Bored from Too Many Gigs, Yuke Dewa 19 and Marcello Tahitoe Create a New Band for Parties

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian music industry is lively again with the emergence of a new band named Loh Kok Tum Band (LKTB). Although relatively new, this band is not filled with just any musicians.

In fact, its members are big names in the local music scene, such as Marcello Tahitoe on vocals and guitar, Eno Gitara (NTRL) as the drummer, Yuke (Dewa 19) on bass, Stevi Item (Andra N The Backbone) on guitar, Magi (Rif) as the vocalist, and Reno Fahreza (keyboardist of Nevach) on keyboards.

Loh Kok Tum Band was formed out of the boredom of its members who have been long involved in their respective main bands.

"Actually, LKTB came about because I was accommodating friends who were experiencing jam-packed band schedules; there was a level of boredom. There’s a boredom that, in my opinion, needs a new atmosphere," said Yuke at a press conference at Plaza Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (13/10/2024).

"In the end, I, along with Ello and Mas Reno, decided to form a band. So we started from there, just for fun. Our first show was in Bali," he added.

Yuke explained that, despite seeming like a casual project, the members have specific criteria in choosing the members of this band.

"There are rules here, which are not found in other bands. There are certain criteria; this person has to be fun. Well, that’s something only we know," said Yuke, then laughed.

1. Create a Party Atmosphere

Credit: Special

Marcello Tahitoe revealed that the presence of Loh Kok Tum Band was driven by the desire to create a party atmosphere at every performance. For him, the performance of Loh Kok Tum Band is a moment to have fun.

“Actually, we want to bring a party atmosphere, what we like. If asked how serious we are, we don’t really know. But what’s certain is that every time we perform, we will present a party that you have never experienced,” said Ello.

The future plans of Loh Kok Tum Band are quite simple. Yuke mentioned that for the time being, Loh Kok Tum Band has no plans to release an album, but will try to do a mini tour first.

“An album might not happen yet, we want to try a mini tour first,” revealed Yuke.

“Before the new year, it seems like one of the places will be Bali. In Jogja and Surabaya, Bandung,” added Ello.

2. Just Adjust It

With their super busy personnel schedules in their respective main bands, questions arise about how they will manage their time for this project. Eno, the drummer of LKTB, casually answers it.

“Basically, just adjust it. If one of us can't make it, then it's fine, we don't have to play. The important thing is that we’re together, if one can't make it and it's not LKTB,” Eno clarified.

(kpl/far/glk)