Syaharani

Syaharani’s soulful, husky voice is a refreshing contrast to the legion of shrieking pop princesses and boy bands clogging the airwaves. Originally from the cool mountain resort of Batu in East Java, Rani’s angular features attest to her mixed heritage that includes a Greek grandfather. She comes across as inquisitive and unpretentious (her fur coat really is to keep warm, she says), and, along with her Queen Fireworks Project music, she is exploring writing and business ventures for the future. Rani, 36, vouches that she enjoys the simple pleasures in life, including relaxing in a plain white T-shirt and jeans, with her cigarettes and a glass of red wine on hand.   

Laptop
It’s very important to me. I like writing to express what I see and feel, because I don’t like getting angry. It acts as a kind of therapy for me. I have kept diaries since I was a kid. I also am writing a small music column for a newspaper in Batam.

Fur coat
I have to wear a scarf and warm clothes because some places in Jakarta are so cold from the AC. I need to protect my throat. I bought this here; it’s funny that the AC coldness here is so different from just being in a cold climate in Europe, where you don’t experience the same problems.   

T-shirt
I am making my own clothing brand. I am still looking at the options, so maybe next year it will come out. It’s enjoyable to have this T shirt with the Queen Fireworks logo on it – I can give them out to my friends and fans. But I don’t want it to be everywhere, for everybody on the street to be wearing one. That’s why it’s only available by mail order. My family would like me to be more feminine, so they buy me a lot of clothes.

Shoes
I like flat shoes and Keds. For campus concerts, I can still wear them because I can jump up and down. But for some events, I am required to wear high heels, and I will practice wearing them a couple of hours before the show. I don’t really enjoy it.

My sister
Before I started recording, my younger sister Alin already had a singing contract. I was her personal assistant, taking care of everything. But she didn’t like the career. Now she is my personal assistant. Because we have been on both sides of the business, we understand what needs to be done and where each of us is coming from.

Kettle
It’s an old kettle that I bought at an antique store on the Jordanian border with Syria. There was a night market, and I went there to have fun. The store owner couldn’t speak English but we got by. I don’t remember how much I paid, but it took a big chunk out of my pocketbook. I use it to keep aromatherapy oils.    

Books
I have a book on interior design because I love to look at new ways to set up a room. I can change a room several times during the year, so I keep my furniture small so it’s easy to move around!  I have hundreds of books at home, and some of my fans give me ones to read. I also have a new book on jazz – Jazz in Revolution by John Dankworth – which was given to me by someone I have known for years by e-mail. We have never met, but we discuss different subjects. I have learned a lot from this friend, and he sent me this book about the development of jazz today, and the different types available.

Perfume and fragrant oil
I like Marc Jacobs’ Blush because it is floral without being overpowering. I don’t like those fragrances that you can smell several meters away or that are too sweet. I used to wear Kenzo; I also like Prada’s fragrances. And during the day, I wear men’s colognes, such as Hugo and Calvin Klein. I also like fragrant oils; this is Tropical Forest from the Body Shop. 

Fashion silk painting
I have been friends with designer Sylvi Francis for a long time. I like her work because I can wear them in many different ways; they can be paired with jeans, just a touch of makeup and a couple of necklaces. And they are one-of-a-kinds.

Wine and cigarettes
A lot of people know that I smoke. I think wine is good in moderation if you have a couple of glasses now and then. When I have been really busy, I look forward to a night when I can relax by putting on some good music, and have a glass of wine and a cigarette. I will daydream or call my mother in Australia.

+ Bruce Emond

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