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The DJ’s Playbook: Bali, Indonesia

The DJ Playlist Series is here and that could only mean one thing. Featuring one of Indonesia’s most sought-after DJs, Halim Ardie reveals the latest playlist on his deck and why they are his favourites.

Halim Ardie with Wisdy closing for Richie Hawtin at OMNIA Bali. Photo credit: Bali Tonight.

Halim Ardie with Wisdy closing for Richie Hawtin at OMNIA Bali. Photo credit: Bali Tonight.

Welcome to Halim’s tasty selections! My name is Halim Ardie, I’m a DJ and event organizer living in Bali, Indonesia. I spin around the island from night parties to sunset sessions at beach clubs, as well as in the South East Asia circuit, by being a part of the Joy Collective’s Rainforest Pavilion stage at the famous Wonderfruit Festival in Thailand. The Rainforest Pavilion is a “conscious clubbing” initiative to use proceeds and profits from events to rejuvenate Indonesian rainforests by well literally, buying hectares of land for preservation.

So let me take your ears on journey through the latest tracks in my playlists that I have been playing around town.

Prabumi – Java
My first choice is from Prabumi, an eclectic producer from Indonesia whose work is heavily influenced by the instruments and melodies of Indonesia’s traditional music, which he also includes in his live sets and one can always expect him to start playing an indigenous instrument during it. Prabumi’s genius is his ability to create pumping electronic music, while adding local flavors as in this track which he adds the Javanese Sinden – a traditional singing style backed by gamelan.

DJ Ical & Indra7 – Deep Down
Ical and Indra7 are both DJ and producers from Jakarta who come together on this brilliant track. The hypnotic hook is accented by a driving beat, and just continues to groove especially when the vocals kick in. This track is an excellent example of ‘less is more,’ very simple but oh so powerful. It has just been re-released on the Malaysia based charity label Love International. “Deep Down” is for sure able to bring life to any dance floor.

Geinoh Yamashirogumi are known for both their faithful re-creations of folk music from around the world, as well as their fusion of various traditional musical styles with modern instrumentation and synthesizers.

Geinoh Yamashirogumi are known for both their faithful re-creations of folk music from around the world, as well as their fusion of various traditional musical styles with modern instrumentation and synthesizers.

Thomas Gracia & Juany Bravo – Oiga Mire
“Oiga Mire” brings producers Thomas Gracia and Juany Bravo for an out-of-this-world trip. Combing a myriad of elements that keep chugging along with the heavy basslines and then drifts with the haunting spacey melody that goes into full blown acid. Definitely a track that will spark any dance floor into a frenzy. Again another Malaysian-based label, the infamous Sweatbox Records, has just picked up this track to be released.

Geinoh Yamashirogumi – Kanada (Akira Soundtrack) (Sunju edit)
Thai electronic music magician Sunju Hargun masterfully brought life to the cult classic anime Akira soundtrack. Using the percussive elements from the original to create a chugging track that continues to build tension, that gives me almost a nervous feeling inside. This track is the perfect addition to any afterhours set, for those punter left standing at the end of the night and just want to trip out.

Thomas Pizzini – Flash
Thomas Pizzini delivers “Flash,” the fresh track off of newly minted Italian label Guendalina Records. This funky masterpiece could easily be at home in a tech house set as in a sunset session. The classic sounding drums are reminiscent of breakbeat, while the guitars have almost a surfer rock feel to it with the psychedelic leads. A feel good track that makes you just want to throw your hands in the air and sway to the beat.

All tracks above can be found on our SoundCloud profile “Reposts”. Do you have a Bali-inspired track you’d like to share with us? Please comment below.

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