Interview Session, Yoiqball-Dua Drum; Music is a Social Life

*Gelang Kulit, by: @derastitch

(English)

Music is a universal language. We can be born anywhere, but we can have the same understanding when it comes to music. One of instruments that enriches the music world is drum. Drum is a popular instrument among youngsters for its masculine and energetic look. Some time ago, I got a chance to interview a young drummer from Indonesia. This guy is from Dua Drum band. His name is Yoiqball or Iqbal for short. In his young age, Iqbal had played drum for a number of Indonesian musicians. Dua Drum Band members are also broadcasters in streaming radio station they made. Their broadcasts talk about drum. 

As a drummer, Iqbal should maintain his stamina. If a drummer doesn't have good stamina, they will be easily exhausted. "In order to maintain my stamina, I sleep for 10-30 minutes, like when we're charging our phones. Waking up, I feel fresh," he explained. 

In Jakarta, Iqbal does his best to do sports as he can't do that whenever he's in a tour. "I don't really have time to do sport in tours, but I do cycling or running whenever I'm in Jakarta," Iqbal added. As a millenial, Iqbal has his own YouTube channel. He starts running his own YouTube to interact with his fans more. "I have one more profession, as a YouTuber. I do that because we're in digital era now. I want netizen understand what I'm doing. You know, sometimes netizen knows and sometimes they don't. So, that's why my YouTube channel exists. There, I show the world what is it like to be a drummer. Whatever I'm doing (as a drummer), I'll share it on my channel," he said. 

As a drummer, Iqbal expands his connection internationally. He even plans to hold a showcase with an international drummer. "I actually have a plan for that and I have agreed with some drummers, but I'm still preparing the schedule and concept. The drummer I'm planning to collaborate and I myself are in our own tours. If we have a matched schedule, it'll be smooth. We can collaborate sooner. For now, I'm focusing on my job," Iqbal said. 

When playing drum, Iqbal isn't only showing off his advanced skill. He also enteertain people. "I have this dream for a long time that besides being a drummer, I can be an entertainer. For me, drum is a media. From drum, I can travel to lots of places and meet new people. I can even get friends from playing drum," he added. 

Prayers and support from his parents and family is a great blessing for Iqbal. Their prayers and support escort Iqbal to be a renowned drummer. "My family is a music enthusiast, yet none of them can play musical instrument. So, when my mother had me, my grandfather said to her that I should play an instrument, period. So, my mother made me listen to good songs since I was in a womb. So, I only know music more than any others."

Iqbal, who acted as producer in Dua Drum's first album "Bergerak", has a unique story when he sets his foot as drummer in Jakarta. "I went to Jakarta in 2010. I was 17 and had just graduated from high school at that time. Actually, I had learned about drum from 5th grade in elementary school to 1st grade in high school. Back then in Kalimantan, there were two months holiday every year. During those two months, I learned drum in Farabi Music Course. I also had private course with Gilang Ramadhan. And then with Chrisye's drummer, Uce Haryono. I'm a huge fan. After that, Inangnoorsaid. There are a lot more. In short, I learned drum from my favorite drummers.

Before I resided in Jakarta, I almost recorded a single with my band. Sadly, our band disbanded and each member went on their ways. So, as I told you, I went to Jakarta in 2010. I didn't know what I wanted to be at that time. My path was unclear. I wasn't so sure of being a session player either. I didn't really understand what I did, why I played with various artists. I just tried to play sessions just for meeting musician friends. That's how I got a lot of friends. In 2011-2012, I had no idea who everyone was whenever I attended music events. I felt awkward. Sometimes I was like, 'Wow, what's this band? It's so cool!' I told myself I hoped I could be like them one day, but don't know when. Gradually, I found my way. I got gigs with various people until today."

Each musician has their own point of view, reasoning, and how they use their reasoning and point of view in the music world. "If we want to be able to play drum wholeheartedly, we have to like it first. Passion, I can say. I believe, passion is applicable to everything. If we don't like, if we don't have passion, we can't do things with all our hearts. For example, if I don't have passion with what I do, I won't regularly upload video on YouTube. If I do, I will do that with moans. But, because I love making contents, I do it willingly. The same goes with playing drum. Had I not like it, I might not be one," explained the drummer with Yoiqball as his stage name.