Interview: Adam Alydrus talks about his debut organic house/downtempo album on Sol Selectas, “The Bridge”

Adam Alydrus is a multi-instrumentalist and organic house/downtempo producer who just dropped his debut album, The Bridge, via Sabo’s Sol Selectas. Hailing from Bali in Indonesia, he is also the designer and creator of the “Indulung” instrument that features prevalently in his music. The Bridge is a magical 9-track album, and we invited Adam Alydrus for this interview so we can learn more about it…

How did you first discover electronic music?

“I first started exploring electronic music around 2008, experimenting on my own with VirtualDJ software and an external mixer. At the time, it was just for fun—spending hours remixing tracks, and sometimes jamming with friends on a Pioneer CDJ-350. Those were simple but special moments of sharing and discovering music together. My current sound developed much later, after I moved to Bali in 2021. That’s when I got my first looper, and began blending electronic elements with my organic instruments. After being invited to perform at an event, I created my first electronic piece called, “Way to the East.” After several shows, people showed great appreciation for my music, which I was performing live with a looper. That’s how I continued creating pieces for different events, until I realized I had enough music to put together an album, and that’s how The Bridge was born.”

 Who are some of your biggest influences, and what makes them so inspiring?

“Years ago, I listened a lot to artists like Calvin Harris, Safri Duo, Avicii, and Black Eyed Peas. Over the years, one of my biggest influences has been Nadishana, especially when it comes to multi-instrumentalism, experimentation, and exploring new ways of playing instruments. Lately, I’ve been enjoying music by some amazing artists in the scene, like Sabo, Afrosideral, Jarl Flamar, and more. What makes them so inspiring to me, is their honesty in music, and their humbleness in life.”

Tell us about the, indulung, instrument you created, and what makes it so unique?

“The indulung is a hybrid instrument that combines several instruments in one body. It was first inspired by two iconic instruments in Kalimantan that I love to play – the sape and the gambus, as well as my desire to make traveling and logistics easier. From there, I decided to expand it by adding more elements, including a kalimba, melodica, percussion, and in the latest prototype, a one-hole flute. The indulung can also be played as an oud, tar/saz, guembri, and even rebab when used with a bow. What I find most impressive about the indulung, is its minimalistic and compact design, while still offering so many features and possibilities for performance.”

Can you talk through the concept of your new album The Bridge?

“The Bridge connects several aspects of my life musically. The journey of the album moves geographically from my homeland in Borneo, through the islands of Indonesia, reaching the lands of my ancestors in the Middle East. It then continuing to the Balkans, where my wife comes from, and even beyond, toward other beautiful traditions waiting to be discovered. The album was shaped and brought to life in Bali, where the vibrant international scene inspired and motivated me to experiment, influencing the sound it has today. The Bridge itself also has a personal meaning for me. It was a place in my hometown where my friends and I used to spend time—a place where people of all ages would gather, connect, and share. That’s what I hope this album can do as well: create a space for connection and sharing with those who listen to it.”

How do you approach making a new track, and what studio equipment is essential to your sound?

“Method 1: involves free play with my looper. I start by freely improvising with the looper—building a chord or drone, then adding rhythm by playing percussive elements on the indulung, like hitting the strings or the area near the pickup. I record everything live as a multitrack composition, capturing the raw idea in the moment. After that, I bring it into Logic Pro for further processing, where I might refine the arrangement and add extra samples or beats if needed.

“Method 2: Is where I start a new track in Logic Pro by building a pattern with the sampler, then developing the beat with Drum Machine Designer, then add synths and pads using Alchemy. From there, I like to bring in live elements and just improvise, freely playing the indulung or other organic instruments. No overthinking, just letting ideas come naturally, and trusting my intuition/muscle memory. Once I have a few sketches, I go back and choose the melodies that resonate the most, sometimes re-recording them if needed. In terms of tools, I like using Logic Pro’s sampler for shaping and transforming sounds, along with its built-in compressor, EQ, and Drum Machine Designer. I also use plugins like FabFilter Pro-Q3 for precise sound shaping, Valhalla for reverb and shimmer, and iZotope Ozone for finishing touches.”

My studio setup includes:

– MIDI controllers: Icon X6, Akai MPK Mini Play, M-Vave SMK-25

– Microphones: Audio-Technica AT2020, AKG P120

– Speakers: Yamaha HS8

– Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

At the end of the day, it’s less about the gear and more about capturing the feeling and the soul of the moment.

Your new album is out on the Sol Selectas record label run by Sabo, how did you first make contact with the label, and which other imprints have you worked with?

“I first met Sabo at Bali Spirit Fest last year, where I was opening the day. I didn’t have many expectations for a big crowd, because of the early time, but it turned out to be a really good show. Sabo and his wife Helia watched my performance, and reached out to me right after. To be honest, I was a bit panicked—I’ve been a fan of his work, so it was a big surprise and a real honour. I’m really grateful that moment connected us, and gave me the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Sol Selectas. Before that, my projects were mostly released with the support of friends and community. So, Sol Selectas is the first label I’ve officially worked with, and I’m truly grateful for their trust.”

Tell us about your live shows, and if you have any gigs coming up in your schedule?

“At the moment, I mainly perform at events in Bali. My show is a blend of electronic beats, live looping, and live performance on various instruments, with the indulung as the main character. The set builds gradually on stage, guiding the crowd from flowing movements into an ecstatic dance journey. I’m happy to share my music again at Bali Spirit Fest this year, from April 15–19. I hope to see you there!”

What are some of your passions outside of music?

“I love woodworking, building musical instruments, exploring new gadgets and tools. I also enjoy watching stand-up comedy, having a movie night now and then, traveling, and of course, spending time with my family.”

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, what else is coming up in your schedule, and is there anything you want to add before we finish?

“Thank you so much for the questions, it was my pleasure! I’m planning a few exciting shows, so stay tuned to my social media to find out more.”

Adam Alydrus’ new album “The Bridge” is out now, buy it HERE.