Dewa Budjana
Contact: Leonardo Pavkovic - Moonjune Records, [email protected]
Photo by Turi Pendulum
In his native Indonesia, Dewa Budjana is a bonified rock star. As guitarist in the popular band Gigi, he has maintained healthy album sales and hit status throughout many Asian territories since the early ‘90s. His latest solo ventures, however, reveal an equally accomplished jazz-fusion acumen that has come to fruition in the last few years. His latest release of instrumental music is called Hasta Karma on the Moonjune Records label.
What’s the first thing that you notice when you listen to yourself from recordings of five or 10 years ago?
Sometimes I’m ashamed when I hear my old recordings. Sometimes they’re funny. A lot of times I’m thinking how I can blend the melody and harmony in a better way. It just depends on what I’m listening to.
What guitars and effects are you using?
I have a PRS Custom 24 guitar. I also use a Duesenberg hollow body guitar. But at home I still use my Parker Fly Deluxe for studio overdubs. And for acoustic I have a Taylor. For gear I’m still using Mesa Boogie and Bad Cat amplifiers. For a preamp I use a Bob Bradshaw Custom Electronics CAE 3+ model.
Who are some musicians that have influenced you?
John McLaughlin was the one who got me into playing different kinds of music, like jazz. Before that I was just playing pop music. Weather Report is another group that influenced me as well.
What is your most underappreciated quality?
Maybe composing? A lot of musicians I’ve played with, such as Jimmy Johnson, Gary Husband, Antonio Sanchez and Joe Locke, have said that a lot of my music is very simple and melodic, yet complex inside.
What has been a highlight for you as a live performer?
There have been many highlights with my band Gigi. But a big one for me was when we recorded at Abbey Road Studios. But as a solo performer, playing a large concert featuring my jazz-fusion music in Jakarta in 2007 was very special.
How are you able to adapt to musical situations working with so many different people, as you do?
When I play with Gigi for 5,000 or 10,000 people and then play with my jazz group in a small club––those can be very different kind of experiences.
For me it is all about finding a balance between the two. But still it is all about trying to play my best––playing at a minimum level and not overplaying or overdoing it.
