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How does a legendary trio renowned for their smooth tunes and romantic lyrics move on as a duo?
You may know the indie band SORE from its singles “Bebas” (Free) or “Funk The Whole”, featured on the soundtracks of Citra Award-winning films Arisan! (2003) and Janji Joni (2005), respectively.
Or perhaps you’ve heard of the band’s popular, retro-inspired sophomore album, Ports of Lima (2008), featuring the hit single “Karolina”.
SORE is now navigating a bittersweet chapter as they honor the legacy of guitarist and vocalist Ade Paloh, a founding member who passed away in March 2024 from natural causes.
Left as a duo with Awan Garnida on bass and vocals and Bemby Gusti on drums, the band decided to turn to indie singer-songwriter Bilal Indrajaya to help carry on Ade’s spirit and work, like Queen with Adam Lambert and Linkin Park with Emily Armstrong.
‘It feels right’
“Bilal has been involved in our musical endeavors for years now. We’ve collaborated on our records with him since 2017. If I remember correctly, he filled in as a bassist,” Awan said.
SORE performed alongside Bilal last November in the 47th edition of Jazz Goes To Campus (JGTC), the University of Indonesia’s long-running annual music event.
Bilal’s musicality and his body of work share the same feel as SORE’s.
“In that sense, he manages to faithfully channel our music. And it feels right,” Awan said.
Bilal, a longtime SORE fan, didn’t think twice when the opportunity arrived to collaborate with the band.
“My music, the way I sing and how I perform was already heavily influenced by SORE, even before I started playing with them. There wasn’t much adjustment when we started going on stage together,” he said.
The JGTC wasn’t the first time Bilal and SORE performed together.
Bemby Gusti recalled the ease of their collaboration, even impromptu ones.
“‘Oh, Bilal’s watching? Let’s get him up here!’ That’s the kind of camaraderie we have. Our spontaneous gigs with him flowed well, even when Ade was still with us,” he said.
Continuing Ade’s legacy
As Bilal’s music has the same feel as SORE’s, the collaboration feels organic.
”With other musicians, there was a degree of adaptation needed. But with Bilal, he fits into our sound,” Bemby explained.
“His presence is felt, adding new character to our music, but it doesn’t alter it. It’s safe to say we don’t overthink it. We just play and carry on Ade’s spirit.”
In the same way, Bilal believes his mission is to just be in the moment when performing with the duo.
“There’s no discussion or thought of me replacing the late Ade Paloh. I’m here to help SORE continue his legacy,” he said.
“SORE has fostered a massive community and I feel that their music needs to live on. I’m just happy to be part of that, and I’m having the most fun.”
