JAKARTA – The Sounds Project Vol. 9 returns to energize the 2026 festival season with its Phase 2 lineup announcement. This year’s theme, Beyond Memories, promises more than just a nostalgic trip for the audience. The organizers aim to create core memories that live forever within the hearts of every attendee. The festival occupies Ecovention & Ecopark Ancol in Jakarta from August 7 to 9, 2026. The international lineup features British pop-punk giants Neck Deep in an exclusive Southeast Asian performance. The festival also brings Nusantara Beat, an Amsterdam-based psychedelic band, back to their roots. These musicians from the Netherlands successfully promote Indonesian musical colors on world stages as major headliners. They perform exclusively in Indonesia only at The Sounds Project Vol. 9 this year. Meanwhile, the iconic 2000s rock band JET provides a massive wave of nostalgia for the millennial generation. They revive the soundtracks of youth for thousands of fans in Jakarta.
The Rise of a Grassroots Musical Phenomenon
The Sounds Project started as a humble campus event with a single stage in 2015. It grew organically from a tight-knit community into one of Indonesia’s largest music festivals. This evolution represents a rare success story for a grassroots initiative in the national industry. Gerhana Banyubiru, the Founder & CEO, maintains that consistency requires more effort than starting a new project. He believes the festival grows alongside its audience as long as they share the same intentions. The eleven-year journey marks a significant milestone and a personal core memory for the entire team.
The Psychedelic Charm of Nusantara Beat
Social media buzz surrounds Nusantara Beat due to their unique Indonesian-language repertoire. This Amsterdam unit consists of Jordy Sanger, Megan de Klerk, Michael Joshua, Rouzy Portier, Sonny Groeneveld, and Gino Groeneveld. Lead singer Megan de Klerk surprises the public with her fluent Indonesian vocals on every track. Their debut self-titled album features eleven songs that evoke a distinct 1970s atmosphere. Tracks like Ke Masa Lalu and Kota Bandung offer lyrics that resonate deeply with the Indonesian experience. They currently tour Europe and Australia, bringing their archipelago-inspired psychedelic sounds to a global audience.
Anticipating the Final Reveal
The organizers have revealed only 60 out of 120 total acts so far. This announcement means fans can expect many more surprises in the coming weeks. Presale 1 tickets currently remain available on the official website following a sold-out early bird phase. They are available on thesoundsproject.com
Photo doc. Nusantara Beat
