Nusantara Beat - Nusantara Beat (Indonesian psych-folk) - Black Vinyl

Nusantara Beat unveil their self-titled debut, a striking fusion of Indonesian tradition and Amsterdam’s psych-folk energy. Across eleven tracks, the six-piece blend vintage Indo-pop, hypnotic folk melodies, and pulsing psychedelic grooves into a sound that feels both rooted and forward-looking.

The name is significant: “Nusantara means all the islands that make up Indonesia… unity, many cultures coming together as one,” explains vocalist Megan de Klerk. That spirit of connection shapes the album, where Indonesian-language vocals intertwine with vibrant guitar, percussion and keys.

Formed in 2021, the group brings together musicians from EUT, Jungle by Night and Altin Gün, all united by Indonesian heritage and a shared drive to explore ancestral sounds in fresh contexts. Bassist Michael Joshua grew up in West Java before moving to the Netherlands, grounding the project with lived experience. The result is a debut that celebrates history while creating something entirely new.

Sonny recruited his younger brother, Gino, who had just left Altin Gün, to add extra percussion. All that was needed was a singer. First choice was Megan, then working with EUT. Once she was persuaded to join – and to take the bold step of singing in Indonesian for the first time – the magic was undeniable.

A1 Ke Masa Lalu 

A2 Kalangkang 

A3 Di Pantai 

A4 Bunga Mekar 

A5 Ular Ular 

A6 Kupu Kupu 

B1 Gapura 

B2 Hilang Kendali 

B3 Tamat 

B4 Bakar 

B5 Cinta Itu Menyakitkan