Java Soulnation Festival Headline

Dedicated to the sounds and beats of soul, hip hop, R&B and rap, Jakarta’s Java Soulnation Festival comes back to the city late this month. Produced by Java Festival Production and targeting a younger crowd, Soulnation runs from Sept. 28 to 30 at Istora Senayan in South Jakarta. 

This year’s line up features a wide range of local and international musicians. We introduce the three acts that have been selected as ‘‘special show’’ highlights of the festival. 

Scissor Sisters 

Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10.30 p.m. 

Bono of U2 once called Scissor Sisters “the best group in the world,” intrigued by the infectious melodies that have made the American band one of the most interesting acts of the past decade. 

Formed in 2001 in New York, the band is famous for its flamboyant live performances, that includes the openly gay band members stripping on stage and throwing inflated condoms into the audience. Throw in a couple of successful hits that feature catchy and danceable melodies, and you have a winning formula. 

“I don’t think we’re afraid to play anything. Pop should be meaningful again — it shouldn’t be a dirty word,” vocalist Jake Shears said. 

Scissor Sisters released its self-titled debut album in 2004. Showered with awards, especially in the United Kingdom, which the members call their “spiritual home,” both fans and critics were curious to see if the follow-up album could live up to its predecessor. It could. “Ta-Dah,” released in 2006, fared remarkably well and gave Scissor Sisters its most successful hit single to date, the irresistible “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’.” The albums “Night Work” (2010) and “Magic Hour” (2012) confirmed the band’s success on an international level. 

James Morrison 

Sunday, Sept. 30, from 7.30 p.m. 

English musician James Morrison, 28, used to busk in a local pub as a teenager, finding a way to escape from the troubles of his childhood, which was, as the singer stated in interviews, greatly affected by poverty, illness and low self-esteem. 

After he was fired from a job as a van cleaner, Morrison hooked up with an old friend who owned a recording studio and invited him to record a couple of songs. The rest, as they say, is history. Morrison’s gravely voice and great songwriting ability led him to major labels within a week. 

In an interview with BBC, Morrison stated his troubled upbringing helped him become the musician he is today: “I had a tough time but it’s positive. I know so much more because of it and I’ve been to that point where it’s so bad, it can’t get any worse.” 

Morrison released his debut album “Undiscovered” in 2006. Its first single “You Give Me Something” was an overnight success. He became the best selling male solo artist in the United Kingdom in 2006. The singer’s sophomore album “Songs for You, Truths for Me” followed in 2008, while Morrison’s latest effort, “The Awakening,” came in 2011. 

Robin Thicke 

Sunday, Sept. 30, from 10 p.m. 

Having grown up in a family involved in show business, it seemed like R&B singer Robin Thicke was predestined for a career in the entertainment industry. 

Starting out as a songwriter, Thicke eventually recorded his debut album “A Beautiful World” in 2003. Despite being praised by critics, the album was commercially a failure, and Thicke was left disappointed. 

He didn’t give up and tried his luck again three years later with “The Evolution of Robin Thicke,” which was a more honest and personal attempt. From this point on, Thicke’s career took off. 

Three albums and several hit singles later, among them “Wanna Love You Girl” and “Magic, ” Thicke is still growing as a singer, songwriter and has recently joined the music reality TV show “Duets” as a judge. The American program premiered in May.

For full schedule and ticket information Click Here