IReal Drum Cover: Cokelat - Bendera (Indonesian Patriotic Song)

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 64 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a super cool drum cover of a classic Indonesian patriotic song, "Bendera" by Cokelat, using iReal Pro. This song is a total anthem here, filled with national pride and good vibes. Creating a drum cover is not just about hitting the notes; it’s about capturing the soul of the music. So, let's break down why this song rocks, what iReal Pro brings to the table, and how you can create your own awesome drum cover.

Why "Bendera" by Cokelat is a Timeless Classic

"Bendera," which translates to "Flag" in English, is more than just a song; it's a symbol of Indonesian unity and spirit. Released by the band Cokelat, it quickly became an anthem played during national holidays, sporting events, and pretty much any event celebrating Indonesia. The song's powerful lyrics and catchy melody resonate with people of all ages, making it a timeless classic. The driving rhythm and impactful chorus make it an ideal candidate for a drum cover. When you listen to "Bendera," you can’t help but feel a surge of patriotism. The drums play a crucial role in building that emotional intensity, providing a strong foundation for the vocals and other instruments. The original drum part is energetic and dynamic, perfectly complementing the song's uplifting message. The song’s arrangement allows for creative interpretation, meaning you can add your own flair while still honoring the original spirit. Whether it’s through subtle fills, changes in dynamics, or variations in the groove, there are plenty of opportunities to make the drum cover your own. Also, “Bendera” is just fun to play! The song's structure is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to drummers of various skill levels. The main challenge lies in capturing the energy and emotion of the song, which is a great exercise in musical expression. Playing “Bendera” helps you connect with Indonesian culture and history. It's a chance to pay tribute to the country and its people through music, making it a meaningful and rewarding experience. The band Cokelat has a special place in the hearts of many Indonesians. Their music often reflects social and cultural themes, and "Bendera" is a prime example of their ability to create songs that resonate deeply with the public. Covering their work is a way to acknowledge their contribution to Indonesian music and culture. The song's accessibility makes it a great choice for educational purposes. Many music teachers use “Bendera” to teach students about Indonesian music and rhythm. Creating a drum cover can be a fun and engaging way to learn about the song's history and musical structure.

What is iReal Pro and Why Use It?

iReal Pro is a fantastic tool for musicians, especially if you're into creating covers or practicing your improvisational skills. Essentially, it's a music practice app that allows you to create backing tracks for almost any song. You input the chord changes, choose a style, and iReal Pro generates a virtual band that plays along with you. For drummers, this is super useful because you can practice your parts without needing a full band. You can customize the tempo, adjust the volume of different instruments, and even loop sections to really nail those tricky parts. iReal Pro is incredibly versatile. It supports a wide range of musical styles, from jazz to rock to pop, making it suitable for almost any song you want to cover. The app is also constantly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that it remains a valuable tool for musicians of all levels. One of the biggest advantages of iReal Pro is its portability. You can use it on your phone or tablet, allowing you to practice anytime, anywhere. Whether you're on the bus, waiting for an appointment, or just relaxing at home, you can always squeeze in some practice time with iReal Pro. Also, the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even if you're not particularly tech-savvy. The chord charts are clear and easy to read, and the customization options are straightforward. You can quickly create a backing track that suits your needs and start practicing right away. The ability to customize the tempo is particularly useful for drummers. You can start practicing at a slower tempo to get the hang of the part and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. This allows you to build your skills and improve your accuracy without feeling overwhelmed. iReal Pro is a valuable tool for music education. It helps students develop their rhythm, timing, and improvisational skills. Teachers can use it to create custom backing tracks for their students, providing them with a fun and engaging way to learn music. The app also supports chord chart sharing, allowing you to collaborate with other musicians. You can share your chord charts with your bandmates or students, making it easier to practice together. This collaborative aspect of iReal Pro can be particularly beneficial for bands that are rehearsing remotely. In summary, iReal Pro is a powerful and versatile tool that can help drummers of all levels improve their skills and create awesome drum covers. Its portability, ease of use, and customization options make it an essential app for any serious musician. It offers a cost-effective solution for practicing and performing. Instead of hiring a full band for practice sessions, you can rely on iReal Pro to provide a realistic and customizable backing track. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you're a student or hobbyist musician.

How to Create Your iReal Drum Cover of "Bendera"

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you can create your own iReal drum cover of "Bendera":

Get iReal Pro: If you haven't already, download and install iReal Pro on your device.
Find or Input the Chord Chart: You can either search for an existing "Bendera" chord chart within iReal Pro or manually input the chords. There are tons of online resources where you can find accurate chord progressions for the song.
Choose a Style: Select a drum style that complements the song. A rock or pop style usually works well. Tweak the tempo to match the original or your preferred pace.
Practice with the Backing Track: This is where the magic happens. Play along with the iReal Pro backing track and start crafting your drum part. Focus on capturing the energy and feel of the original song, but don't be afraid to add your own personal touches.
Record Your Cover: Use a recording app or software to capture your drum performance along with the iReal Pro backing track. There are many free and paid options available, so choose one that suits your needs and budget.
Mix and Master (Optional): If you want to take your cover to the next level, you can use audio editing software to mix and master your recording. This will help to balance the levels of the drums and backing track and give your cover a professional sound.
Share Your Creation: Once you're happy with your cover, share it online! Upload it to YouTube, SoundCloud, or any other platform where you can showcase your talent. Don't forget to tag your cover with relevant keywords such as "iReal drum cover," "Cokelat Bendera," and "Indonesian patriotic song" to help people find it.

Tips for an Awesome Drum Cover

Listen to the Original: This might seem obvious, but really listen to the original track multiple times. Pay attention to the nuances of the drum part and how it interacts with the other instruments.
Get the Feel Right: "Bendera" is all about energy and patriotism. Make sure your drum part reflects that. Play with conviction and enthusiasm.
Experiment with Fills: Don't just play the basic beat throughout the entire song. Add some fills to keep things interesting and to showcase your drumming skills.
Use Dynamics: Vary your playing volume to create contrast and build intensity. This will make your drum cover more engaging and dynamic.
Have Fun: The most important thing is to enjoy the process. If you're having fun, it will show in your playing.

Gear Recommendations

While you can create an iReal drum cover with just your drums and iReal Pro, here are some gear recommendations to enhance your experience:

Drum Set: Any drum set will do, but a kit with a good snare and cymbals will help you achieve a better sound.
Microphones: If you're recording your cover, consider using microphones to capture the sound of your drums. A basic setup with a snare mic, kick mic, and overhead mics will suffice.
Audio Interface: An audio interface will allow you to connect your microphones to your computer and record your drum performance.
Headphones: A good pair of headphones is essential for monitoring your drum performance and mixing your cover.
Recording Software: Choose a recording software that suits your needs and budget. Audacity is a free option, while more advanced options include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

Conclusion

Creating an iReal drum cover of "Bendera" by Cokelat is a fantastic way to celebrate Indonesian music and showcase your drumming skills. With iReal Pro, you can easily create a backing track and practice your part. Remember to listen to the original song, capture the energy and feel, and most importantly, have fun! Now go forth and create an awesome drum cover that will make Indonesia proud! Rock on! This project is not only fun but also deeply rewarding. It allows you to connect with a powerful piece of music, express your creativity, and share your passion with the world. Whether you’re an experienced drummer or just starting out, this is a project that can challenge and inspire you. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after completing your drum cover will be well worth the effort. So, grab your sticks, fire up iReal Pro, and get ready to rock “Bendera” like never before!