Kombo is a DIY platform that aims to facilitate and develop Indonesia’s improv music scene while researching and testing alternative methods with which to approach sonic explorations and compositions. Kombo tries to educate and inspire people with regards to alternative methods of sound creation and composition. It also aims to expose artists and audiences to new perspectives on how to appreciate these methods.

The initiative was started in 2014 by Rully Shabara and Satya Prapanca. It was originally held in the back garden of artist/musician Jimi Mahardika’s house, with a minimalistic set-up. Local musicians were invited to play spontaneous music together with at least one invited guest musician who happened to be visiting Yogyakarta at the time. Artists were invited regardless of their musical scenes or genres, or what instruments or tools they used in their practice. Kombo has since continued gathering in different situations and constellations, and has further participated in several local performance events, and offered workshops.

At Nusasonic, Kombo will be comprised of founder Rully Shabara, Malaysian artists Kok Siew-Wai and Sudarshan, Manila’s Caliph8, Barcelona-based Rubén Patiño, Yuen Chee Wai from Singapore, and local musicians invited by Rully Shabara: Tony Maryana, Bhakti Prasetyo, Mahamboro, Setya RKJ, Ikbal Lubys. The artists will experiment together over multiple days before giving a free public performance at the festival’s closing event. The public is also invited to visit Kombo’s open rehearsal sessions at SaRang Building on:
6 - 7 October: 2 PM - 4 PM
8 - 9 October: 4 PM - 6 PM & 7 - 9 PM

Many of these artists will also perform solo or with other projects throughout the Nusasonic programme.