GHAUST

Ghaust is a post-metal duo from Jakarta. 

GHAUST: “We just want to write challenging music that has melody and hooks.”

[interview.aldy kusumah / pics.ghaust / September 2011]

Ghaust is one of the most hard-working band in Indonesia. You guys released so many Split EP's with diverse bands such as: Kelelawar Malam, Aseethe, Vestiges, Blckwvs and Pazahora. How do you approach those bands into working a collaboration with you?

Every band we collaborated with has a different approach. For instance before we collaborated with Kelelawar Malam we used to hang out and did some Malaysia and Singapore tour together. As for collaboration with the bands outside Indonesia, we got in touch with them through email. They’ve been a pleasure to deal with and all their track on the split with us fucking slays. And after releasing Vestiges and Kelelawar malam split vinyl, we wont be doing any splits, we need to focus writing our second album.

Ghaust also has a diverse sound when it comes to labelling. There's punk rock, black metal, post rock, post metal and doom blended into one. Are you gonna keep evolving or are you happy with the experiment you've done so far?

As a band I think we’re being honest with ourselves and we don’t think too hard about direction or labelling. We just want to write challenging music that has melody and hooks.

Tell me about Purbaharuan and Grieve records...

Purbaharuan is my own label but i haven’t released anything in a while. Not sure where the future holds at the moment. But Purbaharuan will always exist!

Grieve Records is a collaboration between me and Sayiba (Kelelawar Malam’s vocalist) records label and store. Our first and second releases are Ghaust/Kelelawar Malam split 7” and Homicide - Barisan Nisan 12”. We also have Grieve Records shop located at Fatmawati 30, Jakarta, but it’s still in progress. For more info/update about grieve records label or store : http://www.grieverecords.blogspot.com/

When it comes to performing live, how do you concept the set? Because there is only a two of you. Visual perhaps?

It depends on how we feel. We typically play 30 minutes, give or take. Sometimes they make us play less, sometimes more. And about the visual,  we wont be needing it at the moment.

How's the process of jamming and creating music in Ghaust?

Mostly we write them together through jams in the rehearsal room but sometimes I’ll be fiddling around and then something will sound right and kinda just end up as a song. It’s then brought to practice and we’ll jam it out and see whether we like what we’re coming up with. If it sticks we keep it.

Ghaust has appeared on a lot of medium such as 12” Vinyl, 7” and also CD. Are you guys music collectors yourself?

Indeed. We collect music at all physical medium :)

You guys also have collaborated with us and other artist for merchandise. I always liked bands that pays attention with their image and merchandise. Can you elaborate on that subject?

Basically we appreciate great artworks, and currently we have many of great artists around Indonesia such as: Morrg, Blossomdecay, Arian13, etc.. it’s a waste for us to not to work with them and using their talents.