The Vajranala Set is a special performance by Senyawa, showcasesing their latest album released by state51. This album draws inspiration from the legends and mythologies surrounding the Brojonalan land around Borobudur, in Central Java. The music performance features Wukir Suryadi’s constellation of handmade instruments, including custom guitars, hand-built percussions, and noise-makers. These instruments represent nature, while Rully Shabara’s voice represents the human body and spirit. He uses two different microphones to symbolize man and woman. The Vajranala set is a unique and immersive musical experience that combines traditional Indonesian instruments with modern influences.
Senyawa produces experimental practices by exploring tribal, primitive sounds with industrial music in the most powerful way. By weaving folkloric moods with various shades of modern genre hybrids, Senyawa has been navigating unexplored musical terrain for more than a decade. Their sound is comprised of Rully Shabara’s deft extended vocal explorations punctuating the frenetic sounds of instrument builder, Wukir Suryadi’s modern-primitive instrumentation. Senyawa has performed at many notable festivals all over the world such as Primavera Festival in Barcelona to smaller but important venues such as Café Oto in London. Senyawa also won multiple awards such as the Green Room Award for Best Music Composition and Sound Design in 2018 and 2017 Ars Electronica Award for Digital Music and Sound. They have collaborated and performed with many notable musicians such as Stephen O`Malley, Robert AA Lowe, Otomo Yosihide, Rabih Beaini, Damo Suzuki, Justin Vernon, Oren Ambarchi, and many others. In 2012, filmmaker Vincent Moon made a film about them entitled Calling the New Gods. During the pandemic, Senyawa released a new album Alkisah with over 40 labels around the world and was quoted by The New York Times as the new global jukebox for the future of international music industry.