Ari Lasso's Sarcasm on Musicians' Riders, Makki Ungu Speaks Out About Simplicity in Music

Kapanlagi.com - A sharp remark from Ari Lasso regarding the complicated riders or requests from new singers continues to be a hot topic in the Indonesian entertainment industry. According to Ari Lasso, a musician's requests during a performance should not burden the promoters or event organizers.

This issue has sparked various responses, one of which comes from Makki Parikesit, the bassist of the band Ungu, who is known for his flowing musical style. Check out the full story below!

1. Makki's View on Riders During Concerts

Instagram.com/makki_parikesit

Makki expressed his views regarding riders in a concert, emphasizing that riders are actually just a complement in the technical aspects of the stage, not something that should be exaggerated or fabricated. Just like what Ari Lasso stated, Makki agrees that excessive riders will only complicate things for the promoters.

"For us, especially in Ungu, riders are actually just a complement in the technical aspects of the performance, so it’s not something that needs to be exaggerated or made up. Backstage, what’s important is that the air conditioning is on, there are seats, and drinks, that’s enough, after all, we’re not there for too long anyway," said Makki when met at the Constitutional Court, Central Jakarta, Thursday (10/7/2025).

"So I somewhat agree with Lasso that if the riders are a bit over the top, it complicates things for the event organizers, later the organizers might be reluctant to work with you if the riders are like that," added Makki.

2. The Requests of the Band Ungu Are Very Simple

Instagram.com/makki_parikesit

When asked about the specific rider list for Ungu, Makki emphasized that their requests are very simple, even minimalistic. Basic necessities are the top priority.

"If Ungu is simple, the important thing is the smoking area, that's it. No matter where we perform, the important thing is that smoking area, and also drinking mineral water is enough," explained Makki.

3. Makki Highlights the Importance of Cooperation

© KapanLagi.com/Muhammad Akrom Sukarya

This phenomenon of excessive riders is often associated with the "take advantage of the opportunity" mentality among some new musicians who exploit instant popularity. Makki admitted to hearing news about riders that go overboard, but emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation.

"I honestly don’t know, I’ve heard that there are indeed some who have exaggerated riders. Yes, take advantage of the opportunity, I agree, but if it burdens the event organizer, with the economic conditions and all, we are partners," explained Makki.

"The event organizer is our partner too, if they work comfortably, we are comfortable too, whatever it is, if our partner is comfortable, that should be prioritized, you know," he continued, highlighting the importance of ease for promoters.

4. Ungu Requests Business Class After 20 Years of Career

Makki even feels that things like luxurious sofas, air conditioning at a certain temperature, or special drinks backstage are unnecessary demands and complicate matters.

Ungu, as one of the senior bands that has been in the industry for over two decades, has a more flexible policy regarding transportation and accommodation. They have just started requesting business class facilities for flights.

"Ungu after 20 years has just requested business class, so lately we have also been trusted by the event organizers to have business class for the five of us," said Makki, giving the impression that this is a facility they have only recently obtained after a long career.

5. Business Class Facilities Are Conditional

Nevertheless, these business class facilities are also conditional and adjusted according to needs and availability. Makki explained that this is more due to age factors and the comfort of long-distance travel.

"But business class is not for no reason, if the flight is over 3 hours, we are getting older, tired. And that is also conditional, like for example yesterday from one point to another there was no business class, then economy is fine too," he added.

6. Hope for the Music Ecosystem

The striking difference between senior musicians like Ungu and some junior musicians whose riders seem "troublesome" prompted Makki to deliver an important message. He hopes that every party in the music industry ecosystem can support each other and not burden one another.

"My message to anyone, whether young or old, is that if you make your work partner's life difficult, your work will diminish. That's it," emphasized Makki.

7. Mutual Dependence Between Promoters and Artists

Makki emphasized that the music industry is an ecosystem that relies on each other, from promoters, sound technicians, artists, to stage vendors. Therefore, harmonious collaboration is essential.

"We are an ecosystem that needs each other; there are event organizers, sound engineers, artists, stage vendors, and so on. The goal is to work together smoothly, don’t make it difficult for others, and don’t make it difficult for yourself either," concluded Makki.

(kpl/far/dyn)