Alkisah
On February 21st, 2021 L_KW and Soydivision joined a global group of 44+ record labels to co-release Indonesian experimental duo Senyawa’s new album, Alkisah. Paying homage to the vast archipelago of traditional musics from Indonesia and fusing it with uncompromising experimental improvisation, Alkisah galvanizes the efforts of smaller collectives and labels to decentralize the distribution and release of the album.
The project was written about in the New York Times, Pitchfork, The Quietus, Create Digital Music and countless other publications internationally. The album co-release culminated in a 48-hour, decentralized online festival featuring music, video, and artwork from the over 45 collectives and hundreds of artists involved.
The story of Alkisah itself, – roughly translated to ‘once upon a time’ – tells the tale of a once proud kingdom collapsing in on itself. Rampant abuses of power, the corruption of human character, and the decaying of our planet have all brought about our final Judgement Day – Kiamat.
What happens now that the apocalypse has arrived?
Articles and Interviews
Senyawa: Indonesian experimentalists detach and decentralise with new album ‘Alkisah’
NME
Date: 30.11.2020
Author: Azzief Khaliq
Language: English
One Album Released by 44 Labels. Is This the New Global Jukebox?
New York Times
Date: 18.02.2021
Author: Grayson Haver Currin
Language: English
Senyawa to infinity: Alkisah is a 44-label release, a decentralized festival, and more
CDM
Date: 19.02.2021
Author: Peter Kirn
Language: English
Tone Glow 052: Senyawa
Date: 19.02.2021
Author: Joshua Minsoo Kim
Language: English
I Primi Giorni Dopo La Fine
Date: 25.03.2021
Author: Enrico Monacelli
Language: Italian
Satu Dasawarsa Berkelana, Kini Duo Senyawa Membumi
Date: 13.01.2022
Author: Dzulfikri Putra Malawi
Language: Bahasa Indonesia
Senyawa Membaladakan Keselamatan, Kiamat sudah Lewat!
Date: 9.12.2021
Author: Agustinus Rangga Respati
Language: Bahasa Indonesia
Senyawa: Alkisah Album Review | Pitchfork
Date: 23.03.2021
Author: Marc Masters
Language: English
Podcasts, Radio and Video
Senyawa x Communion x Artetetra present→ Project Alkisah
Radio Raheem Milano
Date: 19 March 2021
The album that spawned a transnational decentralized network with Rully Shabara (Senyawa)
Interdependence.fm
Date: 21 May 2021
Unusual Business – Decentralizing and Commoning Music
Nusasonic
Date: 27 May 2021
Aliksah Panel @ Cosmic Gathering 2021
Mutant Radio
Date: September 2021
ADAM Online｜Level 3 Alert: Art Variants｜EP2: Senyawa
ADAM
Date: August 2021
Bersenyawa: Senyawa Live in Bantul (Dokumentaria)
Date: 27 January 2022
Album Release
Soydivision and L_KW partnered to release a special edition vinyl album, bundled with Aliksah-themed sambal and jamu from Berlin, Germany. Working with Rabih Beani (from Morphine Records) on distribution and PUSHSTANDART to develop the packaging, the cover is made from 100% recycled and biodegradable carton and each sleeve has been silkscreen-printed by hand using color paste made from Indonesian ingredients of turmeric, rice meal and kecap manis.