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Psychedelic guitars, ‘kendhang’ and Madura’s coast: Lorjhu' talks his unique music
Through the moniker Lorjhu’, Sumenep-native Badrus Zeman aims to reconnect with his hometown by writing songs about his unique childhood experience in the coastal Madura.
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Musical background: Born and raised in the small town of Sumenep in Madura Island, the 31-year-old Badrus Zeman spent his childhood in Islamic boarding schools, surrounded by 'dangdut orkes' (an orchestral form of the popular Indonesian music genre) and 'qasida' (Islamic music). (Courtesy of Lorjhu') (Courtesy of Lorjhu'/Courtesy of Lorjhu')
T
hrough the moniker Lorjhu’, Sumenep native Badrus Zeman aims to reconnect with his hometown by writing songs about his unique childhood experience in coastal Madura, east Java.
The island of Madura, located on the northeastern coast of Java, is mostly known for its salt production and karapan sapi (cow race), but Lorjhu’ — the one-man band of Badrus Zeman, a native Madurese — gives us another reason to talk about the island.
Sung entirely in Madurese, Lorjhu’’s debut album Paseser is a unique blend of contemporary electric guitar-based rock, psychedelic, folk and elements of Madurese traditional music. Released by the popular indie label Demajors Records, Paseser has caught the ears of critics and music lovers alike, making Lorjhu’ one of the most exciting newcomer artists this year.
David Tarigan from Demajors, a DJ and professional vintage Indonesian music archivist, said Lorjhu’’s strong Madurese flavor is unique and rarely heard in the Indonesian popular music scene.
“To make it more interesting, the Madurese flavor is combined with the hipster-friendly ‘world music’ sound that is currently popular, such as the desert blues of Africa or the revival of psychedelic Thai molam music interpreted by western bands such as Khruangbin.”
‘Dangdut’, world music and heavy metal
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