J-Rocks is an Indonesian rock band formed in 2003. It consists of Iman (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Sony (lead guitar), Wima (bass guitar) and Anton (drums). Their music is heavily influenced by Japanese rock bands. J-Rocks fans are called J-Rockstars.[4][5][6]

J-Rocks
OriginJakarta, Indonesia
Genres
Years active2003–present
LabelsAquarius Musikindo
MembersIman Surrachman
Sony Ismail Robbayani
Swara Wimayoga
Anton Rudi Kelces
Websitej-rocks.co.id

The band's name, "J-Rocks", comes from "J" representing their origin, Jakarta; and "Rockstar" because they wanted their fans to be called “Rockstars”.[4]

History

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In 2004, J-Rocks won in a Jakarta music competition Nescafe Get Started, sponsored by record label Aquarius Musikindo.[3] Their victory enabled them to contribute in a compilation album, Nescafe Get Started. The label released their debut album, Topeng Sahabat, in 2005. They contributed two songs on the soundtrack album of the motion picture Dealova: "Serba Salah" and "Into The Silent".

The band started to gain popularity since their second album, Spirit, in 2007. They played a variety of musical styles in the album, including: rock 'n roll, waltz, symphonic metal, blues, classical music, and others. In the single "Kau Curi Lagi", they collaborated with a female guitarist, Prisa Rianzi. They also made a music video in Japan for the single "Juwita Hati". It was handled by music video director Hedy Suryawan. Some regions in Japan, including Shibuya and Harajuku were used as the shooting location. That music video has increased J-Rocks' popularity quite significantly in Indonesia.

Abbey Road Studios

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J-Rocks were the first Indonesian band to record at Abbey Road Studios in the United Kingdom. From 12 to 16 October 2008, they recorded and mixed songs with sound engineer Chris Butler. The result was their five-song EP, Road to Abbey, released in 2009.[3] The album cover portrayed band members crossing Abbey Road's zebra cross, imitating The Beatles' 1969 album Abbey Road.[7]

Band members

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  • Iman Taufik Rachman — lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2003–present)
  • Sony Ismail Robayani — lead guitar (2003–present)
  • Swara Wimayoga — bass guitar (2003–present)
  • Anton Rudi Kelces — drums (2003–present)

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Album details Sales Certifications
Topeng Sahabat 900,000+
Spirit
  • Released: July 1, 2007
  • Label: Aquarius Musikindo
  • Formats: CD, digital download
900,000+
  • ASIRI: 6× Platinum[8]
Journey
  • Released: May 7, 2013[9]
  • Label: Aquarius Musikindo
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Let's Go!
  • Released: October 20, 2017[10]
  • Label: Aquarius Musikindo
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Title Album details Sales Certifications
Road To Abbey 75,000+

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Work/Nominee Result Ref.
2008 MTV Indonesia Awards Best Cutting Edge Artist J-Rocks Nominated [11]
2009 MTV Indonesia Awards Most Favorite Band/Group/Duo "Fallin' in Love" Nominated [12]
2009 Dahsyatnya Awards Outstanding Stage Act J-Rocks Nominated
2010 Indonesian Music Awards Best Rock Duo/Group Solo Artist "Fallin' in Love" Won [13]
2010 Indonesian Music Awards Best Rock Album Road To Abbey Nominated
2010 Dahsyatnya Awards Outstanding Stage Act J-Rocks Nominated
2011 Indonesian Music Awards Best Rock Duo/Group Solo Artist "Madu dan Racun" Nominated
2011 Dahsyatnya Awards Outstanding Stage Act J-Rocks Won

References

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  1. ^ a b Pamungkas, Alan (October 31, 2017). "Usai "Road to Abbey", J-Rocks Bangun dari Tidur demi Puaskan Fans" [After "Road to Abbey", J-Rocks comes back for fans]. Okezone (in Indonesian). Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  2. ^ "J-Rocks Rilis Album Baru Gandeng 10 Musisi" [J-Rocks released new album collaborated with 10 musicians]. Viva (in Indonesian). January 28, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Au, Johnny (December 18, 2015). "Interview: J-Rocks (Indonesia) on Their 12 Year Anniversary and Recording at Abbey Road Studios". HelloAsia.com.au. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Unity at Skechers Sundown Festival 2015". Bandwagon Asia. November 26, 2015. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  5. ^ Hua, Goh Guo (November 27, 2015). "Skechers Sundown Festival 2015: A Sonic Smack Smorgasbord". Yahoo! News Singapore. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  6. ^ Kok, Aaron (October 27, 2015). "Skechers Sundown Festival 2015". Juice Singapore. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  7. ^ Sabarini, Prodita (September 14, 2008). "J-Rocks Constantly Evolving". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved November 7, 2009.
  8. ^ a b Wicaksono, Pribadi (March 18, 2013). "Rilis Album Baru, J-Rocks Tour ke Jepang" [Release new album, J-Rocks tour to Japan]. Tempo (in Indonesian). Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  9. ^ a b Afifah, Mahardini Nur (May 29, 2013). "J-Rocks Siap Lempar Album 'Journey'" [J-Rocks released 'Journey' album]. Solopos (in Indonesian). Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  10. ^ Alpito, Agustinus Shindu (October 27, 2017). "Setelah Penantian Sewindu, J-Rocks Merilis Album 'Let's Go'" [After waiting for 8 years, J-Rocks released the album 'Let's Go']. MetroTV (in Indonesian). Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  11. ^ "MTV Indonesia Awards 2008: Afgan Penyanyi Terbaik" [2008 MTV Indonesia Awards: Afgan won the Best Singer]. Republika (in Indonesian). September 23, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  12. ^ "Netral Sabet "Best Original Soundtrack" di MTV Indonesia Awards 2009" [Netral won "Best Original Soundtrack" at 2009 MTV Indonesia Awards]. Cinmi.com (in Indonesian). November 26, 2009. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  13. ^ "Ini Dia Pemenang AMI Awards 2010" [These are the winners of 2010 AMI Awards]. Viva (in Indonesian). June 10, 2010. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
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