Meet Albert Kurniawan | Session Drummer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Albert Kurniawan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Albert, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, where I grew up on a mix of traditional culture and Western music. That blend lit the spark for my music journey. At 18, I moved to the U.S. with a dream and a drum kit, ready to chase something bigger. It wasn’t easy, but every challenge pushed me to grow as a musician and as a person. That mix of roots, risk, and relentless drive still fuels everything I do today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My music is a mix of everything that’s influenced me over the years. I’ve always been curious about different sounds, and I love experimenting with new ideas. For me, the best music comes from a place of vulnerability and honesty, sharing the real stuff, the messy stuff, the things that make us human. And for what it’s worth, my favorite band of all time is Fugazi. They’ve been a huge influence on how I approach music, both in terms of sound and the DIY mentality.

Currently, I’m really excited about my band Long A (@longatheband), which just released a new single, “Dissolve,” featuring the amazing Tanya Donelly (Belly, The Breeders, Throwing Muses)
It’s been a journey of collaboration, and I’m proud of how the song turned out. Professionally, it’s been a long road. Nothing came easy, but each step whether it was touring in small venues, collaborating with incredible artists, or getting the opportunity to have my music heard on platforms like NPR has been a testament to persistence and staying true to my vision. Overcoming challenges has always meant pushing through self doubt, adapting to new environments, and learning from every failure. The key lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from embracing discomfort and staying adaptable. Success isn’t linear, and neither is the creative process. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.

As for what I want the world to know about me, I’d say that I’m driven by a love for music that’s genuine and constantly evolving. My brand is about staying authentic, being vulnerable in the work, and not being afraid to take risks. I want people to connect with the story behind the music, knowing that every beat, every lyric, comes from a place of passion and experience. It’s not just about the songs—it’s about the journey, the people you meet along the way, and how music can be a bridge to understanding and connection.
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Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooo, I could go on and on, but for the sake of the interview, I’d say: for food, definitely The Griddle Café or Sqirl. For drinks, Perch LA has stunning views and great vibes. If you’re into music, The Echo or Ace Hotel are top spots. For something outdoors, I’d hit up Griffith Observatory. If you’re in the mood for a museum, The California Science Center is a must. As for neighborhoods, I love Atwater Village, Highland Park, and Los Feliz. And for a quirky, fun experience, you can’t miss the Museum of Death.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I want to give a big shoutout to these incredibly artists who deserve some recognition. First, Jeanette Sims (@jeanette_sims), a fellow musician whose work I deeply support. She’s doing amazing things and I’m proud to cheer her on. Second, Richard Mendez (@richardfelipemendez), a brilliant photographer and filmmaker who took all my photos for Shoutout LA. His eye for detail and ability to capture the vibe of my music visually has been a huge part of how I present my work. Also, there is this LA band that I would like to give a shoutout to; they’re called Fear The Gray (@fearthegray) fronted by my friend Luis De La Cruz. If you haven’t heard of them, you should check them out.

Website: https://linktr.ee/longatheband?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacjcLBhcJWK866Obfggm8CiqkpbxdnHfIwrp8fWcYfZXrLUdJsyBMfZQghBbg_aem_e1nN4HfUWCqVhF4FyN_Gwg

Instagram: @albertjamesmusic

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/longatheband

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@albertjamesmusic

Image Credits
Richard Mendez of Rich Films