DJ CREAM

Biography

It all started way back in time: 1997. The influence of the New York urban scene inspired Reza Arnanda — better known as DJ Cream —to establish himself as an “urban DJ” and become one of the pioneers of Indonesia’s urban club music scene. At the same time, he upgraded his event production company, Soul Menace (Indonesia’s first Hip Hop party promoter) into an international standard production house.

DJ Cream was the first Indonesian Urban DJ to be awarded ‘Best DJ’ in the Paranoia Awards 2006, which elevated him to the position of ‘frontman’ of the so-called “urban” scene, arguably, he is one of Asia’s best.

He gradually gained recognition as Indonesia’s representative in the international club circuit. His no-strings-attached attitude, genre mish-mashing, mix-and-match musical moves, are now famous. He’s known for playing whatever rocks the party, without losing his own signature style-combining intense energy with sophisticated mixing skills and tricks: from Funk to Classics, R&B, Hip Hop & House; even Reggae and Dancehall. He went on to play famous local festivals like The Junction in Bali, Sundaze @Segarra, Soul Nation, and—of course—headlining the urban area for The Jakarta Movement, Godskitchen, Cream, Heineken Thirst, and the list goes on.

His fine talent can be traced via his in-concert collaborations with KLA Project in 2005, RAN, Maliq & D’Essentials, Boogiemen, and /rif at Java Jazz 2007 & 2010; and also by his appointment as turntablist and also music production team in the Urban Jazz Crossover band.

Not only that, he’s also continued to host his notorious personal nights with his Soul Menace crew at some of Jakarta’s ultra-prestigious events, such as Mashed Potato at Domain, and Rewind (winner of Paranoia Awards for “Best R&B Night”). He has also been chosen as the opening act for famous artists like Craig David, Brian McKnight, Ja Rule, Naughty By Nature, The Roots and Prodigy; plus had a beautiful chance to share decks with his major inspirations: Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, Questlove (from The Roots), DJ Premiere (Gangstarr); as well as with some of the world’s most respected DJs like Cash Money, Kenny Dope, Laidback Luke, Diplo, Seiji (Bugz in the Attic) and many more.

Remarkably, he has also successfully built his international reputation, spinning across the globe. From Asia (Kuala Lumpur & Singapore) and Australia (Melbourne), to the United States (Los Angeles) and Europe (Rotterdam and Amsterdam). For 4 years consecutively (2004 – 2009) he performed shows in The Netherlands, along with DJ Irwan, his long time conspirator and one of Europe’s highest-profile urban DJs. They’ve teamed up and toured clubs such as Now & Wow, Outland, and Hollywood Music Hall (all in Rotterdam); Bed Eclectic at Hotel Arena, Bloemendal Beach, P60, and Sinners (all in Amsterdam). This major European tour schedule has truly been the highlight of his life thus far, as he puts it: “It was a dream come true and the most inspiring moment of my career, yet.. ”




Hard working. Passionate. Skill & tricks extraordinaire. A guaranteed hip-shaker. Four terrific elements in one: DJ Cream.

Track Record in Detail

Local collaboration:
- with KLA Project (solo concert, 2005)
- with RAN (Java Jazz, 2007)
- with Maliq n’ D’Essentials, Boogiemen,
- /rif (Java Jazz, 2010)
- Turntablist and Co-Producer team for Urban Jazz Crossover band (2008, 2009, 2010)
- LLW w/ Indra Lesmana, Barry Likumahuwa, Sandy Winartha & Dira Sugandi

Opening for international acts:
- Craig David, UK
- Ja Rule, US
- Brian McKnight. US
- The Prodigy, UK
- Naughty by Nature,US
- The Roots, US

Spinning with international DJs:
- Grandmaster Flash, NYC
- Jazzy Jeff, Philadelphia
- Cash Money, Philadelphia
- Kenny Dope, NYC
- Seiji, London
- Nino Brown, Melbourne
- Quentin Harris, NYC
- Laidback Luke, Amsterdam
- DJ Irwan, Amsterdam
- Diplo, Detroit

International festivals:
- Jakarta Movement
- Gatecrasher
- Godskitchen
- Cream
- The Junction
- Java Jazz
- Soul Nation

Overseas performances:
- Hollywood, LA
- Rotterdam
- Amsterdam
- Melbourne
- Singapore
- Kuala Lumpur

Testimonial:
“DJ Cream has given a super amazing touch in /rif’s live show in Java Jazz. Very classy!” (/rif)

"First time I worked with Dj Cream was for touring on 5 cities for Urban Jazz Crossover 2010, and I really enjoyed his musicality and his working ethics. He's also a nice friendly person. Knowing a dj always relate to night life, surprisingly, Dj Cream has a good healthy

attitude:) I love his selections of songs he played, and how he mixed it. His mix really made me dance till dawn, I was having a blast and so did everybody. Would love to come whenever he's dj-ing." (Maylaffayza)

“DJ Cream, one of the most soulful DJ in town! We performed together once at Java Jazz 2008 and we had a blast. All the best to him!” (Asta Andoko, RAN)

“Definitely Indonesia’s finest R&B DJ; everybody will always scream for DJ Cream!” (Nino Kayam, RAN)