We Can Dance Till Monday

We first heard about Dance Till Monday (DTM) back in April 2015 when we covered Dance Till Monday The Festival. That was when we felt nostalgic with the line-up. We never imagined that we can watch DJs that were considered legend and hero of Indonesia’s dance music scene. Since then, we tried our best to attend every DTM events.

​We were lucky to sit down with DTM founders, Romi Idris and his wife, Mima at NoLabelSoundz office. We want to know more about this unique event. What makes DTM stand out from other event is definitely the line-up and the genre they play. DTM represents the sound of Indonesia’s dance music scene back in 90s and early 2000s. The sound where Techno and House ruled the dance floor.
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As a DJ himself, Romi found that almost every club in Jakarta play the similar music, even the same song. So rare to find a place where they play distinctive music in terms of genre. “Probably because of age. We can’t connect with the mainstream music because it’s too loud for us,” said Romi.

​In 2013, when Romi wanted to have a birthday party in the club, was rejected because the line-up not “commercial enough” for the place. These factors prompted Romi and Mima to create the first Dance Till Monday as the birthday bash for Romi Idris.

Romi and Mima want to give alternative for dance music lover a place to listen different music genre. Also give a place for senior DJ to showcase their skills and idealist music. Most of all, a place to remember the old times where we can watch our favorite DJ perform and we can dance all night. They make it on Sunday starting 4 PM and last until 1 AM on next Monday.

“With lots of events using the word “Sunday”, we want to make it unique. We make event on Sunday without using the word. Also it’s rare for an event using “Monday” as a brand,” said Romi, referring to one event by one of the famous restaurant in Jakarta. Since the first DTM, more than 14 events and 1 festival already roll out. Not only in Jakarta, but also in Bali.
 
Romi and Mima still remember every process they have to passed for each DTM. Each DTM event has their own story the couldn't forget. Romi even told whole story from the first DTM to the latest one. The most interesting part? "We can see all "old" DJs sit in one table and actually chat. You won't find this scene back in early 2000. It was rare and you can find it only in DTM," said Romi.

What makes DTM different than other event is of course the line-up. They called as DTM’s Finest. Romi is one of them. Besides Romi, names such as 1MAN, Faried, Raymond, and Deny are part of DTM’s Finest. Make no mistake, these name are considered as legends in Indonesia’s dance music scene.

The core of DTM team in every event consists of Romi and Mima, with the help of 1MAN and Faried, who can be called as DTM’s Resident. Raymond also help in terms of database and administration. When preparing for DTM, the team will brainstorm in terms of venue choice, who will perform, and set the rundown. For the music, only one rule applies: NO COMMERCIAL MUSIC.
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The format accepted with enthusiast by senior DJs and also entertain the loyal fans of their work. The DJ who perform in DTM can play their music with their own taste. The crowd that come can listen to different music, like Techno and House music. Every DTM events, they distribute a music CD mixed by DTM’s Finest. All under Romi’s supervision. “So far, they know the guideline so I don’t have to talk much about their music. I already trust them,” said Romi. Blanco, Remy Irwan, 1MAN, Faried, and Raymond were the names that made a mix for DTM.

The popularity of DTM rise in every event they held. They already held few DTM’s events at Bali. This year, they held Dance Till Monday – The Festival at Jakarta and Bali. “The truth is we’re a bit overwhelmed, but those were paid off with the response we got,” said Romi with bright smile. No wonder DTM was nominated for the first time at Paranoia Awards 2014 as Serial Event of The Year. They got nominated for the second time this year in the same category.

What can we expect from DTM in 2016?
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For 2016, DTM plans to have new concept. “We’re planning to have event every month, every Friday first week or last week of the month,” said Romi. For DTM, they want to reduce the frequency. “We want to create the longing feeling from everyone. So when we have DTM again, they will come with new excitement,” said Romi again.
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This New Year’s Eve, don’t miss out the latest edition of DTM. Let’s Dance Till New Year 2016 with great musics and good atmosphere!