TASTE OF A DECADE

JOGJA’S REFORM-TIME FAVORITES TURN 10 WITH A RETURN TO FORM. DIYANA ALAN REPORTS

When Sheila On 7 first broke in 1999, Indonesia’s music followers had reason to smile. Amid the trying time of the country’s reformasi (reform) period, the quartet’s addictive brand of music struck a chord with the country’s youth. Subsequent chart-topping songs, and a string of 29 singles, were proof that the band was more than a passing fad.

Last year, Sheila released its sixth mini album, Menentukan Arah (Determining Direction). The CD sold 50,000 copies nationwide, with national music critic Denny Sakrie saying it “revisits the original style of Sheila On 7 – simple, catchy but undoubtedly mature. Sheila On 7 has determined its direction of music once again.”

While the success of their early days has still yet to be matched, the foursome, made up of vocalist Duta Modjo, bassist Adam Subarkah, guitarist Eross Chandra and drummer Brian Kresno, is still thriving.

Formed in 1996, the band, like many others in Indonesia, began its journey in high school. The concept was simple: spontaneous music, uncomplicated arrangements and honest lyrics made for sweet listening and high-powered live performances. As the sound progressed, the band’s signature became a mix of solemn tracks, together with fast-paced pop-tinged rock songs. The sense of escapism within the music and the theme of youthful romance found its place during a time of high national drama.

The winning formula brought success, not just in Indonesia, but in neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, where Sheila receives regular airplay on Malay channels.

Despite the rise of other local bands, Sheila On 7 remains a beloved ensemble with fans. Bassist Adam remains committed to making music out of sheer passion, and not just for commercial gain. “We’re pleased, even surprised, that we’ve been able to remain popular all this while.

If not for our love for music, if we only wanted to do this for money, I think we would have chosen different career paths a long time ago.”

A decade after the release of their debut self-titled album, the band – like the nation – has experienced many changes. With the EP released late last year, the band chose to produce without a sound engineer.

“Unlike our previous albums, we left out the energetic jam sessions to improvise,” explains Adam. “Instead, we edited our music directly using computers. The general vibe was certainly calmer.”

Just like the nation’s reform process, a decade of survival means that today’s calmer seas are good news for the band and fans alike.

www.sheilaon7.com