Indonesia is known for its diverse and unique culture, including its music. Over the years, Indonesian music has evolved and developed its own contemporary style. However, it is also important to acknowledge and appreciate the music of other countries, especially those that have influenced Indonesian music. In this article, we will compare and contrast five aspects of contemporary music in Indonesia and abroad.
1. Genre Diversity
One of the most notable differences between Indonesian and foreign music is the diversity of genres. In Indonesia, there are many popular genres such as Dangdut, Pop, Jazz, and Rock. However, compared to other countries, the variations of genres in Indonesia are still limited. On the other hand, foreign music has a wider variety of genres that are popular worldwide such as Hip Hop, Country, R&B, Reggae, and Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
2. International Fame
Another comparison between Indonesian and foreign music is the level of international fame. Despite the growing popularity of Indonesian music, it has not yet reached the same level of recognition as foreign music. International stars like Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Ariana Grande have a huge fan base in Indonesia that further highlights the popularity of foreign music.
3. Lyrics and Language
Lyrics and language also play a significant role in distinguishing Indonesian and foreign music. Indonesian music is usually written in the Indonesian language and the lyrics often convey messages about love, patriotism, or social issues. Meanwhile, foreign music utilizes English, Spanish, or other widely spoken languages to communicate emotions like heartbreak, relationships, or fun experiences.
4. Music Production
The production quality of Indonesian and foreign music also differs. In foreign music, advanced technology allows for a more complex arrangement of sounds, like music mixing and mastering. Foreign music is also heavily promoted and backed by established record labels. In contrast, Indonesian music production can be said to be more conservative and still relies heavily on traditional recording techniques, which may affect the music’s overall sound quality.
5. Fan Base Demography
Another aspect to be compared is the fan base demography of Indonesian and foreign music. Based on research, Indonesian music is mostly enjoyed by locals, aged between 15-24 years. In contrast, foreign music has a more diverse and global fan base that includes individuals from various age groups and nationalities.
Conclusion
In summary, Indonesia’s contemporary music scene still has room for improvement in terms of genre diversity, international recognition, music production, and attracting a more diverse fan base. Meanwhile, through analyzing and appreciating the music from abroad, we can learn and adapt new techniques that can contribute to the development of Indonesia’s contemporary music. Overall, the comparison between Indonesian and foreign contemporary music should be taken as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of culture, music, and art all around the world.
