Music and Me?

Even though I'm blessed with musical talents from my Dad's side and my mother put me in a lot of artistic and musical courses/events, I don't think I'm really into music. Or should I say, I no longer felt passionate about music? Unlike most of my friends who are so passionate about music to the point that they remember so many songs and always stay updated with the newest hits and eager to perform in front of people, I don't. I love music, it's definitely one of my favorite escapes from reality, but to me, that's what music is all about now. A beautiful escape that could make me wander to the most beautiful fantasy and lift up my spirit. When it comes to music, just like with my social life, I only have very few favorite songs that I could listen for so many times because it reflects my feeling and some of them were so meaningful because they remind me of few experiences and unforgettable events in the past or to certain someone and stories.

I do enjoy performing, but not really passionate about it, maybe because I'm too shy and I feel like I want to throw up whenever I'm on stage by myself, so I kinda give up with a dream of becoming a star on stage, lol. Not only because I felt awkward most of the time, but because I can't memorize so many songs like most of the performers did. Or maybe I just don't want to because I'm lazy. Oh well...

Anyway, here's the list of few of my favorite songs and why they stuck in my head and make me giggled on the inside whenever I listen to it.

1. First Love (Nikka Costa)

This was probably the first English song that I learned and could memorize, 'cause I used to hate English. When I took a singing lesson in Elfa Secioria, my coach gave me this song at our first rehearsal. I have a special spot for 'the first time' things lol,

2. Reflection (Christina Aguilera)

This was the first English song that I performed in front of a real audience. Elfa Secioria always held a concert every 3 months and every student should perform solo. I really like this song because it was, you know, another first-time experience for me to perform on a real stage with a real audience watching me. Also, as I grow up, I learn about the meaning of the song and I could relate to it. It's one of those songs for people who questioned her own worth and identity wants a freedom to be herself but hard to do it, basically my life 😁

3. Memory (Andre Lloyd Webber)

I was just the background singer for this song with many of teenagers in Elfa Secioria Fatmawati's branch, we performed a medley of Jellicles Cat and Memory from Broadway Musical Cats. It was one of the best memories I had in Elfa Secioria. We rehearsed for a month every day, and for the first time, I got to know about Broadway Musical. We performed exactly the same way like the Broadway casts did, with cat's costumes and hair and mask, we danced and sang and acted like insane cats. It was fun and I really miss those days. And yes, as I grow up, I learn about the meaning of this song I felt related to its lyrics.

4. Flying Without Wings (Westlife)

I love Westlife since I was a kid and I literally had no idea what this song was about when I was a kid, I just simply fell for the music and Mark's voice. And as I grow up and learn about the lyrics, I realized that this song was probably made in heaven. It's really beautiful and tells about the many forms of love. And how those things can make us feel like we're flying without wings.

5. Angel's Wings (Westlife)

Another beautiful piece from Westlife, it tells the happiness of a father who welcomed his newborn baby and expresses his admiration and love into a beautiful song. If you have special connection with your parents, you'll feel so overwhelmed with this song.

6. Hingga Ujung Waktu (Sheila on 7)

This is still my favorite song from Sheila on 7 and I didn't even understand the meaning behind its poetical lyrics when I was a kid, but I fell for its beautiful music arrangement back then. Yes, it's a love song which makes my heart feel even warmer after I finally understand its meaning as I grow up. I always think that I want this song to be played on my wedding day, hopefully with S07 as the guest star 😊

7. Waktu yang Tepat 'Tuk Berpisah (Sheila on 7)

Again, this is another masterpiece from Sheila on 7, and I couldn't understand its poetical lyrics until recently. I know it's a sad song, but I couldn't really understand it before. Now, that I finally understand, it got me teared up every time I listen to it, especially because I've had few goodbyes and separation. Eross tried to make a goodbye sounded beautiful, but it secretly hide a sad and heartbreaking feeling, and you have to keep strong and bear with the pain and just let go of what is not meant to be yours. 

8. Two is Better than One (Boys Like Girls ft. Taylor Swift)

This is the soundtrack of my unrequited love for three years during my high school days and half-of my 1st semester in college, with a long distance friend. The lyrics kinda reflected what happened to me and my crush: I fell in love at the first sight and I remember all the things about him on our first meeting, and we had this friendship for 3 years, we both had nicknames for each other, and he even made a secret account so he could talk to me without making anyone jealous. At that time, I sacrificed a lot of things for him, and even went across the ocean for him (literally). But yeah, it was a beautiful unrequited love which made me be a better person at that time. But it ended. It is definitely a story that I would cherish because 'though it was childish and sad, it felt like a fairy tale to me ~~

Music is my beautiful escape and each of my favorite songs is the soundtrack of certain important events that give me warm feeling whenever I listen to it. The memories come alive and I think this is more than just performing materials. 

See you in the next Music and Me Post...

Awesome Musicians from my Childhood until Now

Hey... So, the topic for today is 'Musician in Your Life'... Hahaha, what topic? Like I ever make a topic for my crap before, hehe. Okay, seriously... Suddenly, I feel like writing about these musicians who left a great impression and memories in my life ever since I was a kid until now. Here we go~

1. Sheila on 7

Sheila on 7! I got to know them when I was in elementary school when I was 7. Whoaaaah... It's been a long time, right? I've known this coolest band from Indonesia for like half of my life, when they still have five original members, with Sakti and Anton. That's why I put on this picture and not their recent one because this is the formation that made me fell in love with them. 5 Members. I was just a little kid at that time, so I didn't fangirl over them for their looks, but mainly for their undoubtedly amazing beautiful music.

The very first song that made me really attracted to them was Hingga Ujung Waktu. Even until now, I still listen to this song a lot, never once I get bored with it. Back then, I didn't really understand the meaning of its lyrics which is filled with metaphors and poetry-like words, but the melody was simply beautiful and it gave me chill. I came to understand more about their music when I was in Junior High and realized that this band has the most amazing, wonderful, unthinkable, yet very relatable lyrics I ever heard. I always bought their cassettes and play it in the highest volume on my radio with my brothers. I was only 13 years old and didn't have too much passion for fangirling, so I didn't try to learn their albums or memorize much of their songs. I didn't even try to look up more details and information about them, but their music remains one of the most beautiful things I ever know and enjoy. Until now, Sheila on 7 always has a special spot in my heart and I have great respect for their music and career. Always.

2. WESTLIFE

Who doesn't know them? Well... people who spent their childhood or teens from 1999 to 2003 must know how big they were. Westlife, one of the finest boybands I know from Irlandia. I got to know them when I was in elementary school too, almost at the same time as when I knew about S07. The one who introduced their music to me was my big brother. Back then, I wasn't a fan of any western group or music because I don't understand English at all, but the melody in their songs caught my attention and my heart, along with the handsome looks of course LOL. So, I became a Westlife fan right away, I didn't understand what they sang but I like the melody and music in their songs, and only when I got in Junior High that I finally learned to understand the lyrics. I translated the lyrics in Flying Without Wings and fell in love again, like for the first time again, with that song.

At that time, I really made a lot of effort to collect their albums, DVDs, and everything related to them. They were probably the biggest star during 1999 - 2003 especially in Indonesia because they were able to attract 15.000 audiences for their concert here. I even collected the Concert DVD and watched all of their videos that I could get (remember that there was no youtube back then so I really went to the DVD store to buy their stuff). I have their albums from Westlife, Coast to Coast, World of Our Own, 'til Unbreakable. My favorite member was and is still Mark Feehily for his beautiful, beautiful voice. I and my brothers were big fans of them, but since Bryan left the group, we kinda lost interest and no longer fanatic about them. Yeah, maybe I really am not a true fan, but for me, they have left such great memories from my childhood and their music remains in my heart. I still listen to them now, and sometimes I look up to their recent music too, though not as much as I used to be. But I know that whenever their music is played on TV, I will sit to watch it, and whenever I need to remember the good old days, it is their song that I will listen to. They created so many good memories in me and I will cherish those feelings.

3. The Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers. A boyband from Disney, Amerika. They were also the reason I got to know Disney more. Eventhough I watched Disney cartoons a lot, I never really interested in them as a company and Jonas Brothers were the ones who made my teenage self more interested in learning about the entertainment industry, especially in Disney. I got to know them when I was in 1st year of High School, maybe that's why I started to pay more attention to their background story and not only their music or lyrics or handsome looks. I really read a lot of stuff about them, and collect their songs. I even have 3 of their first albums and concert DVDs.

I like them when they were at the beginning of their career as Disney stars. Their album, Jonas Brothers, has a lot of catchy songs that I didn't expect would catch my heart.  It was certainly one of the best albums they have which really raises their name as a group. I also keep up with their TV Series and TV Movies such as Camp Rock and JONAS. I was still a big fan of them until their album, A Little Bit Longer before I slowly lost interest. My favorite member was Joe Jonas, because of very shallow reason of course (the most handsome and the lead singer), but then I grew some respect for Nick Jonas who was the youngest, and yet very mature, he has diabetes, he never gives up and does many campaigns to raise awareness to help diabetes patients. Plus, he's also the one who writes the music and lyrics in the Jonas Brothers. I totally lost track of them after their album, Lines, Vines, and Trying Time. But they have made me realized that the entertainment industry was not as simple as it seemed. And they also introduce me to some great Disney artists too, which I still enjoy now.

4. Miley Cyrus

I was never interested in female singers before. I mean, I never really became a fan of anyone, I simply just like their songs and music and that's it. Miley Cyrus was the first female singer that got me really interested, not only in her music but in... like... everything about her. To be honest, I found her because of Jonas Brothers who starred in Hannah Montana as the guest stars,. I also bought the Hannah Montana Concert DVD only to watch Jonas Brothers, but I ended up liking Miley even more because she was simply attractive and really talented and seemed like a fun person.

I finally started watching Hannah Montana and soon got addicted to it. Hannah Montana made me love her even more. She was so hilarious in every episode, I was surprised and amazed by her acting. I also like her music and her unique alto voice. Then, I started looking up more information about her and her music outside of Hannah Montana. I personally love her first two albums, Meet Miley Cyrus and Breakout. I always adored those singers who write their own music, and Miley happened to be one of them, which made me really amazed because she really writes some amazing music and lyrics for such a young singer. All the tracks in Breakout album were simply outstanding and catchy, an album that makes you don't want to skip any song in it. One thing that I like the most from her is her bravery to always be herself no matter what. She continues to do great things and she never hesitates to admit her mistakes. Hope she will continue to inspire others in a good way.

5. Michael Jackson

I'm one of those people who became a fan of Michael Jackson after his death. Actually, I've known Michael since I was a kid (who doesn't, he's a king!!), but I was terrified of him because he looked so pale. I was only a kid and didn't understand English, so I didn't know what kind of a great person he was. Nor that I aware that he was a legend. His death which caused a lot of chaos and made the internet broke down made me curious about him. I watched his funeral and I found myself crying, even though I didn't know him well at that time. His songs were played on TV every day for like a month, and only people who have no sense would ignore the wonderful message in his music. I was kinda surprised that the songs that sound very familiar to my ears actually belong to him, such as You Are Not Alone, Childhood, Ben, Music and Me, We Are the World, I'll Be There, and Heal the World.

I started looking for more things and details about him and his music, and in such a short time, I've become his fan. His live performances from concerts or TV really amazed me. It's like he's on a different level compared to other musicians I've known before. This man is magical, I thought to myself. I fell for this legend when he's already passed away. I think he's really the best musician that ever existed. And his background stories amazed me even more. This guy has through a lot of painful things, yet he never gives up on making great music and doing a lot of charities. He delivers such a great message through his music and continues to inspire people even after everything he's been through. His songs are different than other people. He talks about real events, real-life problems, and humanity, such as Will You Be There, They Don't Care About Us, and Man in the Mirror. He makes me respect him through his music and his attitude towards life. Until now, I still think that he is the greatest musician ever. And he's one of the best human beings. No one can beat him so far. No one.

6. Hey! Say! JUMP

I intentionally put their debut picture from 4 years ago when they still look innocent and adorable, hehe. Hmm, I guess it's really weird, my sudden change in music preference, from Western, Band, to Jpop boyband who have 10 members in it. Given the fact that I underestimated boybands before, especially Asian boybands. I never thought that I would become a fan of boybands. Karma?

Hey! Say! JUMP is one of the most famous boybands in Japan. I even dreamed to visit Japan so I can watch their concert live. Seriously, I never interested to watch any concerts before, but Johnny's concert is really on a different level compared to other concerts. Even watching it from DVD doesn't feel enough. They made me realized that Japan has a really different way in the entertainment industry, especially those who are under Johnny Jimusho. I posted a blog about them before, including their background and music. They are currently my favorite musicians so far. I can't stop browsing anything about them. I fall for them as a whole and not only in one member. :)

Well, that's all for today. Okay, I'll see you in another chance. Bye bye~

Sheila on 7 at Oz Radio Jakarta

"Ku awali hariku dengan mendoakanmu agar kau slalu sehat dan bahagia disana. sebelum kau melupakanku lebih jauh. sebelum kau meninggalkanku lebih jauh..."

Lalala... kalian mengenal lirik lagu di atas? Yep, itu adalah sedikit bait dari lagu Pemuja Rahasia by Sheila on 7. I'm listening to it right now while I'm writing this post. Well, talk about Sheila on 7, I just met them yesterday!!

YES, I MET THEM FOR REAL.....!!!!

Okay, maaf atas kehebohan tidak jelas ini. It's just, I love this band so much. Gue sudah mendengarkan mereka sejak SD, dari lagu mereka yang Hingga Ujung Waktu hingga single mereka yang paling akhir dengan video klip yang super kocak, Hari Bersamanya. Mereka adalah musisi yang gue hormati karena lagu, lirik, dan melody yang mereka buat itu indah, terkesan sederhana, tapi sebenarnya luar biasa bermakna. Pertemuan dengan mereka adalah salah satu momen terseru dalam hidup gue yang sejauh ini masih hitam-putih, hahaha.

Anyway, gue akan cerita sedikit bagaimana gue bisa bertemu dengan band terdahsyat (versi gue) di Indonesia ini...

Sheila on 7 at LIVE N LOUD Oz Radio Jakarta

Jadi, Sheila on 7 diundang ke acara LIVE N LOUD di Oz Radio Jakarta (90,8 FM). Live and loud ini adalah acara mingguan di Oz Radio Jakarta yang diadakan setiap hari Rabu dari jam 6-7 malam. Acara ini mendatangkan berbagai band-band Indonesia, atau kadang mereka juga mendatangkan band-band luar yang sedang mengadakan konser di Indonesia. Acara live and loud ini memungkinkan anak-anak Oz Club untuk berinteraksi secara dekat dengan para bintang tamunya karena anak-anak Oz Club resmi yang datang ke acara ini biasanya nggak banyak. Gue sendiri bukanlah member Oz Club, tapi karena sahabat gue (@d_naderian) dan sahabatnya kak Sylvia adalah Ozzers, dan kebetulan kak Sylvia dan gue sama-sama penikmat musik Sheila on 7 sejak lama, maka gue berkesempatan untuk datang. Well, sebenernya siapa aja boleh main ke kantor Oz Radio kok karena para ponggawanya baik-baik 😆

Anyway... Sheila on 7 datang jam setengah 6 di kantor Oz Radio Jakarta, dan gue serta anak-anak Oz Club berkesempatan untuk nonton mereka interview dan nyanyi-nyanyi dari jarak yang dekat. Oz Radio Jakarta adalah stasiun radio pertama yang didatangi Sheila on 7 sejak mereka datang dari Yogya. Seriously, these guys are incredibly crazy. Duta dan Adam nggak berhenti melakukan hal-hal aneh selagi interview bersama Sarah Deshita dan satu ponggawa lagi yang gue lupa siapa namanya (maaf yaaa!), mas Eross kalem-kalem aja meski kadang mengatakan hal yang aneh juga dengan suaranya yang medok Jawa (sumpah kocak!), dan Brian pun sama kalemnya, tapi kayaknya kaleman mas Eross deh. Mereka menyanyikan beberapa lagu dari album terbaru mereka, Berlayar, such as Pasti Ku Bisa dan Hari Bersamanya, lalu beberapa lagu-lagu lama mereka such as Saat Aku Lanjut Usia, Itu Aku, Sekali Lagi, dll (lupa). Trust me, their performance was awesome. Duta tetap bersemangat sekali meski AC di ruang itu panas karena banyak orang, hehehe. Dan melihat mas Eross memainkan gitarnya dengan dahsyat secara langsung... my heart!!! 

Berlayar adalah nama album ketujuh mereka yang baru keluar setelah sekian lama. Mereka lagi super duper sibuk sekarang karena album baru mereka ini mulai hits di pasaran. Well, as expected... Lihat aja album-album mereka sebelumnya. Ludes terjual! Sumpah, nonton mereka wawancara selama satu jam itu entertaining banget karena anak-anak Sheila on 7 semuanya ramah. Meski udah 15 tahun menjadi band besar, mereka nggak sombong sama sekali. Btw, kata Mas Duta, album Berlayar ini adalah album terbaik mereka. Disini, semua personil ikut menulis lagu dan nggak hanya Eross. Kali ini yang lebih banyak nulis lagu adalah Adam. Katanya, itu karena mereka ingin membiarkan Eross lebih fokus aja sebagai gitaris dan nggak menopang dua job sebagai songwriter juga. Ngobrol-ngobrol selama satu jam dengan mereka terasa cepat banget karena Sheila on 7 mengisi sepanjang waktu itu dengan becanda abis-abisan, dan as you know, waktu justru cepat berlalu jika kita menginginkannya melambat. Ergh...

Anyway, mereka melayani setiap ajakan ngobrol dan foto bareng dari anak-anak Oz Club lho sebelum mereka pulang, dan bahkan dengan senang hati mengobrol. Tapi karena mereka punya jadwal ke Hard Rock jam 8 malamnya, mereka nggak bisa stay lama-lama. So, kita hanya bisa ngobrol sedikit. Yah, meski begitu cukuplah. Keramahan mereka sudah lebih dari cukup meski waktu yang kita punya (asik deh kita x)) cuma sedikit. Dan mereka pun pulang dengan damai, dan gue pun pulang dengan hati riang gembira, hehehe.... Don't forget to buy their new album. You're gonna love it... 

Brian SO7 and me :)

with the coolest Indonesian songwriter, Eross Chandra :D

I didn't get a chance to take a pic with him... 😡

Mas Eross in action...

Duta in action....

Brian in action...

THANKS FOR BEING SO NICE

PS: Foto-foto ini diambil tahun 2011 tanggal 24 Maret. Nggak tahu kenapa set tanggal di kamera digitalnya menunjukkan 2010. Rusak dan perlu diperbaiki. =.=