Indonesian band Lomba Sihir reimagines Sheila On 7's 'Melompat Lebih Tinggi' for new project

Indonesian band Lomba Sihir has unveiled a captivating new rendition of Sheila On 7's iconic 2002 hit, "Melompat Lebih Tinggi." This reimagined version is the inaugural release for Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia's "Reka Ulang: Karya dan Komposisi Lagu Terbaik" project, an initiative dedicated to breathing new life into legendary Indonesian songs through the lens of contemporary artists.

For Lomba Sihir, undertaking this project was more than just a musical assignment; it was a deeply personal and challenging endeavor. Having grown up with Sheila On 7's music, the song holds a significant place in their collective memory. The process of re-recording "Melompat Lebih Tinggi" became an emotional journey, requiring the band to meticulously balance their reverence for the original masterpiece with their desire to infuse it with their distinct musical signature.

"It is an honor and a significant challenge for Lomba Sihir to give a new character to an iconic song," the band stated in their official release. Rather than drastically altering the song's structure, Lomba Sihir opted for a more nuanced approach. They explored arrangements that highlighted their unique sound while ensuring the fundamental spirit of Eross Candra's original composition remained intact. This creative process led them to a profound realization: a song that is fundamentally a masterpiece will resonate regardless of its arrangement.

One element Lomba Sihir was adamant about preserving was the song's signature guitar riff. They consider this instrumental passage an essential identity marker of "Melompat Lebih Tinggi." "Mas Eross's solo is truly fitting for this song. It must be played exactly like the original; otherwise, it wouldn't be 'Melompat Lebih Tinggi,'" the band asserted. Through this thoughtful remake, Lomba Sihir not only evokes nostalgia for long-time fans but also bridges generational gaps, introducing a pivotal piece of Indonesian pop history to Gen Z and beyond with a fresh, warm, and timeless sound.