Munir lets "technology run wild" for 'Komputer' EP

Multi-faceted artist Munir Harry Septiandri, aka Midnight Runners, hit the music shelves again this February, this time with some seriously wonky-wired attitude.

He is one of the founders of Peels Records in Bandung, and the recently closed Peels Records and Bar in Perenenan, Bali; the artist also runs his own imprint and musical archive collection called Peace Freedom.

His latest EP ‘Komputer’ (Bahasa Indonesia for ‘computer’) embraces the intersection of traditional and contemporary music as the theme, and Munir makes a no-hold-barred attempt at computing what our ears should be hearing in the future.

Read this next: Peels Bali gets “kicked out” from Pererenan location, as announced on social media

Dripping in sonic nostalgia, ‘Komputer’ EP depicts the transformation of self-expression where roots are honoured and a future sense of creativity rides along in tandem.

The four-tracker opens with a charming broken-beat groove titled ‘Analogue’, followed by mid-tempo floor-breaker ‘Tuhan’ on which the drums scream and shout “old-skool”. ‘Sinden’ transcends us into the cosmic disco realm and Munir lays out a great space for a cerebellum workout. He closes with the title’s lead, ‘Komputer’, where he lets technology run wild.

Extracted from the release’s press blurb, it seems likely that technology wrote this about ‘Komputer’: “Through online platforms and digital tools, artists can collaborate in real-time, exchanging ideas, melodies, and performances to create truly unique and boundary-defying musical experiences. In essence, the collaboration between traditional music and contemporary music with a modern computer touch represents a dynamic fusion of past, present, and future. It celebrates the diversity of musical expression, invites exploration and innovation, and serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, connect, and transform.”

Read this next: Munir shares stories from recent Asia tour via 'The Soundtrack Of Sentiments'

Septiandri is no stranger to “inspiring, connecting and transforming” souls on the dance floor. And no matter the hour of the night, his latest ‘Komputer’ EP holds a timeless place for good times to be had.

Munir ‘Komputer’ is out now on Peace Freedom Records. Listen below and get your copy here.

Arun Ramanathan is Mixmag Asia’s Director. Follow him on Instagram.