After 10 days of artistic experimentation, exchange, and performances, Nusasonic Yogyakarta closed on a high note with an all-day programme at the picturesque Eloprogo Art Space, interspersing final performances from several Artistic Lab projects with stellar live sets from musicians such as Egypt’s Nadah El Shazly and Indonesian projects Potro Joyo and Uwalmassa. The MusicMakers Hacklab showcased 5 new works, all exploring diverse methods of musical collaboration. Ranging from Nam June Paik style TV hacks, to a sonic exploration of mosquito control and an ode to our distressed polluted oceans, the finale performances showed exceptional imagination and inventiveness. The Sonic Wilderness group, led by AGF, gave a touching and personal performance highlighting the tight bonds formed between participants during their intensive week of excursions and discussions, while the Kombo initiative gave a thunderous improv performance that resonated over the festival grounds.

Concert highlights from earlier in the week included a powerful performance by Rully Shabara’s Setabuhan project, which incorporated Balia rhythms from two drummers and involved martial artists from local Yogyakarta schools, heavy-hitting sets by Gabber Modus Operandi, Caliph8, and mobilegirl that whipped the crowd at Arcadaz into a frenzy, and the engrossing sonic journeys presented in opening night performances by Jessica Ekomane and Yennu Ariendra & J Mo’ong among other.

The collaborative residency by experimental percussionists Cheryl Ong and Riska Farasonalia, experimental voice artist Kok Siew-Wai, and pianist Nadya Hatta took off incredible chemistry and creativity, resulting in 2 recorded tracks which will be released by Singapore label Ujikaji in 2019.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in these incredible 11 days, which were a feast for the ears and soul. We are grateful for all the inspiring presenters and panelists who brought their skills, experiences and passions to the 2-day discourse programme. To the artists and Artistic Lab participants who delivered fantastical, emotive and striking performances, and who are the beating heart of Nusasonic, your generosity and art is deeply felt. Such a festival is nothing without the open mindedness and engagement of our music communities and of the audience, who numbered over 1,800 festivalgoers plus our many online followers – thank you for coming out and showing your support! Finally, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to all our partners, to the Nusasonic production and hospitality teams, and to our tireless volunteers.

A Nusasonic photo gallery is now online via our CTM Flickr, and we are working on further A/V materials and recordings to share in the future. We are also happy to point to future Nusasonic residencies and/or small-scale concert activities organised by Yes No Klub in Yogyakarta, and by Playfreely/BlackKaji in Singapore. Projects and artists featured at Nusasonic Yogyakarta will also be featured at CTM 2019 Festival in Berlin this coming January/February. Nusasonic will also feature within WSK Festival’s 10th anniversary edition in Manila (Philippines), in October 2019.