Bali-based DJ and Host of KUKURUYUK at Potato Head Headstream Radio
#HUEVOICES: Meet Nindy Noto.
By the way, just a heads up.
This series now lives in it’s new home at HueVoices.
You can read the updated version and subscribe to the latest interviews here.
Nindy Noto. I am a cross-cultural creative based in Bali, Indonesia. I have been a cultural events producer for over a decade and have recently transitioned into becoming a radio host during the pandemic. For the past three years, I have been the host of ‘Kukuruyuk’, broadcasting every weekday morning on Headstream by Potato Head Bali.
1. My hometown is Jakarta, Indonesia, but my home is Bali, Indonesia.
2. I live in Bali but I’ve also lived in Jakarta, United States, Canada, and Singapore.
3. The one thing I miss most about my hometown is the food.
4. If I was an ice cream flavour, I’d be dark chocolate.
5. My spirit animal is a butterfly. I feel like my life consists of many phases of cocooning and transformation. I feel that I’m always re-inventing myself.
6. The soundtrack to my life is Hip Hop and R&B from the 90’s.
7. As a child, I used to dream of becoming a ballerina and an architect.
8. Now I am a radio host, DJ and event producer.
9. But, in another life, I’d be a florist. I’m obsessed with flowers.
10. The “pinch-me” moment in my career so far was when I met legendary music producer Quincy Jones at a music festival I helped produce in Bali in 2011.
11. I am currently listening to a lot of Sade. She’s timeless.
12. My last three liked tracks on my Spotify are “By Your Side” by Sade, “Self” by Cleo Sol, and “Future Lover” by Thee Sacred Souls.
13. The last book/movie/article/podcast/artwork that left an impression was the movie Past Lives because it was a delicate film but beautifully made.
14. My most recent well-spent splurge was a new pair of DJ headphones.
15. I can never leave the house without my phone.
16. My go-to outfit of the moment is a t-shirt, high-waisted jeans and sneakers. It’s my uniform for work.
17. The shoes you’ll see me wearing most are Mary Jane’s and sneakers.
18. The scent you’ll smell on me is an array of essential oils.
19. On my bedside table, you’ll find the books I’m currently reading. I usually read a few at a time.
20. You’ll always find something sweet for dessert stocked in my fridge.
21. My idea of self-care is alone time at home to tune out from the noise of the outside world and reconnect with myself.
22. The one healthy habit I cherish most is meditation.
23. The type of vacation I crave for most is city time since I live on an island. Tokyo is number one on my list right now.
24. My ideal Saturday afternoon is going to the beach with friends if the weather is nice, or keep it low-key and stay home to relax. I may squeeze in a yoga class or massage if I could.
If you knew you had one day left to live, how would you spend it?
I would spend the day at home with my family.
What does success mean to you?
Being able to do something that you love that makes you feel completely aligned with your life’s purpose and something that brings you joy.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that helped shape your path to your current success?
When I started my radio show nearly three years ago.
What is one piece of advice you’d like to give to your younger self?
Take the time to check in with yourself especially when you feel stressed, anxious or unbalanced.
What is your secret to life or what’s your life motto? Why?
Stay grounded and keep your heart open. This is more of a reminder that I need to tell myself from time to time.
What’s something people often misunderstand about you?
That I’m doing too many things at once… I just have a lot of interests and am always curious about new things. I love doing different projects and having different hobbies. It keeps life interesting and exciting for me.
What values/legacy/perspective has growing up in Southeast Asia impressed on you?
Stay connected to your roots. Remember where you come from.
How do you define your cultural identity, and how has it evolved?
I’m grateful that I grew up with parents who made sure I stayed connected to my roots when I was young. I’m proud of my Indonesian heritage and I try to honor it as much as I can whether it’s in my work or different traditional practices that I’ve incorporated into my life.
I feel that I have a strong connection with my ancestors. I also think Indonesian culture is so rich and beautiful that there is still lots to explore and uncover for me. I feel that this is a big part of my life’s purpose and journey.
How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation?
I hope to inspire other Indonesians to stay connected to their roots as well. It’s something we should all be proud of. I also hope that my love and passion for music is contagious to others. Music just makes life better and uplifts us in the best way.
What is a tradition or custom from your Southeast Asian heritage that you hold dear?
As a child, I grew up dancing traditional Javanese dance. To this day, whenever I see it being performed, I can’t help but shed a tear. The slow meditative movements, the traditional gamelan music, and the stunning costumes are so ethereal.
Can you share an experience where you felt your culture was especially celebrated or particularly challenged?
The beauty of life in Bali is that cultural and spiritual practices, in particular, are done every day. Culture is always celebrated here.
How do you balance preserving your cultural heritage, embracing global influences, and honouring where you are now?
I think this comes naturally to me. Wherever I am in the world, I always like to incorporate elements of my culture into my daily life. This is also a way to help keep me grounded.
How do you share and celebrate your unique culture with others?
Organizing cultural events for a living has been the most beautiful way for me to share my culture with others.
Is there anything you would like to share?
That’s it! Thank you.
Make sure to check out passed and archived episodes of Nindy’s sick tunes and great conversations here.
What did you think about today’s posts?
If you have anyone to recommend that you think will be perfect for this series please send your suggestions by email to hello@thehappyhue.com.
Otherwise, let me know how this interview has impacted you. Don’t be shy to leave a comment or say hello at hello@thehappyhue.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks again for reading!
This publication is a solo project. My ambition is to build this space into a thriving and engaged community of like-minded curious minds. Thank you for your support.
If you enjoyed this, please share it with someone you care about or subscribe if you aren’t already part of this growing community.