There’s nothing like finding new music that resonates. From a traditional improvised gamelan piece, to 80’s influenced disco-pop and energetic, guitar-tapping hardcore punk, here are some new Indonesian tunes to enjoy.

Sandikala Ensemble – ‘Herutjokro as Posthuman’

Teaming up with the Sandikala Ensemble on gamelan, young Yogyakarta composer Dion Nataraja presents a unique intersection of traditional Javanese music and improvisation. In the instrumental piece “Herutjokro as Posthuman”, the gendèrs and suling (flute) are played in alternate tunings with particular attention to dynamics and space, giving the piece a mysterious, eerie vibe that makes it a perfect fit for a mystical Javanese horror film score. Perfect for those in the mood for a cultural-hybrid experimental sound.

Crève, Ouverte! – ‘Burgundy’ 

With the debut single “Burgundy”, Balikpapan trio Crève, Ouverte! (French for “die, open”) delivers a high-energy, guitar-tapping, hardcore-punk-influenced track. Featuring Wendra from Samarinda-based math rock band, Murphy Radio, Crève, Ouverte! doesn’t shy away from mixing all sorts of different styles and moods in a three-and-a-half-minute track, creating a juxtaposition between the group’s upbeat music and its rather bleak lyrics: “Nightmares on a day time / drying my eyes, I cannot open / seeing a shade of burgundy / under the bright lights, fatigue frequently.” (sic) 

Diskoria, Isyana Sarasvati, Ardhito Pramono (feat. KawaNAIF) – ‘Yth: NAIF’

It’s nice to see younger musicians giving love to their musical heroes, as displayed by Diskoria on “Yth: Naif” (Dear Naif). The song is a love letter to one of Indonesia’s most beloved pop bands, which disbanded in May after playing together for more than two decades. 

The song finds pop singer Isyana Sarasvati, jazz singer-songwriter Ardhito Pramono and dance group Diskoria collaborating to deliver an 70s disco-infused pop number that is filled with the kind of exuberance that Naif was known for. 

Tiad Hilm – ‘Sebelum Mati’ 

Semarang-based rapper Tiad Hilm (L) and Dzulfahmi (R) collabs on "Sebelum Mati", a gloomy alternative hip-hop track. (Courtesy of Tiad Hilm) (Personal archive/Courtesy of Tiad Hilm)

With the help of MC Dzulfahmi and producer Cosmicburp, Semarang rapper/songwriter Tiad Hilm brings us “Sebelum Mati” (Before Death). The track is a breezy yet gloomy alternative hip-hop track that recalls 90s hip-hop with its jazzy drumming and booming production. Lyrically, “Sebelum Mati'' offers a rather pessimistic view of the future as seen through the eyes of younger Indonesians. The hook is catchy, both melodically and lyrically: “Let’s paint kalam before the morning comes / before it dies out, before I perish. / It’s hard to live in a dystopia, to mourn and grieve. / Burn incense at the stop, lessened pain.” 

Payung Teduh – ‘Suar’ 

Originally known for its inventive folk-keroncong style, Payung Teduh has gone through some changes over the years. The group’s new single “Suar” (Flare) features new lead singer Marsya Ditia, who replaced Payung Teduh’s original front man, Mohammad Istiqamah Djamad, who some saw as the band’s original leader and key songwriter.  

With the new vocalist, “Suar” sounds quite different from the band’s previous material. Marsya’s soothing vocals blend in well with the song’s gentle, retro pop-jazz.

Piston – ‘Interval’

Getting older: Jakarta's rock band Piston talks adulting and taking control destiny on their new, melodic number "Interval". (Courtesy of Piston) (Personal archive/Courtesy of Piston )

Adulthood often comes with the burden of life responsibilities. In the comeback single “Interval”, Jakarta’s Piston embraces these and encourages the listeners to always take control of their own destiny. While “Interval” still retains the band’s heavy-metal-meets-punk-rock sound and the always fun gang vocals, there seems to be more emphasis on melodies this time around, making the track memorable and most likely become a crowd favorite at the band’s live shows.

Alter – ‘Bahasa Surga’ 

Surabaya pop R&B duo Alter digs deep into feelings on “Bahasa Surga” (Heaven’s Language). The single sees the duo singing about being hurt by a loved one and the difficulty of recovering from the pain. Although a fairly new name in the scene, Alter seems to have figured out what it’s good at: using elements of 1980’s pop music such as chorus-y guitars, analog bass-synth and washy vocals to invoke a moody and sexy atmosphere.

Jinan Laetitia – ‘Mannequin’ 

In “Mannequin”, up-and-coming singer Jinan Laetitia shares the struggle of being a young woman, with the pressure to meet other people’s expectations and not voice one’s feelings, “Sit, look pretty and you can be beautiful. / Hush your voice, don’t let them know. / They won’t pity Miss Misunderstood. / I figured, I figured, I know.” Like many other modern chart-topping pop and R&B tracks, “Mannequin” borrows elements from EDM and hip-hop, such as the lurching bass and clean production, courtesy of the track’s co-producer, DJ-turned-singer Osvaldorio.