Driving the Spirit of Indonesian Modern Rock
Josaphat Klemens is an Indonesian guitarist, songwriter, and music creator best known as the founding guitarist of Killing Me Inside, one of the most influential modern rock bands in Indonesia. Recognized for his melodic guitar work, energetic performances, and strong musical identity, Josaphat has played a major role in shaping Indonesia’s emo and alternative rock scene for nearly two decades.
Interestingly, Josaphat’s passion for guitar began through a comic book titled Desperado, which inspired him to start learning the instrument at a young age. In 2005, he formed Killing Me Inside alongside Rendy, Onad, Raka, and Sansan, marking the beginning of a significant musical journey in the Indonesian rock industry.
Killing Me Inside quickly gained recognition through their debut album, A Fresh Start For Something New, released in 2008 across Indonesia and Malaysia. One of the standout tracks, The Tormented, received the ICEMA Cutting Edge Music Award for Favorite Emo Song, solidifying the band’s place within the emerging emo-rock movement.
The band continued their rise with successful releases and industry recognition. Their single Tanpa Dirimu became part of the soundtrack for the Indonesian film Air Terjun Pengantin. In 2009, Killing Me Inside joined RPM Music and released their self-titled album, earning accolades including the Indigo Awards 2010 for Best Indie Music and Best New Artist, as well as recognition at the AMI Awards.
Their self-titled album was later nominated for Best Rock Album at the AMI Awards 2012, while the song Biarlah gained further attention through collaborations and reinterpretations by Indonesian public figures and musicians.
In 2012, Killing Me Inside released One Reason, featuring a collaboration with Piyu on the single “Bertarung.” Their next release, Rebirth: A New Beginning, further expanded the band’s reach and eventually led them to represent Indonesia at the prestigious Busan Rock Festival in 2016.
Throughout the years, Killing Me Inside continued evolving through multiple collaborations and lineup changes. The band worked with artists such as AiU Ratna, Joe Tirta, and Ahmad Abdul, while also establishing the independent label Anoixi Records. Despite changes in personnel, the band remains active and continues to maintain a loyal fanbase across Indonesia.
Beyond Killing Me Inside, Josaphat is also involved in the supergroup AIU alongside AiU Ratna, Wima, Axel Andaviar, and Rudye, delivering music influenced by Japanese rock aesthetics and modern alternative sounds.
With more than 19 years in the music industry, Josaphat has also become a trusted brand ambassador for several major music brands, including NUX Official Website, SIRE Guitar, Rotosound Strings, Enya Guitar, Just In Case Gigbag, and Nikisaga Strap. His influence continues to inspire a new generation of Indonesian guitarists and musicians through performances, collaborations, and digital content creation.
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