2 weeks in Indonesia

 

I was so blessed to be invited to Indonesia for two weeks of songwriting and recording with local producers. The team that I worked with are currently working on a movie project and needed some soundtracks. I got to meet some amazing people – musicians, actors, models, pageant winners, journalists, publicists, directors and more. I also got to enjoy the landscapes and cultural offerings of Indonesia. Gotta be honest and say that it was tough sometimes. Two weeks being by myself and listening to nothing but Indonesian, having just the basics, getting food poisoning and being stuck in traffic everyday for hours made me go a little insane.

Alvin Yunata of Teenage Death Star was my Music Director for the two weeks.

Jakarta Selatan Santa Markets

Ajo Ramon Chicken Satay

Randy MP – the first producer I worked with and fellow moustache rap uncle buddy… inside joke that makes absolute no sense. I think we were just stuck in the studio room for hours here and there that we eventually let go of our inhibitions.

Adink – second producer I worked with. Super talented and is amazingly smooth on the guitar. I want him to follow me around and just continually play soundtracks as my life goes on. He has to just follow me everywhere but not speak to me and not take breaks hahahahaha. He’s previously worked with some amazing musicians both locally in Indonesia and outside like Malaysia such as Sore and Noh Salleh.

Janiska – one of my best company while I was in Indonesia. I miss her a lot and we couldn’t even really talk to each other! She taught me Indonesian and I taught her English.

Rio – freelance music journalist who frequents in Rolling Stones Indonesia. We only saw each other once at a Christmas party but we struck into many deep and controversial topics.. such a journalist thing to do haha.

Uwi – Janis’ mum but also became lovely company to me. Such a sweet and caring lady.. Alvin is a lucky man!

En route to Bandung

Agan – Part of the media company that I worked with and also Tessa’s boyfriend. Tessa features later on!

Cikole Tea Plantations

 

Christmas in South East Asia

 

Few people from the media company ventured out to Bandung to take me on a field trip

Tangkuban Parahu – a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1983. It was heavy monsoon rains and winds.. couldn’t see too much and couldn’t even hold a camera out for two seconds without being blown over by rain. I was soaked by the time I got in the car after 20 minutes. Bummed me out as I sat in the car for 4 hours in traffic to get there…. and that was to travel 40kms. Bloody traffic in Java I swear.

Stevan – old time friend/brother and director of the media company

Angklung (traditional bamboo instrument) concert in Bandung

 

Orchestra style

 

Tessa and I got picked to dance with the children. Tessa is a fashion and homeware designer in Sydney and Bandung. People always drew similarities to us both, probably because we’re both Eurasians.

Adhit – a long time listener that surprised me by asking to sign his very first guitar. I was extremely flattered and nervous to avoid making a mistake. I was so moved to hear that he started to play music when he heard me play and has enjoyed seeing me grow as it inspires him. That was a refreshing reminder to keep on going, it sometimes just takes a third party perspective to shift things back into focus.

Last jam before heading home – Adink, Alvin, Randy and Ade F Paloh from renowned Indonesian indie band, Sore. What a pleasure to be in the company of such great local musicians.