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

Peels Music & Bar recently announced on Instagram that it has closed its Pererenan space.

Having opened in late 2022, the venue affectionally known as Peels Bali was the second outlet following the first Bandung-based venue.

Speaking to Mixmag Asia, the Peels Bali team shared insights into the closure: "Just like what was written in our announcement; we got kicked out," they admitted frankly.

They mention how the venue's increasingly bustling parties led to noise concerns, eventually leading to their eviction: “That’s when you know you partied hard, when someone tries to shut you down.”

More than a bar or space for events, the team stated their mission to contribute to the preservation and growth of the Balinese music scene: “We want to create a space where everyone is welcomed and given the same opportunity, whatever their background.”

However, the team has expressed no regrets.

“We are very happy to be a platform where DJs from the Balinese community and all over Indonesia can come and showcase their music, but maybe Pererenan was not the right spot for us” they added.

Reflecting on the venue's significance, they emphasised its role towards the local scene: “Peels Bali was one of the newer venues that emerged in the Balinese music scene, but our presence provided a platform for nurturing and promoting local talent," they stated proudly.

Peels Bali actively collaborated with other collectives, be it in the form of events, merchandise and more. One of these initiatives was a weekly program with Paddygrooves Radio, airing live sets from different DJs.

Read this next: The Lighthouse Saigon announces sudden closure via social media

Recalling some of the venue's standout moments, they highlighted events like New Year’s Dance and "H.A.N.D PARTY" (in collaboration with Berlin’s Sound Metaphors) as particularly memorable, bringing together friends from different cities and even countries.

Read this next: Club Conscious heads to Bali's Nuanu for second DJ bootcamp in March

Despite the closure, the team remains optimistic about the future, sharing how plans are already underway to find a new location that better suits their vision.

“Peels is more than just the place itself, it's the energy from our community,” they emphasised, adding “We will bring it somewhere where our music can play louder and longer!”

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram