Friday Q&A with a Bali resident
This week with Krisna Floop
Combining the flute with multiple loops, Krisna came up with the name and sound of Floop. He can take his world music to the big stage, the intimate room, or a garden wedding party with ease and is appreciated wherever he lands. There is something unique about FLOOP, let’s find out more.
The basics.
Where are you from and how old are you?
Born & raised in Bali, to an Australian mother & Balinese father.
How long you been in Bali?
All my life! Although I did live in Australia for 3 years to study music.
Single or hooked up?
Whew! That escalated quickly! Haha. Married, divorced, then was hooked up but currently single.
How did you first get into live music? Like, was there a certain moment you knew it was for you?
I’ve always played music from a very young age. I was very lucky to grow up in a very supportive environment, but there was one moment that stuck out. I was busking in Melbourne during my uni days, there was a homeless guy watching me the whole time. On my way home, we shared the same cabin on the train. He walked up to me and told me if it wasn’t for the music I was playing he would have taken his own life. From there I took it as a duty and privilege to share more music into this world.
Well, that’s a pretty awesome moment. Who is your greatest influence in live or electronic music?
Where do I start? I’ve always loved Hendrix & Marley. More recent artists would be Bobby Mcferrin – what he can do with his voice is other worldly. DUB FX, his live looping skills and the sounds he creates is just insane. Tiki Tane, as a producer and engineer is one of the greatest. And for bands, Earth Wind & Fire, Fat Freddie’s Drop & Katchafire to name a few.
Besides live music, what do you think of electronic music?
I think music is music. Electronic music is just another form of the art of sculpting sounds and frequency. In a sense, I see electronic music as a way to celebrate dance and culture, just with new ways of producing it.
For example, as humans we’ve always danced around the fire with music, and perhaps it started with sticks and drums. Now, it’s just the same thing, but with DJs and fancy lighting. But still dancing to the rhythm of the beat.
Of course, when it comes down to it every one has different taste and preferences to the music they enjoy. Personally, I’m a sucker for DnB and jungle.
Do you produce music?
I do. I’ve produced a single I collaborated with Kai Mata called “When I’m with you” you can find it on Spotify. But I do feel like I still have lots to learn with producing.
How long have you been a musician and how would you describe the music you make or play?I’ve been performing professionally for about a decade now. I would describe my music as soothing, ambient, experimental & worldly.
How does it feel being a solo performer, and generally, a solo performer in Bali
Being a solo performer has its pros and cons for sure. Not having to rely on other musicians for rehearsals saves me a lot of time. But on the contrary depending entirely on my equipment (eg. Loop machine, etc) can be problematic if I encounter a technical issue on stage.
I enjoy playing solo, but I definitely do miss the synergy of performing with a band.
What’s your favourite area in Bali to hang out (day-time)?
During the day in my free time I love to hang out at the beach. Uluwatu is really nice, I love Padang-Padang beach. If I have lots of spare time I love to go up further north and spend my days by the lake or go trekking in nature.
What’s your favourite place in Bali at night (where you don’t work)?
If I feel like going out when I’ve got some time off, my go to places are Klymax in Potato Head, Les Toilettes, and I recently discovered a small speakeasy bar called Karat in seminyak. I really enjoyed that spot. Anywhere with good music & a good sound system will do it for me.
What do you do in your spare time? Any other interests?
I’m currently learning how to DJ. Eventually I would like to combine my live instrumentation and live-looping with DJing. I think that will go down well. I also love to play basketball.
Where are you a resident, or regular musician?
Every Monday at Sundays Beach Club Uluwatu. I also play every second Sunday at Analog Cafe Uluwatu. And twice a month at Zest Ubud.
