Jakarta. Java Jazz Festival returns this year for its 15th anniversary with more diverse sub-genres in its lineup.

From the latest up-and-coming artists to legendary musicians, the upcoming festival has everything to offer to audience of all generations.

From a total of 40 international and 70 local artists, here are our picks of the festival's must-see performances.

Mac Ayres 

 

 

Mac Ayres may be only 21 years old, but he’s a lot of things already: a talented singer, music producer and multi-instrumentalist to an old soul.

Drawing inspirations from Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, J Dilla, Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, the New York-based artist has created songs that pay homage to his idol while remaining true to himself.

Two summers ago, his debut EP "Drive Show" was met with critical acclaim and landed him on Billboard, BBC, Tidal and Complex.

In July last year, he debuted a full-length album titled "Something To Feel," which he said was an emotional album written about his journey of self-discovery.

After touring across Europe and the US, Ayres is ready to delight his fans in Indonesia with soulful R&B songs that melts the heart.

Ayres' biggest hits include "Easy," "Something to Feel" and "Next to You."

Raveena

 

 

Indian-American R&B singer Raveena Aurora burst into the scene in 2016 with the single "You Give Me That," establishing herself as one of the most promising artist in jazz and R&B.

With her silky voice and soulful music, she evokes the spirit of female icons such as Sade, Corrine Bailey Ray and Minnie Ripperton.

In 2007, Raveena released a collection of restful songs that focus on self-love and self-healing. The short EP was highlighted by the singles "If Only" and "Sweet Time."

That same year, she also directed her own music video of "If Only," celebrating personal growth, femininity and women of color.

Last year, Raveena came out with a new song titled "Honey" and released her second video shortly after. The vintage-looking music video focuses on representing marginalized couples in a sensual and beautiful light as well as highlighting her South Asian roots.

This year, Raveena is in the process of completing her debut full-length album.

H.E.R

 

 

2016 was the year when Gabriella "Gabi" Wilson, better known by her stage name H.E.R. (Having Everything Revealed), made her name in music.

Despite limited promotion under her RCA record label, the contemporary R&B artist gained fame thanks to her labelmates Alicia Keys and Brison Tiller promoting her name on social media.

Her collaboration with Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer Drake in the "Jungle" music video landed her more offers to expand her career.

Her first EP "Vol. 1" was released in 2016, a paean on post-breakup vulnerability. In June 2017, the 21-year-old released a similarly styled follow-up titled "Vol.2."

H.E.R. also caught people’s attention when she collaborated with Canadian rapper, singer and songwriter Daniel Caesar in "Best Part."

Last year, H.E.R. and singer-songwriter Khalid teamed up for the Superfly soundtrack titled "This Way." Shortly after that, H.E.R.'s third EP "I Used to Know Her" went straight to the top of the R&B/hip-hop chart.

Toto

 

 

For over three decades, LA-based rock band Toto remains one of the top-selling/recording acts in the world.

Formed in 1976, the band scored a hit straight out of the gate with their 1978 debut "Hold The Line." In the 1980s, the band had huge success with a pair of smash hits, "Africa" and "Rosanna."

The band continued its success right up to the early 1990s, winning six Grammy awards in 1992.

Last year, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a tour for their "40 Trips Around The Sun" greatest hits collection that features three unreleased songs.

Despite some major personnel shakeups, the band has survived through changing trends and styles in the music industry. Their works have been enjoyed by fans across the globe and of all ages.

Adeavery

 

 

Surabaya-born guitarist Adeavery might not be a familiar name, but the 30-year-old artist has a repertoire highly respected by his peers and fans.

Adeavery has worked, played and recorded with several big names in Indonesian music including Raisa, Isyana Sarasvati, Andien, Marcell, Rossa, Afgan, Erwin Gutawa and Radhini.

Having picked up the guitar at a very young age, Adeavery studied guitar formally with Rio Saxophone in junior high school. Shortly after, he went to Yayasan Seni Musik Indonesia (YASMI) to hone his skills.

In 2017, the artist released his first solo album titled "Avery," comprising seven instrumental tracks. Last year, he released two singles along with music videos for each, "Zine" and "Fabs." Zine was nominated in the Best Urban Music Production category at the AMI Music Award.

Tags: Keywords: