Once Mekel
Powerful, high-register vocals meeting lush orchestral pop. Emotional Indonesian rock ballads that feel like the climax of a cinematic romance.
Powerful, high-register vocals meeting lush orchestral pop. Emotional Indonesian rock ballads that feel like the climax of a cinematic romance.
Once Mekel (Elfonda Mekel) is a central figure in the history of Indonesian popular music, most notably serving as the second lead vocalist of the legendary rock band Dewa 19. Replacing Ari Lasso in 1999, Once's arrival signaled a shift toward a more sophisticated, polished, and vocally demanding sound for the group, contributing to 'Bintang Lima', one of the best-selling albums in Indonesian history. His sound identity is defined by a high-tenor range with a distinctive raspy texture, often compared to Western arena-rock vocalists but applied to the melodic sensibilities of Indo-pop.
His solo career, solidified by the massive success of the single 'Dealova' in 2005, established him as a premier balladeer. Critically, he is regarded as a 'vocalist's vocalist', frequently appearing on lists of the greatest Indonesian singers of all time. Beyond his performance career, he is a significant figure in the Indonesian music industry's infrastructure, serving in leadership roles for PAPPRI and advocating for musicians' rights. His influence can be heard in a generation of Indonesian male soloists who emulate his powerful, emotive delivery and his ability to bridge the gap between commercial pop and sophisticated rock.
Shares pop rock, soft rock, contemporary r&b (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
Shares pop rock, soft rock, contemporary r&b (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
Shares pop rock, soft rock, contemporary r&b (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
Shares pop rock, soft rock (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
Shares pop rock, soft rock, contemporary r&b (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
Shares pop rock, soft rock, contemporary r&b (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
Shares pop rock, soft rock (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
Shares pop rock, soft rock, contemporary r&b (subgenres); studio_polished, orchestral_arrangement, hi_fi (production style)
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