Collaborating with Silir Wangi, Erik Sondhy Releases 'Universe Blessings' which is Amazing with EDM Vibes

Kapanlagi.com - Erik Sondhy is one of the musicians from the island of Bali who has gained a big name throughout his musical journey. This Bali-born pianist never wants to stay silent, he doesn't want to stop creating music because music is his life.

As a token of his gratitude to the creator, Erik Sondhy interprets the beginning of 2022 as a blessing by releasing his latest work titled Universe Blessings.

Unlike his previous song recordings, this time, the musician nicknamed Mister Fingers plays electronic dance music (EDM). Not only that, he collaborates with Silir Wangi, a singer from Yogyakarta who sings Javanese sinden.

“This song enlightens every individual to always be grateful because the universe always faithfully bestows its blessings. This time I explore EDM, dance music, but combined with Javanese sinden. I think this is the first Javanese sinden EDM in Indonesia. You could say it's somewhat different from the music style in my previous recordings,” explained Erik.

1. Silir Wangi is well-known

Erik Sondhy produces new works (Credit: Special)

Erik's collaboration with Silir Wangi began when introduced by Marzuki Mohammad (Kill The Dj), one of the members of Jogja Hiphop Foundation who produced Universe Blessings recordings.

Silir Wangi became well-known when joining and producing recordings together with Sinten Remen led by Djaduk Ferianto, also KUA Etnika. In addition, this alumni of ISI Yogyakarta majoring in karawitan also released several solo albums and performed in various music events, including abroad.

2. Involving Jogjakarta Musicians

The music composition and recording process is done in collaboration with several musicians from Jogja. Erik creates the melody, while the lyrics are done by his friends there. He is also assisted by co-producer Balance Perdana. For the supporting art work needs, I Gusti Adi Pradana is responsible.

Growing up in an artistic environment, Erik Sondhy has had a strong desire to become a famous musician since he was young. From the beginning, as the eldest child of a man from Manado who is fluent in Dutch and a woman dancer from Bali, Nih Luh Putu Sri Nulatri Sedani, he practiced playing the guitar and then practiced the piano every day.

3. Geluti Jazz

Nothing is impossible if done wholeheartedly, remembers Erik Sondhy. Erik then stayed in Bandung to continue his studies while gaining musical experience.

Musician with the full name Eurysondhy Andrean John Imanuel Mangempis became more involved in jazz when he decided to live in Yogyakarta. In this city, Erik found many musician friends and fell more in love with jazz music. It was from here that he achieved national recognition.

In 2000, he returned to Bali and formed Jiwa Band with Rio Sidik (trumpet), the late Ito Kurdhi (bass), Koko Harsoe (guitar), and Sonny Riwis (drums). After the band disbanded in 2002, Svara Band emerged with the lineup of Erik (keyboard), Rio Sidik (trumpet), Koko Harsoe (guitar), Doddy Sambodo (bass), and Oni Pah (drums).

4. Release of First Album

In 2007, Erik introduced Erik Sondhy Project (ESP) and released his first album, Introducing Trio 07. In 2012, Erik Sondhy Project collaborated with a trio named Karma Jazz Trio and produced an album titled Karma.

In June 2015, Erik Sondhy went to London, England, to record his third album at Abbey Road Studio, which was eventually released in 2016. The fourth album, Meditation, was released in 2017, followed by The Gift of Love in 2018 and Spontaneous in 2021.

(kpl/tdr)