Two Bands, Two Stages, One Nation
I was lucky enough to have chances enjoying two Indonesian super group bands here in the US. If it were in Indonesia, I might not pay close attention to either Slank or Padi’s live performance. But, it became a rare opportunity enjoying the show here. Both bands have slightly different music genre. I would put Slank in rock-music category while Padi in pop category. It might not the perfect way to categorize the two. It is only how I feel about them.
Both -obviously- sings Indonesian songs, but when it comes to their performance in the US, they pick different approach and strategy to get closer with their fans here. Slank’s effort to come across the language border is plausible. Slank released an album of their hits in English version. Something that is entitled for acclaimation. It is reasonable for Slank expecting favorable response from the audience here. Sadly, it was resulting the opposite way. The audience got lost in translation. They missed the original version of every single song. It was obviously seen from the crowd. Not the type of crowd who enjoy live performance.
In opposite, Padi threw its hit “Mahadewi” as an opening, then followed with other well known hits from the group. As it was expected, the audience responded well. People sang along with their favorite group until the last title performed. There was no interuption because of unknown title at all, since Padi -just like Slank- is one of the famous group band. Even better, the great performance was supported with adequate sound system and room acoustics. It made Padi’s performance at New York was not comparable to Slank’s.
It seems to me that in the case of live performance, it is about communicating with the audience. It is not wise mixing new titles introduction with entertaining audiences. Live performance supposed to entertain the crowd rather than to sell new album. It might be acceptable introducing few titles, however pushing the entire album is somewhat similar with an effort of launching a new group band. Not a wise move.
[all pictures are courtesy of Wulan]
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