Steady as it goes: Alexa are the next big thing

Alexa are considered one of the rising bands in Indonesia right now. Formed in 2007, the band-which consists of Jmono (bass), Jar (drums), Rizky and Satrio (guitars/backing vocals), and Aqi (vocals)-have already released a self-titled debut under Warner Music Indonesia, and their hit single 'Jangan Pernah Pergi' has already sold one million downloads.

Yet when you talk to them, you get the impression that these are seasoned veterans who have been in the industry for a while now. Take their thoughts on illegal music downloading, for example. While others might blame the internet for destroying the music industry, Alexa are not overly concerned. "Downloading in Indonesia is not that extreme if you compare to the West," says Satrio. "Firstly, our internet access is not that accommodating. Secondly, not everybody in Indonesia has access to a computer. We think that CDs are not the only way to promote our music. Bands like Nine Inch Nails did a good job putting their album up for free download, but we haven't reached that level yet."

It isn't hard to foresee the band's music having widespread popularity. Describing their sound as power pop, the music is, according to Satrio, "a combination of pop, dance, alternative, metal, and jazz". All these good, simple tunes led to Alexa performing in Malaysia recently, which brought some pleasant surprises their way. "Even though the audience did not really know our songs, they still supported us," says Jmono. "After our performance, we had some chitchat with the audience, and we were surprised that 95% of them were Malaysians. We thought that the showcase would be filled with Indonesians."

With relative success already under their belt within a short period of time, Alexa are already planning to come out with their second album this year. They also want to focus on promoting their music in Indonesia and Malaysia. And yet they have not lost sight of the struggles that many other new bands face in trying to get noticed. "You have to keep moving on despite any obstacles," offers Jmono humbly. "Never stop learning, and play music because you like it. Just never give up."

WORDS ELLYN PHOTO BUN VIRUS
www.myspace.com/listentoalexa

*Taken from Junk's August 2009 issue.