Gamelan X, an ensemble from Oakland, CA, draws its inspirations from Indonesian, Balkan, African and American music traditions. Their dynamic sound is a unique hybrid of instrumentation and style stretches beyond what is normally considered “world music”. Call it a Bali-Bass Groove Ritual.

The musicians perform on a customized set of bronze gongs which range in size and pitch, from 4”-36”. For live shows, Gamelan X uses synth-bass, a live drum kit, brass, strings, African percussion, group choreography and vocal crowd interaction to engage listeners and dancers with a visceral groove experience.

The group is also known for performing Beleganjur, a traditional Balinese all-acoustic marching gamelan used for funeral and cremation ceremonies. (Burning Man has been the key venue for the group’s performance abilities to flourish and Gamelan X has participated in its closing ceremonies since 2003). The integration of both the Balinese and American music styles offers not only the audience, but also the group’s members a truly unique experience not widely explored in this part of the world.

Gamelan X evolved out of a 35-member performance collective known as the One People Voice Company. Formed in 2003 with the intention of exploring traditional Balinese music and theatre from an American perspective, OPVC accomplished its goal of playing at the Bali Arts Festival in 2005, as well as a performance at the Jogjakarta Gamelan Festival in Java. After a series of American dates, OPVC shifted its creative focus from large theatrical productions to music concerts. In 2006, the name Gamelan X was chosen to reflect these changes.

Scheduled for early 2008 is their debut studio album SATU (which means "one" in the Indonesian language) for Earthville Records. This wildly eclectic 67-minute sound-world odyssey showcases the band’s ability to take the intensity of their live shows, and translate that energy into the subtler studio environment.