Maliq & D'Essentials

Maliq & D'Essentials

Left to Right: Lale, Widi, Indah, Angga, Jawa and Ilman
Background information
Origin Jakarta, Indonesia
Genres Jazz funk, jazz rock, funk, funk rock, neo soul, soul rock, nu-disco, funktronica, blue-eyed soul, rock, pop
Years active 2002–present
Labels Warner Music Indonesia (2002–2011)
Organic Records (2012–present)
Associated acts Twentyfirst Night, The Boogiemen, Sir Dandy, Rock n Roll Mafia, The Upstairs
Website maliqndessentials.com
Members
  • Angga Puradiredja
  • Widi Puradiredja
  • Indah Wisnuwardhana
  • Dendy 'Javafinger/Jawa' Sukarno
  • Arya 'Lale' Aditya Ramadhya
  • Ilman Ibrahim Isa
Past members
  • Dimi Hapsari
  • Nur Satriatama 'Satrio'
  • Ifa Fachir
  • Amar Ibrahim

Maliq & D'Essentials is a jazz and soul music based band[1] located in Jakarta, Indonesia. Since their appearance in the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in 2005, Maliq & D'Essentials popularity has increased, especially among young people in Jakarta.

The combination of Indonesian and English in their songs has become one of the typical flagships of their music. Their music is distinctive, which is pretty uncommon among Indonesians.

Maliq & D'Essentials has released four studio albums and two EP.

Biography

Maliq & D'Essentials was conceived on May 15, 2002 with 8 personnels under a genre they call organic music. The name MALIQ itself is an acronym from Music And Live Instrument Quality as the brainchild of brothers Angga & Widi Puradiredja (the group’s vocalist and drummer, respectively; as well as producer, composer and arranger for the group). The completion of the band became full circle with the presence of Indah & Dimi (vocals), Ifa (keys), Jawa (bass), Satrio (guitars) and Amar (horns). The group started out performing soul and soul-inspired music at different lounges and cafes in Jakarta. The first two years they went through was a solidification process for the group; as well as a way to introduce soul and/or soulful-inspired music to the Indonesian public; as it is yet to be widely known at the time of the group’s establishment.

2004-06: 1st

Come 2004, Maliq & D'Essentials officially became part of the Indonesian music recording industry with the release of their premiere album, 1st Maliq & D'Essentials with the single “Terdiam”. A second single, “Untitled”, soon followed and became the hit song that put the group on the map. The third single from their premiere album, “Sampai Kapan”, is a collaboration with Malaysian songstress Camelia. The fourth and final single from 1st Maliq & D'Essentials is entitled “Kangen”. By 2006, the group released a repackaged version of their premiere album entitled 1st Maliq & D'Essentials Special Edition with a hit single entitled “The One”. At the same time, Dimi one of the vocalist decided to leave the band to pursue a solo career. The group’s first record had not only given them a name for themselves in the Indonesian music industry, but also gave way to their rise to fame in neighboring countries of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.

By this time, the group has achieved so many as a new artist: whether commercially and critically, domestically and regionally. They were nominated for and/or won many awards such as MTV Indonesia Music Awards, Anugerah Planet Muzik, AMI Awards, & MTV Asia Awards.

2007-08: Free Your Mind

In early 2007, Maliq & D'Essentials released their sophomore record, Free Your Mind with a hit single entitled “Heaven”; followed by “Beri Cinta Waktu” as a second single not long after. Two more noteworthy achievements happened during this particular time. The first was being awarded Best Jazz Album for Free Your Mind in the 2008 AMI Awards. The second was a soundtrack for a major motion picture. Thus, two singles from Free Your Mind (Repackaged) (released early 2008) “Dia” & “Kau Yang Bisa”, became the original soundtrack for the movie Claudia/Jasmine. In August 2008, they also performed a concert at Brisbane, Australia to entertain Indonesian students who are in the country.

2009: Mata Hati Telinga

Around this time, the group went through another change in their core personnel. After Dimi’s departure around 2006; Satrio, the group’s guitarist decided to leave and was quickly replaced by Arya Aditya Ramadhya, more widely known as “Lale”. By 2009, the group released their newest record entitled Mata Hati Telinga. Now the youngest member of Maliq & D’Essentials, Lale with his rock background had interestingly added another color to the group’s unique sound. The pop-rock up-tempo song “Pilihanku” was chosen as the first single from the third album. It was somewhat different from what the public would know of Maliq & D'Essentials; although the group’s color never faded away from the newly explored influences. Along with second single “Coba Katakan”, Maliq & D'Essentials was able to broaden the horizon of their listeners and/or fans. The third album Mata Hati Telinga also received the title as the Best Album 2009 by Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine.

Another milestone for the group; along with the release of Mata Hati Telinga album was the introduction of The One Management and Organic Records. It was created to accommodate the group with a comprehensive, open, secure, proper and prestigious management; along with a record company that would give them as much freedom to explore their music. In addition, through Organic Records Maliq & D'Essentials assumed the role of executive producers for great new talents such as Twentyfirst Night, Boogiemen, Soulvibe, Renita, Djemima, Sir Dandy, Rock n Roll Mafia and The Upstairs.

On March 2009, Maliq & D'Essentials performed for the fourth time at the 5th annual Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, after being absent the previous year. The performance featured The Organic All-Stars which included Twentyfirst Night, Boogiemen and Renita. Recorded live at the Jakarta Convention Centre, the performance became an addition to the group’s discography as a DVD distributed by early 2010.

Over the years of the group’s existence, they have developed a following of loyal fans, eventually named D’Essentials. By early 2009, a few months before the group’s 7th Anniversary, a formal D’Essentials Team was established. As a result, a premiere (and not to mention quite successful) collaboration between The One Management/Organic Records and D’Essentials happened at Maliq & D'Essentials “7th Year Celebration” to celebrate the group’s 7th Anniversary; as well as a form of appreciation to all D’Essentials who had been supporting them.

2010-11: The Beginning of a Beautiful Life

Their fourth album, The Beginning of a Beautiful Life was released to the market on June 2010, with the song "Terlalu" as the first single, followed by "Menari" and "Penasaran" as a second single and third single. At this time, Ifa, the group’s keyboardist decided to leave and was replaced by Ilman Ibrahim Isa, more widely known as “Ilman”.

In 2011, they had perform in Melbourne, Australia on May and a solo concert "Maliq & D'Essentials Live in Malaysia" at the KL Live, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December. The concert tickets were sold out by their fans in the country.

2012: Radio Killed the TV Stars

In 2012, Maliq & D'Essentials with some indie musicians from various genres of music participated in a compilation album titled Radio Killed The TV Star, which was released by The One Management and Organic Records. This compilation is a movement from indie musicians and indie record label for Indonesia's music industry. The musicians that have contributed in this album include Maliq & D'Essentials, Endah N Rhesa, Twentyfirst Night, Zore, The Upstairs, Rock 'N Roll Mafia, and others. The single from Maliq & D'Essentials from this compilation album was titled "Berlari dan Tenggelam".

2013: Sriwedari

Their fifth album Sriwedari was released on January 25, 2013. The first single from this album is "Setapak Sriwedari" and followed by the second single with a dangdut genre "Drama Romantika". The third single of this album is "Dunia Sekitar". Different from previous albums that smelled American Music, now Maliq & D'Essentials launches the album with a vintage feel. On behalf of the totality, the album was inspired by several classic British band, mastering a passing phase in the legendary studio where The Beatles worked on music, Abbey Road Studios. The fifth album also received the title as the one of the Best Album 2013 by Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine.

The launch of the album itself was launched in Gandaria City Mall, Jakarta with themed "Setapak Sriwedari Concert" on February 10, 2013 and attended by thousands fans of Maliq & D'Essentials. After "Setapak Sriwedari Concert" accomplished in Jakarta, the concert was also held in Java Jazz Festival, Bali, and Surabaya. In October 2013, they also perform a showcase "Maliq & D'Essentials Live in Singapore 2013" at The Home Club, Singapore to indulge their fans in the country.

After going through so many struggles, changes, trials & tribulations, as well as of course many successes, praises and appreciations, it is certain that Maliq & D'Essentials had taken all their experiences into account and will be able to turn it all into a form of art no less expected of them. After more than a decade, the group had significantly matured into an entity that is quite iconic in the Indonesian music industry.

2014-Present: Musik Pop

In 2014, Maliq & D'Essentials was released their sixth album Musik Pop on May 15, 2014. "Ananda" is the first single of the sixth album featuring Indonesian Legend Musician Indra Lesmana. The launch of album itself held in Jazzy Nite Citos with 12 Years Anniversary of this band and attended by thousands fans of Maliq & D'Essentials and recorded by Kompas TV. In May 2014, they also performed a concert at Sydney, Australia to indulge their fans such as indonesian student in the country.

Band Members

Current members

  • Angga Puradiredja – lead vocal (2002–present)
  • Indah Wisnuwardhana – lead vocal (2002–present)
  • Arya 'Lale' Aditya Ramadhya – guitar (2008–present)
  • Dendy 'Javafinger/Jawa' Sukarno – bass (2002–present)
  • Ilman Ibrahim Isa' – keys (2011–present)
  • Widi Puradiredja – drum (2002–present)

Additional members (only when live perform)

  • Rejoz 'The Groove' – percussion (2002–present)
  • Amar Ibrahim – trumpet (2010–present)
  • Renita Martadinata – backing vocal (2002–2011)
  • Annisa Fidianti – backing vocal (2011–present)
  • Arlinda Sudarbo – backing vocal (2011–present)

Former members

  • Dimi Hapsari – lead vocal (2002–2006)
  • Nur Satriatama 'Satrio' – guitar (2002–2007)
  • Amar Ibrahim – trumpet (2002-2010)
  • Ifa Fachir – keys (2002–2011)

Discography

Albums & EPs

Year Album details Singles
2005 1st
  • Terdiam
  • Untitled
  • Sampai Kapan
  • Kangen
2006 1st Special Edition
  • The One
2007 Free Your Mind
  • Heaven
  • Beri Cinta Waktu
2008 Free Your Mind (Repackaged)
  • Released: 2008
  • Label: Warner Music Indonesia
  • Formats: CD, Cassette
  • Dia
  • Kau Yang Bisa
2009 Mata Hati Telinga
  • Pilihanku
  • Coba Katakan
2010 The Beginning Of A Beautiful Life
  • Terlalu
  • Menari
  • Penasaran
2013 Sriwedari
  • Setapak Sriwedari
  • Drama Romantika
  • Dunia Sekitar
2014 Musik Pop

Other Singles

DVD

Book

Awards and Nominations

Anugerah Musik Indonesia

Year Recipient Award Result
2006 "The One" Best Production style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2008 "Heaven" Best R&B Production style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2008 "Free Your Mind" Best Jazz Album style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
2009 "Dia" Best R&B Production style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2010 "Terlalu" Best R&B Production style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2011 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Duo/Group Performance style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2011 "The Beginning of a Beautiful Life" Best Jazz Album style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2011 "The Beginning of a Beautiful Life" Best Graphic Design Album style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Prasangka" Best Pop Duo/Group style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2014 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Urban Duo/Group style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won

Anugerah Planet Muzik

Year Recipient Award Result
2006 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best New Duo/Group style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
2006 "1st" Best Album style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2011 "'Sampai Kapan' - Atilia & Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Collaboration style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

Dahsyatnya Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2011 "Terlalu" Best Music Video style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

HAI Reader's Poll Music Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2012 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Stage Act style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Pop style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Sriwedari" Best Album style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Stage Act style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Costume style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Setapak Sriwedari" Best Single style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

Indonesia Cutting Edge Music Awards (ICEMA)

Year Recipient Award Result
2010 "Mata Hati Telinga" Favourite Album Packaging style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
2010 "Pilihanku" Favourite Pop Song style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

MTV Asia Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2006 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Most Favorite Artist Indonesia style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

MTV Indonesia Music Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2005 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Most Favorite New Artist style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

NET. Indonesian Choice Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2014 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Group/Band/Duo/ of The Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2014 "Setapak Sriwedari" Album of The Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

Yahoo! OMG Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2013 "Maliq & D'Essentials" Best Group style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

References

  1. ↑ True, Chris. "Maliq & D'Essentials: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 2010-12-20.