LipGloss

LipGloss is an Indonesian indie rock band from Jakarta. The group forms in 1998 and begins as a cover band, playing songs by Suede, Pulp, Radiohead, Morrissey, The Cure, Rialto, Blur and other britpop and alternative acts. In its early years, it becomes a regular name on the Jakarta indie scene and appears frequently at high school and campus festivals between 1998 and 2002.

From covers to original material

By around 2000, LipGloss starts writing and rehearsing original songs rather than only performing covers. The band first fronts this change with singer Reno, but after several years he leaves when the shift towards original material does not work out. The group then searches for a replacement for more than a year before appointing Agus as vocalist. Agus adapts quickly to the band’s line-up and approach.

Recording and release

With support from Fiasco Records for distribution, LipGloss releases its debut album, Asa, in 2007. The album is described in the band’s history as darker, more twisted and edgy than much of the surrounding pop-rock scene, while also sounding mature and distinctive. Despite having little promotional backing, it gains attention in Jakarta and Bandung and is welcomed by indie radio programmes and publications.

Recognition

In 2007, LipGloss receives recognition at the L.A. Lights Indiefest as one of the best indie bands for the song “Mereka Sebut Timur”. The track is included on the compilation album L.A. Lights Indiefest Vol.2 released by Fast Forward Records.