In this special interview session that we called “The Fire Of The Youth”, we bring you  a shining Jamaican music unit from the city of Bandung who has their own charm. A music unit with a young lineup who successfully brings the powerful compositions for their fans. Here is the Q&A session we had with these charming young men, Rub Of Rub.

Rub Of Rub was formed in the high school era and has undergone a line up exchange to date. What made Rub Of Rub love Jamaican music? Do all current Rub Of Rub members really like Jamaican music?

Yep! Rub Of Rub (four of us) love Jamaican music. One of the things that makes us really like Jamaican music is the beauty of its bassline and the picturesque groove. What makes us love it more is it’s the kind of music that has to be played patiently, “tasty” music!

Apart from Peter Tosh, who are the other Jamaican music figures who inspired Rub Of Rub? Why? Can you also mention 3 local names that inspired Rub Of Rub?

Of course, Bob Marley. But there’s a lot of Jamaican musicians we love too! like Mabrak & King Tubby, we like their sound exploitation. We also love local acts like The Paps, Reregean & Patrolice, their different style amongst others is why we love them.

Minus the explicit lyrics, a few touches in the Rub Of Rub repertoire remind of the “40oz. To Freedom” glory. And other times, you guys successfully bring the ethereal infusions on the dance floor, also occasionally splashing the energy of “Reggatta De Blanc” (in the RoR version of course), Who or how did this idea come to Rub Of Rub?

Basically the four of us like to experiment with our own tools to play our music. And of course, we’re also looking in that direction, maybe “40oz. to freedom”, but we don’t stop there. We also looked into a lot of acts like The Skints, Dub Trio, High Tone, Groove Armada and many more. The boundaries are beyond the reggae genre.

And how do you guys enjoy the music and to transfer those energies into your own compositions?

Like all people do, when you enjoy the music. Each one of us has our own way.

The dub element is also solid in Rub Of Rub’s repertoire. Can you tell us how you first got to know Dub music?

At first we were digging into Dub back in 2013, at which time we were amused by the psychedelic, funk and electronic music. But we also fell in love with the beat of reggae music. Then we saw Kusni Kasdut (the side project of Danil and Dave from The Paps), we were enchanted nonverbally by their performances and their works, they explained more about Dub music to us.

Rub of rub has one special feature, the fascinating theme in many of the lyrics you wrote. Which then became RoR’s distinction among other Jamaican sound acts in the country. Where did this feature come from? What’s your favourite theme?

Apocalypse dream (laugh), kid ya! Maybe from the experience and the vibe surrounding us that triggers the emergence of that lyrical approach into RoR’s music. Our favourite theme is having fun.

Next, you bring a composition set that is quite “adult” at a young age. Included in the artwork, can you tell us about this? Do you have a favourite designer that you would like to recommend?

The story begins when we were playing around at the time when we prepared “Ruang Waktu” We were stuck about the artwork. Then we share this situation to our friend, one who studies fine art. Which turns out to be a friend of Rizwan when they’re in elementary school. He’s Zikry Rediansyah a.ka. Uye, a guy who is quite popular in Bandung’s scene. It’s a blessing for us, he helped us with a large canvas and painted for us, for free! (laugh). In fact on “Oriental Eksotik” he backed us again with that strawberry stories.

In 3 words, can you guys describe what Rub Of Rub is?

Creative, Chilled & Consistent.

If Rub Of Rub had the opportunity to have gigs abroad, which country would be your most preferable choice? Why?

Australia, Japan & our country’s neighbours first (laugh) The reason is, because the music there is fun.

What are the plans for Rub Of Rub in the near future? What are the biggest hopes for Rub Of Rub’s future achievements?

Simply put, we want to have vinyl versions for our works. So many DJs could spin our songs

We would like to congratulate you on the release of the “Oriental Eksotik” video. Can you share the theme of the songs and the video as well to our readers?

Thank you so much kultur, stay happy and healthy always, amen! The theme that we worked on from the “Oriental Eksotik” music was actually a love story from the experiences of each personnel. We try to bring people to look into the past without being judgmental about that. About the video, Jovian the director said, to let those characters appear on it.

In Indonesia, Rub Of Rub became one of the names that managed to steal the attention in the context of the regeneration of the Jamaican music scene in the country. Is there anything you would like to share with friends who are going to start their Jamaican sound journey?

Hmm.. Maybe for our fellow young friends, free our youth spirit, we have that privilege right? Young people are free! (laugh) Just do your work, make yourself busy with good ideas.

Are you putting together a daily Jamaican sound playlist? Any local action in it? Can you share it with us?

There are some (like), “La La Means I love you” – Alton Ellis, “The Loser” – Derrick Harriott, “Tedious” – Junior Marvin, “Kotch Up Dub” – Lee “scratch” Perry, “I can’t Give You Anything” – The J Sisters and finally “What Have I Done” – The Frightnrs.

Thank you for taking the time to interview with Kultur, What do you think about the current local Jamaican music scene? Would be nice if each one of you can share it.

Exciting! You’re welcome. Again, thank you kultur! (Hopefully) this pandemic situation will get better soon, and we can gather together. Stay healthy, God bless all of us and give peace to everyone, Amen!

Rizwan: “For you brother, Keep the fire Up”

Abay: “Keep the upstroke-downstroke riddim alive”

Zone: “Keep creative”

Atma: “Stay chilled”

(Keyko,Sam)