SODADOSA

An Exclusive Interview — Harsh Noise, Yogyakarta

After a long absence from the stage, Sodadosa — one of the key names in Indonesia's harsh noise scene — is finally performing again. We sat down with him to talk about a "hiatus" that turned out to be no hiatus at all, the new wave of local noise builders, his duo project with his wife, and one closing message worth printing on a t-shirt.

Glad to see Sodadosa performing again! After such a long break, what made you want to return to the stage?

There's no specific reason; sometimes I just respond to friends' invitations to perform. If the conditions are right, I'll do it. Time and energy aren't what they used to be, so I have to be more selective and limit my performance schedule.

During your time away, did you keep listening to noise music?

Yes. I've been listening to a lot of online releases from various labels with different rosters — No Rent, Ascetic House, and Hospital Productions, among others.

Sodadosa's last release was a split album with Lacked in 2021, featuring material recorded back in 2015. It seems like Sodadosa was on hiatus for quite a long time.

Actually, it wasn't really a hiatus; I still did several performances and tours, some of which weren't well-documented. I rarely upload my musical activities to social media. Right now, I'm more focused on the important things I need to prioritize: family, work, and my kid.

Lately, many new noise and synth noise creators have emerged. What's your take on that?

I really appreciate the concept of an independent economy and the DIY ethos, especially within the noise and music scene. The rise of new noise builders is great because they cater to the sound needs of players — providing access to noise devices, sound sources, and effectors that were previously hard to come by. In the past, we had to either import them or build them ourselves. These new builders are definitely a valuable part of the scene, as they directly support both the players and the community.

From what I've observed, the emergence of new noise players shows great development in the scene. Social media, particularly Instagram, has played a role in this. My hope for the future is that the sounds created will become more diverse — not just repeating the same style or references.

"My hope is that the sounds created will become more diverse — not just repeating the same references."

Do you have any plans to release another album as Sodadosa?

Probably, yes. I don't have a specific plan in place. It tends to flow spontaneously and organically. While I do have a personal desire to release something new, I'm not sure when I'll find the time to explore it like I did before.

Can you tell us about your project with Woro, 'Sulfur'? How did it come about?

Sulfur was formed in 2013 as a blend of two different sound styles. My wife, Dyah Isaka (aka Woro), focuses on ambient/drone noise, and I contribute the harsh noise element. The result is quite organic, without aiming for any specific sound description. We've put out several limited releases over the years.

We don't have any future plans at the moment, because everything with Sulfur is organic. Right now, Woro is focusing on her project with Nadya Hatta, called 'Metatesis' — a female, gloomy noise/experimental/improv duo with a similar spirit to Sulfur, but the sound is different. Still dark, though.

During your time away, I understand you focused on artwork. Speaking of which — your collaboration with Square Solid on the Chaosbyte synth as Nekrofux is really interesting. Aside from the artwork, did you contribute any input into the synth itself?

Andreas Siagian (aka Ucok, from Square Solid) is a friend with whom I discuss many things. As an artist and instrument builder, his insight and experience in the synth and electronic music world are extensive. I didn't provide specific input for the Chaosbyte, but we often talk about and share the process of making it.

There are many local noise builders, and Square Solid is one I highly recommend. The build quality and sound character are top-notch, and his contribution to the local noise and electronic scene in Jogja is really commendable.

What non-noise music influences your work?

I listen to and enjoy many genres — electronic, post-punk, shoegaze, metal, and pop. I think anything I consume — whether it's music, movies, books, or writing — unconsciously influences my work.

Okay, that's all for now. Any closing thoughts?

Make noise, not drama.

Project notes:

• Sulfur — duo with Woro (Dyah Isaka) since 2013; ambient/drone meets harsh noise, limited releases.

• Metatesis — Woro's project with Nadya Hatta; a female gloomy noise/experimental/improv duo.

• Chaosbyte — a synth built by Square Solid (Andreas "Ucok" Siagian), with artwork by Sodadosa as Nekrofux.
  
  Author : Ed - 2026

MAKE NOISE
NOT DRAMA