Losari Coffee Plantation Resort & Spa - in Central Java, approximately one and a half hours drive from Semarang, Solo and Yogyakarta city recently held its first White Party on August 15, 2004.

The party was a celebration of Ferragosto – ancient memory of roman fertility celebrations inaugurated by Emperor Augustus. To maintain the tradition, a variety of Italian dishes and wines were served.

The rest of the evening rollicked on with a special free style performance and drama from traditional Javanese dance impressions to contemporary everyday movements and dance expressions, conceived and co-directed by Ines Somellera and Restu Kusumaningrum. Later the famous DJ Anton (Jakarta) and DJ Wilson (Bali) spun the decks till dawn while the 200 guests were dancing under the stars.

For further information please contact:
Ms Rini Dyah Anggraini
Ph +62 21 3190 215
Jakarta@losaricoffeeplantation.com

The Gospel according toBecause of you… Keith Martin

So when did you start singing?

When I was a kid coming up in [Washington] DC, I sang all the time. At home, with my family, in church – Gospel was a strong influence from the start. I also loved the Jackson 5 back then, they were my heroes. Later in my teens I was playing in bands and that first got me into the studio – but not singing, playing instruments – bass, keyboards, drums and percussion.

You didn’t start out as a vocalist then?

Nope…back then my man was Quincy Jones, both as a composer and producer – he really inspired me to write material and produce tracks. But the singing was always there.

So when did your singing career really kick off?

My friend Michael McCarey [of boyz II men] gave a demo tape to Columbia records and they liked it. My debut ‘It’s Long Overdue’, which was produced by Mike, came out in 1995.

And did your life change after that? The album seemed to get excellent reviews from the critics, but stayed pretty underground, right?

It’s Long Overdue didn’t blow up, but the single I’ll Never Find Someone Like You featured in the soundtrack to the movie Bad Boys. I went touring with MC Hammer on his Too Legit to Quit tour. But you know, as a musician, I can come up with the product, but it’s up to the label to do the promo. I ain’t afraid to say that.

What do you make of the music industry Stateside at the moment?

The industry’s really jacked up in the States – they just wanna pigeon hole, like they have this pre-defined image of what they want to sell. This guy William Hung [American Idol] is a prime example – it ain’t what you know, it’s who you know.

I think the passion I put into the songs. But you know, I learnt so much from the likes of Kenny Latimore and Johnny Gill – back in the day, I wouldn’t be able to speak at the end of a show because i pushed too hard, but then you learn that power and passion is nothing without technique.

You’re living in the Philippines now – what do you make of the local singers?

Oh, there’s some amazing talent in the Philippines. Thing is though, how you sing is all about your influences. So for me growing up in DC I was exposed to Gospel, Soul and R&B since I was a baby – the real thing you know. So I’m trying to work with some of these guys and hopefully will be able to come out with some productions.

Any messages for music artists looking to break into the music industry here in Indonesia?
Yeah – To the future singers out there, without us the industry wouldn’t have jobs, so stay true to the music and the craft. Peace.