10 Impressive Indonesian musicians you have to check out

1/10
Monita Tahalea
If you’ve watched season 2 of Indonesian Idol, chances are you might have fallen in love with Monita Tahalea’s incredible voice. Currently a singer, producer and songwriter, it is clear that her love for music has yet to die down. Having released a second EP in 2015, there’s high expectations for her next album. Since then, however, she’s been busy with compilation albums that will let us enjoy her voice even more.

Photo: Monita Tahalea Facebook
2/10
Stars and Magic
The incredible partnership between singer-songwriter Elda Suryani and arranger Adi Widodo results in the stars and magic that is created, and quite literally so. Suryani’s mind is filled with words and tunes that Widodo interprets, and vice versa, and the creation that comes forth has propelled them to great heights. Check them out at any of their live shows, or fall in love with their music over and over again on Youtube.

Photo: Stars and Magic Facebook
3/10
HOMOGENIC
HOMOGENIC is also known as HMGNC. They have made a name for themselves with their distinctive sounds of electronic science-pop that is, as its name suggests, a blend of science and music. Though it might sound bewildering, it works for this trio. They have been performing since 2007, and their love for music doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Photo: HOMOGENIC Facebook
4/10
Danilla Riyadi
27-year-old Danilla Riyadi might have only released one album in 2014, but it managed to land 18th place on the Rolling Stones Indonesia Album of the Year — a testament to how enchanting her voice is. A pop-jazz singer that holds a distinctive voice that’s able to captive audiences, it’s no wonder her follow-up album is highly anticipated.

Photo: Danilla Riyadi Instagram
5/10
Ramayana Soul
This quartet is one that you should most definitely have your eyes on. A raja rock band at its very roots, Ramayana Soul has gained an avid following with their magnetism that is an absolute masterpiece from the very start to the very end of the albums. Their voices have been described as intoxicating, blending Eastern spiritualism into fascinating pieces of work.

Photo: Ramayana Soul
6/10
Indische Party
Indische Party is not new to the party, but that doesn't mean their music should not get more attention. This alternative and indie band is made up of four members - a vocalist and harpist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer. Having recorded in the legendary Abbey Road studio in 2015, this band is bound to go far with their 60s revival sound that’s both modern yet reminiscent of the old days. Don't hesitate to give them a listen if you've not heard their stuff before!

Photo: Indische Party
7/10
Elephant Kind
Active since 2014, this trio started out with the vocalist and guitarist, Bam Mastro, exploring the music scene in Western Australia. After moving back to Jakarta, he started up Elephant Kind with drummer Adisapoetra Bayu and synths player Dewa Pratama, and they have not stopped making waves since.

Photo: Elephant Kind Facebook
8/10
Jirapah
The listed interest on the Facebook states that they’re into anything and everything, and there seems no better way to describe this group. This Jakarta-based band started as a personal project in their apartment, and has since evolved into a five-piece band that plays a plethora of musical genres. Versatility is key for them, and a key feature that makes them so attractive is how well they execute all the different musical directions.

Photo: Jirapah
9/10
Young Magic
This band may be based in Brooklyn, but the Indonesian influence is certainly there. After all, member Melati Malay is from Jakarta, and it’s understandable why the music may be reminiscent of the sounds back home. They may be young, but they have proved their prowess with a Europe and North tour and three studio albums to boot. Signed to Carpark Records, we are expecting even greater things from this group.

Photo: Young Magic Facebook
10/10
Frau
Her birth name is Leilani Hermiasih, but she prefers to go by the moniker Frau, which means wife in Dutch, hoping she can be the wife of music. A delightful personality that is paired well with a beautiful voice, Frau has gained recognition with her indie-pop style that earned her plenty of accolades. Though her last album was in 2013, expectations still run high for her upcoming release.

Photo: Frau

Sure, chart-topping hits from the international music scene are great and all, but there’s something about homegrown local talent that makes music sound so much sweeter. Perhaps it’s the accent that is reminiscent of your very own, or perhaps it is the experiences and influences noticeable in the lyrics that are similar — either way, local musicians have a soft spot in the hearts of many people, and Indonesia’s music scene is no different.

From calm notes that have managed to win the hearts of many, to the electrifying tunes of the alternative scene, there’s no shortage of musical genres or musicians in this huge archipelago. It truly seems like a growing industry that shows no signs of stopping! Here are some of our favourite musicians that you should definitely check out!

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