From Tabanan to Japan: Neo Nolin Studio Brings Tabanan’s Mandolin Art to the World

A Brief Historical Background

The Mandolin, or Nolin, was first introduced to Bali around the 1930s in Pupuan, Tabanan, as a result of cultural exchange between the Chinese and Balinese communities. In the past, the instrument was played in both noble and common households as a form of entertainment before it developed into a small ensemble complete with kendang (drum), suling (flute), gong pulu, and ceng-ceng (cymbals).

However, with modernization and changing musical tastes, the Mandolin tradition gradually declined and was nearly forgotten. Out of this condition arose a revitalization movement led by young Balinese musicians through academic research and experimental music exploration, which eventually gave birth to a new instrument called Neo Nolin.

Neo Nolin represents a tribute to the musical heritage of Pupuan, Tabanan—the region known as the birthplace of the Balinese Mandolin. The word “Neo” means “new”, symbolizing the rebirth of traditional spirit in a contemporary form. The studio was officially established around 2018 as a collaborative space for artists, academics, and students of ISI Denpasar (Indonesian Institute of the Arts).

The Role and Innovation of Neo Nolin Studio

Founded by I Nengah Raka Angga Nurbawa, a postgraduate alumnus of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar), the Neo Nolin Studio serves as a space for exploration between tradition and technology.

Angga reconstructed the traditional Mandolin into the Neo Nolin—a three-octave instrument (high, middle, and low registers) with 20 frets and a chromatic tone system similar to that of a guitar or piano. The Neo Nolin can be both plucked and bowed, expanding its tonal range and performance techniques.

Beyond creating new works, the studio also functions as a center for innovation and research in Balinese traditional music within an academic framework. It actively organizes workshops, practical classes, and collaborative research projects. Through these activities, Neo Nolin Studio not only preserves Balinese musical traditions but also provides a platform for the next generation of young artists to grow and innovate.

Structure and Musical Style of Neo Nolin

Neo Nolin adopts a chromatic and polyrhythmic system, setting it apart from the conventional structure of Balinese gending compositions. Its musical arrangements employ techniques such as augmentation–diminution, transposition, retrograde, canon, and tempo subdivision, resulting in expressive and complex works.

Despite its modern form, Neo Nolin remains rooted in the traditional Balinese concept of jajar pageh—the division into kawitan (opening), pengawak (main section), and penyet (closing)—which preserves the aesthetic balance characteristic of Balinese karawitan. This musical form serves as a bridge between classical karawitan and modern experimentation, where sound technology and stage design harmoniously intertwine with traditional philosophy.

Performance System

Neo Nolin performances are arranged in the style of a modern concert with an artistically designed stage layout. Eight Nolin instruments are typically placed in a curved formation on stage, supported by spool speakers, dynamic lighting, and a professional sound system that creates a distinctive auditory experience characteristic of Balinese experimental music. The performances are presented in two main formats: full instrumental showcases, in which Neo Nolin serves as the primary musical feature performing original compositions developed through the studio’s research.

Full Instrumental Performance of Neo Nolin (Source: Private Collection)

In the collaborative instrumental format, Neo Nolin merges with other instruments such as Gamelan Semar Pagulingan, guitar, flute, jimbe, and even Balinese pop vocals. This adaptive and cross-genre approach allows Neo Nolin to reach a wide spectrum of audiences—from academic circles to international festivals—while reinforcing its position as a creative evolution of Balinese traditional music on the global stage.

Collaboration Instrumental Performance of Neo Nolin (Source: Private Collection)

Achievements and Recognition

One of Neo Nolin Studio’s greatest achievements is its upcoming performance at the international stage of Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, representing Balinese contemporary musical innovation at a world cultural event. In addition, the studio has been frequently invited to regional art festivals and academic performances such as the Ubud Food Festival and the Denpasar Art Festival, where it showcases works produced through research in contemporary karawitan. These accomplishments affirm that Neo Nolin’s success is not solely measured by formal awards, but also by academic recognition, cross-cultural collaboration, and its tangible contribution to reviving the Balinese Mandolin with a new identity.

Performance of Neo Nolin Studio at the Closing Event of EXPO OSAKA 2025 (Source: Private Collection)

Challenges and Future Directions

Although Neo Nolin Studio has gained widespread recognition, it continues to face several challenges, such as the regeneration of young musicians, limited production funding, and insufficient digital music facilities. Moving forward, the studio plans to develop a digital archive of Neo Nolin compositions, release studio-recorded albums, and expand collaborations with national and international cultural institutions. Support from local governments and art universities is expected to strengthen the studio’s position as a future-oriented model of Balinese musical innovation.

Cultural Reflection

The presence of Neo Nolin Studio is more than just a musical project—it stands as a symbol of the spirit of Balinese youth in preserving cultural identity amidst globalization. Neo Nolin demonstrates that tradition can coexist with modernity without losing its foundational values. Through its creations and research, the studio teaches that creativity does not mean abandoning tradition, but rather reinterpreting ancestral heritage to remain relevant in the present era. In this way, Neo Nolin serves as a tangible example of how art can become a dialogue between the past and the present.

Closing Remarks

After a long journey of research, innovation, and performance, the story of Neo Nolin Studio proves that tradition is not a static inheritance but a living source of inspiration. In the hands of young Balinese artists who dare to experiment, the Mandolin—once born in a village—has now reached the world stage. Through research, innovation, and a spirit of collaboration, Neo Nolin Studio reaffirms that the future of Balinese music lies in its ability to remain rooted while continuing to evolve.