Bio

Dwiki Dharmawan is among Indonesia’s most gifted and celebrated music personalities: a multi-genre keyboardist; skilled composer and producer, and; a conscientious peace activist, equally committed to ecological preservation.

With a career spanning over 35 years and performances in over 80 countries, Dwiki remains one of his country’s most popular and respected industry stalwarts; a ‘cultural icon,’ of sorts. Having toured with the widely- acclaimed legendary Indonesian band he co-founded, Krakatau, for more than three decades, as well as with various incarnations of his ‘World Peace’ Projects (World Peace Trio, World Peace Band, World Peace Orchestra), Dwiki has made promoting social harmony and raising global consciousness a central focus of his efforts.
Dwiki’s passion for music began at an early age. Growing up in Bandung West Java, his home was situated behind the Bandung Conservatory of Music, where he’d often walk and watch students dancing to Gamelan music. Dwiki studied classical piano for several years before beginning to pursue jazz at the age of 13 — a transition that exposed him to John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Weather Report.

The foundation of his playing originates from the ancient Gamelan tonal system: the basis for the traditional music of Sunda, Bali, and Java. (The music of Krakatau adapts Slendro motifs to western diatonic scales, fusing its rhythms and unique melodies with jazz, rock, and funk structures).

With such an extensive international performance resumé, Dwiki Dharmawan is well-known and -respected across the globe. That said, his solo career took a huge boost forward when he teamed with MoonJune Records’ Leonardo Pavkovic in 2015, releasing what would be the first of many solo albums to come: “So Far, So Close.” Featuring fusion and progressive rock luminaries, Chad Wackerman, Jimmy Haslip, fellow MoonJune artists and Indonesian giants, Dewa Budjana and Tohpati, and legendary violinist, Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra).

2016’s follow-up, “Pasar Klewer,” saw Dwiki joining forces with some of the cream of the burgeoning London jazz scene: Yaron Stavi (bass); Asaf Sirkis (drums); guitarists Nicolas Meier and Mark Wingfield, and; Gilad Atzmon (sax, clarinet). The session also featured a guest appearance from visionary Italian vocal maestro (and fellow MoonJune Record artist), Boris Savoldelli. It was a breakthrough release; earning 5-star reviews in the prestigious Downbeat Magazine, and with other well-respected critics, such as All About Jazz.

2018 witnessed Dwiki on the receiving end of yet more critical praise, with the exquisite “Rumah Batu.” Augmented by a stellar cast of players, vastly international in scope including the enigmatic French virtuoso, of Vietnamese descent, Nguyên Lê, on guitar; legendary flamenco fretless bassist, Spain’s Carles Benavent; and, once again, the proven progressive backbone of fellow Israeli-born, UK transplants, Yaron Stavi (upright bass) and (supreme drummer) Asaf Sirkis – this landmark recording offers an intimate glimpse into Dwiki’s unparalleled genius as player, arranger and songwriter. Brimming with adventurous compositions, ingenious arrangements and superlative performances, “Rumah Batu” defies categorization – eclipsing both progressive jazz and world music genres in spellbinding fashion.

Despite a long, storied musical career which has been marked by large- scale successes and critical acclaim, worldwide, Dwiki remains constantly in search of new musical ground. In the Spring of 2020, MoonJune released Dwiki’s most daring, genre defying release to date, “Hari Ketiga”. This time, Dwiki reunites with Boris Savoldelli and Asaf Sirkis added with the presence of Markus Reuter (Touch Guitar).

His involvement in promoting Indonesian Cultural and Tourism around the world reflects his strong support and undying love for his nation. Dwiki has also served as a chairman of AMI Awards (Indonesia Music Awards) 2016-2021, chairman of LMK Pappri (one of Indonesia’s Collecting Society) 2016-2021, Secretary General of PAPPRI (Association of Artist, Singers, Songwriters and Musicians of the Republic of Indonesia). Despite a busy schedule, Dwiki has a concern for the younger generation . Over the years, through the Farabi Music Education Institute, he has trained and developed young musical talents, reflecting Dwiki’s passionate commitment to the musical development of Indonesia’s young generation.

Dwiki is endorsed by KORG. He currently uses the Korg Kronos SE, Korg Grand Stage, Korg Krome, Korg Minilogue, Korg RK-100 Keytar, Arp Odyssey, MicroKorg and Vox Continental.

Electronic Press Kit

Dwiki Dharmawan is among Indonesia’s most gifted and celebrated music personalities: a multi-genre keyboardist; skilled composer and producer, and; a conscientious peace activist, equally committed to ecological preservation.

EPK