IWANOUZ
1
ABOUT
Iwanouz’s cultural roots and broad musical influences are alive in his music - an eclectic and energetic mix of electronic, reggae, funk, and traditional ethnic sounds. A member of the indigenous Marind Tribe and part of a large family with a rich musical heritage, he was born on the island of Papua, Indonesia amidst the rhythm of waves and the sound of wind in the coconut palms.
Although Iwanouz displays his musicianship with a multitude of instruments including keyboard, keytar, drums, melodica and vocals, the keys are where he shines. YAK Magazine once titled him “Bali’s answer to Bruce Lee on keyboards”.
Iwanouz’s life of music has brought him to the stage in Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, Finland, Slovenia, Russia, and across Indonesia. He is currently a member of two bands, The Nameks and Steven & Coconuttreez. He also performs live looping shows as part of his self-titled solo project, Iwanouz.
Iwanouz’s professional music career took off when he moved to Jakarta in 2005. He was a founding member and the keyboardist for the legendary Indonesian reggae band, Steven & Coconuttreez. Between 2005 and 2010, the band played on stages throughout Asia and released three albums that included hits such as Lagu Santai and Welcome to My Paradise.
In 2012, Iwanouz took an opportunity to return to his roots and moved to the small island of Gili Trawangan. For four years, between surfing, fishing, and snorkeling, he was a resident musician at Sama Sama Reggae Bar. The island lifestyle infused Iwanouz with new inspiration for his solo project.
The island of Bali provides the perfect balance of small city life and tropical paradise for Iwanouz's solo sound. Through a process of looping live instruments and vocals, Iwanouz offers the illusion of an entire band on stage and gives audiences an upbeat and interactive experience. Two of his most loved songs are Crazy Cidomo and Mambo.
In 2021, Iwanouz brought together The Nameks. Their single, Fill My Soul, was well received upon its release in 2023. They have been invited to play at major festivals throughout Indonesia including the Jojakarta Volkswagen Festival, Jelajahin Livin Sanur Fest, and the Sama Sama Reggae Fest.
Iwanouz was officially reunited with Steven & Coconuttreez in 2023. They play regularly in Java and on other islands in Indonesia.
You can follow Iwanouz's musical journey on Instagram and Facebook, watch him on Youtube, and listen to him play with The Nameks and Steven & Coconuttreez on spotify.