DOMESTIC GROOVE ~ Celeb’s Chosen Nine is my biweekly column in The Beat (Jakarta) mag. Basically it’s an interview via e-mail which focuses on small, intimate, domestic stuff; what Indonesia’s public figures are really into.
For the 26th edition I went upclose-and-personal with Eka Rock.
EKA ROCK
Musician
What music are you into at the moment?
Recipe For Hate by Bad Religion. This is not a brand new release album that I have—it’s not even new stuff by Bad Religion. I hadn’t listened to this album for a long time, it’s made me realize how I needed the sound from it—and now I am cured! There are a lot more beats and rhythms, warm sound, and unpredictable lyrics thrown in to make it complete.
What was the first record you bought—any interesting story behind it?
Eclipse by Yngwie Malmsteen, 1990. That album wasn’t really my first introduction to music. I had listened to lots of different albums back then (belonging to my older brother). But Eclipse was the first one I totally owned. I bought the album after reading the review from this old school now-defunct tabloid called Citra.
Eclipse was about my high school romance hehe… And Yngwie did that for me. Rock and firing heart!
What is your all-time favorite albums? Why?
Scenes by Marty Friedman. It’s the second studio album by the legendary guitarist, released in 1992. I’ve bought this album several times, either because it was lost or stolen.
The instruments can kick the dizziness out of my head—sensational! What I can describe about this album is the really soft-color that makes you close your eyes, and hold your breath (even your hands) frequently. A dangerous unseen attack from the ex-thrash metal guitarist of Megadeth!
What was the worst record you ever purchased?
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves OST. There was only one song, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, by Bryan Adams that I really could listen to. The rest was kinda orchestral stuff they used in the movie. Phew, please take note: I just wanted to listen to music with my portable stereo tape recorder, not to imagine or pretend as if I was in the cinema.
Who do you want to be, other than yourself, next time you reincarnate?
One of those collector items merchandise from our band Superman Is Dead hehe… I can relive the band story’s as somebody else, and I can also find out just what people really think about me, too. I will get the story from all sources including my family, kids, and friends that are connected to this band. Yeahyeahyeah…
What book are you reading now and what’s the score (1-10)? Borrow or buy?
I haven’t read any books lately but I’ve had many lessons about the life. If you asked me what website I’m reading right now, I would answer “Google” haha.
What new movie should people see? Why?
I am addicted to 3D cinema recently. “Drive Angry” with Nicolas Cage is highly recommended. The message is: “Go back home after the case is solved!” Plus the 3D technology is great!
What song do you choose to start your weekend?
“Love Like Winter” by AFI, from the December Underground album.
And song you choose to end your weekend?
“The saddest song” by The Ataris, from the So Long, Astoria album.
Eka and his band, Superman Is Dead, are scheduled to release their first ever vinyl album anytime soon. Whenever he’s got a bit of down time during his crazy busy schedule, he likes to indulge in his new hobby of photography.
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*This interview was firstly published on The Beat (Jakarta) #49, October 2011
