Though the band has always been active in the indie music scene, in 2004 they signed a contract with Sony-BMG, a major label. Navicula released their 4th album, Alkemis, with Sony-BMG. But, in 2007 they released their 5th album, Beautiful Rebel, independently and returned to following their ideals through the indie music scene. In 2009 Navicula released a 6th album “Salto”, and they are now working on their 7th full-length studio album (release date still to be announced). Navicula is based in Bali, but continue to keep up a national profile.
Navicula’s music is strongly influenced by alternative 90’s rock, especially grunge rock/Seattle sound, through bands such as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana. But what makes their music so unique is their condition of beginning in the melting pot of modern Bali and having the opportunity to mold their creativity out of contrasts so extreme. From the spiritual mountains of Bali’s ancient kingdoms, to passion driven international artists who have come to find inspiration in Bali, and the raw punk rockers of down-town Kuta, this band finds their own taste through it all, the taste of ‘golden green grunge’, the taste of Navicula.
Navicula “the Green Grunge Gentlemen”
Navicula are known as “the Green Grunge Gentlemen”. Since the formation of the band back in the 90’s, environmental and social issues have been a consistent theme in Navicula’s music. Living in Bali, the band often finds inspiration in nature, and seeing the environmental changes happening in Bali and the world, this inspires many of the topics of their songs.
Navicula continues to support social and environmental campaigns in Indonesia and around the world. Following are some of their most recent Social/Eco-Actions:
2010: Navicula was chosen as official spokesperson for Live Earth Bali 2010. Live Earth is an International Organization founded by Emmy-winning producer Kevin Wall, in partnership with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Live Earth seeks to leverage the power of entertainment through integrated events, media and the live experience to ignite a global movement aimed at solving the most critical environmental issues of our time.
2009: Navicula contributed the song “Mafia Medis” to Prita Muliyasari’s fight for medical justice and freedom of speech. The song was offered for free download on the band’s website, encouraging fans to listen to the song for free and then as payment donate directly to Prita’s cause (Koin untuk Prita).
2008: Navicula was featured on a national compilation album founded by LIPI to raise Disaster Awareness. Robi (vocalist of Navicula) along with Pepeng (drummer of Jakarta band Naif) we’re chosen as the spokespersons of the program and participated in giving trainings to communities in disaster prone areas of Indonesia, including Irian Jaya, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
2007 Navicula was awarded Environmental Ambassadors of Bali by the local government.
Navicula also is active as a performer, supporter, speaker, producer, as well as event organizer for many fundraisers, educational and art campaigns, social work, and sub-culture events.
Mensyukuri dan Menikmati
Navicula Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rasa benci semakin menjajah
Bila kau terinfeksi iri hati
yang menjalar dalam darahmu
Sakit,
Sakit hati kan membelenggu
Kau takkan bisa tidur
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Rasa itu kan membuatmu bahagia
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Meski itu hanyalah rasa bahagia
Buang,
Buang jauh rasa dengki
Gantilah racun itu dengan cinta
Cinta membuatmu bercahaya
Bumi,
Memberikan yang kau mau
Asalkan ada usaha dan doa
Pada untaian mimpi kita
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Rasa itu kan membuatmu bahagia
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Meski itu hanyalah rasa bahagia
The lyrics of Navicula's song Mensyukuri dan Menikmati convey a message of gratitude and choosing to focus on what we have rather than succumbing to negative emotions such as envy and resentment. The chorus urges us to be thankful for what we have, as it brings happiness even if it may only be the feeling of happiness. The first verse warns against the damaging effects of jealousy, which can ‘infect’ and spread throughout a person's being, causing them to feel bitterness and hatred towards others. The second verse offers a solution to this toxic emotion by encouraging listeners to replace it with love and positivity, which can bring about a brighter, more fulfilling life.
The song as a whole is a call to appreciate the present moment, to let go of negative feelings, and to strive for a better future. It is a reminder that true happiness comes not from material possessions or success but from gratitude for what we already have, and from living in the moment with an open heart and an optimistic outlook.
Overall, Navicula's Mensyukuri dan Menikmati is a powerful message of hope and gratitude that encourages listeners to embrace the positive aspects of their lives, no matter how small, and to let go of any negative emotions that may be holding them back.
Line by Line Meaning
Benci,
Hatred,
Rasa benci semakin menjajah
The feeling of hatred is taking over,
Bila kau terinfeksi iri hati
If you are infected with envy,
yang menjalar dalam darahmu
It will spread in your blood,
Sakit,
Pain,
Sakit hati kan membelenggu
Heartache can hold you captive,
Kau takkan bisa tidur
You won't be able to sleep,
Oh, kawan jangan buang waktumu
Oh, friend, don't waste your time,
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Be grateful for what you have,
Rasa itu kan membuatmu bahagia
That feeling will make you happy,
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Be grateful for what you have,
Meski itu hanyalah rasa bahagia
Even if it's just a feeling of happiness,
Buang,
Throw away,
Buang jauh rasa dengki
Throw away the feeling of envy,
Gantilah racun itu dengan cinta
Replace it with love,
Cinta membuatmu bercahaya
Love will make you shine,
Bumi,
The earth,
Memberikan yang kau mau
Will give you what you want,
Asalkan ada usaha dan doa
As long as there is effort and prayer,
Pada untaian mimpi kita
On the string of our dreams,
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Be grateful for what you have,
Rasa itu kan membuatmu bahagia
That feeling will make you happy,
Syukurilah yang kau punya,
Be grateful for what you have,
Meski itu hanyalah rasa bahagia
Even if it's just a feeling of happiness,
Contributed by Michael J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.