RJ-001: Christabel Annora - Sudut Kamar

Amid the ongoing pandemic that is befalling to humankind, it also indirectly affects the art world, especially music. Soloist/pianist Christabel Annora isn’t exempt to become one of the indirect victims of this cruel virus in which she has to face a new kind of anxiety, uncertainty, and uneasiness that haven’t been braced before. An EP called “Sudut Kamar” (roughly translated to The Bedroom’s Corner) was born as a manifestation of her thoughts and feelings during this pandemic. It is filled with 4 instrumental compositions and “Sudut Kamar” EP will bring its listeners to an adventure to embrace their anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness.

“Tirai Pembuka” becomes the opening number in this album which acts as an appetizer before the main course is served. This song was inspired by a narration written by Christabel Annora’s friend, which in turn, reeled her back into the reality we are facing today. The journey continues with “Sudut Kamar” that subtly yet strongly pulls us into its dynamic melodies. “Sudut Kamar” can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. It signifies a place where the musician always reflects on her life, as well as a symbol that justifies human’s need to retreat and relax before building up new hope and spirit.

“Selamat Pagi” is filled with optimism about starting out your day in the morning. It signifies positive energy as the third track on the album. At last, the instrumental version of “Perempuan - Perempuan” - a single that has been released back in April to commemorate R.A. Kartini’s day - beautifully closes out the entire mini album experience. This version came to a fruition after fellow musicians did instrumental covers of the song back then. Christabel Annora then decidedly made her own spin on it, so we could enjoy it in its entirety today.

Becoming productive when the rest of activities need to be halted, is said to be a blessing in disguise as well as therapy for Christabel Annora. “Actually, we all feel the same kind of restlessness and concern during this pandemic, but always, there’s always something to be grateful for everyday. If we focus more on the negative side, we’ll get stuck there,” she explains about the reason for releasing this project. Beside finishing the EP with the help of intense virtual communication with her collaborators, the pianist also cited teaching, learning new things, discussing current affairs with family and friends, as well as filtering information on her timeline have become some things that keep her sane during this trying time.

As an instrumental album, Christabel let the listeners put their own interpretation and life into the songs without being constrained by lyrics and words. She also releases the music sheet of “Sudut Kamar” via Youtube for the listeners to access. Finally, the musician who has longed for the stage and its unique chemistry behind it said that the “Sudut Kamar” EP is dedicated to all of us who face uncertainty during this pandemic. The EP has been digitally released via various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and many more on June 19th, 2020.

These cassette version released by Rekam Jaya, included two unreleased bonus tracks: "Selfishness" and "Blues dari Kamar". Limited to 50 copies, with hand-numbered.

[Text and story by Novita Widia]