The Jansen Band from Bogor Seeks Relations Until Breaking Through at International Festivals

Jansen has actually performed twice in events in the Asian scene. They have performed in the Baybeats festival in Singapore and Tavau Fest Malaysia in 2023. Not satisfied, The Jansen continues to seek connections so that they can perform in other Asian countries, such as Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.

"We are still looking for connections to be able to play in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Australia. We are still networking to be able to play there," said Bani. From the beginning, The Jansen has been looking for connections abroad. In fact, they have also released their second work in the US.

"Because we also released a cassette in the US. Yes, our second album, we tried to talk to independent labels outside like that," said Adji. In addition, the main goal of The Jansen is to perform in foreign music gigs. That's why this band, which was established in 2015, is actively looking for connections or networks to labels or music communities abroad.

"Actually, networking with bands like The Jansen is what we used to do. We don't actually seek out festival offers. But what's more enjoyable is when we make friends with people there and then create events or gigs, that's more our focus," said Bani.  

"Actually, we're not chasing 'festivals,' we prefer getting to know people there. So it's like networking with other cities in Indonesia, that's what I enjoy. Festivals are just a bonus," added Bani.

According to Adji, what The Jansen does is similar to local bands abroad. They also seek connections to perform outside the country. "Because the networking culture of HC punk in Indonesia and abroad is almost the same. It's all about the indie scene. Indie bands still use that approach. Festivals are just a bonus,"

In their efforts to penetrate the international market, The Jansen continues to submit to several foreign festivals while preparing funds to be able to carry out independent tours abroad.

"For submitting to local festivals abroad, we have started preparing from now on. But whether we will be accepted or not, we still don't know, we are still building relationships. Because the main issue to play there is the funding," said Adji.

"Because plane tickets alone to play in Europe are quite expensive. While for collective HC punk events there, they also can't afford to finance the tickets. What's certain is that we have started saving from now on," continued Adji.

They even do not rule out the possibility of doing independent tours, seeking support from friends and music communities in various countries. "We submit festivals that allow us to go there on one side we save to be able to carry out our own, independent tour," said Bani.

"We do not rule out the possibility of doing independent tours, for example, we start looking for friends point by point from which country. So, whoever comes first, a festival in Europe or independent again," concluded Bani.