It was all started in 1998. The band was named IMMORALITY PRESIDENT, but in 1999 changed to ROCKET ROCKERS. Our strongest line up are: Noor Al Kautsar a.k.a Ucay (vocal), Aska Pratama (guitar/vocal), Bisma Aria Nugraha (bass), Rizky Fadli (guitar), Khrisna a.k.a Ozom (Drums). First was our all time favorites; the 80s new wave acts; The Cure, Alphaville, OMD, Nena, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper, Duran-Duran, The Police, Joy Division etc. Second were what in our CD player recently; Pulley, Lagwagon, Weezer, Pearl Jam, NOFX, Pennywise, Reggie & The Full Effects, etc. We have 8 compilations and 2 full albums, now were preparing for our 3rd album. Our first album Soundtrack For Your Life was putting out by Off The Records (an independent label from our hometownBandung) which has been sold more than 20.000 copies, and our 2nd album (Ras Bebas) now in major debut with Sony/BMG Indonesia and recently it was sold about 45.000 copies.
We have been on skatepark tour all year with VOLCOM Indonesia, and play high school/college shows as many as 
possible. We've also opened Skin Of Tears show (punk rock from Germany) and MXPX. Anyhow, we are sponsored by the greatest skate/surf companies ever, Volcom and Macbeth.
Actually it was like laying a big bet for playing punk rock music here and try to make a living out of it. Playing in a punk rock band or being a part of the (so-called) cutting edge is a super hard job. We have to try super hard to convince corporate people who have the money that we can add values to their business. Somehow, in the early days, the kids still feel strange to what we play. But we believe that we can pass this test and have a big smile in the end. Finally, after constant powering up grassroots activities, local TV, MTV Indonesia and radio are starting to recognize us and airplay our things. Thanks for the early believers.
Anyhow big promoters with big capitals finally tried to call off big rock shows, so many great bands had been rocking here (Indonesia) : Metallica, Green Day, Himsa, Sonic Youth, Beastie Boys, Sepultura, Foo Fighters, Ingrowing, Napalm Death, The (International) Noise Conspiracy, NOFX, etc. Kids are starting to dig it and so our things can get more and more attention. Somehow, we dont care to what people going to say about us, even in the hard days. We just play to what we love and what we believe. It has been 8 years now, and we have never regret for our starting the band.
First thing first; we always write songs that come from our heart and try our best to describe us (as a band) in our original way. And we think its important to keep it simple so that more and more people can understand on what we stand for. We always try to consistently humble to all people: fans, corporate people, and media people.
Our recent goal was big, hairy and scary; we want to change the face of music industry in our country. Were trying to write down the path for newer bands that they can reach their dreams if they work for it. Its like providing an intellectual property so that new young creative bands with hard work attitude wont reinventing the wheel. We would like to see more kids start to wear band tshirt, start to skate and believe on their passion to live their own things. Its important to see kids which getting into more creative hype and do their best for their life and gives something back to their community. Thats what great American bands do for a living, and it inspires us so much.
0 comments:
Post a Comment