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Rieka slams Indonesian music industry
RIEKA ROESLAN: (JP) JAKARTA: Singer-songwriter Rieka Roeslan, former vocalist of the Groove, said the country’s music industry had become “too capitalistic” that she had not written any songs in the past two years
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RIEKA ROESLAN: (JP)
JAKARTA: Singer-songwriter Rieka Roeslan, former vocalist of the Groove, said the country’s music industry had become “too capitalistic” that she had not written any songs in the past two years.
“As a songwriter, I actually have become numb (with the current situation),” she was quoted as saying by Antara during a songwriting competition in which she was a jury member.
Her hiatus, she said, was to protest the recent trend in the local music scene, which she said was now lacking artistic value and idealism due to market pressures.
She said corny tunes and lyrics were now seen by producers as primary elements in selling music.
“Beautiful, heartfelt and idealist lyrics are not considered as ‘selling’. Trying to get profits is fine, but please treat idealists’ works fairly,” the 30-year-old said.
Born in Sukabumi, Rieka left the Groove to begin a solo career. However, earlier this year, she formed a vocal group with other female singers Andien, Nina Tamam, Iga Mawarni and Yuni Shara. — JP
