Speaker First

Speaker First

Speaker First is a rock and blues band formed in 2003 and active through 2013. The group’s line-up in its most established formation consists of Mahattir Alkatiry on vocals and bass, twin brothers Beni Barnady and Boni Barnaby on guitars, and Julius Anthony on drums.

Albums and EPs

The band releases two full-length albums before its Muda dan Berani EP. Its earlier records are Whatever You Say, released through Sony Music in 2004, and Dunia Milik Kita, issued by Duta Music in 2009. Muda dan Berani is a self-released EP.

Style and themes

Speaker First works within rock and roll, blues, indie rock and related styles, and its music also draws on southern rock and country touches. The band presents itself as continuing a rock ’n’ roll approach while moving toward a more mature sound. Its songs on Muda dan Berani focus on social values, anti-violence youth ideas, humanism, optimism and togetherness, with titles including “Damai Nyata”, “Hidupku Jalanku”, “Tetap Bersama” and “Untuk Semua”. The track “Damai Nyata” also features Baby Ashteria on vocals.

Identity

The group’s fan community is called Speaker People. Its later work uses the slogan “Muda dan Berani” as a statement of youth and boldness, and the band frames this phase as a transformation from an earlier, less mature period into a more socially aware one.