This week with NOBI
DJ Nobi is an accomplished DJ but first began with classical music being trained on the piano as a child. After seeing a famous classical pianist play with an electronic music backing she was hooked and quickly gravitated to the decks. She obviously knows her way around music, which has undoubtedly helped her along the way. She is now a full time DJ mainly playing special events. Let’s find out more.
THE BASICS
Where are you from and how old are you?
Born in Jakarta, 38 years old (Indonesian Chinese heritage).
How long have you been in Bali?
Around 5-ish years. Since around Covid lockdown I moved from Jakarta to Bali.
Single or hooked up?
Let’s just say I’m taken 🙂
How did you first get into electronic music? Was there a certain moment it all made sense?
I was born into a musical family and have learned piano since 5 years old. I have a big love for classical music. Growing up I also liked to explore all kinds of music genres including dance music. My curiosity for electronic music first started when I watched a live concert of Maksim Mrvica. He is a skilled classical pianist but played not only solo like the typical classical concerts but also with background musicians who played loud electric dance music. I was so enthralled and started to find electronic music more interesting.
Who is your greatest influence in DJing or electronic music?
Many. Let’s say currently Dom Dolla, Anyma, Eric Prydz, Hugel, Byor.
What do you think makes electronic music so good?
It’s music that can make you move and dance the whole track.
Do you produce music?
I’m currently learning to be a good one I hope. It is one of my goals.
How long have you been a DJ and how would you describe your music?
I learned to DJ in 2018 in Jakarta but was not really active in dance scene for a while. I started working as a DJ in 2022 in Bali. How to describe my music? I basically play music that I enjoy. My favourite and the most I play is Tech House but I also enjoy playing Afro House, Tribal House, Melodic House, Melodic Techno and Psy Trance.
Was it easy or hard to become a professional DJ in Bali.
The “easy part” for djs in Bali is there are more varied genres where DJs can explore and express more freely, while in Jakarta (based on my party experiences as a guest) the dance music is more boxed in on the current trend and chart hits. Another thing that I enjoy is the working hours here as there are lots of beach clubs or bars that start early in the day and close quite early too at midnight. As Jakarta is a night party city, where the nightlife is very fun and the crowd numbers are actually bigger than in Bali. But there is the flip side too, what I like in Jakarta is it has more supportive djs communities (especially for local talents), the djs community is more solid and has lots of music workshops and gatherings.
What did you do to make it work for you? Maybe some inspiration for others trying to break into the DJ scene here.
I prefer slow but sure rather than making something viral. I’m more focused on my own abilities and improving them. Surround yourself with good positive people that can make you feel more motivated. Stay true to yourself, believe in yourself, when things don’t go as you want don’t feel down or give up but use it as a learning lesson, fix what you lack, and learn to be better. Just be confident and enjoy the music yourself so that the vibe becomes contagious.
What’s your favourite area in Bali to hang out (day-time)?
I’m more a homebody. Sometimes I like finding good coffee spots in Canggu.
What’s your favourite place in Bali at night (where you don’t work)?
Chill at some casual bars. If I have to pick clubs it’s Vault, Shi Shi, The Iron Fairies.
What do you do in your spare time? Any other interests?
Doing my other side jobs like teaching piano and look after my shops.
So you are an entrepenuer too. What kind of shops do you have?
Baron Barbershop in Canggu, some villas & a new one just opened Nail Shop.
And are you still playing live classical music and where?
Sometimes in my free time but mostly I play live on instagram. I posted many classical sessions on there.
What affect did learning and playing classical music have on your DJ life?
I still have classical music habits following me around like the piano playing stiff posture or complicating my mind counting the keys like music theory textbooks while dj-ing, but that also sometimes is a good thing, being able to track the key and matching melodies by ear.
Where are you a resident, or regular DJ?
Currently I’m more into events, but I do play often at Hatch.
Yes, I saw you play often with Umoja Beats at Hatch. What is that about?
Umoja Beats is a group created by Maria Senyawa that supports local talent currently with djs, saxophonist & percussionist which focuses on Afro house sounds. Umoja Beats is freshly created for a year and still growing well until now.