If anyone knows how to keep the beat it’s this rhythm master from Jakarta. Taking on his father’s musical talent, Hendra Duo has been hitting skins as a profession for over two decades and has carved a well respected name into Indonesia’s music industry. Beyond his talent with world music sounds, the dance scene is also his playground and he’s heading our way to play alongside DJ Endy Becker at Blue Eyes on the 5th. The Beat stepped in for a soundcheck…

BeatMagz : When did you pick up your love for music?
Hendra DP: As my dad was a musician I started accompanying him from the age of six

BeatMagz :Were there a lot of lessons from a mentor or are you self taught?
Hendra DP:My mentors were my dad and his friend Mr Dullah (RIP), one of Indonesia’s legendary percussionists. I managed to forge my own style though…

BeatMagz :At what age did you have your first live performance?
Hendra DP:When I was 16 years old.

BeatMagz :What style of music were you into back then? Has your taste changed a lot over the years?
Hendra DP:Although world music is my chosen field, dance music remains my favorite.

BeatMagz :Is your style influenced more by Indonesian rhythms or Western drumming techniques?
Hendra DP: A mix of both.

BeatMagz :Do you have any spiritual or other personal beliefs tied to your percussive work?
Hendra DP:I play music with all of my heart, always.

BeatMagz :Over your career have you spent much time involved in one band?
Hendra DP:No, I’ve generally stuck to session work.

BeatMagz :Which do you find more satisfying?
Hendra DP:Working alone and creating my own music or collaborating with DJs’ and other instruments both bring huge satisfaction.

Beatmagz :Which drummers/percussionists/musicians have been significant role models for you?
Hendra DP :Cuban Luis Conte and Puerto Rican Giovanni Hidalgo. Two of the most respected and recorded percussionists in the world.

BeatMagz :Who have you worked with that has been most inspiring?
Hendra DP:Erwin Gutawa, one of Indonesia’s best composers.

BeatMagz :What have been some of the biggest highlights for you over the years?
Hendra DP:I was invited to perform with 14 percussionists from 6 different countries in Kuwait last February. I’ve also had a chance to play in the Philippines.

BeatMagz :Any new projects on the go?
Hendra DP:Yes,I’ll be collaborating soon with traditional musicians from Aceh, Bali and Papua.

Beatmagz :How long have you been working with Endy Baker?
Hendra DP:Almost 5 years.

BeatMagz: What can we expect to hear when you perform together?
Hendra DP:My energetic percussion work collaborated with DJ Endy’s track collection.

(From http://www.beatmag.com/bali/241/index.html )