Questioning The Departure Of Damon Koeswoyo From Kidnap Katrina

Damon Koeswoyo (far left) with Kidnap Katrina (Doc. Kidnap Katrina)

JAKARTA - Before we started writing this article, we realized that the band we are going to write about may not be known to millennials and generation z. However, if their parents are fans of Indonesian rock music in the 90s era - especially Slanker (a fanatical fan of the band Slank) in the old era - it is still enough to save this article from minimal clicks and views. At least, they had heard of Kidnap Katrina, a band that was born in Gang Potlot, Slank's headquarters. Yes, the band's guitarist just resigned.

Damon Koeswoyo stated that he was retiring from the formation of Kidnap Katrina, the rock band he formed with Anang Hermansyah (vocals), Massto Sidharta (Bimbim Slank's younger brother, drums), Ghorga (bass), Koko (guitar), and the late Teguh (keyboard) in early 1990 -an. The band had a long sleep before waking up and released a number of singles over the past two years, including; Silence, Don't Make a Voice and the Sweetness of Sin.

Through an official statement on the Facebook page Kidnap Katrina, son of the guitarist of the legendary Indonesian band Koes Plus, Tony Koeswoyo, said goodbye. Here's the statement:

Assalmualaikum WrWb, best wishes to all human beings in this world, as of Monday 9 December 2019 I #DamonKoeswoyo declared my resignation from this group ... the friendship that has existed from 1992 to 2019 but we will keep it as good as possible.

InsyaAlloh Silaturachmi will remain well preserved as we were from 1992 to 2019.

We apologize to all who respect / appreciate our work and our musical efforts so far.

Believe me ..... this is the best for all parties, the main BAND.

#Bismillah

Signed: Damon Wicaksi Wangsa Koeswoyo

VOI tried to contact Damon via the WhatsApp application message since around 07.00 in the morning. The guitarist's statement through social media has not satisfied our curiosity about the reason for his resignation from Kidnap Katrina. Moreover, the band is currently preparing a new album to mark their comeback.

However, until 14.00, Damon had not responded to our message. We understand, this guitarist lives life from sunset to near dawn. Meanwhile, in the morning until noon, he chose to sleep. But, we try to wait patiently for an answer.

Take a little look back. Two years ago, Damon said that Kidnap Katrina had regrouped because it was based on the longing of its personnel after being separated for so long and running with their respective affairs. As for the mini album they are currently preparing, the genre lineups dripping every inch of it are also much more dancing and fun.

"We are better prepared to face all differences, whatever we try to filter and pour into crazy ideas. So, you can say now we are cooler and funky than rocking," said Damon.

While working on this album, Damon et al also admitted that they did not commit themselves to any music genre or band. They listen to all genres and absorb some influences that are deemed suitable to be embedded in the song.

"We listen to all kinds of music. From Enigma to Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake. And I admit the process of making it this time is more complicated than it used to be, especially when it comes to schedules. As for ideas, as usual we all brainstorm ideas," he continued.

Damon said, this mini album will be released at the end of 2019, but it all still depends on the activities of the personnel considering that Damon has already had a solo career. One of them is by releasing a song called All Of Myself.

"We can not promise (the mini album will be released later this year)," said Damon.

Is that an early sign that Damon will withdraw from Kidnap Katrina? What happened to this mini album? We're still waiting for Damon's answer.