Hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia, pop-rockers Ringgo 5 are preparing for their first shows outside of their own country. Hitting UK shores in May, the quintet has announced that they will play the following dates: May 18 – Brighton, World’s End; May 20 – London, 100 Club and May 22 – Southampton, Joiners Arms (Event Here). Vocalist Nabil Pawaka explains: ‘Why the UK? Without a doubt, this nation produces many of the best musicians out there. I think that the music there is like a massive culture. We are so happy to be going and it’s going to be our first time ever playing a show abroad.’
Further dates are yet to be detailed but in support of today’s announcement the band is pleased to be streaming their summery single Valeria, which features on the band’s debut album ‘Emotion’, available on Spotify now (here). Pawaka says of the track: ‘Valeria, simply from the lyrics is about a Long Distance Relationship. We think this is one of the most difficult situations in any relationship, so we decided to write a song about it.’
Completed by Rhein Michael and Rishad Marciano on Guitar, Robert Matthew on Bass and Getar Jiwa Adita on Drums, Ringgo 5 acquired their moniker by combining the first letters of their names, clarifying: ‘…and 5 is not just because we’re five people, it symbolizes the date we were formed, which was 5th of May 2015.’ Prior to this, the members were part of two rival school bands, with their dreams of making music together beginning as far back as primary school, saying: ‘It was quite a long road to forming and we are so lucky that our parents and family support us, so that’s why we always give 100% in everything we do with the band.’ Career highlights to date include the release of aforementioned debut LP ‘Emotion’; nomination as ‘Breakthrough Artist Of The Year’ at the Indonesian Choice Awards and securing a slot as the sole support to Paramore in Jakarta – a show which frustratingly saw postponement after Hayley Williams fell ill.
Describing themselves as playing ‘an infectious pop-rock that would take teenagers back to their dissolving highschool romances’, the members have varied musical tastes spanning genres such as J-rock, classic rock, hip-hop and pop-punk. Inspired by the likes of All Time Low, 5 Seconds of Summer, MUSE, Paramore and The 1975, their intended appeal is refreshingly simple: ‘We try to make songs that people, mostly teenagers can relate to in their love life. I think that the market of our creativity is really important here because we have a very supportive fanbase back in Jakarta and their support is what keeps us motivated.’
Ringgo 5 Play The UK In May: May 18 – Brighton, World’s End | May 20 – London, 100 Club | May 22 – Southampton, Joiners Arms