INDONESIA: Popular Music

20^th century: creation of a national Indonesian identity

Spread of national language and dissemination of popular music.

Popular music able to cross traditional boundaries.

Role of technology:

Radio, TV, Film: wide distribution, but easily controlled by the state.

Portable audio cassettes: unregulated distribution

shifts control from government to private enterprise;

pirated versions of Western pop escape govt. censorship;

popular music brought to remote villages without electricity;

wealthy urban culture displayed to poor rural communities.

Genres of popular music from Indonesia on CD#1

Kroncong music:

22. Kroncong music – Langgam Di Bawah Sinar Bulan Purnama

(By the light of the full moon)

Early popular music that derives from Western music.

Influence of gamelan music (stratified polyphony).

Dangdut music:

23. Begadang II – Rhoma Irama and his Soneta Group

Based on imported Indian film music and Islamic pop.

Dance music for working class youth.

Pop Berat (Heavy pop):

24. “Indonesia Maharddhika” (“Indonesia is Free”) – Guru Gipsy

Based on imported Western rock.

Music for listening, not dancing.