Voice of Baceprot (VOB) has been making waves since their formation in 2014, establishing a strong presence in the global music scene while consistently challenging societal norms.
The Indonesian metal band, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Marsya, bassist Widi and drummer Siti, originally met while attending an Islamic Junior High School in their hometown of Singajaya.
Their name, inspired by their music teacher Abah Erza, perfectly encapsulates their ethos: “Baceprot,” a Sundanese term meaning "noisy," reflects the energy and boldness they deliver in their music.
From their early days of inspiration, VOB has captivated audiences and ignited debates across various media platforms like the "New York Times", "BBC" and "The Guardian".
As they prepare for their upcoming performance in Japan on May 31, the band shared insights on their career, controversies and the importance of women empowerment within the music industry.
What inspired the name of the group?
Voice of Baceprot: "The one who gave us the name ‘Voice of Baceprot’ was our teacher. His name is Abah Erza. 'Baceprot' means noisy, it comes from the Sundanese language. He said that it suits our character and our music."
Who inspired the group to make music?
Voice of Baceprot: "We learned to make music before getting to know other big bands. At that time, the only thing that drove us to make music was anxiety about the world around us, which we couldn't express through normal communication."
What is the music scene in Indonesia like?
Voice of Baceprot: "Indonesia has a very diverse and strong scene. Especially in Metal and Rock music. Fans are extremely loyal and local bands have built strong followings both at home and internationally.
"Also, the energy at their shows is intense, with wild mosh pits and a deep sense of community. Even big bands like Metallica and Slipknot have recognized Indonesian metal fans as some of the most dedicated."
What challenges are faced by women in the music industry?
Voice of Baceprot: "It gave us unique experiences. We navigated a male-dominated scene where women, especially hijab-wearing musicians, often have to prove themselves more. And also faced the ‘double standard’ system by being judged for our music and appearance, which doesn’t happen to male musicians.
"However, it opens up opportunities for us to bring a fresh perspective and cultural diversity. At the same time, also built solidarity among progressive musicians, fans and activists who embrace diversity in the metal community."
What's your first recollection of music that you listened to growing up?
Voice of Baceprot: "We grew up listening to the music played on TV or radio. At that time the most popular thing was pop, we mostly listened to it. It was a bit boring till we accidentally found System of a Down songs on our teacher’s laptop. We fell in love with that kind of music."
Thinking about your upbringing individually, how was that?
Voice of Baceprot: "It was quite challenging. It shaped a lot of who we are today as independent people. Each of us had different musical upbringings. We had a strict culture about how women should talk, dress, even about our dreams.
"That’s why it was a bit difficult for us to practice or make music. But what brought us together was the same passion for creating something honest and powerful."
Did you ever think as a group that you guys would be able to get this far in your career?
Voice of Baceprot: "Nope. We make music just because we love it. Being at this point was never in our imagination."
What can be done to help women combat the challenges that they face in the music industry?
Voice of Baceprot: "One of the biggest issues is gender bias, where women are sexualized, underestimated or excluded from opportunities.
"That’s why more women need to be given leadership roles, whether as producers, sound engineers or executives. So they have a say in shaping the industry and we have representation of their thoughts.
"The more female musicians, producers and industry professionals are visible, the more the next generation will see that they belong."
How has it been working with Vans and how does the brand relate to yours as a group?
Voice of Baceprot: "We love the spirit that Vans brings. They truly appreciate our authenticity and their team is incredibly supportive. Working with them feels natural because they understand our vision. We also share the same energy, there’s a mutual understanding of creativity, individuality and breaking boundaries. It resonates with the way we express ourselves."
Looking towards the new year, what can fans expect when it comes to music and other activations with Vans?
Voice of Baceprot: "Fans can expect an exciting mix of music and creative collaborations with Vans. We’re always exploring new ways to express ourselves, and with Vans’ support, we have the freedom to push boundaries even further.
"Whether it’s through live performances, special projects or unique activations, we want to bring something fresh and authentic that truly represents our energy. Stay tuned, there’s a lot coming!"
Thinking about your fans, what's a message of hope that you want to share with the world?
Voice of Baceprot: "Thank you for always supporting us. Keep being true to yourself, keep pushing boundaries and never stop chasing what sets your soul on fire. We can’t wait to bring more music, more shows and more moments to share with you. See you soon!"