VOB Exclusive: “What people don't know, is the moment when we wanted to quit”
Written by Haiza Putti | Read in Indonesian
The popularity and name of the Voice of Baceprot (VOB) continue to rise in the eyes of the world. The echoes and enthusiasm of the band, which consists of three girls from Garut, Indonesia, are getting louder and louder.
The three of them continue to actively release works, and the latest is the single "PMS" last November. Not only that, when TFR met them in the midst of their busy schedule, VOB revealed that they were already working on another project.
On the same occasion, TFR also spoke exclusively with the three members of this metal band from Singajaya Village, discussing stories from the three's journeys in building VOB.
It turns out, Marsya, on vocal and guitar, Widi the bassist, and drummer Siti first got into music when they were in junior high school (SMP) in 2014.
Then finally, under the guidance of a teacher and mentor named Abah Erza, VOB was formed in 2017.
Interestingly, the word ‘baceprot’ from the band’s name was chosen because it has the meaning of ‘noisy’ in Sundanese, and is considered to aptly describe the type of music they play.
Since its formation, VOB has been under the world's spotlights. In fact, a global magazine called Metal Hammer called VOB "the metal band the world needs today."
However, behind VOB’s success and their passion in fighting against stigma through ‘noisy’ music, there are ups and downs in the journey that the three of them experienced, and maybe not known to the public or other people.
Read more about the personal stories as discussed by Marsya, Widi, and Siti in the article below! Starting from the encouragement they get off music, dealing with fatigue, to their desire to give up at certain points.
Also read: VOB releases single "PMS", celebrating women's independence from stereotyped restraints
What keeps VOB enthusiastic about fighting through music?
“Maybe the main thing is because we enjoy doing music. So, doesn’t matter what people say because we are happy to do it. The second thing is, because of the validation,” Marsya told TFR.
She said that many of her family members, friends and people around her often doubted VOB's ability to make music, because they thought "it won't lead to anything."
VOB's works boast a number of meaningful messages that are relevant to today's social conditions. One of them is showcased in the single "PMS", which reveals VOB's antipathy, displeasure, and anger towards situations of discriminatory behavior and judgement against women.
“I was also a victim of bullying! 'Huh? Girls playing drums?' At that time at the pensi, the jokes weren't funny, like, 'Siti, can your legs reach (the pedal)?'," said VOB’s drummer, Siti, while chuckling.
What was your most memorable fan experience?
Marsya shared a story about a comment that impressed her the most. As it turned out, this comment was found in the comment section of their YouTube single "God Allow Me Please to Play Music" (2021).
She found a negative comment insulting VOB’s hijab.
However, she said, “There was one comment below that, that says, in essence, it was people like this that initially made them want to leave Islam, because many people made comments like that.”
Furthermore, the fan confessed that they "decided not to (leave Islam) because they saw our video clip and lyrics in the song "God Allow Me..", Marsya told TFR.
"Right then I was really speechless. Because I actually always doubt what I do. So, when I read the comments, I realized that what I did had an effect on people's lives," she added.
What have been their career challenges and sacrifices in the music industry?
Marsya swiftly answered, "Many things have been sacrificed, (especially) during our youths." The reason being that she feels her career requires her to “mature” before her time.
In addition, there were times when they had to miss out on important moments happening with their families.
"We had a period when we were very far away from our parents because we played music and missed out on important moments from those closest to us, like when my sister got married when the band was on tour abroad," continued Marsya.
What doesn't the general public know about VOB’s career journey?
"I won’t say the process has been hard, (but) it's been really hard!" said Marsya. All three admitted that the decision to move from their village in Garut to Jakarta forced them to continue adapting.
The feeling of wanting to go home, “struggling to make sure we have enough money to get by. Not to mention, the struggle with mental health," are some of the main challenges that VOB members faced, Marsya shared.
On the other hand, Widi said that the obligation to produce new music also brings its own pressure. She felt she had to keep thinking, “what else can I do, to make it interesting so that (listeners) don't get bored. It was quite draining… and emotional,” she said with a chuckle.
Furthermore, Siti also said, "What people don't know is the moment when we wanted to quit."
What made VOB decide not to quit?
According to Siti, thoughts of wanting to quit often crossed her and Widi's minds.
“I often feel tired, so many demands. So it's like I'm not ready, that's it. When you're in the village, you can play in bands as you please, have fun. Yes, if it's here, it's set, there are targets. Back then, I was just surprised, right… fresh out of high school. Went straight to Jakarta, and then to work, I didn't think I could handle it,” Widi opened up.
However, Siti went on to say that Marsya never gave up; she became the middle(wo)man, “because VOB cannot be replaced. If one leaves, VOB shall disband," Siti stated.
Meanwhile, Marsya added that the three of them always "took care of each other's moods together."
Are there new challenges VOB encounters after going global?
Marysa, Siti, and Widi all agree that after having plunged into the music industry by moving to Jakarta, and regularly performing - including overseas - have led to new challenges.
Apart from the demands for producing new music, Siti said that now she feels “the pressure to be multitalented or be perfect. Now, after entering the industry, I have to be good."
"In the past, I was careless, I never thought about clothes. So at most, just T-shirts, and the clothes didn't have to be nice or the makeup did not have to be attractive, no. But now we have to look and sound good,” Siti continued.
What is your 'escape' when you are tired of work?
Apparently, not all VOB members listen to music to ‘escape’ work. In fact, Marsya admits that now she rarely listens to music.
Because her obligations now revolve around instrument and vocal explorations, Marsya confessed, “There was a point where I just looked at the guitar and I wanted to vomit. Because I do it every day."
In contrast to Marsya, Siti often explores the latest music, especially western pop songs. Meanwhile, Widi entertains herself and fills her spare time by listening to Sundanese gamelan music.
"Sharing a house with Widi feels like a celebration (hajatan) every day. She keeps listening to “Sabilulungan” ," Marsya said with a laugh.
Marsya, Siti and Widi's goals beyond music?
To TFR, Marsya admitted that one of her biggest goals was to build a school. "But not a formal school, instead I want to accommodate children who used to be like me. So I want to create a school that accommodates the things students like," she said.
On the other hand, Siti and Widi’s wishes are more similar, “I want to have a brand together, a business, so music is not the main thing. Because if music is the main thing, sometimes it goes up and down, that's it, turnover," Siti said while laughing.
"I want to be a trader, (because) if the business is big, we can empower other people," Widi added.
Next, Widi talked about dreams and hopes by answering, “Hopefully I can love and accept myself more as I am. Because I often feel anxious. Often, if anything happens to VOB, I blame myself."
Beyond that, all three of them wanted "VOB to be more productive, (and) we remain happy doing it."
