewers. The band had a penchant for refusing to be serious, constantly throwing lame jokes in a thick Javanese accent while fiddling with whatever was around them.

Some said it was the inevitable result of reaping such huge success so young, selling several millions copies albums in an otherwise troubled time for the music industry.

Vocalist Duta Modjo, guitarists Eross Candra and Saktia Seno, bass player Adam Subarkah, drummer Anton Widiastanto were only 19 when their self-titled album was released in 1999 and sold over one million copies. Each following album did even better in sales.

Some sarcastically commented that the Yogyakarta natives underwent their own form of culture shock and were unable to handle the sudden trappings of fame, although there was no denying the band kept on improving, continuing to deliver ultra- catchy songs with crisp melodies.

Fortunately, five years, three studio albums and one original soundtrack -- for this year's teen flick 30 Hari Mencari Cinta (30 Days Looking for Love) -- later, the boys have grown up and matured, musically and personally.

In a recent interview at the office of Sony Music Indonesia here, only a few jokes were bandied about -- harmless ones -- and the band managed to maintain its seriousness.

The band recently released its fourth album Pejantan Tangguh (Tough Stud), which is the most solid album they have produced so far.

Duta's voice is more eloquent, the songs are more crafted, with the soul lying in the upbeat drum rhythm.

"We try to add up our references continuously, listening to as much music as possible, trying out new beats and new things so that our skills will improve. They're also our efforts to avoid burning out," said Eross, the main songwriter of the band.

This time, the group is trying something new by bringing in a brass section, which is used to good effect, especially on the song Brilliant 3X. They also highlight Pilihlah Aku (Pick Me) with the timpani (traditional percussion), as well as bringing on board a DJ for Coba Kau Mendekat (Tuangkan Hasratmu) (Try to Get Closer/Pour Your Passion).

"We've been using a string section since the first album, we wanted something else for this fourth album. So, why not brass? A brass section even highlights the ballads, gives them a twist," said Eross.

Their progression does not end at musical arrangement. On Pemuja Rahasia (Secret Admirer), Duta even raps in the style of Coolio's I'll See You When You Get There.

"A love song doesn't have to be mellow, right? That's why we turned it a bit into a rap song. Our fans turned out to love it and got the message," said Duta, who gave a respectable performance in the teen comedy Tak Biasa (Unusual), now playing in movie theaters.

Despite several big hits, Duta said the band does not have a tried and true formula for success.

"We don't know which song sells, and which doesn't. We just know what kind of song we're satisfied with," said Duta.

Although Pendosa (Sinner) is a misfire, with its lame rock sound, all in all, the album is as catchy and enjoyable as ever.

The lyrics have matured as well, with themes ranging from the usual love troubles to the nation's struggle.

The title track is about admitting defeat, while Generasi Patah Hati (Broken Hearted Generation) is a call for young people to struggle for life and be realistic.

Eross said the band no longer played music and created songs just for the sake of it. They feel a great responsibility beyond that.

"Young people today are really influenced by music. Sheila on 7 has an opportunity to touch millions of people, so why don't we use it for a good thing? Music is a good way to make this country better. I mean, not everyone has the opportunity to do that."

One way to instill a sense of social concern in teens through their album, he added, was by contributing Rp 100 from every album sold to orphanages.

Wisdom for Eross is obtained through a spiritual and political adviser who constantly gives him insight on life.

"I need that kind of figure to keep me on track. Am I overwhelmed by fame? Could be. I also need someone to tame my anxiety, to produce focused works," he said, without identifying the adviser.

The interesting thing about Sheila on 7 is that they attract seemingly equal numbers of loyal fans and detractors. Former MTV VJ Edi Brokoli even wore a T-shirt bearing the slogan "F--k Sheila On 7".

Their success has also been marred by a few crowd control incidents at concerts, including the death of four fans in a stampede in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, last February.

Duta became emotional when talking about the band's legion of knockers.

"It's natural for people not to like us, as long as they don't bother people who do. If it's about our music, fine. But don't show it. Don't show up at our concert and ruin our party. I'd rather give you the money in exchange for the ticket, but don't ruin our performances," he said.

Although Sheila On 7 canceled the rest of its tour due to the Banjarmasin tragedy, they look forward to going back on the road again to promote their new album.

"We love touring, we love performing and we love money," Duta said with a laugh.

With four million albums sold, are they still worried about money?

"Well, we're only human, we still want to have a lot of things," Duta said, laughing.