Finding My Voice: A Conversation With Rizal Alfaro

Rizal Alfaro is a name to look out for on Lombok’s music scene. Confident and self-assured, he’s clearly loving his life and his music. He spoke with MyGilis recently about both.

Tell us something about Rizal Alfaro before he was a singer

I was born in Lombok and grew up in Labuapi. I’ve worked since I was seven years old. At first, I sold ice creams for pocket money, and helped my dad with his job, packing toys. When I was in Junior School, after classes I would sell newspapers and magazines at the crossroads and put up with the hot weather and the pollution. Then I started High School, and I worked in a restaurant and as a magician.

When did you first discover your passion for music?

I’ve enjoyed music since I was a kid. I didn’t have any particular musical influences growing up. I liked a bit of everything.

My dad had a lot of friends, though, and they would always come to our house and hang out and sing, as we do in Indonesian culture. That’s how I learned to play guitar. Later, I started to sing and go out busking. I’d say that’s when I found my voice and my real passion for music. I remember busking on Udayana Street in Mataram. I would sing 58 songs a night and I absolutely loved it!

Was there a defining moment when you knew you wanted to be a professional singer?

While I was busking, someone from an events company heard me and asked me to sing on stage at an event. I didn’t even get paid; they gave me a box of nasi (rice) and money for petrol. That was my first ever performance on stage. It didn’t go so well but I had no experience.

When I did my second gig on stage, though, I sang at Kura-Kura Water Park in Mataram. It was with the same event organiser but this time they did pay me. I loved the experience. I loved the crowd. I loved the money. That’s when I said to myself, ‘I think this is the job of my dreams’.

Obviously, you’ve worked to make the dream come true….

Yes. After that, I performed in Lombok and Bali and in Jakarta a few times. In 2016, my drummer and I went separate ways and I decided to start singing on my own – with just my guitar and my voice. When I play, it’s just me on stage. Now I have nine guitar pedals – I taught myself how to play them – with synthesisers recorded to a loop machine. Basically, I bring my home studio to the stage and do a live performance. I’m not really ‘performing’, in a way. I am there to build the vibe. Entertaining is the secondary thing.

Do you write your own songs?

I do. My songs are based on personal experiences, my stories, my parents’ stories or things from my imagination. One of the songs that means the most to me is about my family – and simply called ‘Family’.

I am so inspired by my parents’ love. When I was kid, I watched them struggle but, no matter how hard life was for them, they always had so much love to give me. We didn’t have much money so they couldn’t give me much of that. The only thing they could give me was love, which is worth more than money or material possessions. We are a very close family – my father, mother, sister and me.

I want the messages from my songs to be sent out to the audience. I want them to know what each song talks about and to feel the emotions the song is expressing.

I want to be remembered for my songs.

Do you think living in Lombok and the Gilis has shaped your identity as a musician?

Yes, it has. Growing up in Lombok and the Gilis, I’ve met a lot of musicians from different backgrounds and I suppose I’ve combined those influences and found my own identity. I play all genres except jazz. My favourite genre is ‘blues’ – I love the blues. And my favourite song is ‘Jealous’ by Labrinth.

What has been the biggest challenge in building your music career?

There’s nothing I could point to. I love it! I just do what I do and other people love it too. My energy catches everyone’s energy.

What advice would you give to young musicians from Lombok who dream of following a similar path?

Keep being yourself. Believe in yourself and be amazing. And love yourself!

Are there any dream collaborations you’d love to pursue?

Yes, I want to sing on stage with John Mayer and Teddy Swims

Where do you hope your music takes you in the next five years?

I hope it takes me around the world. I want to play music and earn money overseas and then come back home to Lombok and open a business – maybe a school for music and magic.

If you could perform anywhere, where would it be?

Mars included? Here on Earth, it would be the UK and Europe. Most of my customers are European, so I would like to perform in their countries.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

Just chilling, sleeping and eating. And enjoying the views from the Gilis – looking out to Lombok and Bali. Every morning I thank God I am awake.

What’s your favourite place in Lombok to relax and recharge?

My parents’ house. It’s the best. And being around people I love is always a great place to be.
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You can see Rizal Alfaro sing at The Irish Bar and at Lay Day in Gili Trawangan, and at Gili Lumbung and Pelangi Cottages, on Gili Air.

Follow him on Instagram: @rizal.alfaro_