Ahmad Band

With the downfall of Soeharto came an avalanche of changes for Indonesia. The driving force behind Dewa 19 was also swept away by the demands of reformasi in 1998 and shortly after came Ahmad Dani's first solo effort in the form of the AHMAD BAND.

The frontman says he needed to produce something of his own as his band underwent a transition in personnel. The result was "Ideolgi Sikap Otak," a collection of 11 tracks that marked a solid departure from the stadium-style ballads characteristic of Dewa's music in the late 1990s. The avid Soekarno fan dons a peci and says the image is partly an homage to the country's founding father. "I sometimes feel like he's my own father," says Dhani. "I feel some kind of connection to him."

Whether Indonesia's first president felt a need to rock out is open to debate but Dhani clearly did. ISO kicks off with three solid guitar-driven jams that reveal a grungier side of the musician not seen on previous or subsequent releases with Dewa. Dhani's talent as a guitarist and vocalist is abundantly clear on the album, which features appearances by Tere and members of Netral. Now 34, Dhani says another solo effort is in the works, possibly some time in 2006.

BIOGRAPHY
	Dhani Ahmad Prasetyo Vocals, keyboards, guitar Place/Date of Birth Jakarta/ May 26, 1972 Influences Queen, Led Zeppelin, U2, Duran Duran
	Andra Ramadhan Guitar Place/Date of Birth Jakarta/ June 17, 1972 Influences Dave Navarro, Scott Henderson, Pat Metheny
	Pay Siburian Guitar Place/Date of Birth Siantar/ May 2, 1970 Influences Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Keith Richard, Eet Syahranie
	Bonky Bass
	Bimo Sulaksono Drums Place/Date of Birth Jakarta/ Desember 22, 1971