Adrian Adioetomo

For blues music’s fans in Indonesia, the name of Adrian Adioetomo perhaps is well-known, a blues musician born in Balikpapan, who is ingenious in playing dobro guitar. He has already released 2 albums and is now preparing his new next release.

His first composition, Delta Indonesia, was made on purpose in vintage style, to present a copy that similar with those of 30’s delta-blues’ compositions, or in other words; becomes a replication of old style recordings, through scratch effect in old black disc. Delta Indonesia was honored as the Best Album of 2007 by Rolling Stones Indonesia magazine. Adrian’s next release, Plays Standard is containing old pieces of blues songs such as I just Want To Make Love To You (Willie Dixon) and Hellhound on My Traill (Robert Johnson).

Uncluster was fortunately having chance of meeting Adrian Adioetomo, when he performed on the event of Monday Blues Special in Bandung, following is our interview.

Hello, Adrian

Helloo

For how many times is it your performance in Bandung tonight?

I forgot for how many times it is tonight in Bandung, but the first time I performed here was at the end of 90’s, I often perform here actually.

Would you please explain to anyone who has not known yet, what was your motive of choosing delta blues?

Before I play delta, I was playing punk, metal, hardrock up to southern rock, then Chicago blues to finally I chose delta. To me, blues is a basic for playing guitar, which in fact I learned it just for usual knowledge, but more and more I felt getting more like it. To me, delta is a pure expression that contains high art-value, and it is not all about being matched or not; it is just because coincidentally my inspiration has been expressed so much through this.

Do you agree on assumptions that root music such as blues or classic are music that developed with certain patterns in such way, which as a result made creativity is restricted by the pattern it self?

Maybe it is true, with pattern. Because they are kinds of original music, so it is acceptable if they become first pattern for learning. Ethnic music, for instance, is also root music; it has certain pattern and standard. In my opinion, that’s no problem and will not disrupt our creativity. The important thing is what the player will play or create, such as one learns to play classic piano and then he/she shall try until he/she able to or maybe tries experimental piano that uses other base or else. The most important thing for me is play totally.

What is your main motivation which encourages you to release Delta Indonesia?

Actually there are two factors. First is the internal factor, I feel that compositions I have created shall be materialized, meanwhile I have theme then it became real. The external factor is I feel that if audiences are very enthusiast when I performed at cafe, then I thought they like my songs, so they would buy my album somehow.

Any album you have listened to recently?

I have just listened to two new releases; Alice in Chains, “Black Gives Way to Blue” and Sade, “Soldier of Love”.

What’s your opinion about the 2 albums?

I prefer Alice’s previous album, it was crazy, about Sade is almost equal, I prefer her previous album.

Do you have any ideal concept concerning mainstream music industry and independent, nowadays?

I don’t have any. Since I assume it cannot be formulated at all. I feel that mainstream has done its work which concerning anyone who has capital and the logic would be clear. Mainstream has got money and powers, while indie would be more focus to the art. So, I think indie would be better if just go on, it shall find any chance.

The production of Delta Indonesia which was purposely made in ‘vintage” style, is more inclined as a purpose to be a replication than being a “retro”. Can you explain this?

Usually, anybody who plays ‘retro’ style is totally alerted that it’s a kind of ‘hoax’, there are derisory elements, while a replication could be total. Mm, pretending to be a 30’s people, who records his/her art work.

Can you name local bands, other than blues bands, which in your opinion is very representative?

Simak Dialog, Seringai, Komunal, Efek Rumah Kaca

Do you have any opinion about a webzine, such as we’re dealing with, now?

Hehe, I don’t have any, but I am grateful there’s an initiative from one who sounds something unique. But, perhaps it has always been a second hand truth; oversee one side from certain problem’s point of view, which could be seen from another point of view.

Our last question, is there any new info about your new upcoming album?

I can’t tell you what the title would be, but I have planned 16 songs included, materials that are not replications, and I will be exploring clean recording style. (Translated by Rizkal Dicky Satriadi)

Filed Under: Interviews