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...

Westlife Gravity Tour

Long entry because I need to treasure every little thing about 'us'.

Someday in 1999... 
The one who introduced the 7 years old me to Westlife was Mas Wisnu, my big brother. Masa kecil gue diisi dengan menonton DVD Konser Westlife. Gue inget saat itu gue memiliki koleksi CD mereka nyaris lengkap, dari behind the scene konser, tour, bahkan sampai video saat mereka main bola dan celana Nicky melorot serta saat mereka tidur di pesawat dan saling lempar bantal, gue punya. Gue ingat menganggap empat sepupu cowok gue dan kakak gue sebagai Westlife versi mini. Gue ingat menonton kelima cowok itu (dengan Bryan yang saat itu masih gabung) bersama saudara-saudara gue. Westlife adalah band asing paling pertama yang gue tau. Gue ingat betapa gue langsung jatuh cinta pada Mark setelah mendengar suara emasnya. Gue ingat, masa-masa kecil gue diisi dengan kecintaan sepenuhnya terhadap boyband dari Irlandia itu...

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011... 
Tahun ini adalah tahun ke-4 mereka ke Indonesia. Melihat iklan konser mereka, gue tergerak ingin melihat secara langsung pria-pria dewasa dari masa kecil gue itu. Tapi keuangan gue sedang tidak bagus untuk membeli tiket yang mahal, dan gue hampir menyerah. Lalu gue iseng mengikuti games yang diadakan Simpati (ini bukan tulisan berbayar). Singkatnya, akan ada 80 pemenang yang dipilih untuk mendapat tiket gratis konser Westlife. Masing-masing pemenang akan mendapat dua tiket untuk dua orang. Gue pun mengikuti games itu, dan ternyata games tersebut udah dibuka kurang lebih sejak sebulan lalu dan gue baru berpartisipasi dua jam sebelum gamesnya ditutup. Gue sempat menyerah karena merasa nggak akan menang secara gue baru ikut di detik-detik terakhir. 

Friday, September 30th, 2011... 
Salah seorang teman mention gue dengan heboh di twitter, memberitahu gue kalau gue menjadi salah satu dari 80 pemenang tiket gratis Westlife Gravity Concert. Gue merasa seolah ada sesuatu yang jatuh di perut gue. Ada perasaan menggeliting yang menyenangkan. Gue masih nggak percaya, lalu gue cek sendiri. Gue melihat nama gue di daftar pemenang. Gue menjerit kesenangan. Beberapa waktu setelahnya gue terus mengecek nama yang tertera di daftar pemenang itu. Masih memastikan kalau itu nama gue. Masih nggak percaya... Allah Maha Baik!!

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011... 
Jam setengah 6 sore, gue sampai di Tennis Indoor Senayan sama Putri, dan kita langsung membeli penlight, balon, dan gelang cahaya yang bisa menyala dalam gelap, lalu bergabung di antrian yang udah panjang. Gue nggak pernah nonton konser band asing atau semacamnya sebelumnya, jadi gue dengan noraknya memperhatikan sekitar gue yang dipenuhi atribut Westlife dimana-mana. Menyenangkan sekali rasanya. Gue sempat panik akan mendapat tempat yang terlalu jauh dari panggung, tapi lalu kita diberitahu bahwa pemenang dari Simpati memiliki pintu khusus untuk masuk ke arena konser lebih dulu dibanding yang lain. Alhasil, kita sampai di Tribune 2 saat masih lumayan sepi dan bisa memilih tempat duduk yang paling nyaman.

Konser seharusnya dimulai jam 7, tapi acaranya ngaret kurang lebih setengah jam. Setelah mendengarkan 3 lagu yang dibawakan band pembuka, gue menanti dengan jantung berdebar, dan nggak lama setelah itu... ke empat suami idola gue muncul!! Dengan setelan jas hitam keren, dan segera menggetarkan panggung dengan salah satu lagu hits mereka, World of Our Own! They are so much more handsome in real life!! Setelah empat lagu pertama, Westlife menghentikan penampilannya (ya, seperti yang diberitakan) karena penonton di bagian Festival, terutama yang di bagian depan, terus mendorong pagar pembatas dan membuat beberapa orang terhimpit dan pingsan. Mark sempat menegur penonton yang nggak mau dibilangin, dan akhirnya mereka menghilang dari panggung dan mengancam, kalau penontonnya nggak mau tenang dan mundur serta memberi jarak agar nggak ada yang terhimpit lagi, mereka nggak akan melanjutkan konser dan pergi. Konser pun dihentikan selama setengah jam...

Setelah penonton tenang, Westlife kembali dan membuat perjanjian agar penonton mau tertib, mereka kembali beraksi membawakan lagu-lagu yang (untungnya) hampir semuanya gue kenal baik, hapal, dan suka. Tapi berhubung gue nggak punya photography memory, gue nggak bisa mengurutkan lagu-lagunya. Nicky is a total dork! Dia merekam penonton dan Westlife dengan kameranya sambil bernyanyi, dan kadang merekam dirinya sendiri. Nicky was really adorable!! Dan semua bagian solo Bryan dinyanyikan oleh Nicky di konser. And Shane!! Dia terus melihat ke arah tribune 2 tempat gue dan Putri duduk, berkali-kali melambai sepanjang pertunjukkan, ke arah kita yang duduk di situ. OMG... Seeing him smiled like that made my heart skipped a beat. Shane, why are you so cute?! 

And my favorite guy, Mark...  his voice sounds even better in real life. I love him dearly. I love his voice. I love his kindness. I love his gentleness. I love him!

 

Kian... I love it when you started singing those first lines in Season in the Sun song!! Always sounds so wonderful. Konser ditutup dengan lagu Uptown Girl. Westlife was totally awesome when they started dancing. A simple dance, but somehow the dance fits the song and looks so cool. Sayangnya, konsernya terlalu singkat. Mungkin karena sempat dihentikan. Seharusnya mereka nyanyi 14 lagu, tapi jadi cuma 9. Banyak banget dipotongnya ya. Selain itu, gue merasa panggung dan tempatnya kurang besar. Kapasitas tempat cuma untuk 4000 orang, tapi dipaksakan masuk lebih dari 6000 orang. Wajar kalau banyak yang terhimpit. Gue sih nyaman aja di tribune 2~ Tapi bener deh, menurut gue, mereka harusnya menyediakan panggung yang lebih mewah untuk Westlife.

 

 
Anyway, Westlife was totally awesome. And they don't get tired of Indonesia's fans. Look what Nicky, Mark, Shane, and Kian said on their Twitter:

@KianEganWL - Kian Egan 

- Indonesia here we come!!! It's one of Westlife's favorite places to play a concert! Fans are the craziest in the world! Bring it on!!! 

- Indonesia tonight. Can't wait. It's normally the highlight of the Asia tour. Crazy crazy fans!!!! 

- Westlife will never give up on our Indonesian fans. Sorry, the concert was dangerous. We will come back. Thank you for all your love. Xxx

@nickybyrneoffic - Nicky Byrne

- Indonesia welcome at the airport as crazy as always ... Mental

- On the way to the press conference in Jakarta before the show... Have great memories of this arena when I was 20 years old !! 33 next week... Yikes :-)

@MarkusFeehily - MarkusFeehily

- The the fans in Jakarta, miss u already you guys were so amazing and full of energy. Don't worry we will always love you, big kiss xxxxx

@ShaneFilan79 - Shane Filan

Love to all the Indonesian fans... Thank you and see u next time!!

We're also waiting for you to return, dears! Thank you for a wonderful night. I will never ever forget it. I'll see you guys again next time, hopefully

 

Miss You...

*don't mind the title... I'm listening to that song now and I couldn't come up with another title so...

I'm writing a novel (again). Let's hope I will be able to finish this one. Actually, I have many ideas on my mind that I want to write but every time I write it down, I never been able to finish it. What a lame...

Now I decided to give it a try again. I'm thinking about posting this story on my blog, but I'm too shy to show it to people. But then again, if my story gets feedback from people, I guess it would encourage me to keep writing, right?

The question is, is there anyone who's interested to read it?

Oh well... Let see if I could finish this one then. Hahaha wish me luck!! And in completely unrelated news, I've got my Westlife tickets for Wednesday concert. Yaaaaaay!!! You have no idea how excited I am about this concert!!

Dream actually do come true...

Ya Allah, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I've been waiting for 17 years to meet this amazing boyband, the very first foreign musician I knew, and you answer my prayers, you make one of my biggest dreams, come true. Thank You. Thank You. THANK YOU!!

"Hai Westlifers!

Yeaay! Ini dia nih kabar yang kalian tunggu-tunggu, 80 pemenang yang beruntung menonton konser Westlife Gravity Tour 2011, tanggal 5 Oktober di Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta.

Masing-masing pemenang berhak mendapatkan 2 tiket nonton konser tersebut (kelas Tribune), jadi kamu dan temanmu bisa asyik sing-along di konser boyband legendaris ini. 

Cari namamu di antara 80 PEMENANG #simPATImusik berikut ini: 

30.81330723xxx, Frisca Caca,

31.81398179xxx, Wiwind Rizki

32.81338565xxx, Ayu Yuliantari 

33.81282004xxx, Denisa Rosandria 

34.81314475xxx, Intan Mardiana

35.81316348xxx, Vera Aprilianti

36.81385750xxx, Luthfianza Mirza Fadhiel

37.81375260xxx, Reski Samma

38.81317904xxx, Omega Yustrianna

..."

Mark, Shane, Nicky, Kian... I really can't wait for October 5th, but I have to ^^

I wish I could meet Bryan too.. oh well, still very happy 😂

Thank You, Ya Allah... Thank You! 

And Thank You so much for SIMPATI to give me a chance to meet them 💜

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~