The Docklands is one of the upcoming local bands to wants to move away from performing cover songs and get into recording studios.
The band – only a few months old – carries on the tradition of earlier indie bands such as Southern Line, which Azam was formerly a member of before he went on a break.
After the hiatus, Azam got together with Brian (guitar), Wira (synth, keyboard, guitar) Aerul (drums) Razi (bass) and Matin (guitar), to work on a song he wrote eight years ago while he was on a train in England.
The end product is their latest song ‘Anti-Hero’ which you can listen on Progresif Radio> On Demand> Locals Only. Download the Progresif Radio App on Google Play and the App Store.
Here’s our interview with the Docklands.
Tell us more about how you guys got together.
I first got in touch with Brian through Facebook when he was a lead guitarist in an old band that I knew. Then we met and started our own project band writing new songs. As for Razi, we’ve been jamming since last year playing cover songs just to keep the music and the art going, and Wira is a friend.
I believe we can go very far as long as we keep being original and work hard. And Alhamdulillah, everyone’s positive and get along naturally, everyone wants to create, and the vibe is good.
What is ‘Anti-Hero’ about?
I wrote the song when I was still a student in England. I was on a train to Coventry to visit a friend, and I was listening to Yusuf Islam’s Father and Son song. That had a huge impact on me. It inspired me to write poetry that could emulate that same feeling I got. Hopefully, it could cheer up anyone who’s going through a hard time.
You can listen to their new song, ‘Anti-Hero’ by downloading the Progresif Radio App on Google Play and the App Store.
How would you describe the band’s sound?
We are heavily influenced by bands that we grew up with like The Strokes, The Killers all the British bands like Oasis. Wira is into a lot of Japanese, British and American bands. Everyone’s got their own preferences and that contributes to our sound.
I think we would classify ourselves as indie rock, but we don’t really have a target audience with the music that we want to create. We just want to create what feels good and want to share our music with those that appreciate it.
Do you have a pre-gig ritual?
Drink lots of water.
Any plans to speak of?
We’re currently working on our EP and on plans to play overseas such as in Indonesia. Obviously, we love travelling, so that would be a dream come true – to play gigs while travelling on a low budget.
Last question. What does the word progressive mean to you?
Being progressive is about being original and constantly moving forward. That’s being progressive.
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