Zahra Salsabila
Aug 03, 2026
The lights dimmed inside Suagi Grand Ballroom as Anne Quillier and Pierre Horckmans stepped onto the stage. With Anne on Piano and Pierre on bass clarinet, the French duo WATCHDOG gently drew the audience into a world where contemporary jazz, cinematic textures, and improvisation flowed seamlessly together. There was no sense of performance for performance's sake. Every note felt like an invitation into an intimate conversation.
That idea of conversation lies at the heart of WATCHDOG—even in its name.
"When we first started, we played purely acoustic music," the duo recalled. "As we evolved, we began experimenting with sound effects, and that journey reminded us of the idea of a watchdog in society. As a duo, we're also constantly watching each other."
More than a band name, WATCHDOG reflects the way Anne and Pierre make music. Every performance begins with paying attention—to one another, to the room, and to everything that happens in between. It is this openness that has shaped the duo's unmistakable sound, one that blends contemporary jazz with electronic influences, improvisation, and cinematic storytelling without feeling confined to a single genre.
That approach, they explained, wasn't a deliberate attempt to break musical rules. It was simply a natural result of growing up surrounded by different musical worlds.
"We've been exposed to many different musical styles, so we've never felt the need to put music into boxes. For us, music is an international language."
Their philosophy also defines the way they perform live. Rather than treating improvisation as a showcase of technical skill, WATCHDOG sees it as an ongoing dialogue. After more than fifteen years of playing together, Anne and Pierre have built an instinctive trust that allows every concert to evolve naturally. No two performances are ever the same. The cities they visit, the people they meet, and even the atmosphere of the day quietly find their way into the music, making each performance unique.
"Improvisation becomes a dialogue. One of us begins, the other responds, and that's what keeps the conversation alive."
That conversation doesn't begin on stage—it starts much earlier, in the quiet moments of composing. For Anne, music has always been deeply personal, shaped by emotions before melodies.
"When I compose, I always begin with a feeling. If I'm in pain, afraid, or simply searching for comfort, those emotions become the starting point. I want every piece to take listeners on a journey."
Then, almost as if summing up everything WATCHDOG stands for, she added: "Music is my therapy." It was a sentiment that resonated throughout the evening. As the performance unfolded, the audience remained remarkably still, listening intently to every subtle shift in rhythm, silence, and sound. WATCHDOG didn't simply perform for the audience—they invited them into the conversation.
Presented as part of TP Jazz Universe and the French Jazz Tour 2026, the evening offered more than a glimpse into contemporary French jazz. It introduced Bandung audiences to two musicians who believe that the most meaningful music isn't defined by genre, language, or geography, but by the willingness to listen—to each other, to ourselves, and to the stories that music can tell.
The Papandayan Hotel
Jl. Gatot Subroto No.83, Bandung
P: (022) 7310799
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