Indonesia

Bali

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Beyond the curated sounds of Potato Head’s Klymaxx and Headstream, finding good music in Bali can feel elusive—unless you know where to look. Our music guide is your portal to the island’s most cherished spaces, where sounds from Indonesia and beyond come alive, creating a musical landscape that’s as diverse as Bali itself.

While Bali’s music scene is often dominated by the crowd-pleasing beats that cater to its tourism-driven nightlife, there are pockets of the island where things get more interesting. These smaller, underground scenes are where the true creative energy thrives, with intimate parties and events that offer something far more authentic than the typical holiday soundtracks.

If you’re keen to skip the shamanic house and find a sound that truly represents Indonesian talent alongside a curated mix of international artists, you’re in the right place. According to bavgs, the curator of this guide, Bali offers a rare opportunity for DJs. 

“It’s one of the only places in Indonesia where you can work full-time as a DJ, with bars open daily and a constant demand for fresh sounds. The island’s soundtrack is influenced by the happy, uplifting music popular in this holiday destination.”

Potato Head 

Run by everyone's favourite person in Bali, Denny Novikar, who is also a painter and active in the band and hardcore punk scene, this place carries a lot of hip-hop records and classic disco. They also have a small corner space for bands to jam, which they feature on their YouTube channel.

Open since 2017, this store carries thousands of various records, from avant-pop icons like Charli XCX to obscure ambient projects and rarities. This store is a must-visit destination if you want to go record digging.

A cute corner located in the heart of Denpasar above a coffee shop, where you will find new and second-hand records, cassettes, books, zines, posters, and merchandise curated by Gilang, who is active in the punk/hardcore scene.

Amidst the party scene that dominates entertainment in Bali, this place stands out with its rowdy rock 'n' roll bar concept. A rotating list of talented bands hits the stage daily. It is also a destination for international and domestic bands when they tour Bali.

From classic punk records like Black Flag - My War and Poison Idea - Pick Your King, to Japanese music, anime soundtracks, and rare Indonesian records by Margie Segers 

Gimme Shelter

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