Senyawa: Blending Indonesian Heritage and Experimental Music

Senyawa, the Indonesian experimental music duo, is set to captivate audiences at the upcoming Freespace Noise Fest in Hong Kong. Formed in 2010 in Yogyakarta, Java, the duo of Rully and Wukir have been pushing the boundaries of sound, fusing traditional Indonesian elements with a modern, avant-garde approach. Their unique blend of shamanistic performance and innovative instrumentation has earned them critical acclaim, and their upcoming performance promises to be a truly immersive and transformative experience for music enthusiasts.

Unlocking the Depths of Senyawa's Sonic Exploration

Forging a Unique Sound: The Senyawa Origin Story

Senyawa, which means "compound" in Indonesian, was born out of a chance encounter between Rully and Wukir in 2010. The two artists, hailing from different backgrounds, discovered a shared passion for indigenous sounds and a desire to push the boundaries of musical expression. Rully, a literature enthusiast with no formal music training, and Wukir, a skilled instrument maker, embarked on an experimental journey, blending Wukir's handcrafted percussion and stringed instruments with Rully's captivating vocal techniques.The duo's initial improvisational session led to the release of their self-titled EP just four days later, a testament to the spontaneity and synergy that defined their creative process. The enthusiastic reception of the EP solidified the duo's identity, with the title becoming the name that would come to represent their unique sonic exploration.

Embracing the Subconscious: Rully's Vocal Mastery

Rully's distinctive vocal style is a key component of Senyawa's sonic identity. Drawing inspiration from various throat-singing techniques, he has developed a unique approach that is both deeply rooted in tradition and entirely self-taught. Rully's guttural and growly vocals, which he describes as "manipulating air," create a mesmerizing and primal soundscape that transports listeners to a realm of raw, visceral emotion.The vocalist believes that inspiration can come from the subconscious, as well as from the embedded memories of the sounds we encounter in our daily lives. "We hear sound every day. Every time we go to a new place, we familiarise ourselves with different sounds, the memory of which will come back at some point when it's triggered; and when you play or make music, this plays a big part – the subconscious memories that have been archived in our minds," Rully explains.

Wukir's Handcrafted Instruments: Bridging the Ancient and the Modern

Wukir's role in Senyawa is equally integral, as he is the mastermind behind the duo's unique instrumental palette. Drawing from his lifelong passion for crafting percussion and stringed instruments, Wukir has created a diverse array of tools, ranging from bamboo to abandoned farm implements. This innovative approach to instrument-making allows Senyawa to blend the ancient and the modern, seamlessly integrating traditional Indonesian elements with a contemporary experimental sensibility.Wukir's expertise and dedication to his craft have been honed over the years, as he has performed both solo and with various theatre productions and bands in Jakarta and Bali. His collaboration with Rully has resulted in a symbiotic relationship, where the duo's improvisational explorations push the boundaries of what is possible with their handcrafted instruments.

Expanding Horizons: Senyawa's Artistic Evolution

In recent years, Senyawa has been expanding the scope of their artistic expression, moving beyond sonic explorations to incorporate thematic narratives and conceptual frameworks into their work. Their latest album, "Vajranala," delves into the mythology surrounding the Pawon Buddhist temple in Central Java, using the text as a foundation to explore themes of knowledge and power.This shift towards a more holistic approach to their art is further reflected in Senyawa's self-funded 10-year-long tour, which has taken them to remote islands across the Indonesian archipelago. By immersing themselves in local music and culture, the duo aims to build organic connections and inspire the underground music scene, rather than relying on formal institutions.

Bringing the Noise: Senyawa's Freespace Noise Fest Performance

As the headliners of the inaugural Freespace Noise Fest in Hong Kong, Senyawa is poised to deliver a captivating performance that will showcase their unique blend of traditional and experimental elements. Rully promises a set that will be "a bit louder, a bit messier, a bit noisier ... [across] a wider spectrum," a departure from their more prim and proper performance at the Tai Kwun event earlier this year.Joining Senyawa on the double-bill finale is the renowned Japanese instrumentalist-composer Otomo Yoshihide, who will present a set of raw, free improvisation on turntable guitar. The two acts have collaborated before, further solidifying the cross-cultural exchange that is a hallmark of Senyawa's artistic approach.Kung Chi-shing, the head of contemporary performance and performing arts at the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, describes Senyawa's performances as "both modern and ancient," grounded in their cultural heritage while blending the Indonesian archipelago into the realm of experimental music. This fusion of the traditional and the avant-garde promises to create a truly immersive and transformative experience for the audience at the Freespace Noise Fest.