How Balinese Music is Making its Way into Electronic Dance Music
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How Balinese Music is Making its Way into Electronic Dance Music
If you love electronic dance music, you might be surprised to learn that some of its sounds and rhythms come from Balinese music. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Balinese music is making its way into EDM and what makes it so special.
The Influence of Balinese Music in Electronic Dance Music
Electronic dance music (EDM) has been on the rise in popularity in recent years, and with it has come a new wave of interest in Balinese music. This unique form of Indonesian music is characterized by its use of gamelan instruments, which are percussion-based instruments that create a distinctive sound. While gamelan music has been around for centuries, it is only recently that it has begun to make its way into the world of EDM.
There are a number of reasons why Balinese music is becoming increasingly popular in the world of EDM. First and foremost, the sound of gamelan instruments is very unique and provides a refreshing change from the more typical electronic sounds that are often used in this genre of music. In addition, Balinese music often features a more laid-back and relaxed vibe, which can be appealing to those who are looking for an escape from the high-energy sounds of typical EDM tracks.
One of the most notable ways in which Balinese music is making its way into EDM is through the work of producer Jaakko Eino Kalevi. A native of Bali, Kalevi infuses his productions with traditional Balinese sounds and instrumentation, giving them a distinctly Indonesian flavor. Kalevi’s work has been very well-received by both critics and fans alike, and he is quickly becoming one of the most popular producers in the world of EDM.
If you’re interested in experiencing the unique sound of Balinese music for yourself, be sure to check out Jaakko Eino Kalevi’s work. You may just find that you have a new favorite artist!
The History of Balinese Music
Balinese music is an integral part of the culture of Bali, Indonesia. It is often used in Balinese ceremonies and festivals, and is played by ensembles of musicians using a variety of instruments.
Balinese music has its origins in the gamelan orchestra, which was introduced to Bali from Java in the 14th century. The gamelan orchestra is typically made up of percussion instruments, such as gongs, drums and xylophones. The music of the gamelan orchestra is usually accompanied by singing and dancing.
Over time, the music of the gamelan orchestra has been influenced by various other musical traditions, including Chinese, Indian and Western music. In particular, Balinese music has been influenced by the music of Javanese court musicians, known as ketoprak performers. These musicians often performed for Indonesian royalty, and their music was characterised by its use of intricate rhythms and melodies.
In recent years, Balinese music has been making its way into electronic dance music (EDM). This is thanks to the work of Indonesian producers such as Dipha Barus and Jevin Julian, who have been incorporating traditional Balinese instruments and sounds into their work. The result is a unique fusion of old and new that is sure to get your feet moving!
The Different Types of Balinese Music
Balinese music can be classified into four main types: gamelan, wayang (shadow puppetry), degung ( Sundanese music), and gendang beleq (barong dance music). Balinese music is unique in that it uses a pentatonic scale, which consists of five notes. This gives the music a distinctive sound that is different from other types of Indonesian music.
Gamelan is the most well-known type of Balinese music. It is an ensemble music that is performed with a set of instruments, including metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs. Gamelan ensembles can be found all over Bali, and they often accompany Balinese dances and wayang performances.
Wayang is a type of shadow puppetry that has been popular in Bali for centuries. Wayang performances often include musical accompaniment from a gamelan orchestra. The most well-known type of wayang performance is the wayang kulit, which uses leather puppets to tell stories from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics.
Degung is a type of Sundanese music that originated in West Java. The word degung means “to play beautifully.” Degung ensembles typically include flutes, drums, and gongs, and they often perform at weddings and other celebrations.
Gendang beleq is a type of drumming that accompanies the barong dance. The barong dance is a ceremonial dance that is performed to ward off evil spirits. Gendang beleq ensembles typically include two drums, two gongs, and two cymbals.
How Balinese Music is Used in Electronic Dance Music
Balinese music is making its way into electronic dance music, and it’s doing so in a big way. The island of Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning temples, and vibrant culture, but it’s also home to some of the world’s best musicians. These musicians are using traditional instruments like gamelan to create new and innovative sounds that are being used by DJs and producers all over the world.
The Balinese music scene is bustling with activity, and there are many festivals and events that showcase the talent of these musicians. One such event is the BaliSpirit Festival, which is held every year in Ubud. This festival attracts some of the world’s top DJs and producers, who come to experience the unique sounds of Balinese music.
Some of the biggest names in electronic dance music have been influenced by Balinese music, and they’ve incorporated these sounds into their own tracks. Skrillex, for example, used a sample of a Balinese gamelan in his track “Bangarang.” The track was an instant hit, and it helped to put Skrillex on the map as one of the leading names in EDM.
Other DJs and producers who have been influenced by Balinese music include Tiësto, David Guetta, Diplo, and Bassnectar. These artists have all used samples or snippets of Balinese tracks in their own songs, and they continue to do so as they experiment with new sounds.
The popularity of Balinese music in electronic dance music is only going to increase in the years to come. As more DJs and producers discover the unique sounds of this island nation, they’ll continue to incorporate them into their own tracks. So if you’re a fan of EDM, be on the lookout for more Balinese influences in the future!
The Future of Balinese Music in Electronic Dance Music
It’s no secret that the worldwide Electronic Dance Music (EDM) community has been heavily influenced by music from all corners of the globe. In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of various “tropical-house” genres that have taken elements from Reggaeton, Indian classical music, and more. Now, it seems that Balinese music is making its way into the EDM world, as producers are beginning to channel the unique sounds and rhythms of this island nation into their tracks.
So what does Balinese music sound like, and why is it becoming so popular in the EDM community? Let’s take a closer look.
Balinese music is characterized by its use of gamelan instruments, which are a type of percussion instrument that uses a variety of metal plates, gongs, and xylophones. This results in a very distinct sound that is unlike anything else in the world. The most prominent feature of Balinese gamelan music is its use of interlocking rhythms; instead of having one dominant beat, the various instruments work together to create a complex web of rhythms that ebbs and flows in a mesmerizing way.
This polyrhythmic style of music has long been appreciated by percussionists and DJs alike for its unique flavor and ability to get people moving. In recent years, we’ve seen a number of producers begin to experiment with incorporating Balinese gamelan sounds into their tracks. These producers have found that these distinct rhythms add an exotic flavor to their tunes, and also help to create an energizing and danceable vibe.
As word begins to spread about this new style of EDM, it’s likely that we’ll see more and more producers experiment with incorporating Balinese gamelan sounds into their tracks. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting to add to your playlist, keep your eyes peeled for songs with a distinctly Balinese flavor!
