Indonesian alternative band Elephant Kind will make their Newcastle debut with a performance at Gosforth Civic Theatre on September 25 as part of their current UK tour. The trio, originally from Jakarta, relocated to London in 2022 in pursuit of expanding their international presence and advancing their musical career.
Formed over a decade ago initially as a solo project by frontman Bam Mastro, Elephant Kind evolved into a three-piece ensemble with Kevin Septanto and Bayu Adisaopetra. The band built a substantial following in Indonesia, earning multiple awards and collaborating with prominent brands such as Gucci, Dior, Vans, and Dr. Martens. They have also supported international acts including The xx and Franz Ferdinand. Still, the move to London marked a clear ambition to explore new markets and musical influences.
Over the past few years, Elephant Kind have toured extensively, performed at festivals, appeared in radio sessions, and completed their latest album, More Time. The record reflects the band’s transnational experience, having been recorded in London, mixed in Los Angeles, and finalized in Jakarta. Bam described the album as a product of constant movement between different environments and emotional states, with London providing fresh musical stimuli and Jakarta remaining a meaningful home base.
Musically, Elephant Kind defy strict genre categorization, blending elements of indie, rock, electronic, dance, hip-hop, and Eastern influences. On More Time, the band consciously embraced a “genre-fluid” approach, prioritizing creative freedom over fitting into predefined musical styles. Bam noted this is consistent with their overall philosophy of exploration and curiosity rather than adherence to a particular sound or category.
The band also places significant emphasis on a cohesive visual identity that ties together their music, artwork, videos, and stage performances, aiming to create a distinctive and recognizable Elephant Kind experience.
Despite moving away from Indonesia to focus on the UK and European scenes, Elephant Kind remain connected to their original fan base. Their return to Jakarta last year saw them sell 3,000 tickets in under five minutes, underscoring the lasting support from their home audience.
The Newcastle show represents another step in broadening their reach across the UK. Bam expressed enthusiasm about performing in a new city and engaging with fresh audiences, highlighting the dynamic nature of touring.
The band’s live performances combine the physical energy of a traditional band setup—with guitar, bass, and drums—with a dance-oriented direction influenced by their latest work. Bam encourages attendees to expect a high-energy show that traverses diverse musical territories and fosters an immersive, uplifting atmosphere.
Elephant Kind’s Newcastle concert is scheduled for September 25 at Gosforth Civic Theatre. Tickets are available through the venue’s official website.