Anis Hamidati, Contributor, Bandung
Their easy-listening tunes and simple lyrics are the keys to drawing public attention -- but something the six-man band, Peterpan, had never expected.
Their songs are hits on local radio stations and on the streets. In public buses or at street junctions, buskers often strum out their tunes and have even adopted Peterpan's debut hit Mimpi Yang Sempurna (perfect dream) as their signature cover song.
Formed in September 2000, the Bandung-based youths played in various bands before settling together as Peterpan.
""We used to hang around together in the Tubagus area, and one time, when we had all just split from our previous bands, we started talking about forming a band,"" keyboardist Andika said.
Lead singer Ariel, bassist Indra, guitarist Lukman, drummer Reza and guitarist Uki all nodded in agreement.
Forming a sextet turned out to be the right step to pave their road to success. However, playing music well is never enough to make a bang in the industry, and they must also have luck on their side.
""You could say that we were lucky. We had just started writing songs and it was a coincidence we met Noey (Caffeine manager) while doing a sound check during one of our gigs. He was handling the Kisah 2002 Malam compilation project and one of the bands pulled out, so he was looking for another band to fill the slot. We offered him three songs: Mimpi Yang Sempurna, Taman Langit and Kita Tertawa. The first one was selected and we started recording,"" says Ariel.
The response to the compilation was beyond their expectations and sold over 200,000 copies, with Peterpan's track its number one hit. In the same year, they received the Best Newcomer Award from music magazine Hai.
It was then that Musica offered them their own recording deal, and Peterpan released its first album, Taman Langit, in May 2003. The album has now sold over 650,000 copies nationwide.
Their success fulfilled the hopes embodied in the band's name, which is an acronym for Pengen Terbang, or wanting to fly -- although it also evokes the fairy-tale character, Peter Pan, and his Lost Boys.
""Back then, we didn't think we would ever do a recording, so we picked a name that would be remembered easily, from a cartoon character,"" said Andika.
Like many other young bands that are struggling to get their names on the charts, Peterpan were not confident about playing their own songs in public and instead played top hits from Vertical Horizon to Creed. Playing cover songs, however, influenced their concept and style a great deal.
""We've all had different influences and this has given us different styles in playing. Even so, when we play, we try to harmonize our playing,"" said Reza.
""From the beginning, there was no pressure about who should write the songs. For the lyrics, though, we leave it to Ariel since he knows his vocal capabilities best and which word rhymes with what. It so happens he's more productive than the rest of us,"" said Andika.
The recording deal, however, comes with obligations, including cranking out a second album in only one month. Ariel said nonchalantly this was due to a miscalculation in timing, as they were ""not used to making albums"".
""For the first album, we had songs in stock so we didn't rush. We didn't think of writing new songs when we were touring other cities, and suddenly we found ourselves at the threshold of our deadline,"" he said.
Still, Peterpan found they were more focused in producing and improving their album at the last minute, and released Bintang di Surga (star in heaven) featuring their first single Ada Apa Denganmu (what's the matter with you?) in August 2004. The second album sold 300,000 copies in its first week, surpassing the first-week sales of Taman Langit.
Recently, the band was inducted into the Indonesian Museum of Records for performing in six different cities in less than 24 hours.
""It's incredibly tiring. But because we play live a lot, it really helps in maintaining our stamina. The worst part was the constant temperature change from the heat onstage to the chilly environment on the plane,"" said Ariel.
But their success has not come without sacrifice: The hectic touring schedule is taking its toll on the band members, most of whom are still attending tertiary institutions. The six have had to choose between music or studying, and most have chosen the middle path, taking indefinite leave from their studies as they go on tour.
With their composing talent, down-to-earth attitude and great enthusiasm to deliver live performances, these six youths might have what it takes to make their mark on the ever-changing music scene.
""We hope we can be a legend. But we'll see how we go in the future. The best thing we can do is concentrate and do our best now,"" said Ariel.
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