Scared of Bums

 Winding dynamics that characterize their journey from the turn of the name of the band (originally called the Societys Threat), change of personnel (Elel, Dekwan and Astika was active in this group), until expansion of the genre (from Melodic Metal Melodic Core to Core); actually makes Scared of Bums become more mature and more resilient in the face of clay Indonesian music competition. Slowly but surely, the band takes its name from one of these NOFX album, since its establishment in May 2003 until now, including a successful talk on Balinese musical scale (also the Archipelago, although not significantly). Invitation quartet performed for the "do not want to live like beggars who fear the bitter reality of life" (extended meaning of "Scared of Bums") recorded a very big sellers. You could say at every event "large" (primarily rock music) in Bali name Scared of Bums definitely included. The publication titled debut album with the band name, "Scared of Bums" added boost their popularity. The fans finally can sing along at concerts.

The most recent news states that Scared of Bums had the honor of entry as one of the band's compilation album filler LA Lights Indiefest 2007, which is scheduled for release in early / mid 2008. By Trax magazine and one of Rolling Stone's senior journalists, Scared of Bums, the praises of crowded sown after watching their performances on stage.

By Rudolf Dethu

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The Hydrant

The Hydrant was formed in Denpasar Bali, 14 August 2004, at the first time played and composed many pure Rockabilly tunes. “4 – piece” band with 50’s outfit were born in Denpasar, soon became the only and the first Rockabilly band in Indonesia. That was Wis, the guitar player, was introduced to Marshello, and finally created a very good vibe for music scene in Bali and Indonesia as well. The aim was one, to play and to introduce Rockabilly music all over Indonesia, Most of The Hydrant’s influences are from 50’s Rock and Roll and Rockabilly such as Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash and Stray Cats. Knowing Bali as a very famous tourism destination, specially Kuta, Rockabilly music and lifestyle easily and suddenly transferred to these 4 boys’ soul. They have been writing their songs in English and Indonesia.

After Bali bomb blast, The Hydrant made a very important decision, that they had to do something for Bali trough songs and music. The were participate in many album compilations dedicated for Bali bomb blast victims. On 2006 they had a record contract with Electrohell Record, the indie recording company in Bali. Saturday Night Riot was released on that year and that was the first Rockabilly album in Indonesia!.

The Hydrant made the very first debut appearance in Jakarta after the first album released, and got attention many major record labels. With a fresh style for Indonesia music scene, very cool 50’s outfit, big greasy hair and outstanding stage performance, everybody was so shocked. The Hydrant had a style that never happened in Indonesia that time. The sound, the rhythm was rock solid yet loose, the singer was “Black Elvis”, the stand up drummer, the big bass, and the guitar playing demanded respect, elegant yet hard, jazzy yet completely rocking. The Hydrant signed their second album with major record label EMI Music Indonesia, Rockabilly Live! in 2007. Even they only had 1 album contract, that wasn’t such a big thing to tackle their passion for this musical form called Rockabilly. After a very hard year on 2008, 2 old band members, Zio and Morris were decided to resign, and it was a very difficult time for The Hydrant. Finally two brothers of the last men standing, Marshello and Wis, join the band! They are Christopper and Adi, a very talented musicians now become a new members of The Hydrant. Rockabilly still on, with 2 new members made The Hydrant more and more exciting, on 2009 a very Mexican Dark Rockabilly album finally released, Bali Bandidos. Once again, this album is something different, Rolling Stone, one of the best magazine in the world made a very positive review for this album. The opportunity to show this good music and positive vibe will never stop, July 2009 the 4-piece Bandidos were invited to the big music festival in Europe, Bazant Pohoda which is in Slovakia, and once again the band
made a very beautiful impression to European audiences.

The Hydrant is :

Marshello ( vocal & harmonica )

Wis ( guitar )

Adi ( double bass )

Christopper ( stand up drum )

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Navicula

“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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