Sheila on 7 is an alternative rock band from Yogyakarta, Indonesia who’ve made a great impact South East Asian music scene over the last decade. With cult favorites hits like “Melompat Lebih Tinggi”, “Dan” and “Sephia”, the band’s debut album was even listed as one of Rolling Stone Indonesia’s “150 Greatest Indonesian Albums of All Time”. The current line up consists of vocalist, Akhdiyat Duta Modjo, Eross Candra on guitar, Brian Kresno Putro on drums and Adam Muhammad Subarkah on bass.
We had a little chat with vocalist, Akhdiyat to talk a little more about their recent trip to Malaysia for the BlackBerry Music Mania in Stadium Malawati recently, and upcoming plans for Sheila on 7.
Q. How many times have you been to Malaysia?
We performed in Malaysia earlier this year at Stadium Merdeka, but we’ve all been to Malaysia numerous time on holiday with our family. I’ve been in Malaysia about five times, seven times for Eross, Adam’s been here about times, and eight for Brian.
Q. What is on the Sheila on 7 plan for now?
We’ve been touring around Indonesia performing. We also do some shows in high schools, too. Other than that, we’re also in the process of getting our new album out. We’re still working on the song selection for our 8th album. Also in 2013, we plan on hosting a huge concert in Yogyakarta to celebrate Sheila on 7’s 17th anniversary.
Q. With each passing day, there’s always an upcoming band. What helps Sheila on 7 stand out?
People now seem to prefer digital downloads as opposed to buying music CD’s, but we’re on the digital path too – we’re on iTunes too. But we always make the effort to perform and continue making albums to maintain our presence and to spread the word that Sheila on 7 is still here.
Q. Does Sheila on 7 plan on collaborating with Malaysian artistes for the next album?
We haven’t decided on that part of our album yet as we’re still at the stage of selecting the right songs for the album.
Q. Will you be giving a fresh concept to the album, or will it be like just another classic Sheila on 7 album?
Well, we’re definitely going to stay true to our genre, but we’re hoping to give it a 180 degree turn. Every band comes with something distinct about themselves, so if there isn’t something unique, it’s certainly something that people aren’t really going to look for. We’re going to give the album a few twists and turns in terms of sounding more mature and grown-up.
Q. When can we expect the release of the new album?
Well, it’s still 10% in the making, but we’re hoping to release it in mid-2013. We thought about releasing it in conjunction with our 17th anniversary concert, but our main priority is to get the album out first. But the anniversary concert should be on 6th May.
For more information, visit their official website.
