Songwriters summit's meaning lies in the future

Songwriters summit's meaning lies in the future

Text and photos by Johannes Simbolon

DENPASAR (JP): Various events and programs have been held throughout the year to celebrate Indonesia's golden anniversary, but none as unique as the recent Pacific Music Rainbow songwriters meeting in Bali.

Other events, including several giant music shows, a parade of tall ships and fireworks displays were spectacular. Yet, once over, they simply became nice memories.

There were no spectacles at the songwriters meeting when songwriters from America, Europe and Asia locked themselves from Oct. 25 to 31 in their rooms at the Bali Cliff resort from Oct.. 25 to 31. There was no applause or hysterics from fans; only melodious sounds.

They composed more than 40 melodies, some of which may soon become national and international hits and probably survive for generations. The melodies indeed deserve to become hits since they were all composed by experienced virtuosos.

If one of their songs does become a hit, the memory of Indonesia's golden anniversary will live with it. Millions of people around the world will remember Bali, the birthplace of the song, anytime they sing, whistle or hum it. They might also remember that Indonesia shared its happiness with the rest of the world, by presenting them with sweet songs.

But, as Venancio A Saturno, a songwriter from the Philippines, argued, the success of the songs also depends on the singers.

"A song, however well-composed it is, can simply fail if it is sung by the wrong singer," he said.

Alan Roy Scott, a member of the organizing committee, said it is the publisher who will choose the singers. Thus far, the Germany-based BMG publishing company has expressed interest in publishing the English songs.

Pride

A song may become a hit, making the singer famous, but the composer and the place it was composed will remain unknown.

Still, Indonesia can take pride in having made some contribution, however small, to pop culture by giving a rare opportunity to tens of songwriters from three continents to meet, work together, and exchange perspectives and experiences.

Satisfaction was evident in the faces of the songwriters.

"It's so fantastic. I didn't anticipate that the meeting would be like this," commented Klaus Meine, the vocalist of the rock Scorpions from Germany.

They were satisfied not only with the works but also with the sense of togetherness and friendliness that had developed in a matter of days. The togetherness was clear when the group spontaneously danced, sang and improvised new melodies on several occasions.

For the Indonesian composers, the meeting, which imitated the U.S.-Soviet and U.S.-Rumania composers meetings in 1988 and 1994, was a precious experience.

Only at a meeting like this could they work with the Scorpions, saxophonist Dave Koz, and the founder of STYX, Tommy Shaw. It won't happen again for many years.

According to Andre Paivalainen, vice president of the Los Angeles-based International Federation for the Organization of Festivals, many countries had applied to host the meeting, but Indonesia was chosen this year to coincide with the country's golden anniversary.

Farid Hardja, a long-time favorite Indonesian singer, called pairing up with the Scorpions' composers Klaus Meine and Rudolf Shenker "a dream come true".

"I always sang the Scorpions' songs when I rode my bike to school. Today, I composed a song with them," Farid said.

The Scorpions and Farid wrote a number entitled Pacific Harmony. It became the event's theme song.

American composers also claimed to have benefited from what some people preferred to call the "Songwriters Summit".

They were familiar with each other's works and admired each other's musical talents but the majority of them had never met.

Mark Mueller from Los Angeles, who has written songs for Al Jerrau, George Benson, Walt Disney cartoon films and the Santa Barbara TV series, has long admired the works of Cathy Dennis from Britain, whom he first met at the meeting.

"Now, we have plans to co-write songs in London," said the jubilant Mueller.

The majority of the songwriters had never been to Indonesia, and didn't understand the size of market the world's fourth most populous country offered. Excited that many of their songs have a huge followings here, they began plotting their musical charge into Indonesia.

Tommy Shaw, now a member of Damn Yankees, was surprised to find out that STYX was popular here.

"If there are people who want to organize a tour for STYX here, I can unite the group members," he said.

Knowledge

Working with Indonesian musicians gave the foreign songwriters a knowledge of another music style and local musicians. The exposure helped them understand why local music is still more popular than foreign music. Local music claims 80 percent of the market, according to ASIRI (Association of Indonesian Recording Industries).

"They are talented. Composers like Anti (Arianti Erningpraja), for example, will have a bright future and make lots of money even on American standard," said saxophonist Dave Koz.

Koz and Anti teamed up twice, producing two numbers ,Matur Suksma (Balinese for "Thank You") and Kau Selalu di Hatiku (You Are Always in My Heart).

Dave Koz was not the only one to appreciate local talent. Other U.S. songwriters asked local composers to continue co- writing songs after the Bali meeting. James F. Sundah from Indonesia and celebrated U.S. composers Chacken M and Lois Walden were still at the Hilton Hotel yesterday to finish a gospel song, Everyone's Gonna Get Saved.

The Nelson Brothers arrived on the last day of the meeting to take part in the Charity Night on Nov. 4 and immediately "booked" James F. Sundah to co-write songs with them in Jakarta during their stay here.

The primary goal of the meeting was to give local composers an opportunity to enter the international market.

James, who has often co-written songs with many ASEAN composers, recalled that he was given a chance by several participants, including the Scorpions, to work with them in their respective countries.

"They don't believe me when I tell them that I can't afford the flight, that I must continue my work as an architect to make a living," said James.

"Our music has long ruled the local market. This meeting is only the starting point for our music industry to get into the international market, which I hope will come true," said Arifin Panigoro, President of the Medco Group, which financed the meeting.