Hailing from the clay-rich lands of Jatiwangi on Java, LAIR (pronounced “lah-eer”- a local dialect for the Indonesian word ‘lahir’, meaning ‘birth’ or, roughly ‘being born’) is a six-piece psych-soul/funk ensemble rooted in the vibrant traditions of Panturan Tarling – a grassroots performance art from Java’s northern coast.    

Formed in 2018, LAIR delivers a sound that’s both festive and reflective, an honest sonic portrait of life – channeling the humid air, election posters, rickety buses, and burning asphalt of Java’s northern coast into an unforgettable aural experience of rhythm, chanting and explosive movements of dance and joy.  

Their latest album Ngélar, LAIR deepens this narrative. With terracotta instruments in hand, they explore themes of land, memory, and resilience, paying tribute to their hometown’s heritage as Indonesia’s center of clay craftsmanship. Ngélar (a term for celebratory roaming performances) is more than just an album—it’s a ritual, a method, and a reflection of the band’s intense sonic journey through a rapidly industrializing landscape.   

Their performance at Lost Farm Festival will be an immersive and communal experience, like the traveling processions that inspired them – bringing a sense of movement, connection, and celebration to the margins. 

Photo: Deby Sucha