Electronic Press Kit

Bio

Formed in Naarm/Melbourne in 2013, the Jawa Pitu Band (the “Java Seven”) is a dynamic 7-piece world music ensemble that seamlessly melds Indonesian dangdut and gamelan traditions with the improvisational spirit of jazz and the infectious rhythms of funk, creating a fusion that defies boundaries and electrifies audiences.

Their main influence is dangdut music from 1970s Indonesia, with its heady mix of Javanese, Hindustani, Malay, Arabic and Western music, along with legendary dangdut artists such as Rhoma Irama. The Jawa Pitu Band performs a reimagining of classic dangdut songs, adding gamelan and often having members of the Sanggar Lestari Indonesian dance troupe perform with them. Their shows are uplifting, always inspiring dancing and audience participation, making each performance a celebration of music and culture.

The Jawa Pitu Band’s self-titled debut album, originally released in 2015, showcased their innovative style and in 2023, it was re-released on streaming services with two new tracks. They are currently completing a new album titled “Blackout" to be released in February 2025. This album further develops their distinctive sound and showcases the musicianship of the members. Three preview tracks from this album are available below.

The Jawa Pitu Band is known for their vibrant live performances and plan to continue performing around Melbourne and at music festivals building up to the launch of their second album in February, 2025.  The band dreams of touring Indonesia to share their rich mix of cultures and rhythms with the country that so inspired them.

Music

Live Performances

Photos

Selected Previous Performances

• Federation Square, Melbourne - Buddha’s Day & Multicultural Festival (May 2023)
• Cresfest 2023, Folk and roots festival, Creswick, Victoria
• Alun-Alun 2022, night market event to commemorate Indonesian cultural heritage (July 2022)
• Come Together Festival, Edendale Farm, Eltham (March 2021)
• The Village Festival, Edinburgh Gardens, North Fitzroy (October, 2019)
• Indonesia Raya Festival at Queensbridge Square, Melbourne CBD (August 2019)
• Warrandyte Music presents The Jawa Pitu Band, Warrandyte Mechanics Hall. Featured traditional Indonesian dance from Sanggar Lestari Melbourne (February 2018)
• The Village Festival, in North Fitzroy’s Edinburgh Gardens (October 2017)
• Nusantara Street Food Festival, Victroia Market (2017)
• Sydney Road Street Party (2016)
• Asylum Seeker Dinner Party 2016 (Brunswick Music Festival, 2016).
• Batman Night Market, Melbourne (2016)
• Folk Rhythm and Life Festival (2016, 2018)
• City of Stonnington Falvours world cuisine festival (2015)
• The Merlynston Festival (2014)
• The Moon Festival, Dandenong Market (2014)

Stage plot and tech specs

Socials