GEARING UP FOR A SIXTH ALBUM AND A U.S. TOUR, THE MEMBERS OF INDONESIA’S PADI BAND REMAIN PROUD OF THEIR ROOTS. DIYANA ALAN REPORTS

When Padi released its first album, Lain Dunia, in 1999, critics said the band lent a breath of fresh air to the nation’s music industry and spearheaded Indonesia’s growing independent music scene. In 2001, the band released Sesuatu Yang Tertunda, selling 1.6 million copies and making Padi a breakout sensation. Yet nearly a decade into its career, the quintet of Fadly, Piyu, Ari, Rindra and Yoyok continues its alternative brand of pop-rock with the same principles it set out with.

The band’s name stems from the Malay word “padi”, the growth bed of rice, which symbolises both prosperity and humility. Refusing to forget its humble beginnings, the band supports various social causes, ranging from Greenpeace to the Community for TransJakarta Commuters.

Padi’s popularity has seen the band tour Japan, Australia and Europe, and gain almost 40 local and regional awards. Rather than focus solely on releasing singles as some bands do, Padi still prefers the old-school path of releasing well crafted albums every two years. Guitarist Piyu says that the media soaked times place extra pressure on bands to produce work that is memorable.

“The attention span of listeners is much shorter, so songs are quickly forgotten. That means extra care has to be taken in creating music that really sticks in people’s heads.” At press time, Padi was due to follow its December tour to America with a return to Indonesia, to record its sixth album. Based on their track record, fans and critics are sure to find it worth the wait.