BLACK STAR

Black Star formed back in 1999 as a 4 piece rock band, after several face lifts, and line up changes they returned with a bang in 2006 as a 5 piece experimental-pop band. The songs have graceful melodies and unique sounds. Their songs will simply stick in your head. They have been described by some as “a cross between Radiohead and Travis”.

After learning their craft for years as a cover band on the local circuit, in Jakarta Black Star have recorded a 3 track Demo, which combines Black Star’s dark lyrics with stadium-ready melodies to blend out a record full of beautiful strange sound. The Demo was created in modest time, and contains fan favourite and standout track “Insomnia". The band is currently gigging relentlessly showcasing their songs at any given opportunity.

Black Star, are all local lads from Lebak Bulus in Jakarta, and have been playing in bands from early ages, Emir (Lead singer, 23), Aloel (Guitar, 28), Yudi (Guitar, 26), Q-nos (Bass, 29), Roby (Drum, 28), and Ine (Keyboard, 25) are highly skilled, and respected musicians within the area.

Once the band had formed, they set about writing and gigging with great success. Within a few months they had over 15 songs with which the band are both proud of, and believe in. They take their fan base with them to every gig, and are always on form, both on stage and off. And have gained a good reputation from every cafè, club, school party and street corner they have performed at. In March 2009, the band has released their debut album, under an indie label, Fiasco Records.

What makes their album so different than other local bands? Their album is filled with dark nuance music with Emir’s unique tone and singing style. Moreover, they have a theme, a message to convey to their listeners. The album draws our attention to all kinds of diseases, like biological, social or psychological diseases. The first hit single from the album, “Abnormal Aku” – which also features the voice of Cholil Mahmud from Efek Rumah Kaca, had managed to receive significant airplay on several radios all around the nation. Many critics considered it as a refreshing breath of fresh air, in a time when all bands are starting to sound quite similar to each other.

In March 2010, they released a single called “Penuh Diksi”, dedicated to children all over Indonesia. For every purchase of the song, a donation shall be made to the account of ‘KOIN untuk Anak’, to be distributed for children in needs. The band continues to spread awareness of the social condition around us with their music. And, currently they are working on their second album, due to be released in November 2010. Let’s wait for it, shall we?

www.blackstarid.com