A new app brings musicians and bands straight into users’ homes.

According to Statista, the Indonesian music industry has been growing in value over the past few years. Concerts and music streaming have given way to a greater sense of music consciousness and enjoyment among the general population.

The COVID-19 pandemic had undoubtedly stunted this growth. This has forced event organizers and musicians alike to cancel live events and performances, out of fear of further spreading the virus.

With many flocking to the internet for a safe source of entertainment and leisure, new efforts have been made to reinvent and elevate media consumption.

The recently launched smartphone app Modular has introduced an innovative way of listening to music in Indonesia.

Hailed as an “augmented reality” experience, Modular allows users to place a virtual stage within their house, upon which musicians “perform”. This stage is interactive, as the user is able to move their camera lens around the three-dimensional digital object, to provide an immersive audio-visual experience.

The iconic Bandung-bred rock and roll band, The Changcuters, were called upon to be the first musicians to grace the platform.

Virtual teaser: Lead singer Tria teases the band’s performance in a short, augmented-reality clip. (Modular/-)

Comprising Tria Ramadhani on vocals, M. Iqbal (Qibil) and Arlanda Ghazali Langitan (Alda) on guitar, Dipa Nanadastrya Hasibuan on bass, and Erick Nindyoastomo on drums, Modular has incorporated them into their augmented reality concert experience.

“We have created a solution to the limitations that musicians, or event organizers have faced in holding music concerts, as well as a platform for music lovers to watch musical performances live, and [we have chosen] The Changcuters [to] become the first band in Indonesia to hold an augmented reality concert”, said Modular CEO Hendra Araji..

Known for their hits, such as “Hijrah Ke London” (Moving to London), and “I Love U Bibeh”, The Changcuters have chosen to perform their new single, “Cari Rasa” (Finding Feeling) in their debut Modular concert.

This mid-tempo, Beatles-esque number is reminiscent of 1970s rock, with a traditional four-piece band, and jangly, The Smiths-inspired guitars. Combined with a modern, dream-pop, Beach Fossils twist, there are a range of influences that make this song an interesting listen. This fun earworm of a love song can easily be appreciated by audiences of all ages.

Modular further upgrades the listening experience, as the band is shown on an augmented-reality stage, dressed in matching suits. The platform upon which they perform is a giant representation of a tumpeng (cone-shaped Javanese rice dish) bringing about a camp, playful interpretation in place of the often regular, monotonous staging.

Unconventional performance: Members Tria, Qibil, Dipa, Alda, and Erick are pictured taking center stage on a unique, Indonesia-themed digital platform. (Modular/-)

The app in itself has a simple, straightforward interface, and is very user-friendly even for the newest of users. Solely requiring access to one’s camera, the stage may be resized and dragged around the user’s space to their liking. Additionally, features such as a play, skip, and screen recording button allow for a customizable experience.

The artist’s biography, as well as links to other social media and streaming platforms are available to access as well, providing context to the featured performances.

Up-close and personal: Modular makes it possible for users to interact freely with the digital concert, allowing them to enjoy the performance from any angle. Pictured are Dipa, Tria, and Erick. (Modular/-)

The novelty of augmented reality is bound to attract many users to the platform.

Modular has been developed as a form of adaptation to the changed state of the world at the moment and could possibly represent a new frontier for the music industry.

“Modular has become one of the more unique forms of promotional media and provides a sensation that differs from [other forms of media]. Hopefully the existence of Modular will aid in satisfying our Changcut Rangers [fans]”, said lead singer Tria.

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