Senyawa (band)


Senyawa is an experimental band from Java, Indonesia consisting of Rully Shabara and Wukir Suryadi. The band was formed in 2010 in Yogyakarta.
The band mixes influences from musical and folklore traditions from the Indonesian archipelago with experimental music. The band's neo-tribal sound has been described to mix "punk attitude" with "avant-garde aesthetics". According to critics, Senyawa has "managed to embody the aural flavours of Javanese music while exploring the framework of experimental music practice, pushing the boundaries of both traditions" to create a sound that is "thoroughly out of this world."
Shabara provides his extended vocal techniques to Senyawa. The band's lyrics are in various languages of Indonesia, including Sulawesian, Javanese, and Indonesian. Senyawa's music is provided by Suryadi's self-built musical instruments made from bamboo and traditional agricultural tools from rural Indonesia.
Senyawa has been performing extensively in Asia, Australia, and Europe. They have collaborated with notable musicians such as Stephen O'Malley, Lucas Abela, Yasuke Akai, Jon Sass, Damo Suzuki, Jerome Cooper, Keiji Haino, Melt Banana, Tatsuya Yoshida, Charles Cohen, David Shea, and Kazuhisa Uchihashi.
In 2015, US modular synthesizer pioneer Charles Cohen reinterpreted music by Senyawa. This reinterpretation has since been released as a 12" vinyl.

Documentary

The French documentary filmmaker Vincent Moon directed a short film titled Calling the New Gods about the band in January 2012.

Discography

Studio Albums

  1. Best Concert of the Year/Best Performing Artist 2016 by Tempo Magazine
  2. Ars Electronica Award 2017 in the category of Digital Music and Sound with Lucas Abela's Gamelan Wizard
  3. Editor's Choice Award 2017 by Rolling Stone Indonesia
  4. Green Room Awards 2018 for Best Music Composition and Sound Design