FORMATION PHASE The band was born in 2002, starting from a group of young men from the same neighborhood, in one of the villages in Malang City. In those years, there were not many choices to fill the days with positive activities. From that situation, we finally tried to form a band, which we later named Plus Minus. At the beginning, the band was formed only to fill time with positive activities. However, as time went by, we slowly began to find music as a challenge. In the early period of the band’s formation, we only had very few opportunities to perform, maybe only once a year. The rest of our activities were mostly filled with practice and simply gathering together. In this phase, we began to try to get acquainted with music, especially with the musical instruments themselves. We tried to adjust our respective roles, look for comfort, and explore our passion in playing various instruments. This phase became a phase of introduction and basic learning about music. MUSIC FESTIVAL PHASE Then, one day we tried to enter a new phase, which was getting to know the world of music festivals, which in those years were still quite frequently held. This phase lasted around 2002 to 2004. On the first opportunity to participate in a music festival, surprisingly we managed to become 1st place winner. A result that we did not expect at all. At that time, our main goal was actually only to gain experience. And besides that, the participating bands in festivals at that time generally performed songs that were very skillful and demanded high technical ability. Meanwhile, our band performed songs that technically were not too skillful, which were different compared to other participants. Because that first moment felt so memorable, we felt that music was something we could pursue, which eventually made us want to try participating in other music festivals. In the next opportunities to join music festivals, we again managed to become 1st place winners, up to around four times, an achievement that was quite proud. In those music festivals, almost all participating bands performed complex and skillful songs, as one example was the song “Metropolis” by Dream Theater, which at that time was almost commonly performed by festival bands, and also other similar complex songs. Those songs musically were indeed very skillful, and each player’s musical skills could be accommodated. But not with our band, instead we chose other songs that essentially were very different, or even opposite from something that was already common. One example that we consider the most unique and memorable. At that time, the festival we joined was a rock music festival. With such a title, we should have performed rock songs, but we did not, because the songs we performed were “Englishman in New York” by Sting and “Holiday” by Scorpions, which in our opinion were not pure rock songs. But somehow, in the end we managed to win 1st place. In selecting song material, it actually started from a very simple thought. We are a band that has an anti-mainstream attitude. If there was a song that was viral and widely performed by other bands, that was exactly the song we avoided. We chose other songs that were essentially very different, or even opposite from something that was already common. ENTERTAINMENT BAND PHASE The story continued after the band got to know the world of music festivals and participated in many festivals. Because in several moments we managed to become 1st place winners, we eventually started receiving offers to perform. At that time, one form of reward for bands that won was the opportunity to perform. One stage with all the festival winners. We were given the opportunity to perform, as well as receive trophies and appreciation in the form of fresh money. From here we began to look at opportunities in the wider entertainment music world, not only focusing on music festivals. In short, we began to try submitting band profiles to entertainment venues that featured live music. In addition, we also began adjusting the band format. From initially consisting only of male members, we tried to recruit female members, with the hope that the band could feel more entertaining and attractive, have a wider song repertoire, and also adjust song materials more according to the music trends at that time. In the end, we entered a new chapter. Besides remaining active in several music festivals, the band also developed into an entertainment band. We began performing several times at various places and events featuring live music, which from the financial potential side, the band was quite able to generate income. EVALUATION PHASE Around 2005, the band began to experience turbulence. At that time, there were slight differences of opinion among the members, until eventually the band’s vision and mission became divided. On one side, several members wanted the band to maintain unique and skillful song material. On the other side, some members wanted song material that always followed trends, even though musically it sometimes felt less challenging and more purely entertaining. Because of those differences in perspective, combined with several misunderstandings in band management, around the end of 2005 the band finally decided to disband. After the disbandment, each member continued trying to pursue music, by forming new bands or joining other bands. This phase lasted approximately from 2005 to 2008, and during that phase each member had experienced success in their respective bands. REBORN PHASE In short, in 2008, the bands that had previously been formed or joined by each member also began to experience turbulence, problems, and conflicts, until eventually those bands also disbanded or some members resigned. In the middle of that emptiness, the former members of Plus Minus tried to reconnect. We began to reflect with each other. That indeed, that is how a band is—there are always conflicts, problems, and differences of opinion. However, all of that should be discussed to find the most appropriate solution. Because within a band or any form of organization that involves many people, differences of opinion and perspective are normal. Since every person has their own “plus and minus,” strengths and weaknesses. Until finally, at the end of 2008, one of our colleagues received a job or performance offer, while at that time he did not have a band to perform with. Because of that, we were contacted, who at that time also did not have a band. From there, the idea emerged to invite the former Plus Minus members who had disbanded in 2005 to form the band again. In the end, we agreed to form the band again. We consider this step as a continuation of a story that had once stopped. We named the band Plus Minus Reborn, which was later abbreviated as PM Reborn. LEARNING PHASE Since that momentum, PM Reborn became active again and performed at various entertainment venues. At that time, music festivals were already very rarely held, so we focused more on activities as an entertainment band. In this phase, each member began to further deepen their own musical character. We tried to understand music not only from the technical side, but also from the aspects of feeling, mentality, and character. We searched for our identities as musicians, according to our respective instruments, as well as the way we interpret music itself. The character of each member then formed the unified character of PM Reborn. And one character that remained attached, both since Plus Minus and PM Reborn, is the anti-mainstream attitude. We strongly avoid things that are already common, including song material that we do not want to be the same as other bands. Until at one moment, the song materials we performed, which we initially considered different from common song materials, actually became inspiration for other bands. Some of those materials even became viral, and many bands performed them. However, returning again to our band’s anti-mainstream character, when that happened, our band chose once again to look for other song materials. The point is, we try so that our song material is never the same as other bands. This phase lasted between 2008 until early 2020. CREATIVE PHASE Entering early 2020, we were faced with the darkest period, namely the Covid-19 pandemic. This pandemic affected all aspects of life, including the music world. There was almost no live music, and we became jobless. At that moment, we began to think about how to channel our passion for music. One of our members is also quite capable in creating songs; some songs had even been performed when we were still frequently performing, although they were not clearly conceptualized yet, because they were only meant to fill time and to keep us remembering them. From that idea, and driven by the understanding that as an artist it would not be complete without creating works, the desire emerged to create works by conceptualizing those songs more seriously. We began to rearrange those songs to match the character of each member and the overall character of the band. In this process, we tried to create musical arrangements that did not leave the character of PM Reborn, but also were not rigid toward market needs. We adjusted them so that our songs remain easy listening, without losing the band’s identity. This is supported by the very different musical character of each member in our band. Our drummer has a funk fusion character with a touch of rock. Our guitarist has a classical, outside character and likes orchestral music. Our bassist leans more toward groove and progressive with neat and calm playing. Meanwhile, our vocalist has a rock vocal character, but not hard rock—more of a smooth yet authoritative rock voice character. Overall, the musical character of PM Reborn itself tends toward 90s rock. It cannot be denied that in creating these musical arrangements, we were also influenced by other bands and musicians. From international bands such as Toto, Mr. Big, Sting, Phil Collins, Bon Jovi, as well as other international bands from the 90s era. In addition, we were also influenced by local bands such as God Bless, GIGI, Dewa 19, Padi, and other local bands from the 90s era. For us, arrangement is something sacred and cannot be made carelessly. We try to accommodate the needs of music in the current era, while still maintaining the character of PM Reborn and the character of each member. Besides that, we are also aware of where this band comes from, namely Malang City—a city known for its musical idealism and once became a barometer of Indonesian music, especially rock music. This becomes an important consideration that our musical arrangements must reflect that identity. In creating song lyrics, we try to make lyrics that have broad perception, both in Indonesian and English, with the hope of covering the global market. Our lyrics do not always talk about romance, but also about life, family, love for the Creator, and attention to phenomena happening in the world. Through our song lyrics, there is a message we want to convey, especially to men, that we must be strong as men, because we are born to be gentle leaders and not easily give up. It is allowed to feel fallen and down, but we must remain logical and rise again immediately. MUSIC AND LIFE PHILOSOPHY • “Play your music, but don’t play around with music” This philosophy is simple but full of meaning. We must play music according to our own character and musical interpretation. Not just playing it casually, but being serious and making it a lesson to be learned. Music is not only about technicality, but also about feeling, mentality, and commitment. • “Whatever you say, I’m the next rockstar” This philosophy is a form of our belief that the songs we create are born from character, honesty, intelligence, and thoroughness. Which later can inspire and deserve to be heard. • “Lahir di kampung, otak di Los Angeles” Although this band was born and lives in a village, our way of thinking must be broad, intelligent, and measured. Confident in our own potential and the band’s potential, focused on developing character, and committed to realizing vision and mission. Dare to dream, to reach big hopes and aspirations. • “Jas Merah” PM Reborn is a band that highly values and respects history. From where this band was formed, and who has ever been involved, almost all of the members we remember and summarize, because we truly appreciate the role of every member who has ever joined and participated in maintaining the existence of this band until now. Vocalists : Kriswanto, Mario, Farid, Echa, Lydia, Dessy, Fina, Anggar, Alvin, Nobie, Risma Drums : Angga, Nicco Guitar : Bayu, Ivan, Koko, Nanda Keyboard : Rizal, Oky Bass : Steve, Benny, Reza, Iddo, Iwan, Adjie, Mada, Donny, Faiz • “PM Reborn is Home” PM Reborn is not just a band, but it is a home and a big family. A place where we begin to dream, learn from each other, exchange thoughts, and express our potential. Not only about music, but also about life and many other things. No matter how far we move forward, we will never forget our home, PM Reborn. CLOSING We hope that our story, our musical concept, and our works can inspire, become lessons, encourage appreciation for art especially music, motivate others to keep creating, explore their potential, develop their character, and reflect it into all aspects of life, especially as musicians. We also hope that the songs we create can be accepted and worthy to be heard. Not only for one generation, but for all generations, for wider listeners, both domestically and throughout the world.