By Gandi Faisal Not many bands can boast to have such a big influence on the modern music. Take, for examples, the Rolling Stones or Queen. Theirs are some of the most well-known tunes in the world, still getting healthy airplay the world over. And Queen is the king (pun intended) when it comes to providing us with the some of the most remarkable basslines as in their songs “Under Pressure” and “Another One Bites the Dust”; one of the world’s most recognized intro to a song of any … [Read more...]
‘England Lost’: Mick Jagger sings Brexit blues
Agence France-Presse Rock legend Mick Jagger has released a new track called "England Lost" that reflects the soul-searching in Britain since the Brexit vote in what he said was "a difficult moment in our history". The song released on Thursday, a collaboration with grime artist Skepta, starts out as a reflection on seeing England's beleaguered football team lose. "But when I wrote the title I knew it would be about more than just that. It's about a feeling that we are in a … [Read more...]
Rolling Stones Exhibitionism to offer fans satisfaction
After more than 50 years of rock 'n' roll, the Rolling Stones are still pushing boundaries, with their first exhibition showcasing hundreds of items from their long-running career, from Mick Jagger's jumpsuits to Keith Richards' guitars. Billed as the "first ever major exhibition by (the group) and the largest touring exhibition of its kind ever to be staged", Exhibitionism opens up the Stones world to fans - from their early, impoverished days sharing a rundown London flat in 1962 to … [Read more...]
Gamelan: is it game over?
Can this traditional Indonesian musical ensemble continue to mark the rhythms of human life? Words: Aulia R. Sungkar Photography: M.I. Mappasenge Jetstar Asia Magazine, June 2013 NEW PASSION Despite fears that the popularity of gamelan is fading in Indonesia, Kenthus notices that this Javanese ensemble has attracted more and more foreigners, such as those from the US, Australia and Japan. But will this be enough to keep it going? Only time will tell. Literally meaning … [Read more...]
Nathan Hartono: Bringing a New Face in Jazz
The mindset of Jazz as a music genre commonly performed and enjoyed by folks in their 40s and 50s is not always right. The presence of 17-year-old Nathan Hartono, the Singapore’s youngest jazz singer, has proven that more youngsters nowadays enjoy the syncopated rhythm music of jazz. Nathan’s boyish good look and heart-breaking smile add perfection to his polished singing style and charismatic stage performance; the fuses that light the hearts of young teenage girls as well as ladies in their … [Read more...]
Life as Comedy
Words by Aulia R. Sungkar. Photography by Adam Glen. Published in Jetstar Asia Magazine, February-March 2010 edition. Lenong has been an important part of Jakarta's comedy scene for more than 600 years. Enjoying popularity for centuries, particularly in the community of Betawi (Jakarta’s indigenous natives), lenong performances have become rare these days. Chairman and play director of Betawi Comedy Foundation, Syaiful Amri is one of the very few who actively organise lenong. There are … [Read more...]