Nusantara Beat are a psych-groove sextet from Amsterdam. The group has quickly amassed a cult following, largely due to the deep connection to their Indonesian roots and a passion for honoring their cultural heritage.
Photography by Juri Hiensch
The group creates a unique sound that blends traditional Indonesian songs from the 20th century with 70s groove and modern influences, resulting in a mesmerizing mix of tropical and mystical sounds that take the audience on a journey to the land of their ancestors. Or, in their own words: “Sonic analog-mystique-groove.”
Nusantara Beat isn't just about honoring tradition. They also strive to showcase the rich diversity of Indonesian music and take it into the future. Recently, Lumanai Records (who are also one of our COSMOS Embassies this year) and Les Disques Bongo Joe have backed the band’s first-ever release, EP ‘Djanger / Borondong Garing’, which serves as a wonderful introduction to their sound. What other upcoming projects they’re excited about? The new Beatles single is definitely high on their list.
Asking Nusantara Beat for the best creative advice that anyone has ever given them, the group simply state “stick together”. Let’s hope they follow that advice for a long time to come, as surely there will be lots of goodness coming our way from Nusantara Beat in the future.
Nusantara Beat perform at Le Guess Who? 2023 on Friday, 10 November at EKKO, and on Saturday, 11 November, as part of the Le Guess Who? x U? present at LE:EN.
Photography by Juri Hiensch
