Indonesia Acclaimed Indie Pop Legend MOCCA Is Ready on Their First China Tour with Handshake Records
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MOCCA
UNFORGOTTEN CHINA TOUR
When discussing independent music in Southeast Asia, MOCCA is a name that simply cannot be overlooked.
Since their formation in Bandung, Indonesia, in 1997, this four-piece ensemble, led by vocalist and flautist Arina, has constructed a pure musical utopia with their airy, light melodies, retro Bossa Nova, and dynamic Indie Pop. After a 16-year-long friendship with Handshake Records, they have been invited to embark on their first-ever tour of China.
Visiual By Elipsy (Poland)
MOCCA UNFORGOTTEN CHINA TOUR DATES:
9/24 Shanghai YYT C-Hall
9/25 Hangzhou RMMF
9/26 Shenzhen MAO Livehouse (OceanWorld Store)
9/27 Guangzhou MAO Livehouse (Yongqing Fang Store)
Ticket Selling is on Rolling NOW
Departing from Indonesia: A Rhythmic Narrative
In 1997, vocalist/flautist Arina and guitarist Riko met at university and formed MOCCA. One had a deep appreciation for film and literature, while the other embraced British rock and Britpop culture. These two differing interests gradually morphed into the defining characteristics of MOCCA's music – a potent combination of strong narrative quality and memorable melodies.
Bassist Toma and drummer Indra later joined, solidifying the quartet's line-up. In 2002, they signed with the legendary Indonesian label Fast Forward Records and released their debut album, My Diary, to tremendous acclaim. This record not only catapulted MOCCA to fame and broke into the East Asian market but also remains one of the most iconic releases in Indonesian pop and rock history.
Throughout the 2000s, it consistently topped domestic sales charts. Like a teenager's diary being gently leafed through, the album traces a journey from first meetings and heart-fluttering moments, through the sweetness, quarrels, and sorrows of young love. MOCCA wove those seemingly small yet unforgettable emotions into their melodies. The success of this record quickly attracted attention from the independent music scenes in Singapore and Thailand, leading to its release there.
Subsequent developments exceeded MOCCA's expectations. They garnered interest from independent labels in South Korea and Japan, with multiple albums receiving high praise from media and fans across East Asia. To date, MOCCA has released eight studio albums and one EP, and are now regarded as godfathers of the Southeast Asian indie-pop scene. In 2005, they were even selected as an editor's pick by the US edition of Rolling Stone magazine.
In East Asia, their debut performance in South Korea saw them head straight for a 1,200-capacity venue – and it sold out completely. This success translated into commercial opportunities as well, with major Korean corporations like Asiana Airlines and CJ, as well as Nokia, licensing MOCCA's music for television commercials. After a long period of rest, MOCCA announced their return with the single Menua Bersama in 2024, followed by the release of their first EP, Life In Bloom, in 2025.
MOCCA's sound has never been confined to a single genre. While Indie Pop is the foundation, they seamlessly incorporate Swing, Jazz, Bossa Nova, Disco, and Waltz. Arina's clear, sweet, and highly distinctive vocals lend the music a consistently bright, transparent quality, yet beneath the surface, there lingers a subtle touch of youthful melancholy.
30 Years, MOCCA Ventures Further Afield
Since their debut, MOCCA have authored an important chapter in Indonesian independent music.
Their first album, My Diary, sold over 150,000 copies, making it the best-selling independent record in Indonesia during the 2000s. Rolling Stone Indonesia ranked it at number 59 on their list of "The 150 Greatest Indonesian Albums of All Time," while the hit single Me and My Boyfriend was featured in "The 150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time."
On their second album, Friends (2004), MOCCA collaborated with Karolina Komstedt, the vocalist of Swedish Indie Pop band Club 8, on the track I Would Never.... When Club 8 performed in Indonesia in 2007, MOCCA were the sole special guests, fulfilling the promise of this cross-cultural connection. With Colours, MOCCA expanded their sonic palette further, weaving in Swing, Jazz, and retro pop. Their 2018 album, Lima, marked a milestone as their first entirely composed and sung in the Indonesian language.
Across nearly three decades, MOCCA have forged their own unique sound, journeying from Bandung to a much broader stage. As early as 2004, they were winning multiple accolades at the MTV Asia Awards. Their classic tracks, such as I Remember, found a new audience as part of the soundtrack for the popular Korean variety show We Got Married, becoming familiar melodies in the memories of countless fans.
Recalling, Resonating
Handshake Records, established in 2008 and placed on indefinite hiatus in 2016, has now been officially relaunched, reviving its special 2010 series: Asian Echo. Following the series' initial line-up of Nao (Malaysia), Bottlesmoker(Indonesia), Chochukmo (Hong Kong, China), Silent Scenery (Malaysia), Vidulgi OoyoO (South Korea), and 88 Balaz (Taiwan, China), MOCCA will embark on the first journey of this revived series.
In 2027, MOCCA will celebrate their 30th anniversary. What is most remarkable is that for a band journeying for nearly three decades, their melodies about heartbreak, friendship, youth, and life sound just as light and fresh today. This September, MOCCA will come to China for the very first time, visiting Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. They invite you to bear witness to this unforgettable journey.
LIMITED TOUR MERCH
Three-Partner Collaboration Limited Edition Tee
MOCCA x Handshake Records x Seni Kanji
The limited-edition T-shirts for this tour have been specially designed and will be released in a limited run by our mutual good friend, Seni Kanji, an acclaimed independent design brand from Indonesia.
Poster Design
Visual designed Silver Winner of European Design Awards
Handshake Records is honorable to get involve with the promising studio elipsy to be the designer , a Polish art and design studio and winner of the Silver Award at the 2023 European Design Awards, to create the tour poster artwork.
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