Melly Goeslaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melly Goeslaw
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Melly Goeslaw in 2023
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| Born |
Meliana Cessy Goeslaw
January 7, 1974 |
| Nationality | Indonesian |
| Occupation | Celebrity, Singer, Politician, Songwriter |
| Years active | 1987 - present |
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Notable work
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| Spouse(s) |
Anto Hoed
(m. 1995) |
| Children | 2 |
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocal |
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| Associated acts | |
Melliana Cessy Goeslaw (born January 7, 1974) is a famous Indonesian singer, songwriter, actress, and politician. She is known for her creative music and unique style.
Born in Bandung, Indonesia, Melly started singing when she was in the fifth grade. In high school, she began writing her own songs and worked as a backing vocalist. This helped her start her music career in Jakarta. There, she met her future husband, Anto Hoed. Together, they formed the band Potret in 1995, which quickly became famous.
After success with her band, Melly began a solo career. She became very popular after creating the soundtrack for the hit 2002 movie Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?. Since then, she has written over 500 songs and created music for many other films. She is often called one of the most popular movie songwriters in Indonesia.
Contents
A Star in the Making
Melly Goeslaw was born in Bandung, Indonesia, on January 7, 1974. Her father, Melky Goeslaw, was also a singer and songwriter. After her parents separated, Melly was raised by her mother.
As a child, Melly loved to write poetry. In fifth grade, her mother encouraged her to start singing, believing she had a voice like her father. At first, Melly wasn't sure she wanted to be a singer.
In high school, she discovered a passion for songwriting. She would write lyrics on napkins and in her schoolbooks. Since she couldn't play an instrument, she recorded her song ideas by humming into a Walkman. She also worked as a backing vocalist, which is a singer who adds harmonies to the main singer's voice. This experience helped her family move to Jakarta so she could pursue her music career.
Journey to Stardom
1995–1999: The Band Potret
While on tour as a backing vocalist, Melly met musicians Anto Hoed and Arie Ayunir. Melly and Anto later married and, along with Arie, formed the band Potret in 1995.
The band's first album was a big hit. Their songs often talked about interesting and sometimes controversial topics. For example, their song "Diam" ("Silent") was about the mistreatment of women. The music video caused some discussion but also won an award for its powerful message.
1999–2009: A Successful Solo Career
In 1999, Melly launched her solo career with her first album, Melly. It sold very well, but her fame grew even more in 2002. She and her husband created the soundtrack for the popular teen movie Ada Apa dengan Cinta? (What's Up with Love?). This earned her the nickname "Queen of Soundtrack."
She continued to create soundtracks for many other successful films, including Eiffel... I'm in Love (2003) and Ketika Cinta Bertasbih (When Love Prays) (2009). She found writing for a religious film like Ketika Cinta Bertasbih to be a special challenge that required extra care.
In 2009, Melly held her first major solo concert, called "Glow, Melly Live in Concert." The show was a huge success and featured songs from her time with Potret and her solo career. It even included a "virtual duet" with her father, who had passed away.
2010–2019: Helping New Singers
Melly is also known for helping new artists. She has supported the careers of singers like Irwansyah and Acha Septriasa. In 2011, she invited aspiring singers to share videos of themselves on social media, discovering several new talents.
During this time, she continued to write hit songs for movies and TV shows. Some of her famous theme songs include "Bintang Di Hati" ("Stars in the Heart") and "Cinta Sejati" ("True Love"). In 2019, she held a special concert celebrating the music from Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? and her other popular soundtracks.
2020–Present: New Music and Politics
In the 2020s, Melly has continued to release new music. She composed songs for other artists and released her own singles, including "Siap Terluka" ("Ready to be Hurt") for a TV show.
In 2024, Melly also began a career in politics. She was elected as a member of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, where she serves her country in a new way.
Her Unique Style
Songwriting
Melly has said that her best songs are often written very quickly. She believes in following her inspiration. If a song feels difficult to write, she often sets it aside. Her husband, Anto Hoed, helps by arranging the music for her lyrics.
Her songs are known for being bold and honest. While in her band Potret, she wrote about topics like materialism and other serious issues. She tries to tell stories about real life in her music.
Fashion
Melly is famous for her "eccentric" or unusual stage costumes. She often wears bold makeup and has brightly colored hair. Her unique look has been compared to the Icelandic singer Björk, whom she admires.
When she was starting her career, Melly said her wild outfits helped her feel more confident on stage. Now, it's a key part of her identity as an artist. She works with a creative team to come up with her amazing performance looks.
Awards and Recognition
Melly and her husband won a Citra Award, a top prize in Indonesia, for Best Soundtrack for Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?. Many of her songs have also been recognized as some of the best in Indonesian music history.
In 2009, Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine named two of Potret's songs to its list of the 150 Best Indonesian Songs of All Time.
- "Salah" ("Wrong") was praised for Melly's sweet voice and fresh, direct lyrics.
- "Bunda" ("Mother") was recognized as a touching song that makes everyone think of their mother.
Personal Life
Melly is married to musician Anto Hoed. They have two sons, Anakku Lelaki "Ale" Hoed and Pria Bernama "Abe" Hoed. In her free time, she loves shopping, playing with her children, and browsing the internet.
Selected Works
Melly has released many albums, both as a solo artist and with her band Potret. She has also created music for dozens of films.
Solo Albums
- Melly (1999)
- Intuisi (2005)
- Mind 'N Soul (2007)
- Balance (2013)
Famous Soundtracks
- Ada Apa dengan Cinta? (2002)
- Eiffel... I'm in Love (2003)
- The Butterfly (2008)
- Habibie & Ainun (2012)
- Ada Apa dengan Cinta 2 (2016)
Film Appearances
- Kabayan Jadi Milyuner (2010)
- Milly & Mamet (2018)
See also
In Spanish: Melly Goeslaw para niños
