Today, I sit down with the members of PROLETAR, grindcore band from South of Jakarta region, Indonesia. With a career spanning over 25 years, PROLETAR shares thoughts into their quarter-century long path, the Indonesian grindcore scene, and their latest release.
Hey guys, thanks for your time! In a few sentences, if possible, who are PROLETAR.
Proletar was founded in 1999 at South of Jakarta region, Indonesia. In the early years, we were five young men playing raw music with low skill, but the most important thing for us at that time was to play it loud. We made our first demo in 2000, followed by other releases in the years after.
The Indonesian grindcore scene is pretty strong. Where do you see yourself in it, and do you like to play or tour with any Indonesian bands?
Overall, the underground music scene in Indonesia is strong, as you mentioned. But for grindcore, I think the euphoria is still the same as in the previous years. There aren’t many grindcore bands in each city in Indonesia. Grind festivals and gigs are not as popular as other subgenres, but I think that’s good because grindcore is supposed to stay true to its roots. We tour and play with our old friends, which is always fun. For example, we’ve played with Extreme Decay.
You have been around for 25 years. Do you find this period long or short for you as a grindcore band?
Too short, bwahahaha (lol). There are so many dreams and plans we haven’t realized yet.
Your latest release, two and a half years ago, was “Depressive Disorder / Grind for Better Life” for the Indonesian label Samstrong Records. How did the fans react to it?
The reaction was pretty cool. Samstrong released our double disc (CD & DVD) “Depressive Disorder” and the DVD “Grind for Better Life Documentary.” This documentary was screened in 50 cities in Indonesia while the COVID pandemic was booming at that time.
Can you describe the band’s songwriting process? How do you develop your songs from initial ideas to final tracks?
We still do it the old-school way. I record my guitar parts on my phone and send the results to my drummer. He learns and listens to it, then creates the drum parts. After that, we add lyrics to the music. Fun fact: while making “Depressive Disorder,” we even rehearsed together in the studio and played it. We only met in the studio to record each of our instruments and put it together, bwahaha, because it was during the COVID pandemic.
Do you think it is now easier to book a gig than during the period before the infamous coronavirus?
I think so, but renting venues, like cafes, is more expensive than before.
Grindcore and extreme music genres are often associated with provocative artwork. How important is visual art to your music?
I agree that artwork is important to the band. Each band has its own perspective on artwork. Sometimes it shows frontal provocation, but other times it has a deeper meaning that people have to interpret.
What inspirations and influences have shaped your sound and lyrics?
There are too many influences on our lyrics. We live in a place ripe for resistance lyrics, bwahaha (laughs again). For the sound, we just want it to be heavy and raw.
What was the first show you ever played?
I really forget; it’s been a long time ago.
Is there a gig you wish you had played?
What was the greatest show you ever played?
We love most of our shows. Meeting old and new friends and having fun together is very important to us.
Are there any new bands worth mentioning?
Not exactly new, but very active: Kanako Like Fruits (Drum & Bass).
Where can people see PROLETAR play in the future?
July 26 in Bandung city, playing with the Mexican band Nephyla (tour).
Where do you see PROLETAR in the next five years?
We hope to stay productive, making new albums, new EPs, new splits, and touring Europe. We especially hope to tour Germany and meet you there.
Best Indonesian beer?
Bintang.
Message for the fans?
Cooperation, not competition.
