UK / ROI / US ONLY
Nusantara Beat - Nusantara Beat - 1CD
14/11/2025
GBCD 180
Artist:
Nusantara Beat
Label:
Glitterbeat
Sound Carrier:
1CD
Barcode:
4030433618028
The highly anticipated debut album from Amsterdam-based Indonesian psych-folk ensemble Nusantara Beat, has finally arrived. Having built a rapid reputation through captivating live performances and a string of acclaimed 7" singles, this self-titled album powerfully documents their already potent musical vision.
A mesmerizing collection of eleven original tracks, Nusantara Beat delves deep into the group’s Indonesian ancestral roots, and thrillingly weaves together hypnotic folk melodies, vintage Indo-pop, pulsating psychedelic grooves and contemporary sonic textures.
That word Nusantara is important. As the group’s vocalist, Megan de Klerk, explains: “Nusantara means all the islands that make up Indonesia. It’s an old word from when the kings wanted to unite the whole archipelago. Today, it still means unity, many cultures coming together as one. So, when we say Nusantara Beat, we mean the rhythm and music from the Indonesian archipelago, mixed into one sound.”
The group is uniquely equipped to explore this fascinating idea.
Bassist Michael Joshua was born in the Indonesian province of West Java, settling permanently in the Netherlands at the age of 15. All of the group’s other members – Megan, guitarist Jordy Sanger, guitarist/keyboardist Rouzy Portier, drummer Sonny Groeneveld and percussionist Gino Groeneveld – were all born and raised in the Netherlands but hail from Indonesian heritage.
Nusantara Beat grew out of Amsterdam’s vibrant music scene, with several of its members previously playing in Dutch groups including EUT, Jungle by Night and the Turkish psych ensemble Altin Gün. But it was the allure of exploring Indonesian sounds that cemented their alliance. “The band came together via our shared Indonesian roots and curiosity to discover these roots further through music,” says Gino.
“Sonny and Jordy had been playing with the idea for years about someday starting a [traditional Indonesian] krontjong band and for fun playing for elderly,” he continues. “Rouzy and Michael, who were studying together at the time, were also fantasizing about starting an Indonesian band for a while. Eventually, in 2021, these two worlds combined when Rouzy and Jordy were hanging out a lot and discussing these ideas.”
Sonny recruited his younger brother, Gino, who had just left Altin Gün, to add extra percussion. All that was needed was a singer. First choice was Megan, then working with EUT. Once she was persuaded to join – and to take the bold step of singing in Indonesian for the first time – the magic was undeniable.
1. Ke Masa Lalu
2. Kalangkang
3. Di Pantai
4. Bunga Mekar
5. Ular Ular
6. Kupu Kupu
7. Gapura
8. Hilang Kendali
9. Tamat
10. Bakar
11. Cinta Itu Menyakitkan
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