the first time I came across Tommee Balukea, the internationally renowned musician played an acoustic set at Crystal Palace bar Double Six beach.
Tommee Balukea is business savvy, 51, "Bob Marley" of Indonesia, born in the jungles of Bima, Sumbawa in 1962, of a Christian mother and a Muslim father. Thank you to his innate musical talent, Tommee lives in Queensland, Australia for 28 years as an expatriate, spending his free time skiing snow.
Growing up in Bali since 1992, Tommee soon learned to speak Balinese, and during his schooling in Denpasar, a teacher introduced him to the percussion and drums, which led him on the path of musicality and playing festivals abroad. He began to experience life on tour in unknown cities of him. His biggest challenges were the language barrier and how to behave in a foreign culture. By learning to speak English, life Balukea was changed forever.
These days, the casual man who came from the jungle speaks six languages. Tommee is a natural musician who has never had any musical training. To write songs, he uses his gifts as a good sense of rhythm, a sharp ear and a natural interest in the people he meets while traveling the world.
The music ofTommee conjures images of life simple Indonesian village. It is full of stories and the traditional independence. A familiar mix of roots reggae, Latin and African beats mixed with innovative guitar strings, the musical journey will take each listener on a personal journey to exotic lands. Tommee gave exceptional performances in Australia Woodford Folk Festival (2003-6), Womadelaide (2006) and the Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival (2009).
sixth CD, Balukea recipe, contains the music styles of the islands of Indonesia, the Caribbean and other moods of the island. He sings in three languages Bimanese, Indonesian and English. The tracks are named after the ingredients in his favorite food, which is of course Palumara, fish soup his grandmother.
Recognizing and letting go is the recipe for a good life. Music is my food and my medication. I am also fortunate to have four children; two girls and two boys.
What has influenced your music?
My music was influenced by my life on the island of Bali, with the traditional sounds of the gamelan. I sat in a rice field under a coconut tree and play my music, which was a big part of my life by then. At 12, I started to learn the guitar and the Spanish battery. I started learning music on my mother's kitchen equipment.
What was your first real instrument?
My first real instrument was a drum kit, and 18, I was a professional artist in a place in Kuta, Bali, play with African friends. Thank you for Bob Marley for the way he wrote his words and Jimmy Hendrix to his style.
What is an instrument of Kecapi?
The Kecapi is an instrument of 20 West Java strings. I knew the Kecapi existed and I had always wanted to learn to play a stringed instrument, so I taught myself then went to release five albums using this instrument. I also play the guitar, cello and percussion in different styles, self-taught.
What do you write?
Some pieces are named after the ingredients in my favorite food. Most words are for my memories of happy childhood. They are quite philosophical.
I attribute my grandmother for my luck and success in life. She was illiterate and had plenty of land on the island of Sumbawa, and that the wealth it ensures that all children, including my own father, got an education. My father became a judge, possibly work at the Supreme Court in Jakarta.
Describe Bima Sumbawa.
Bima has several tourist destinations, such as Mount Tambora Wawo Traditional Village, and Snake Island. There are many white sand beaches, both in the northern and southern parts of Bima, with beautiful scenery. Its main attraction is the mosque Sultan Salahuddin. Foreign visitors are more attracted to visit Hu'u beach for surfing or Tambora volcano for hiking.
Do you teach you how to produce music?
I taught myself all aspects of the production of a music CD, writing lyrics, playing music, creating arrangements and post-production mixing.
Which countries have you visited during a tour?
My solo performances have taken me at Peats Ridge Festival (2006, 2007 and 2009) as well as visits Indonesia, Canada, Europe and Japan.
Who did you shoot with recently?
Recently, I shot with an exciting new rhythm section Rory Brown on bass and Walter Piccolruaz the pandeiro.
What do you do next year?
My fourth album was released and is called material is thick. Next year, I would set up my own studio and continue around the world.
Where can I buy your albums online?
https://soundfoundation.com/artists/tommee_balukea