Sound Traveler | Monty Hasan
Raised between the shores of San Diego and the vibrant streets of Jakarta, Monty Hasan has been immersed in a diverse tapestry of cultures and sounds. This unique upbringing has shaped his distinctive musical style, one that seamlessly blends soulful house with global influences.
As the co-founder and music director of Jakarta’s Bebop bar, Monty is no stranger to curating unforgettable experiences. His sets often feature a fusion of house music with Latin rhythms, while also venturing into the realms of afrobeat, dancehall, and amapiano.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Monty is passionate about sustainability. His eco-conscious headwear brand, Topiku, reflects his commitment to environmental preservation.
Globetrotter Lab: What does being a sound traveler mean to you?
Monty Hasan: Being a sound traveler to me means two parts. The first is the selector’s responsibility to set the mood, taking listeners on an auditory journey. I think this is where the magic of DJ-ing takes place; it’s the power of music, which utilizes only one of the senses (listening), to evoke other feelings.
The second part is that of global connectivity. I’m always in awe to see members of my music community here in Indonesia, whose music is played by DJs across the world. That’s the power of platforms like Soundcloud, which help to bridge different cultures and communities. Geographically, it’s the beauty of exposure; as a child, my parents played a lot of bossa nova & samba, which has had a great impact on the music I like to play and produce.
Globetrotter Lab: What inspired this mix for Globetrotter?
Monty Hasan: This mix for Globetrotter is inspired by my love for setting the mood. Throughout my DJ-ing career, I haven’t considered myself much of a headliner – it’s a privilege to set the stage for other artists and guests. It’s always a fun challenge to get the room started, especially when I throw hints of what energy & flavors the crowd can expect later in the night.
This mix exemplifies that – it’s a mixtape that caters to many different moods and environments.
Globetrotter Lab: Favorite spot to DJ in Indonesia?
Monty Hasan: Haha, this answer is biased, but I have to say my bar, Bebop, in Senopati, Jakarta. With Bebop, our music community has a home, offering “unorthodox” experiences compared to what is offered in the city.
Outside from Bebop, it would have to be the Lawn, Canggu. Nothing quite compares to the backdrop of a Bali sunset.
Globetrotter Lab: Describe the current state of nightlife affairs in your city?
Monty Hasan: In my opinion, nightlife in Jakarta is a cornerstone of they city’s experience. In general, I see a big hustle mentality, which leads to a culture of “work hard, play hard.” As most people are busy in the daytime battling traffic, social gatherings tend to take place at night within the countless watering holes across town. The growing diversity of venues is exciting, as it means that in order to stand out, music communities will need to adapt in order to showcase what makes their sound unique. We’re on the right track.