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From Rich Brian to festivals: The colorful year in music
The year 2019 has been a colorful year for Indonesian music, both in terms of artistic achievements and pop culture impact.
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Popular: Rich Brian (center) is undeniably Indonesia's biggest-ever pop-culture export. (Courtesy of YouTube/-)
It's safe to say that 2019 has provided music fans with a lot to chew on from a variety of angles.
From the increasing convergence of lesser-known and big-time musicians and bands to growing experimentation in musical textures, this year also saw an increasing number of local acts touring abroad; an increasing number of local festivals – both small and big, disastrous and successful; an ever-reliable meme-heavy spread of musical gossip; the growth of brand culture within (or without) artistry; and the increasing support of commercial entities in bands.
What remains the biggest and arguably proudest storyline for many is the growing resume of rapper Rich Brian, who is undeniably Indonesia's biggest-ever pop-culture export.
Releasing singles that reached high positions in global charts, collaborating with top hip-hop musicians and featuring on late-night American TV shows such as The Late Late Show with James Corden, the 20-year-old released his sophomore record The Sailor in July with an impressive global promotion and well-received singles.
As his popularity grows, major corporate backers, including big tobacco companies and a unicorn startup, are beginning to see him as a valuable marketing asset, backing his brand of modern creative millennial. Whether this is an achievement or simply a testament to Indonesia's increasing hand in international pop culture remains to be seen.
The discussion around Brian's achievements certainly held more weight than the needless bitterness of those who built a conversation around songstress Agnez Mo's statement about not having Indonesian blood.
Following in Brian's footsteps is singer Niki, who began her career going viral, covering songs by popular artists online and gaining a notable following.
