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[2025] Recommended Bands from Indonesia: A Summary
When people think of Asian music outside of Japan, many might only come up with K-pop.
But in fact, each country across Asia has a music scene with a deeply fascinating history.
This time we’re focusing on Indonesia, whose presence has been steadily growing—especially in recent years, with many Indonesian bands performing live in Japan.
In this article, we’ll dive into the appeal of top-tier bands that transcend genres like rock, pop, and metal, highlighting everyone from rising talents to seasoned veterans.
From a unique musicality that fuses tradition and innovation to lyrics that resonate deeply, you’re sure to discover sounds you’ll love.
Let’s experience together the rich depth of Indonesia’s music scene!
[2025] Recommended Bands from Indonesia (1–10)
your head as my favourite bookstore (feat. asteriska)Eleventwelfth
Based in Jakarta and active across borders, the emo/math rock band Eleventwelfths has been a formidable presence in the Asian indie scene since forming in 2014.
Their debut full-length album, SIMILAR, released in March 2023, features an inventive structure designed to work even when played in reverse, offering a deep immersion into their unique world.
The band’s compositional prowess is evident from their instrumental track’s nomination at the 2023 Indonesian Music Awards.
Their twin guitars weave technical yet beautiful melodies reminiscent of toe and American Football, resonating deeply with listeners.
If you’re looking to explore cutting-edge rock sounds from Asia, this band is a perfect place to start.
Kisah Dari Selatan JakartaWhite Shoes & The Couples Company
White Shoes & The Couples Company is an Indonesian band formed at an art university in Jakarta.
Centered on indie pop, their sound fuses jazz, ’60s pop, and even ’70s film music—a true “work of art you can listen to”! Their 2005 debut album, White Shoes & The Couples Company, caught the attention of a U.
S.
label, and in 2006 they were named one of the “most charming bands” by AllMusic, earning international acclaim early on.
Their uniquely stylish world—born from a multi-talented collective whose members also work in art and film—is part of their appeal.
They’re the perfect band to check out when you’re looking for retro, sophisticated Asian indie pop.
Love SongGrrrl Gang
I want to blast away everyday struggles and mental fog with powerful sound! If you feel the same, Grrrl Gang from Indonesia is here for you.
Their music inherits the spirit of indie pop and riot grrrl, overflowing with a “honey-vinegar” charm where sweetness and sharp edges coexist.
After their 2017 debut, they drew attention with their signature track “Dream Grrrl,” and in September 2023 released their long-awaited album Spunky! With candid lyrics drawn from the vocalist’s diary—singing about struggles with self-acceptance and more—you’ll find yourself nodding along, thinking, “I know exactly how that feels!” They’re the perfect band for blasting away the blues, channeling the same energy as their famously intense, sweat-drenched mosh-pit live shows.
Precious Me & Feel Any PainMilledenials
Millennials is an Indonesian band that gently wraps the endless restlessness of the digital age in beautiful, thunderous sound.
Formed in Bali in 2020, the five-piece captivates with a sound dubbed “emogaze,” traversing the intensity of shoegaze and emo.
They debuted in October 2020 with the single “Acceptance,” and drew critical attention with their 2023 double single “Precious Me & Feel Any Pain.” In May 2025, they received the “Special Award: Indonesian Popular Music” at a Japanese music prize, further extending their presence beyond Asia.
Their music has been described as a “space for collective healing,” as if gently staying close to the unspoken pain in one’s heart.
When you feel an overwhelming loneliness, their music might just lighten your heart.
DanSheila On 7
Sheila on 7 is a national band indispensable to any discussion of Indonesia’s music scene.
Formed in Yogyakarta, they’re known for their approachable sound rooted in pop rock.
Upon debuting in 1999, they shot to stardom with their signature song “Dan.” They went on to release a string of hits such as “Sephia,” and achieved an unprecedented feat in Indonesia: three consecutive million-selling albums with their first three releases, including the album “Sheila On 7.” Their talent is undeniable, as evidenced by numerous accolades including the Indonesian Music Awards.
The so-called “Sheila style”—straightforward lyrics that sing of the sparkle of youth and the happiness of everyday life, paired with melodies anyone can hum—has been loved across generations.
If you’re looking for heartwarming pop rock, chances are you’ll become captivated by them.
i’m not good at thisSunwich
True to their band name, “Sunday With Chocolate,” Sanwitch from Indonesia delivers sweet, feel-good moments.
Since starting in 2019, their track “Twenty” from the EP “Storage” surpassed 10,000 streams in just three days after release, sparking attention across Asia.
They’ve also been gaining traction among Japanese music fans, and in January 2025 they successfully completed a tour across four cities in Japan.
Their light, groovy sound feels like a well-earned treat.
If you’re into female-vocal indie pop, this is a band you definitely shouldn’t miss!
God, Allow Me (Please) To Play MusicVoice of Baceprot
Voice of Baceprot are a trio of Indonesian women who don the hijab and take on society’s stereotypes head-on with a powerful sound.
Blending nu metal and funk metal, their music seems to embody their band name itself, which means “noisy” in Sundanese.
Since their 2018 debut single School Revolution, they’ve earned global acclaim with songs like God, Allow Me (Please) to Play Music, a rallying cry for freedom of expression.
In 2023, they released their long-awaited debut album, Retas.
Riding on a mix of blazing riffs and funky bass lines, they cut sharply into social issues.
Their work has led to milestones such as winning a domestic music award in 2022 and, in 2024, becoming the first Indonesians to perform at Glastonbury—achievements that have inspired many.
If you’re looking for a band that shows how cool it is to stay true to your convictions, they’re a perfect fit.