Wikipedia

Draft:Pop Kreatif

Creative Pop
Native name
Pop Kreatif
Other namesIndonesian City pop (unofficial)[1]
Stylistic origins
Cultural originsLate-1970s, Indonesia
Other topics
Indo pop

Pop Kreatif is an Indonesian offshoot and subgenre of city pop that emerged in the late 20th century as a fusion of Indonesian music and contemporary global influences such as funk, jazz, and soft rock. Rooted in urban culture, the genre often characterized by its smooth melodies, upbeat rhythms, and nostalgic themes. Initially the genre had reflected the rapid modernization of Indonesia during the 1980s and early 1990s. Pop Kreatif gained popularity among Indonesian youth and has since been gained a resurgence within the Indonesian music scene.[1]

Definition

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In the 80's, Indonesian media coined the term Pop Kreatif, which became widely popular, much like the music itself, rich in modern electronic sounds and intricate notations.[2] Journalists Seno M. Hardjo and Bens Leo is cited to have popularized this term to differentiate the music presented by musicians from the likes of Guruh Soekarnoputra, Eros Djarot, Chrisye, Fariz RM, and Dian Pramana Poetra from the Melancholic pop music.[3] The term itself also shaped public perception, positioning the genre as sophisticated and emblematic of the glamour of urban life, in stark contrast to Melancholic pop, which was often dismissed as tacky, rural, and outdated by the new generation.[2]

The ban on Melancholic pop had created an opportunity for musicians experimenting with jazz fusion and new wave styles, characterized by heavy use of synthesizers, to rise to prominence.[2] Artists who are categorized within the creative pop genre are those who tended to focus on creating unique rhythms, melodies, harmonies, instruments, dynamics, styles, and creative lyrics.[4]

Musical origin

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The origins of Pop Kreatif can be traced back to Indonesia’s long history of musical fusion. Even before the genre's formal emergence, Indonesian music was marked by the integration of local traditions with external influences. Genres like Kroncong and Dangdut showcased this blending, with Kroncong drawing from Portuguese folk traditions and Dangdut incorporating elements of Indian film music. During the 1960s and 70s, the rise of Pop Melayu entered Indonesia’s ability to merge Western pop music with regional Malay musical styles. Artists such as Rhoma Irama introduced modern instruments and pop arrangements into traditional forms, laying the groundwork for the eventual development of Pop Kreatif.[5]

LCLR competition and Prambors Radio

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See also: Festival Lagu Populer Indonesia
 
Fariz RM is one of many artists to have contributed to the emergence of Pop Kreatif

In the mid-1970s, Indonesian pop music was dominated by groups like Koes Plus, Favorite's Group, Panbers, The Mercy's, and D'Lloyd. Their music tended to have similarities in melody, chords, and simple lyric writing patterns. Renowned music critic Remy Sylado criticized the shallowness of themes in Indonesian pop music at that time, noting that almost all songs were filled with the word "Mengapa!" (English: Why!).[3] Prambors Radio, once known to be a radio station that caters to young people, then created a competition through LCLR, sought to harness the creative potential of young people in songwriting and break the stagnation of the pop music industry, which tended to be merely commercial and monotonous.[6] In its first implementation, LCLR 1977 successfully produced the song "Kemelut" by Junaedi Salat, sung by Keenan Nasution,[7] as the first winner and "Lilin-Lilin Kecil" originally by James F. Sundah, sung by Chrismansyah Rahadi,[8] which was chosen as the "Favorite Song" based on listeners' choices.[9] Among the ten winners, three songs were then created by a vocal group from a local highschool, SMA Negeri 3 Jakarta, as one of the winners: "Akhir Sebuah Opera," "Angin," and "Di Malam Kala Sang Sukma Datang." Students like Fariz R. Munaf, Adjie Soetama, Raidy Noor, and Iman RN later became known as movers in Indonesian pop music.

In LCLR 1978, the song "Khayal" by Christ Kaihatu and Tommy WS became the first winner,[10] while "Kidung" by Chris Manusama was selected as the "Favorite Song."[11] This event continued to produce talented songwriters such as Ikang Fawzy, Dian Pramana Poetra, Yovie Widianto, and many others. The echo of LCLR Prambors shook the Indonesian pop music industry. In the 1977‒1978 era, several musicians like Chrisye,[8] Keenan Nasution,[12] Eros Djarot,[13] and God Bless[14] were enthusiastic about producing alternative works to mainstream pop music once popularity arose.[3] Even with social and government pressures, Pop Melancholy singers are almost never involved in this event. Only 3 names have ever been involved, namely Christine Panjaitan (FLPI 1985), Endang S. Taurina (FLPI 1986) and Dian Piesesha (FLPI 1987).[15] The musical arrangements presented by Yockie Soerjoprajogo in LCLR tended to adopt progressive rock elements with keyboard-dominated instruments, introducing a rich and grand musical atmosphere, especially in terms of musical arrangements that presented broader chords and more poetic lyric writing. This style of musical arrangement then continued when Yockie Suryo Prayogo worked on Chrisye's solo albums such as Sabda Alam, Percik Pesona, Puspa Indah Taman Hati, Pantulan Cinta, Resesi, Metropolitan, and Nona who would be a signature of Pop Kreatif.[16][17] Jazz influences began to appear in LCLR 1980 with arrangements crafted by Abadi Soesman and Benny Likumahuwa. LCLR then prioritized emerging music trends, making it a barometer of innovation in the Indonesian pop music industry and an artist's favorite.[3] By the 1980s, the influence of AOR became more evident in Indonesian music. Artists and bands such as Fariz RM, Yockie Suryoprayogo, and Candra Darusman played a significant role in shaping the taste and standards of modern Indonesian pop music. They incorporated sophisticated melodies, smooth arrangements, and contemporary production techniques, drawing inspiration from these internationally popular styles.[1]

In the late 1980s, KLa Project emerged and strengthened the Pop Kreatif genre with new wave influences and the use of synthesizers. Their debut album with hits like "Tentang Kita" and "Yogyakarta" marked the golden era of KLa Project and expanded the acceptance of creative pop music in Indonesia.[3] The Indonesian Popular Song Festival reached its heyday in the mid-80s, in the sense that the songs produced won international awards as well as selling in the market.[18] In 1985, the FLPI committee managed to get 12 songs that were selected as 'truly best’. Almost all songs became hits, and the winners were able to speak at the International Festival. Vina Panduwinata‘s song Burung Camar won the Kawakami Awards at the World Pop Song Festival at Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan.[19]

Harmoko's demands

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By the late 70's, Pop Kreatif had an impeding competition with Melancholic Pop, a mellow music genre that takes its inspiration from 1950's American Traditional Pop.[20] Melancholic Pop had drawn Indonesians, such like Iwan Fals, as a way to express criticism to the New Order government over the living conditions, political repression, and economic stagnation inherited by the New Order government.[21] The subgenre was eventually banned from airing on TVRI, Indonesia's national and only television network, in 1988 by Harmoko, Indonesia's Minister of Information at the time. Once Harmoko had listened to a then hit song "Hati Yang Luka" released in 1988, created by Obbie Messakh and sung by Betharia Sonata, he ordered an immediate ban on "whiny pop".[2] It is also speculated that President Suharto personally disliked the song.[22] In Harmoko's view, such songs were seen as obstacles to national development, as he believed they failed to foster work enthusiasm.[23] He criticized the content of TVRI's programs, which he described as being filled with "low-taste laments of broken spirits, broken households, or whiny things," deeming them unsuitable for promoting a productive and motivated society.[24] It is alleged that he hated the song as it contained lyrics that 'paralyzed the spirit', which was considered very contradictory to the spirit of development echoed by the New Order government.[25][2] From this ban, it had left many artists bankrupt and led to the destruction of the once dominating Melancholic pop industry.[26][27] With the end of Melancholic Pop, Pop Kreatif began to develop rapidly along the years, starting from an underground movement to mainstream, with the government actively promoting the genre.[28] After the ban on Melancholic pop, the Indonesian creative industry virtually crashed,[2] with cassettes and tape recorder eventually being sold with lower prices since the end of the 70's.[29] This has then allowed most of the Indonesian population to enjoy songs from foreign bands as interest from outside culture and music began to seep in from the New Order's cultural relaxation policy.[30] The success of LCLR led to Prambors Radio packaging its songs to the wider public in the form of cassettes. Both cheap cassettes and radio had led to the mass propagation of the Pop Kreatif genre.[31]

During the annual event, finalist songs from LCLR were always introduced on TVRI through a special program. Additionally, the final night of the competition was broadcasted by TVRI, ensuring it reached audiences across Indonesia. This extensive exposure played a significant role in making songs from the competition, even those with more complex compositions compared to mainstream commercial pop at the time, successful and popular hits upon their release in the market.[32]

Popularity

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The emergence of Pop Kreatif in the late 20th century coincided with Indonesia's rapid urbanization and increased exposure to global culture under the cultural relaxation of the New Order government. International music trends like Western disco and funk influenced Indonesian airwaves, inspiring local artists to create music that reflected the lifestyles of an urbanizing Indonesia while maintaining local appeal. Pop Kreatif artists adopted modern production techniques and global aesthetics, but they also retained distinct Indonesian elements, such as formatting and melodic structures. The genre resonated strongly with Indonesia’s growing middle class, urbanites, and the leisure class who sought to embrace cultural affinity with foreign culture.[1]

Popular singers and/or composers in this subgenre include Chrisye, Fariz RM, KLa Project, Utha Likumahuwa, and Vina Panduwinata.[33][34] The success of Badai Pasti Berlalu soundtrack and Fariz RM's Sakura album became the momentum for the growth of Pop Kreatif.[35] Fariz RM and Dian Pramana Poetra are examples of musicians who succeeded in this genre. The album "Sakura" (1980) by Fariz RM and "Indonesia Jazz Vocal" (1982) by Dian Pramana Poetra received positive responses and captivated the much of the Indonesian new generation.[2]

Decline

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With the fall of the New Order government, the monopoly on the country's airwaves came to an end. This shift allowed new media companies to emerge, providing the Indonesian populace with a greater variety of options and genres to explore.[2] Pop Kreatif was eventually overshadowed by a genre known as Pop Melayu originating from Malaysia. The emergence of Pop Melayu, with its sentimental and melodious lyrics, marked a period when Pop Kreatif began to decline in popularity. By the early 2000's, Pop Kreatif was gradually forgotten by music enthusiasts, eventually fading into obscurity as Pop Melayu captured the public’s attention.[31][36]

21st century resurgence

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With growing interest from younger generations, many Indonesians have begun referring to Pop Kreatif from the 1980s and 1990s as "Indonesian City pop." This trend has gained traction among young music enthusiasts, coinciding with the global revival of Japanese City pop,[37] which has been fueled by the rise of internet streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify.[38][39] As a result, Indonesian youths have been rediscovering Pop Kreatif, embracing its nostalgic charm and its parallels to the cosmopolitan aesthetics of Japanese City Pop.[1][37] There is no well-defined or established connection between Japanese City Pop and Pop Kreatif. However, both genres share a common root in AOR (Adult-Oriented Rock). Some music critics and artists have expressed concerns about labeling Pop Kreatif as "Indonesian City Pop," arguing that it brings negative connotations and creates an amalgamation of unrelated genres. This broad categorization has led to the inclusion of genres such as Indonesian disco, 90s hard rock, and even proto-pop-Malay groups under the same label, diluting the distinct identity of Pop Kreatif. Critics warn that this blending can cause confusion, particularly for international listeners seeking to understand the unique characteristics of Pop Kreatif as a genre.[40]

Member of Diskoria, Merdi Simanjuntak, expressed disagreement at this categorization to the group and wider genre as a whole, stating, "I could only laugh!"[40] Fariz RM once commented on his connection to the City pop genre by stating that his inspiration came from a wide range of sources, not exclusively from Japanese City Pop. He credited much of the genre's influence to figures like Harie Dea as its actual originator. When asked about the term "Indonesian City Pop" and whether it should be an established genre, Fariz RM personally rejected the label, emphasizing that such categorizations are typically created by observers or listeners rather than by musicians themselves.[41]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Indonesia, Harper's Bazaar. "Kembalinya Musik Pop Kreatif dalam Terminologi Baru: Indonesian City Pop". harpersbazaar.co.id. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Kilas Balik Pop Indonesia tahun 80-an". GEOTIMES (in Indonesian). 2021-02-21. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  3. ^ a b c d e Astari, Fiolita Dwina (2020-12-27). "Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja Prambors Ubah Musik Pop Lebih Kreatif". Minews ID (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  4. ^ Estiningtyas, Arista (2022-07-11). "Mengenal Jenis Musik Pop dan Ciri-Cirinya: Standar hingga Balada". tirto.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  5. ^ Wallach, Jeremy; Clinton, Esther (2013-06-01). "History, Modernity, and Music Genre in Indonesia: Popular Music Genres in the Dutch East Indies and Following Independence". Asian Music. 44 (2): 3–23. doi:10.1353/amu.2013.0020. ISSN 1553-5630.
  6. ^ "Festival Lagu Populer Indonesia era 70an". Aldi Wirya. 13 November 2014. Archived from the original on 2017-06-26. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  7. ^ Liputan6.com (2022-03-09). "Selamat Hari Musik Nasional 2022, Ini 10 Album Kompilasi Paling Berdampak dalam Sejarah Indonesia". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ a b Endah, Alberthiene (2008). The Last Words of Chrisye (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Gramedia Pustaka Utama. ISBN 978-979-22-5655-0.
  9. ^ Sarana, PT Balarusa Mitra (2020-08-21). "Album Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja 1978 Bertabur Pesona". Pophariini. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  10. ^ Nugroho, Kelik M. (2015). Almanak Musik Indonesia 2005-2015. Jakarta: Yayasan Tali Kemanusiaan. p. 149. ISBN 978-602-73654-0-7.
  11. ^ "Welcome to Prambors | Hits Terbaik Dunia". Archived from the original on 2014-04-19. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  12. ^ "Mengenang "Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja Prambors", Karya Anak Muda yang Abadi". hai.grid.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  13. ^ Wibisono, Nuran (2019-02-04). "Sejarah Hidup Yockie Suryo Prayogo, Sang Petualang Musikal". tirto.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  14. ^ developer, medcom id (2023-11-10). "Mengulik Sejarah Awal Band God Bless". medcom.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  15. ^ "Festival Lagu Populer Indonesia (FLPI) era 80an". Aldi Wirya. 5 Mei 2010. Archived from the original on 2016-10-13. Retrieved 2016-07-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Nusantara, Alunan (2021-12-15). "AN MUSISI: Yockie Suryo Prayogo dan Album-Album Solonya". Medium. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
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  18. ^ "Festival Lagu Populer Indonesia". 80-an. 2 November 2009. Archived from the original on 2018-05-13. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  19. ^ Andi Baso Djaya (19 March 2016). "Anugerah Bakti Musik Indonesia 2016 untuk 4 tokoh". Beritagar.id. Archived from the original on 2016-08-15. Retrieved 2016-07-26.
  20. ^ Yampolsky, P. (1989). “Hati Yang Luka”, an Indonesian Hit. Indonesia, 47, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.2307/3351072
  21. ^ Elliot (2018-10-16). "Traditional and Modern Indonesian Music". Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  22. ^ "Orba Benci Musik Cengeng". Historia - Majalah Sejarah Populer Pertama di Indonesia (in Indonesian). 2023-11-14. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  23. ^ TRANGGONO, INDRA (2022-08-27). "Merayakan Melankolisme". kompas.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  24. ^ Matanasi, Petrik (2019-01-29). "Sejarah Pelarangan Lagu Cengeng Zaman Orde Baru". tirto.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  25. ^ Budiadnyana, Ari. "Makna Lagu Hati yang Luka, Pernah Dilarang Diputar saat Orde Baru". IDN Times Bali (in In-Id). Retrieved 2024-11-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  26. ^ "Lagu Cinta Melankolis yang (Pernah) Berbahaya". www.dcdc.id. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  27. ^ gm, Indra (2023-04-14). "Ketika Pop Melankolis Tidak Lagi Mendominasi, Dua Bintang Ini Lahir Menandai Tren Baru di Blantika Musik Indonesia - Lontar News". lontarnews.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  28. ^ gm, Indra (2023-04-14). "Ketika Pop Melankolis Tidak Lagi Mendominasi, Dua Bintang Ini Lahir Menandai Tren Baru di Blantika Musik Indonesia - Laman 2 dari 2". Lontar News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  29. ^ Williams, Sean (2010-12-01). "Modern Noise, Fluid Genres: Popular Music in Indonesia, 1997-2001". The Australian Journal of Anthropology. 21 (3): 396–397. doi:10.1111/j.1757-6547.2010.00095.x. ISSN 1035-8811.
  30. ^ Kusumo, Rizky (7 April 2021). "Industri Musik Indonesia dari Masa ke Masa, Hingga Terbit Royalti". GoodnewsfromIndonesia.
  31. ^ a b "Indonesian City Pop dan Pasang Surutnya Pop Kreatif di Indonesia". Indonesian City Pop dan Pasang Surutnya Pop Kreatif di Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  32. ^ Sarana, PT Balarusa Mitra (2019-08-17). "Lomba Lagu Indonesia: Perlukah Musik Dilombakan?". Pophariini. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  33. ^ Indonesia, C. N. N. "KLa Project, Gelombang yang Mendobrak 'Pop Cengeng' Indonesia". hiburan (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  34. ^ developer, medcom id (2023-06-25). "Bangkitnya Lagu-lagu Chrisye, Fariz RM, dan Pop Kreatif dalam Label City Pop Indonesia". medcom.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  35. ^ Sakrie, Denny (2015-03-01). 100 Tahun Musik Indonesia (in Indonesian). GagasMedia. ISBN 978-979-780-785-6.
  36. ^ gm, Indra (2023-04-14). "Ketika Pop Melankolis Tidak Lagi Mendominasi, Dua Bintang Ini Lahir Menandai Tren Baru di Blantika Musik Indonesia - Laman 2 dari 2". Lontar News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  37. ^ a b Aurelia, Joan (2 August 2021). "Booming City Pop di Balik Keajaiban Ekonomi Jepang". tirto.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  38. ^ Kim, Joshua Minsoom (June 2, 2020). "Pacific Breeze 2: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1972-1986". Pitchfork.
  39. ^ St. Michel (August 6, 2020). "City Pop on Vinyl brings back the glitzed-out sounds of Japan's bubble". The Japan Times.
  40. ^ a b Sarana, PT Balarusa Mitra (2021-03-27). "Stop Melabeli Musik Lawas Indonesia Dengan "City Pop Indonesia"". Pophariini. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
  41. ^ "Indonesian City Pop Dari Sudut Fariz RM dan Vira Talisa". Indonesian City Pop Dari Sudut Fariz RM dan Vira Talisa (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-16.
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