When the world was first introduced to Voice of Baceprot in 2017, the group became an instant online breakout band: three hijab-wearing students from West Java, performing a brand of heavy music that exuded ferocity, pain and excitement in equal measure.
For Western audiences, it was a moment to take a look at how cultural and musical stereotypes could clash and shatter; the end result being captivating music that could also just entertain.
For the girls in Voice of Baceprot (VOB) though, music has been the avenue for passionate activism — a vessel for them to project emboldened and poignant commentary beyond any cultural or social restriction placed on them.
Establishing themselves as a formidable fresh force in heavy music over the last five years, the girls of VOB have embarked on an exciting new chapter of their journey.
The band’s decision to go the independent route circa 2024 gave the trio the opportunity to take the reins of full creative freedom but with it, they have also had to learn on the fly. In escaping restrictive industry pressures, the band has had to learn the industry from the inside in a trial-by-fire way.
Reflecting on this decision, smiles can still be found. The nerves remain, but their confidence is stronger than ever.
“There are a lot of things that excite us, but a lot of things that also make us nervous,” vocalist Marsya explains, joining us via Zoom from Indonesia, alongside VOB bassist Widi.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
“As an independent band, we have to figure everything out and work on so many things besides the music. Even when we get the exciting opportunity to perform overseas, like in Australia and Europe, we still have to work really, really hard to make them happen.”
View this post on Instagram
The girls’ return to Australia this summer for the Good Things Festival marks their first appearance in the country since making a powerful debut in 2024 – shows that saw VOB perform headline shows as well as a well-received show on the SXSW Sydney lineup that year.
At that point in their journey, independence was a new thing VOB was still navigating. This time around, the band’s catalogue has grown considerably, along with their hunger to share a brand new vision for their live shows and artistic output.
“We had not released much new material and our set was still heavily dominated by songs from our first album,” Marsya remembers. “This time, it feels quite different. We have released several new songs that feel much more like us! Songs that represent us more, both musically and creatively. We’re really excited to come back and share a different side of VOB with everyone.”
The band’s latest single, “Garong”, is a fitting way to bring VOB back onto a global radar.
Arriving on August 16th, the eve of Indonesian Independence Day, “Garong” is a protest song that takes aim at corruption and abuse of power. Putting a potent spotlight on the inequalities and challenges that many in their home country still deal with on a daily basis, “Garong” exists as a wake up call.
It is a cause that is very close to the girls’ hearts. As the first song Voice of Baceprot has written completely in Indonesian, “Garong” has marked a significant step forward for the band. And it’s one they are thriving upon.
“I’m a bit emotional about this, I’m sorry,” Marsya admits.
“This song is something worth celebrating for us. The song initially came from our frustration with how slowly infrastructure and development has been progressing in our hometown. Some of the roads have been in terrible condition for more than 10 years, to the point where they are barely fit for people to use. It makes us question how public money is being managed. Especially when we know that people pay significant amounts of local and national taxes, not to mention the enormous amount of natural resources Indonesia has.
“Sadly, this is not just happening in our hometown. We see similar problems in many, many parts of Indonesia. Development is still very uneven, poverty remains a serious issue, while corruption cases keep emerging with amounts of money that are almost impossible to comprehend. We have seen allegations involving government programs, where spending has been reported to reach approximately one billion Rupiah a day. Can you imagine? ‘Garong’ grew out of that frustration. It’s our way of questioning how a country of so many resources can still leave so many people without proper infrastructure and opportunities.”
WIth more new music in the works, alongside a touring schedule that continues to grow, VOB has been able to evolve at a rate that has felt well-paced and organic.
“One of the biggest signs of our growth is that we have learned how to trust each other more,” Marsya says.
Both girls laughing, she adds, “Even though it hasn’t always been easy! We have had a lot of arguments along the way while we’ve made music, sometimes we have even stopped talking to each other! But we have come to understand that those arguments happen because all three of us care deeply about VOB and want what’s best for the band.
“We can have very different opinions and sometimes we clash, but we have learned that disagreements don’t mean the end of conversations. It’s actually made our trust stronger. We know that even when we disagree, we are still on the same side and working towards the same thing.”
Harnessing authenticity, charm and an unwavering dedication to raising awareness of issues happening in a country that, for Australians in particular, is so close to our own doorstep, the band has redefined themselves for a bright future ahead.
“This next chapter is exciting for us, because we do not know exactly what will happen,” both Marsya and Widi agree.
“Sometimes uncertainty is scary, but it also means that there is still so much room for us to grow and discover. We are excited to keep making music, to meet new people and play in new places and see how far we can take VOB together. We are entering this new chapter with a mixture of excitement, nervousness and a lot of curiosity.”
