Singing Dewa 19 Songs In Front Of Once: My Experience

Have you ever imagined singing Dewa 19 songs in front of Once Mekel? Yeah, the Once Mekel, the legendary vocalist of Dewa 19? Well, let me tell you, it happened to me, and it was an experience I'll never forget. It all started with a karaoke night with some friends. We were belting out classic Indonesian hits, and of course, Dewa 19 came up. I mean, who doesn't love Dewa 19? Their songs are timeless, full of emotion, and just plain awesome to sing. So, we're there, having a blast, when suddenly, my friend nudges me and whispers, "Hey, look who just walked in!" I turn around, and there he is, Once Mekel himself, chilling in a corner booth. My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe it. What are the chances? Of all the karaoke places in all the cities, he walks into ours. So, naturally, the next song we chose was "Arjuna Mencari Cinta." I grabbed the mic, trying to keep my hands from shaking, and just went for it. I closed my eyes, channeling my inner Ari Lasso (or at least trying to), and sang my heart out.

Singing Dewa 19 songs requires a lot of bravery, but when the opportunity to sing in front of the original singer arises, it requires more confidence. Now, I'm not going to lie, it was nerve-wracking. Knowing that Once was in the audience, listening to me butcher (hopefully not too badly) one of his iconic songs, was incredibly intimidating. But at the same time, it was also exhilarating. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I mean, how often do you get to perform a song by a legendary artist in front of the legend himself? As I sang, I couldn't help but steal glances at Once. He was just sitting there, sipping his drink, with a slight smile on his face. I couldn't tell if he was enjoying it, cringing, or just completely indifferent. But I kept going, determined to finish the song strong. When I finally hit the last note, there was a brief moment of silence, followed by applause from my friends and the rest of the karaoke crowd. I looked at Once, and he gave me a nod and a thumbs up. A thumbs up from Once Mekel! I almost fainted. It was the ultimate validation. After our set, I mustered up the courage to approach him. I introduced myself, told him how much I admired his work, and thanked him for listening to my rendition of "Arjuna Mencari Cinta." He was incredibly gracious and down-to-earth. He said he enjoyed my performance and even gave me some pointers on how to improve my vocals. Can you believe it? Once Mekel giving me singing lessons! It was surreal.

The Pressure of Performing Iconic Songs

Let's dive deeper into the challenges and thrills of performing iconic songs, especially when the original artist is in the audience. Singing iconic songs comes with a lot of pressure. When you tackle a song that's deeply ingrained in people's memories and emotions, you're not just singing notes and lyrics; you're also carrying the weight of its history and cultural significance. Everyone has their own interpretation and connection to the song, and they're bound to compare your version to the original. Add the fact that the original artist is present, and the pressure skyrockets. You want to do justice to their creation, honor their legacy, and not completely embarrass yourself in the process. It's a tightrope walk between paying homage to the original and putting your own spin on it.

There is an exhilarating feeling when singing, especially if you can conquer your fear. But let’s be honest, performing in front of the original artist can be incredibly intimidating. They are the ones who poured their heart and soul into creating the song, and now you're putting your own interpretation on display for them to judge. It's like showing your homework to your teacher, except the stakes are much higher. You worry about whether you're doing the song justice, whether you're capturing the essence of their vision, and whether you're meeting their expectations. All these thoughts can swirl in your head, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the performance. However, despite the pressure, there's also an undeniable thrill in performing iconic songs. It's an opportunity to connect with the music on a deeper level, to channel the emotions and experiences that the artist poured into the song, and to share that connection with the audience. When you nail a performance of an iconic song, it's not just a personal accomplishment; it's a celebration of the music itself and its enduring power to move people. And when the original artist acknowledges and appreciates your performance, it's the ultimate validation, a sign that you've not only done justice to their creation but also made it your own. In my case, singing Dewa 19 in front of Once Mekel was a nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding experience. It taught me the importance of preparation, confidence, and respect for the music and the artist. It also reminded me that even the most legendary figures are human beings with a passion for their craft and a willingness to encourage aspiring musicians. It's a memory I'll cherish forever, and a story I'll continue to tell for years to come.

Dewa 19's Enduring Legacy

Dewa 19's legacy is really a masterpiece. Speaking of Dewa 19, let's talk about their enduring legacy in the Indonesian music scene. For those who might not know, Dewa 19 is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands in Indonesian history. Formed in Surabaya in 1986, the band quickly rose to fame with their catchy melodies, poetic lyrics, and innovative musical arrangements. Their music blended elements of rock, pop, and jazz, creating a unique sound that resonated with a wide audience. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Dewa 19 churned out a string of hit albums, spawning numerous chart-topping singles that became anthems for a generation. Songs like "Kangen," "Arjuna Mencari Cinta," and "Separuh Nafas" are still beloved by fans today and continue to be played on radio stations and karaoke nights across the country. But Dewa 19's impact goes beyond just hit songs. The band played a significant role in shaping the Indonesian music industry, paving the way for other rock bands and inspiring countless musicians. Their success demonstrated that Indonesian rock music could be both commercially viable and artistically innovative, challenging the dominance of Western music in the local market.

The history of Dewa 19 has had many changes, they have gone through many changes in the formation of personnel. One of the key factors in Dewa 19's success was their ability to evolve and adapt to changing musical trends. The band experimented with different genres and styles, incorporating elements of electronic music, traditional Indonesian music, and even classical music into their songs. This willingness to push boundaries and take risks kept their music fresh and relevant, attracting new fans while retaining their loyal following. Of course, Dewa 19 has also faced its share of challenges and controversies. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes, with members leaving and joining over the years. There have also been legal battles and personal conflicts that have threatened to derail the band's career. However, through it all, Dewa 19 has managed to persevere, continuing to release new music and perform live for their fans. Their resilience and dedication are a testament to their passion for music and their commitment to their fans. Today, Dewa 19 remains one of the most respected and influential bands in Indonesian music history. Their songs continue to inspire and entertain, and their legacy as pioneers of Indonesian rock music is secure. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, Dewa 19's discography is well worth exploring. From their early hits to their more recent releases, their music offers a rich and diverse tapestry of sounds and emotions that will leave you captivated. And who knows, maybe one day you'll even have the chance to sing one of their songs in front of Once Mekel himself!

Tips for Aspiring Singers

For all you aspiring singers out there, let me share some tips that I've learned from my own experiences, including that unforgettable night of singing Dewa 19 songs in front of Once Mekel. First and foremost, practice, practice, practice! There's no substitute for hard work and dedication when it comes to honing your vocal skills. Set aside time each day to warm up your voice, practice your scales, and work on your technique. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become with your voice. Secondly, find your own style and voice. Don't try to imitate your favorite singers or copy their mannerisms. Instead, focus on developing your own unique sound and style. Experiment with different genres and techniques, and find what works best for you. Your voice is your instrument, so learn to play it well and express yourself authentically.

The vocal quality really affects the song being sung. Another important tip is to take care of your voice. Your voice is a delicate instrument, so you need to treat it with respect. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and straining your voice. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and avoid yelling or shouting. If you feel your voice getting tired or hoarse, take a break and let it recover. You might want to consult with a vocal coach or a speech therapist to learn more about vocal health and hygiene. Next, embrace your nerves and use them to your advantage. It's normal to feel nervous before a performance, especially if you're singing in front of a large audience or an important figure like Once Mekel. But instead of letting your nerves paralyze you, try to channel them into positive energy. Use your nerves to focus your attention, sharpen your senses, and motivate you to perform at your best. Remember that even the most seasoned performers get nervous before a show, so you're not alone. Finally, don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with your singing. Try new songs, new styles, and new techniques. Step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to grow as a singer. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn about your voice and your capabilities. And who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent or a new passion. So, there you have it, some tips for aspiring singers. Remember to practice, find your own style, take care of your voice, embrace your nerves, and don't be afraid to take risks. And who knows, maybe one day you'll have your own story to tell about singing in front of your idol.

Conclusion

Singing a song is a way of channeling a message. My experience of singing Dewa 19 in front of Once Mekel was a wild ride. It was a mix of terror, excitement, and pure disbelief. It taught me a lot about myself as a performer, the power of music, and the importance of taking chances. It's a story I'll be sharing for years to come, and hopefully, it inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how scary they may seem. So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate. Grab the mic, take a deep breath, and sing your heart out. You never know what might happen. You might just get a thumbs up from your idol, or even better, discover something amazing about yourself. The most important thing is to have fun, be yourself, and let your voice be heard. After all, that's what music is all about. And who knows, maybe one day our paths will cross, and we can sing a Dewa 19 song together. Until then, keep practicing, keep dreaming, and keep singing!