Indie for the interior
Several local indie bands hope to give people from the interior a chance to build their networks, writes Avila Geraldine
WHAT seemed like an almost impossible plan has finally become a reality for a group of like-minded independent bands that were inspired to share their passion in indie music with rural folks in Sabah.
For years, many local indie bands had been toying with the idea of touring the state to spread indie music but never had the chance to do so because of their busy lives.
It was not until the middle of last year during a random conversation over coffee that the plan resurfaced.
Five local indie bands grouped together for a brainstorming session which resulted in a positive outcome.
These aspiring musicians travelled to Sabah’s interior districts for three days to spread indie music.
The Inland Tour: Voice of Unity saw the group stopping at Tambunan, Tenom, and Keningau districts recently. The bands are Spinning Toxic, Boil, Zirconia, Departure, and No Preservatives.
Tour organising committee chairman Adie Adrian Boniface of Spinning Toxic said the tour was the bands’ own initiative to bring local alternative rock and metal music to rural people. “There are many talented bands in the interior districts and they play their own materials. They just lack a platform to showcase their talent.
“We hope our presence will help these bands to get out of their comfort zone and perform their materials,” said the 40-yearold vocalist.
Adie said the Inland Tour was aimed at promoting unity and friendship among the band members as well as providing a platform for rural indie bands to expand their network.
Spinning Toxic vocalist Arnold Carlito Faurillo, 29, said the tour had given band members a better understanding of indie music demand in the districts.
“It is important for us to share our (music) and provide a positive impact to other indie bands to follow in out footsteps.
“Being an independent band means we had to do everything ourselves from presentation to marketing. This event was a good opportunity for aspiring bands to build network.
“It was an excellent platform for us to encourage one another and share knowledge. Perhaps it will inspire indie bands from the interior to form a collaboration with others, so they can do similar tours within or outside their districts,” he said.