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Bandung collective strives for a more-sustainable music scene
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Lords of the underground: Biman (top) from grindcore-group Rajasinga is crowd surfing during Liga Musik Nasional's special show at Reneo Cafe in Bukit Jarian, Bandung, West Java, on July 22, 2011. (Courtesy Nasrul Akbar) (Courtesy of Nasrul Akbar/Courtesy of Nasrul Akbar)
B
andung-based collective Liga Musik Nasional talks about its humble beginnings, crowd surfing with ‘ghosts’ and familial bond.
In July 2011, a number of people clad in denim and flannel loitered outside an unassuming two-story house located at Jl. Bukit Jarian No. 36, right behind Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung. Inside the now-closed cafe, down a narrow, damp staircase leading to its basement level, then-Bandung-based grindcore-unit Rajasinga was performing alongside fellow bands Bromocorah, Errorbrain and Jaritengah.
The lower half of the basement wall was painted blue, with garish graffiti decorating the other, white-painted half. A black backdrop was suspended from the ceiling with the word “RAJAGNARUK” printed on it below the top-billed-band Rajasinga’s logo. On stage, a set of lit candles were placed on top of the bass amplifier next to the drumset.
The bands were performing in a special show organized by a Bandung-based collective Liga Musik Nasional (National Music League).
Fussing over best practices
Now, Liga Musik Nasional has gone through its 20th showcase (comprising 17 numbered editions and three special shows) and is working on its 21st, all the while maintaining its reputation as an intimate yet properly produced, audience-oriented series of shows. Its ambitious, if not pompous, name, contrasts with its humble beginnings.
