The record label Sinjitos Collective introduces Showbiz, a new indie dream-pop band from Jakarta, to music enthusiasts across the nation. Showbiz releases their debut single, “Precious Time“—a song about misunderstandings, regrets, and the desire to turn back time. Released on January 31, 2025, through Sinjitos Collective, the song carries a melancholic tone juxtaposed with an upbeat and energetic rhythm. Drawing inspiration from introspective vocals reminiscent of The Radio Dept., combined with jangly guitar riffs and repetitive drum beats like New Order, “Precious Time” narrates the pain of losing a loved one while holding onto the hope of starting anew
THE RETURN OF A STORY FROM THE PAST
Inspired by the end of a relationship, “Precious Time” delves into the emotional complexity of regret. The song was written in 2003 by Joseph Saryuf (instruments, backing vocals) and re-recorded with a new arrangement in 2024. Through this song, Showbiz invites listeners into a narrative of heartbreak and the longing to turn back time.
“It feels like everyone has experienced heartbreak at some point, and we try to write about it from our perspective as a band,” said Merdi Leonardo (lead vocals). Lyrics like “don’t stop me now to take you back to our time” and “please turn the time back to where we have started” capture the universal yearning for a second chance.
“Like the lyrics, we also felt this song deserved a second chance. After being recorded in 2003 without further development, this time, we’ve tried to give it new strength through a different arrangement and a sound we feel is fresher and more modern. We hope this song can achieve a better second chance than before,” added Merdi, echoed by Joseph.
UPCOMING NEWS AND RELEASE DETAILS
Following the release of “Precious Time,” Showbiz will release their next single, titled “What A Fool I’ve Been,” at the end of February 2025. They also plan to return to the studio to record additional songs for their full-length album, scheduled for release later this year
ABOUT SHOWBIZ
Showbiz is a pop band from Jakarta formed by two longtime friends, Joseph Saryuf (instruments, backing vocals) and Merdi Leonardo (lead vocals).
The band traces its roots back to 2003, when Joseph, who was then working as a composer for television dramas, began writing songs and sharing them with his music collaborator since junior high school, Merdi. Of the two songs they recorded, Merdi provided vocals for “Precious Time,” while Joseph was the lead vocalist for “What a Fool I’ve Been.”
Through their network of friends, the songs eventually made their way onto Pop Shower, an indie pop compilation released by the Japanese label Quince Records in 2004. Following the release, the two pursued different musical paths—Joseph continued his career performing with Santamonica and Direct Action while also producing various artists through his own label, Sinjitos Collective. Meanwhile, Merdi built his reputation as a DJ and co-founded Diskoria, a group known for revitalizing Indonesia’s club scene with its all-Indonesian music sets.
Musically, Showbiz blends ethereal soundscapes with captivating melodies. Their music captures both intimacy and expansiveness, drawing inspiration from the shimmering melancholy of Blueboy, the hazy romanticism of The Radio Dept., and the sophisticated pop sensibilities of The Aluminum Group. Combined with the rhythmic pulse of New Order, the dancefloor urgency of LCD Soundsystem, and the rich, feedback-laden textures of My Bloody Valentine, their sound feels simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic—a richly textured sonic tapestry.
In 2024, two decades after their initial collaboration, Joseph and Merdi reunited at Joyland Festival Jakarta while watching their favorite band, Blueboy, perform. This meeting reignited their creative spark, leading them to write new material for a full-length album set for release in 2025.
MORE INFORMATION :
Instagram : @showbiztheband
