Domestic Fame | Brozio Orah

There’s one local music veteran who’s “been there and done that”, but not that many people, yes you kids, have noticed. His name is Brozio Orah. Better known as “Zio”, more than a decade ago he made quite a buzz on a national scale with his band at that time, Hydra. One of the band’s songs was included in a compilation of the most popular independent bands by Sony Music Indonesia, Indie Ten. Not long after that, he evolved from upbeat pop rock to rockabilly. His next band, The Hydrant, was signed by EMI Indonesia and is considered a pioneer of the Indonesian rockabilly trend. A few years in the scene and with the lack of bright lights, the big city, fame and fortune, he decided to try his luck overseas playing in a Top 40 band. He didn’t stay very long and finally ended up back home and back doing his low key thing (probably because that’s how he is). He then created a brief-but-brilliant career in a jazz band. Currently, he’s again. Back in the spotlight with Dialog Dini Hari.

Low profile, warm, likes to laugh a lot and not very loud, this bass virtuoso answers some questions from The Beat and keeping it short and sweet.

Your band’s album was just judged as one of the best albums of 2011 by one of the most prestigious magazines in Indonesia, Tempo. You think you deserve it? What’s so special about it?
Haha… It’s not a music magazine, it’s more like a ‘serious’ magazine. Maybe because we are getting older so the people who appreciate us are more from the older and more serious crowd. No worries. We are of course very thankful.

You have a very colorful CV. You caught the public’s attention by being a bassist in a rockabilly band, The Hydrant, and then you founded your own jazz band, and then you were involved in a folk-oriented band. What’s really your passion? Rockabilly, jazz, folk, or what?
I guess I’m too soul for rockabilly, too rock for jazz and too alternative for folk… Can’t decide. I truly love them all!

What’s the future plans with Dialog Dini Hari? New album soon, videoclip, tour?
We are in the process of making of our third album. It’s going to be a mini album (EP).

You and music, how did it start?
My first instrument was the drums. I started playing it when I was 11 years old. I moved to bass in my high school era.

Who are your favorite musicians?
The Porcaro—Jeff, Steve, Mike—brothers, Sting, Nathan East, The Beatles, Jaco Pastorius… the list goes on and on…
What are your best albums of all-time?
Ghost in The Machine – The Police,
Aja – Steely Dan
Breakin’ Away – Al Jarreau
My Mother’s Hymn Book – Johnny Cash
Isolation – Toto
The Grease sound track.

How do you see the future of music in Indonesia (and Bali)? If good, what’s so good about it? If bad, what’s your suggestion?
Hmmmm…. I can’t see the future, it depend on us. Do we still believe in our music or not ? No matter what you call it. And i don’t have a suggestion for anyone.
Speaking for my self, it’s “keep on groovin’  dudes!!!”

Last question, other than music, these last few months you’ve also been busy managing Art Cafe. How do you like this other new job? How do you manage between music and managing a cafe business?
Art Cafe has been around for almost three years now. It’s pretty amazing how I can juggle them, really. I don’t even know how I did it hahaha… Between music and  managing the cafe, well, for me it is all about communication and timing. When there’s problems, discuss it with your partner, talk directly, no bull. And of course:  a lot of hard work.

Interviewed by Rudolf Dethu

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