RL KLAV: The Importance of Balance

RL KLAV is an R&B/Soul duo consist of Keshia and Laras, who have just made up their minds to commit themselves as a band, out of the frequently unexpected yet still pleasant chances of collaborating on projects. The aim to have ‘balance’ both professionally and personally, is apparently what makes up and also strengthen the combination of these two opposing personalities and talents, which apparently meant to complement each other.

Get in touch with Keshia and Laras, a duo from RL KLAV.

Romantic Basic

Their first EP, “Basic”, is fused with easy-listening songs full of romance inspired by 90’s R&B. Visually speaking, the dreamy vintage vibe with all the pastel colors was inspired by their reference to Petra Collins, a photographer who has taken photos of Frank Ocean and Tyler, The Creator. The process creative itself was actually quite sporadic that they tried to catch the right visual mood by listening back to the songs.

Keshia, playing organ, one of her most prominent equipment.

KLAV: “I’m Not As Careless As You Think I Am”

Referring to “Basic” that is quite romantic, I asked if they find themselves to be romantic naturally in the process of making it. Apparently, while people might perceive Keshia as boyish from outside, she’s actually very romantic from within, even more than Laras. Keshia said she’s probably quietly romantic that she gave surprise to her boyfriend in his birthday by closing his eyes and walking through the candle to get to the cake. She even decorated the room with balloons and photos in his second birthday. She also has created a video which contained her recording of him with music that she composed herself. At a time when her heart broke, she’s ill and couldn’t eat for almost a week! So, for those of you who’re wondering, Keshia is not as careless as you think she is.

A glimpse of Keshia's worksheet. A bit complicated, isn't it?

Where It All Started

It all started from Keshia who goes with name stage “KLAV”, deciding to go solo after her failed attempts on forming a band. She studied audio at SAE and has explored different kinds of genre from electronic to funk wave. Keshia and Laras were actually high school friends that Keshia knew Laras liked singing and covering songs on Soundcloud. So, Keshia offered Laras to sing in her song and thus the collaboration project begun. Then, Sunyata Session offered each of them a chance to play on Youtube and that’s when the collaboration project was featured for the very first time.

Keshia helped Laras untangle the headset as Laras prepared her equipment to sing.

Then, Local Fest also approached them to play at the event but they should have at least three original songs to be played. From this very moment, RL+KLAV emerged, but not fully committed as a band, with a very hurried recording of “Lover”, “Genuine Hand” and “You Make Me Feel Like”. All of the songs were even created in each of their home, without two-way discussion involved. Nonetheless, the response from the audience itself was optimistic which then encouraged them to make an EP, “Basic”, by creating two more songs. Then, it gave birth to “Ambition Creation” and “Been A While”.

Falling Apart When They Haven’t Even Begun

One time, they joined in another band’s showcase that made everything looked more serious. There were interviews and media which made Laras overwhelmed a bit. Right before their EP was released, Laras then told Keshia and the team that she wanted to leave from the collaboration project. She felt that it was all unplanned and she didn’t intend to have further commitment in the music industry. She thought that she haven’t been fully herself in pouring things out through music, that she might as well leave if she couldn’t put herself singing wholeheartedly.

When Keshia heard that Laras wanted to leave, she was speechless. It felt just like breaking up in a relationship, she said. But, after their long conversation and consideration, they decided to commit themselves as a band. Then, Double Deer also approached them to join the label which made them ensure that they’re on the same page to start the band together. Thus, the history and the decision of erasing ‘plus’ symbol between them. They have decided not to change the name as well, to maintain the presence of optimism towards RLKLAV as two soloists back then.

RL: Dealing With Insecurities

One of the reason Laras decided to leave is because she needed to deal with her insecurities that everytime she’s on stage, she always gets nervous. But as time goes by, she’s met many amazing musicians who dedicate themselves to create music, which then challenge her to shift her perspective. She tried to remember that she’s in the middle of a process and it’s OK not to be perfect. From there, she started to accept where she is and decided to learn more from her flaws. In the end, she’s very grateful that she could be present in this particular scene.

The Importance Of Balance

Aside from being musicians, Keshia and Laras actually do full-time jobs too! While Keshia works on a consulting firm in the area which still relates to her background, Laras is part of an HR team for one of the biggest online transportation firm in Indonesia. Keshia stated that it's important to be realistic and having balance between what you do for passion with what you do for a living. She personally believes that although it’s very exhausting to chase both worlds, doing music for the sake of it is satisfying when earning from it is perceived as only a bonus.

Evolving Creative Process They shared that everytime they’re asked about the philosophy of ‘Basic’, they’re actually kind of confused because the creative process itself was hurried and unplanned. They didn’t fully intend to write or create anything. It was released simply because they needed to play some songs on their very first gig.

The good news is they’re currently doing a workshop together at Laras’ home for their upcoming release. The creative process involves a two-way communication that they get to share their perspectives to each other, conveying meaning between one another. They went through serious discussions about the message they try to deliver that makes up the big theme of the album. Then, it is derived into more or less 10 songs which are connected to the theme as a whole. Keshia usually makes the basic beat and Laras writes the lyric then they’d share inputs until they’re agree from both sides. The upcoming release would be still easy listening, but this time they really put their hearts into the process of making it, attempting to deliver a message from within, exploring certain vibes in the execution.

Keshia stated that what we've talked about in the session is actually a very leading hint for what's gonna come up in their next release. She told Laras that they didn't aim to talk about the release per se but the topic went around it and that's kind of nice.

“Get To Know Yourself Better” When I asked them if there’s any last word for those who might still confused deciding on their life choices, they stated that it’s important to know yourself better. To clarify your aim and remember that too much is never good, that you’d find yourself going back into something unexpected which apparently attempts to keep you balance, be it in relationship, in a career, and in life. So, balance is the key.

July, 2019.