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

When Iqbal decided to be a drummer, his parents opposed him at first. For Iqbal, the lack of knowledge of drummer as a job, especially in Indonesia, is vivid. "When my parents first heard I wanted to be a drummer, they were clouded with doubt. They felt the doubt as jobs outside being doctor, employee, civil servants, etc., aren't even a thing. Actually, drummer is a job like any other. It's just a different type of job. You might see a drummer as something that won't earn money, while it is. You can earn money from YouTube via video monetization, Spotify, and iTunes. You can also earn money if you have gigs. You can earn money from endorsements on Instagram, especially if you have pretty look and match the brand you're promoting. Unfortunately, things like this aren't understood in Indonesia," he described. Iqbal, as a young drummer in Indonesia, has a message for youngsters who want to follow his path. 

"The first thing is that music is social life. It's not always about how good you play an instrument. It's about how you build a connection with other people in real life, humble and have a good attitude. If you don't connect, you won't have friends. Plus, you won't have a job, even though you're skilled. So, connect with other people besides improving your skill", Iqbal said before he performed in Rizky Febian's concert.

Being oneself and deepen one's character in playing drum is a must. It's not an exception to Iqbal, who can play drum in all genres. His total hours of gig prove that he has become session player for various Indonesian musician and singers: Afgan, Tohpati, Fadly 'Padi', Geisha, Hivii, D'Masiv, Trisum, etc. "My teachers never asked me to do this or that. I'm just being myself. I play what I like," Iqbal emphasized.

In his drumming life, Iqbal had a unique moment which brought him to join Iwan Fals' music tour. The initial moment happened unexpectedly for him. He was contacted by Iwan Fals Management. "The story behind why I joined Iwan Fals' tour for six months is unique. So, I put my e-mail on my Instagram. Then, Iwan Fals management team contacted me through e-mail. The e-mail said that the management wanted to have my number. It's from Cikal---Iwan Fals' child and Business Manager. The message said, Dad (Iwan Fals) wanted to meet me. 

When I got there, I knew nobody; the players, the crews, the management, even Iwan Fals himself. So, I was wondering why they asked my number. After I gave my number, they called instantly. The caller introduced themselves as someone from Iwan Fals Management. The management invited me to Iwan Fals studio in Cimanggis. I asked them what for. Then, the caller said he's Iwan Fals and he liked my drum playing. I didn't believe him immediately. So, we made an appointment to meet at Iwan Fals' house. 

It turned out to be true. I had a conversation with Iwan Fals all day. After that, he asked me to jam together, from songs I know to songs I don't know. Apparently, he was auditioning for a drummer. At that time, he held a tour to a number of cities. Before I got home, he said, 'Let's go on tour together.' I accepted his offer. The tour was held on six months, but I didn't feel burdened at all. It all felt like dream for me."

In the end of our interview session that night, Iqbal told me how he found the chemistry between him and Yandi, his partner in DuaDrum. They did well in finding unity in making their signature beats in DuaDrum. 

"So, in one year, we're often in the studio. Just two of us. Playing, exercise, explore, anything. We felt satisfied for that. After one year, we tried recording, making video, everything until we get a formulation for DuaDrum, which you can see today. That's the result of our chemistry, because we're exploring our chemistry. You know, playing in a band isn't like in a session. In sessions, what matters most is I can play your song. In band, we need chemistry as we make songs together, we want to deliver our message or ideas. If Yandi plays like this, I play like that. Same goes the other way around. So, we're not exploring our techniques. We also think that if one day we're invited to jam in a cafe, we should be able to jam spontaneously," Iqbal said.

Accessories: Ferianto 

Thanks to:

*Wooden watch by:  @Hyangkala