A music event called Kaohsiung Calling, held at Paramount Bar, Kaohsiung March 10, still makes an impression on me. In this short event, various surprising phenomena could be used as exciting learning material.

Kaohsiung Calling presented three bands from three different regions, namely: 飯匙槍 NajaAtra (thrash/metalcore band from Tainan), Raven Skull 渡鴉之髏 (symphonic black metal band from Kaohsiung), and Dream of Death (Indonesian metal band based in Taipei). All bands gave their performance on stage. 

However, the most impressive thing about Kaohsiung Calling was their collaboration on one stage. NajaAtra provided an amazing surprise collaboration as the final performer with Dream of Death and Raven Skull. This collaboration shows that music can unite differences.

Naja Atra featuring Dream of Death (Source: Doc. Experiod Company)

Apart from presenting stunning performances, Kaohsiung Calling also presented Serenhide (Indonesian clothing company) and Experiod Company. Both small businesses sell several items and offer to collaborate in making merchandise for all bands. In this case, the existence of music events has proven to be an opportunity for a creative process to take place, which can have an impact on the economy and even state income.

Behind the various collaborations at Kaohsiung Calling, KKK (Koloni Kobra Kreatif) is one of the partners who has contributed a lot to this event. As an underground music event organizer from Malang, East Java, Indonesia, KKK shares many experiences and ideas for the success of organizing the Kaohsiung Calling event. In this collaboration between the two countries, KKK also helps disseminate information related to events, including bands and other collaborators, through its network in Indonesia. The hope is that this form of collaboration can be a good start in promoting bands and brands between countries and open up other mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities.

The fact that music events, especially underground, can provide many benefits is still not an essential topic in a lot of countries. Based on several discussions and existing facts, the arts ecosystem in Taiwan looks better than in Indonesia. Even though underground music is a minority music genre in Indonesia and Taiwan alike, the Taiwanese government does not seem to take its existence lightly. 

More specifically, almost every city in Taiwan has a venue that can be rented or collaborated with to organize music events. Moreover, several cities have large-scale music festivals supported by the relevant government, such as the Megaport Festival in Kaohsiung.

In contrast to the conditions in Taiwan, most music events in Indonesia must be prepared independently. Moreover, it is common for organizing music events to require organizers to go through complicated bureaucratic processes, such as licensing from many parties. In my opinion, regulations that are too tight for organizing music events should be reviewed by the government again. Rather than complicate things, the government should make them easier and also facilitate and give support so that productive events can be held easily.

NajaAtra, Raven Skull, and Dream of Death with the audience (Source: Doc. Serenhide)

If there were a country that could serve as a case study for organizing music events, I would recommend Taiwan. To achieve a level akin to Taiwan's, serious measures must be taken to the fullest extent. 

In reality, supporting the organization of music events cannot be simplified to a single practical step, such as merely providing a venue or funds. The government must also consider supporting elements such as public transportation, security, and urban comfort. If these related aspects are fulfilled, I believe organizing music events, whether underground or of any genre, will truly become entertainment experiences free of concerns, and will generate considerable profits, whether tangible or intangible, much like the thriving scene in Taiwan today.

 (This piece reflects the author's opinion, and does not represent the opinion of CommonWealth Magazine.)

About the author：

Hasan Basri Maulana Firmansyah (傅翰森), a doctoral student majoring in Mechanical Engineering at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, researcher and freelance writer who is active in various social, artistic and cultural activities.

E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @hasfirmansyah

Have you read?

• Five Places to Feel the Music in Taipei
• Music Festival Economy Blossoms
• ‘Music is Life’

Uploaded by Ian Huang