“You could say music is our religion… in it there is philosophy, ethics and rituals. Our money and time is spent on music. Your religion is where you spend most of your time.”- Robi (vocalist of Navicula)
Navicula was formed in 1996 in Bali, Indonesia by two musician activists: Robi and Dankie. After changing personnel numerous times, the current formation is: Robi (vocals, guitar), Dankie (guitar), Made (bass), and Gembull (drums). The name Navicula was inspired by a type of single celled golden algae, which is shaped like a small ship (in Latin Navicula means small ship). Their music has a grunge rock undertone, but is combined with many other genres of sound, such as ethnic, folk, psychedelic, punk, alternative, funk, blues, and straightforward rock. The band’s lyrics are heavy with activism messages of Peace, Love and Freedom.
Though the band has always been active in the indie music scene, in 2004 they signed a contract with Sony-BMG, a major label. Navicula released their 4th album, Alkemis, with Sony-BMG. But, in 2007 they released their 5th album, Beautiful Rebel, independently and returned to following their ideals through the indie music scene. In 2009 Navicula released a 6th album “Salto”, and they are now working on their 7th full-length studio album (release date still to be announced). Navicula is based in Bali, but continue to keep up a national profile.Navicula’s music is strongly influenced by alternative 90’s rock, especially grunge rock/Seattle sound, through bands such as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana. But what makes their music so unique is their condition of beginning in the melting pot of modern Bali and having the opportunity to mold their creativity out of contrasts so extreme. From the spiritual mountains of Bali’s ancient kingdoms, to passion driven international artists who have come to find inspiration in Bali, and the raw punk rockers of down-town Kuta, this band finds their own taste through it all, the taste of ‘golden green grunge’, the taste of Navicula. Source
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