Agnez MO
She signed a recording deal with the US label, The Cherry Party, which is owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Her debut international single, "Coke Bottle", was released indie in September 2013, and re-released in early 2014 by Sony Music, featuring American rappers, Timbalandand T.I.
Life and career
1986–2002: Childhood and early career
Agnes Monica Muljoto was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 1 July 1986 to a Yang family of Chinese ancestry.[1] She is the youngest child of Jenny Siswono, a former table tennis player, and Ricky Muljoto, a former basketball player.[2][3][4] Her older brother, Steve Muljoto, is her manager.[5] She attended Tarakanita elementary school and Pelita Harapan junior high school.[6] Her talent for the performing arts was evident in her childhood, especially in singing; she sang in church and attended vocal courses.[7]Agnes entered the entertainment industry in 1992, when she was six years old, and released her first children's album, Si Meong.[2] In 1995, she released her second children's album, Yess!, which includes a duet with fellow Indonesian child singer, Eza Yayang.[2] Her last children's album, Bala-Bala, was released the following year.[2][8] Agnes also became the host for several children's programs, including Video Anak Anteve (VAN) on Anteve, Tralala-Trilili on RCTI, and Diva Romeo onTrans TV.[2] She was awarded "Most Favorite Presenter of Children's Program" at the Panasonic Awards in 1999 and 2000 for Tralala-Trilili.[9]
Agnes began acting as a teenager. Her first two roles were on the soap operas, Lupus Millenia and Mr. Hologram in 1999.[6] The next year, she starred in the TV series, Pernikahan Dini,[2] which served as a turning point in her career by transforming her image from that of a child artist to one of a teenage artist.[9] The production was well received by audiences, and she received the "Favorite Actress" award at the 2001 and 2002 Panasonic Awards, as well as the "Famous Actress" award at the 2002 SCTV Awards.[9] In 2002, Agnes starred in three soap operas: Ciuman Pertama, Kejar Daku Kau Ku Tangkap, and Amanda.[9]Due to her popularity, she became the highest-paid teenage artist in Indonesia.[10]
Agnes also recorded songs in her early teens, including "Pernikahan Dini" and "Seputih Hati" for the soundtrack of Pernikahan Dini, both of which are featured on the 2001 compilation album, Love Theme.[11]The following year, she collaborated with the Indonesian senior singer,Yana Julio, in the song "Awan dan Ombak" for his studio album, Jumpa Lagi.[12]
2003–2004: And The Story Goes
On 8 October 2003, Agnes released her first adult album, And the Story Goes, in which she worked with several famed Indonesian producers and songwriters, including Ahmad Dhani, Melly Goeslaw, and Titi DJ.[13] The album production took a year and a half, including the audition process for the dancers.[14] According to her record label, Aquarius Musikindo, the album sold 35,000 copies before its official release.[14] It was later certified double platinum after selling more than 300,000 copies.[6][15] The album won three awards after receiving ten nominations at the 2004 Anugerah Musik IndonesiaAwards—the highest music awards in Indonesia. They were "Best Female Solo Pop Artist" for the song "Jera", "Best Dance/Techno Production" for the song "Bilang Saja", and "Best Duo/Group" for her duet with Ahmad Dhani in "Cinta Mati".[16] She also won "Best Female Newcomer" at the 2004 Anugerah Planet Muzik Awards in Singapore. Because of her success at a young age, she was dubbed a "Young Diva" by members of the media.[9] At this point, she started broaching the idea of an international career.[16]In addition to promoting her debut album, Agnes also starred in several TV series during this time, playing the lead role in three: Cewekku Jutek, Bunga Perawan, and Cantik.[17] She won "Favorite Actress" at the 2003 Panasonic Awards and "Famous Actress" at 2004 SCTV Awards.[18]
In 2004, after graduating from Pelita Harapan senior high school, Agnes enrolled at Pelita Harapan University, where she majored inBusiness Law.[19] But now, she continue her study on Oregon State University.
2005–2007: Whaddup A.. '?!
Agnes Monica received her first AMI Award in 2004.
In 2005, Agnes appeared in the Taiwanese drama, The Hospital, co-starring with Jerry Yan, a member of the Taiwanese boyband F4.[25]She also appeared with Peter Ho in several episodes of the Taiwanese drama, Romance in the White House,[26] and starred in two Indonesian soap operas, Ku Tlah Jatuh Cinta and Pink, both televised on Indosiar.[27][28] In 2006, she starred in the RCTI soap opera, Kawin Muda. She also decided to take a break from her education that year to focus on her entertainment career.[29]
In early 2007, Agnes was appointed by the United States of America'sDrug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) Far East Region as an Asian anti-drug ambassador.[30][31] On 15 May 2007, she was an opening act for American R&B group, Boyz II Men, at a concert in Istora Senayan, Jakarta,[9] and on 23 June of that year, she held her first concert atStadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[32] She also guest starred in the finale of Asian Idol on 16 December 2007, and performed the song "Get Up".
2008–2009: Sacredly Agnezious
Agnez performing as a guest star at 2007 Asian Idol
On 4 October 2008, Agnes was invited as the Indonesian representative at the Asia Song Festival. The event was organized by the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange in Seoul, South Korea. She performed with 24 artists from 12 Asian countries. The event was viewed by an audience of 35,000 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and was broadcast in 30 countries.[38][39] She performed two of her songs, "Godai Aku Lagi" and "Shake It Off". During the performance, she incorporated elements of Indonesian traditional dance from Bali. Her performance received positive responses from the Korean media and won the committee's "Best Asian Artist Award".[40] The following year, she was invited again and performed three songs: "Shake It Off", "Temperature", and Michael Jackson's song, "Heal the World". This time, 14 artists from across Asia participated and it was viewed by an audience of 40,000.[41] As was the case with her previous performance, Agnes received good reviews and earned the "Best Asian Artist Award".[42]
Agnes launched her third studio album on 1 April 2009, Sacredly Agnezious. This time, she was involved more in the album production. She worked with the renowned musicians Erwin Gutawa, Dewiq, Pay, and DJ Sumantri. She also acted as producer and songwriter.[43] In addition to the two previous singles, "Matahariku" and "Godai Aku Lagi", she produced two more singles: "Teruskanlah" and "Janji–Janji". At the 2010 Anugerah Musik Indonesia awards, she won three awards: "Best Pop Album", "Best Female Pop Solo Artist", and "Best of the Best Album".[44] On 23 May 2009, she appeared as a guest star at the "Festival of Life" in Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bali. The celebration commemorated the 50-year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan.[45]
Having already taken an extended break from the Pelita Harapan University, Agnes withdrew from the school.[29] She then began takingdistance education classes as a Political Science major at Oregon State University.[46]
2010–2013: Breakthrough in the United States
In late 2010, Agnes experienced a breakthrough into the international market when she was chosen as an international red carpet host for the annual American Music Awards on 21 November 2010 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.[47] Several months later, she announced that she had signed to Sony/ATV Music Publishing and was working on her debut English studio album in London and Los Angeles.[48] In early 2011, she also recorded a duet version of "Said I Loved You...But I Lied" with the American singer, Michael Bolton, for his compilation album, Gems: The Duets Album.[49] The duet was released in the album's international version in Asia.[50] Consequently, her slogan "Dream, Believe, and Make it Happen" was used in a 2011 cultural conference to inspire young people organized by the US Embassy in Jakarta.[51]Agnes released a greatest hits album, Agnes Is My Name, on 2 February 2011. The album was sold via Indonesian franchises of the American fast-food restaurant, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken). The album can be obtained in all KFC stores throughout Indonesia bundled with every chicken package purchase.[citation needed] The album compiled her top hit singles and two new songs, "Karena Ku Sanggup" and "Paralyzed".[52]The album sold one million copies in three months, earning her the "Million Awards" award from Indonesian KFC, a fast food restaurant chain that marketed the album.[53] Her new song in the album, "Karena Ku Sanggup", won her the "Best Pop Female Singer" award at the 2011 AMI Awards.[54] She also won the "Most Inbox Video Clip" award at the 2011 Inbox Awards for the "Paralyzed" video clip, which was made in Indonesia and the United States.[55] Another single, "Muda", was released on 9 November 2012. This song is free to download forsimPATI subscribers.[56]
Agnes was often selected to participate in important events. In 2010, she was appointed as an ambassador of the MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) organization, which combats human trafficking,[57] for which she performed at benefit concerts in Surabaya and Jakarta.[58]She was chosen to perform for the 26th SEA Games 2011 Opening Ceremony, with KC Concepcion from the Philippines and the Malaysian singer, Jaclyn Victor. Their performance of "Together We Will Shine" was the highlight of the event.[59] In December 2012, she gave the opening and closing speeches at UN Global Youth Forum and performed in the concert held for the event. Her duet song with Timbaland would be one of the digital contents of mobile application launched in 2013 by UN Global Youth.[60]
Agnes was nominated for various international awards. In 2011, she was nominated in the Worldwide Acts Asia Pacific Nominees category for the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards.[61] In March 2012, she was nominated for the American Nickleodeon Kids Choice Awards 2012 for a new category, Favorite Asian Act.[62] Still in the same year, she won anMnet Asian Music Awards for Best Asian Artist from Indonesia.[63] She was also nominated for 2014 World Music Awards in 6 categories: World's Best Song, World's Best Video, World's Best Female Artist, World's Best Live Act, World's Best Entertainer of The Year, and also World's Best-selling Indonesian Artist.[64]
Other important milestone in Agnes' career is her selection as a judge on Indonesian Idol season 6 in 2010.[65] Her selection for the panel caused controversy at first because of her age.[66] In 2012, Agnes returned as one of the judges of Indonesian Idol season 7.[67]
On 1 June 2013, Mo released her fourth studio album, Agnez Mo. Although all songs were composed in English, the album was only released for the Indonesian market. The album was released digitally by Entertainment Inc., via Souniq Music. The album's marketing was bundled with local coffee brand Kopi Kapal Api. She also released her first-line eau de perfume called 'Rêve', means "dreams" in French. The release of the perfume made a trending topic worldwide in Twitterwith the hashtag "#DareToDreams". The release of the perfume itself along with the very first live performance of "Bad Girl" and "Walk" from her album, Agnez Mo. The perfumes' first 5000 limited edition were sold out in only few weeks in Blibli online store. Based of the highly request of buyers, the perfume were put into the stock in Blibli online store for once again. The perfume were sold for 359,000 IDR, but now at 179,500 IDR. The regular edition were sold on Guardian Store inIndonesia.
On 1 August 2013, the Compact Disk of the fourth studio album was sold via local mini market, Indomaret, at 35.000 IDR. On every purchase of the album will be gifted a 500.000 IDR shopping voucher on Indomaret.[68]
On 30 August 2013, in a conference press at Indomaret in Jakarta, Agnez said that her new international single, "Coke Bottle", would be released in less than a month.[69] On the making of her first international single music video, she wore Indonesian traditional batikcostume to introduce the Indonesian culture to the wide world. The video was directed by Colin Tilley and was shot in Miami and Los Angeles.[70]
2013–2014: "Coke Bottle", US label signing and preparation for international debut album
On 24 September 2013, Mo's first international single, "Coke Bottle" featuring Timbaland and T.I, was released in a local hip hop radio inLos Angeles, Power 106 FM, and was available for live streaming for global audience.[71][72] The single later re-released in April on iTunes Music Store with three versions, including the 'special bundle' as the third version.[73] The reception for the debut single has been positive, according to music critics.On 31 January 2014, it was announced via her Twitter that Mo had officially signed with The Cherry Party/RED Associated Labels.[74][75]
On 31 March 2014, the music video for her single, "Coke Bottle", was premiered after almost a year-long release date speculations. In the same day, Mo was appointed as Pure DOPE's magazine cover, making it as her second magazine appearance after her much anticipated appearance for Regard Magazine, and later became her first major cover debut. The ICE issue was then made available in whole-world store at April 8th.[76]
On 16 June 2014, it was announced that she was writing the rest of the songs for her upcoming international debut album (ninth over all).[77]Timbaland will be the exec-producers for the album. Confirmed collaborators producers and songwriters, include Jim Beanz, Rodney Jerkins, Makeba Riddick, Rob Knox, James Fauntleroy, Da Internz, Billy Steinberg, and Young Fyre. It was revealed that the album will be released under Sony Music Entertainment, and it's scheduled to be released in early 2015.
In October, she was included in 'Wild Card' session, later nominated in2014 MTV Europe Music Awards for "Best Southeast Asian Act" category as Indonesia's second representation after NOAH. This was the second time for herself being nominated in the event. She also pushed back the release date for her upcoming album and said that the album will come out in early next year.[78] In this month, Mo also announced to public that she had joined the Wright Entertainment Group, a management-owned by Johnny Wright, who also handles some of the big names in the world of entertainment industry, such as Justin Timberlake, Akon, Janet Jackson, Ciara, and many more.[79]
This time in addition to completing her international debut album, Mo was reportedly preparing a new single that will be released in mid-November. Creative director of this music video will be produced by Hi Hat with director, Dave Meyers, whom she felt "a brilliant person to work with".[80]
Artistry and image
Agnes has been noted as a powerful soprano with a range (in singing) of four octaves (B#2 - B#6). She often uses head voice in some of her songs. Her songs can be classified as Pop, R&B, or hip-hop, and she has named Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Brandy Norwood, Mariah Carey,Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, DMX, Angie Stone, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Fantasia, and Beyoncé as her musical influences.[81] In addition to her singing talent, she is also known as a strong dancer and actress. She is the first Indonesian soloist with a personal dance group, known as Nezindahood. They auditioned during the development of her first album in 2003. Her official fan club name is NIC (NezindaClub).[13] She has also written some of her songs[82]and produced her own music videos.[83] She has been described as aperfectionist with a variety of talents by Indonesian commentators.[84]Throughout her career, she has often been controversial in Indonesia. When she was a teenager, her frequent comments about her goal to break into the international market was viewed by some as a pompous proclamation. In 2010, however, she began work on a debut English studio album. Consequently, her slogan "Dream, Believe, and Make it Happen" was used in a 2011 cultural conference to inspire young people organized by the US Embassy in Jakarta.[51]
Honors and awards
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Agnez Mo
Agnes has become the most-awarded Indonesia singer.[85] Notable awards she has won, include seventeen Anugerah Musik Indonesia, eight Panasonic Awards, and four MTV Indonesia Awards. She has also received many international awards, including an Anugerah Planet Muzik Awards and two Best Asian Artist Awards in Asia Song Festival. For her contribution and support to Indonesian music, she was given the 2011 Nugraha Bhakti Musik Indonesia (NBMI) award from The Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Association of Indonesian Singers, Songwriters and Music Record Producers. Until today, Agnes often winsNickelodeon Indonesia Kids' Choice Awards as Most Inspiring Actress, and seven JpopAsia Music Awards.Relationships and personal life
Agnes is closed about her personal relationships and she often has said that having a boyfriend is not her priority in life. She also stated that personal relationships should remain private.[86][87] In November 2007, it was revealed that she was involved in a relationship with Dirly, the runner-up of Indonesian Idol Season 3, although the relationship didn't last long.[88][89] In March 2009, she was rumored to have a close relationship with Dr. Neil, a doctor of Japanese descent. There was also a rumor that Agnes has special relationships with Daniel Mananta and Rezky Aditya. In 2010, Agnes was rumored to be dating Denny Sumargo, a basketball player. In 2013, she was rumored to have a special relationship with Bing Chen, Global Creator Development & Management Lead from YouTube. She nicknamed him "Baby Bear" and was seen wearing a bear sweatshirt while premiering her first single, "Coke Bottle", on Power 106 Radio in Los Angeles.[90]She admits that she's a spiritual person and has her own experience with God. She shared that she often takes time to have a personal prayer time before she does anything or goes anywhere. She stated, "I want to receive a lot of achievements in a good God's way."[91]
Fundraising
Agnes has conducted fundraising activities for victims of the 2004 Tsunami in Aceh and the 2006 earthquake in Java. In 2009, Agnes visited Situ Gintung, where a dam failure had caused flooding. She also donated a sum of money to relief efforts and performed several of her songs for the victims.[93] Agnes also helped to raise over Rp 400 million (approx. US$44,000 as of December 2011) for Persis, an association football team based in Surakarta, through a benefit concert held at the Diamond Convention Center in Surakarta.[94] In 2011, she participated at The Save Teen Charity Concert in Jakarta, a benefit concert to raise money to help teenagers who have dropped out of school.[95]Discography
Main article: Agnez Mo discography
- Si Meong (1992)
- Yess! (1995)
- Bala-Bala (1996)
- And the Story Goes (2003)
- Whaddup A.. '?! (2005)
- Sacredly Agnezious (2009)
- Agnes Is My Name (2011)
- Agnez Mo (2013)
