What makes music so loveable is that you do not necessarily have to be a musician to enjoy it. It is relatable, and has been a constant in human civilization, and it continues to change and adapt. In books, music finds its place in both fact and fiction. The titles featured in this selection are available for purchase in Kinokuniya Bookstores in Jakarta.
On Saturday, September 7, 2013, Whiteboard Journal, together with Soundshine Events, Mesacomm, Juice Magazine, Mevius, and GOODNWS made the "Reform Festival 2013" a reality. Taking place at Taman Kridaloka in the Gelora Bung Karno complex, this festival featured international and local music figures such as Dam Funk, Aardvarck, and Jamie Aditya. Here is Whiteboard Journal's recount of the event.
As you may have read in our interview with music afficionado David Tarigan, is looking to be the premiere Indonesian music archive. I have been getting into Indonesian music lately as well and I am happy to know that since August 17th (Indonesia's independence day, if you didn't know) The website still sports a modest catalogue and a couple of blogposts, but you can definitely see the potential of the site. All records liner notes are listed and all information can be cross-referenced, making your information digging very easy. Definitely keep this website on your "Favorites" tab, and look for additions to their growing library!
Not all musicians are brave enough to release their own album. Especially when the band consists of only one person doing the entire vocal, guitar, bass, drum, composing and programming himself. But Ababil Ashari answers the challenge and under the moniker Shorthand Phonetics, he recorded his new EP titled with only webcam microphone and computer. Originally consisting of five members, Shorthand Phonetics has now released six albums, eleven EP and few film scores. Released under the label of (owned by Ababil himself), this short EP consists of three lo-fi but catchy songs. Shorthand Phonetics’ releases are a creative way of storytelling the life of a Japanese national, Hanabishi Hideaki. Presented in short, personal notes as if written by Hide himself, this EP depict his state of mind through the lyrics and tunes. The first song in the EP, ,features fun punk/rock feel with energetic drumbeats. The track list continues with a slow bass intro from , which then turns into frantic guitar strumming along with the synthesized vocal. The EP ends with a slower guitar-and-vocal only-song titled . Despite being a one-man band and armed with only webcam microphone and computer, Shorthand Phonetics’ lo-fi recording manages to transfer the story of the music. If you are looking for good music to treat your ear, the EP is available for sale here and the physical CD is available here. 01. The Standard Model (Of Love) 02. Jumpin' 03. The Reconnection, or, How Things Kinda Worked Out for Jet Girl in the End (At Least She Still Has All Her Hair)
Being said as one of human’s biggest inspiration, it’s not at all hard to find love-themed music. One of the groups that take love as their inspiration is the Indonesian/Malaysian band, . These five Indonesian-born tied the knot as a band during their stay in Malaysia as college students and has released an EP titled The Modern Seasons at 2006 and their debut album, Losing Northern Lights around 2008. Earlier this year, they released their sophomore album, Colours of Joy, with a little help in distribution from Demajors who worked with many indie musicians such as Endah & Rhesa, Soulvibe, and Efek Rumah Kaca to name a few. The album, consisting of 11 songs plus 1 bonus remix, portrays love in different angles from celebration of love in and to devastating post-breakup song like and . With acoustic guitar-piano combination, Lightcrafts brings calm feeling in but then shape-shifted it to a different vibe with the Crash & I’m A’s remix. A little Coldplay and Snow Patrol can also be felt here and there, such as in and . Overall, these 12 tracks are expressions of various love stories conveyed in euphonious tunes. Although titled ‘Colours of Joy’, the album delivers a melancholic feel with their sentimental lyrics. The tracks in this album are definitely considerable to add to your playlist to accompany long road trips or gloomy Sunday. Tracklist: If you don’t mind Amazing grace This plastic love Get your own way Bonfire The other side of the glass Fire with fire Starlit eyes Love songs and lullabies Living in words and letters Hello goodbye bonus track: fire with fire (crash & I’m A remix) For more information about Lightcraft: www.facebook.com/lightcratmusic www.soundcloud.com/lightcraft www.twitter.com/lightcraftmusic www.youtube.com/user/lightcraftvideos www.vimeo.com/lightcraftmusic
Will Sweeney's detailed, playful and psychedelic illustrations has become one of Whiteboard Journal's favorite, so when we heard that he was exhibiting his new work in London we jumped at the opportunity to cover it. Inspired by his travel to Mexico, Sweeney adapted elements distinct to this region into his own work and created an extension of his already established style.
