Songs

I co-founded a hardcore band called Puppen in Indonesia in the early ’90s. We spent about ten years writing songs, touring all over the country, and building everything from the ground up, as noted by American ethnomusicologist Prof. Jeremy Wallach in his writing here. We were one of the early hardcore bands that stayed true to the scene and our roots until the end.

When major labels started entering Indonesia in the ’90s, a lot of bands tried to go mainstream by signing record deals. We got offers from big names like Sony Music and Warner Music, along with several well-known local labels. But we chose to stay DIY and do things our own way until we disbanded in 2002.

Here are some of the songs I wrote, produced, and performed that I’m most proud of:

1. Atur Aku – Puppen MK II – 1998

“Atur Aku” (which means “Don’t tell us what to do!”) is one of our band’s most popular songs and was usually our opening track at our shows. The song was later included in Rolling Stone’s list of the 150 Best Indonesian Songs of All Time.

2. United Fist – Puppen MK – 1998

This song features our hardcore rap friends from Homicide. We didn’t play this one at every show, but when we did, the crowd always went berserk.

3. Tanpa Dasar – V/A Ticket to Ride -1999

We were part of a collective effort to build a new skatepark in our hometown, Bandung, which at the time didn’t have enough proper skate facilities. This song was written and recorded just one day before the deadline.

I’m really happy with how it turned out — all the takes were done in one go, so it sounds raw and natural. It was also my first time using a super low tuning, drop A. I even used a bass string to get that low tone. Using low guitar tone is also why I use internet name Lowrobb.

4. Hijau – Puppen S/T – 2000

This song was a favorite with the kids back then. It came out around the time people across Indonesia were starting to openly talk about democracy for the first time.

In the lyrics, the word “Hijau” (meaning “green”) was used to refer to the Indonesian Army, known for their green uniforms. Our lyricist, who I think is the best in the country (disagree? name someone better!) used it as a symbol of hope for change.

The chorus says “Green should be cool,” hinting at a move away from repression and toward something better.

5. Kendali – Puppen S/T – 2000

This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I think this is where I finally found a guitar lick that’s simple, dark, and groovy at the same time! 😉

6. Memar Terpatri – Unreleased – 2002

This track was recorded back in 2001, but we never got the chance to officially release it. Somehow it still made its way onto the internet, so I just posted it on my SoundCloud because why the fuck not.

I was actually excited about where the band could go creatively, because this kind of composition was new for us. It felt like a new era with our latest drummer and bassist, who had all the skills and attitude we needed to keep Puppen moving forward.

But the band disbanded soon after, so we never got to see where it could have gone.

7. Tercitra – Unreleased – 2002

Just like “Memar Terpatri,” this track was never officially released and ended up leaking online.

8. Freedom To Defecate – Not A Pup Ep – 1995

This song was a hit with the kids. It’s simple, aggressive, and fast. And that’s what made it work.

9. Abstain – V/A Brain Beverages – 1997

As the title suggests, this song was written as an anthem for Abstain. A shout-out to the hardcore movement and the kids who stood by it.

10. True – Puppen MK II – 1998

This song is groovy but still fast. It was one of the last fast songs we wrote, and it was always fun to play live.

11. Violent Youth – Not A Pup Ep – 1995

This one leans more into a groovy hardcore vibe, with a different rhythm and feel from our usual stuff. We didn’t do many songs like this, so I’m kind of proud we pulled it off.