Balawan is the only guitarist 8 finger tap Independent in Indonesia. Balawan have the talent to play guitar with Tapping Touch Style technique, which is to play guitar with almost no plucking. He played the guitar looks like playing the piano, his fingers always plays eighth tab on the fretboard. This technique was popularized by Eddie Van Halen in the 1970s.
When child, Balawan learn to play the Balinese organ which the speed and pentatonic harmonies into the game essence. Balawan started playing music since the age of 8 years and then formed the band at the age of 14 years. Balawan play a few songs Scorpions, Deep Purple and the Beatles. In 1993, Balawan got a scholarship to the Australia Music Institute for two years to explore jazz music.
In 1997, Balawan back to Bali and formed Batuan Ethnic Fusion (BEF), a musical group that blends jazz with Balinese gamelan. This group consists Balawan, Wayan Suastika, Wayan Sudarsana, Nyoman Marcono, Nyoman Suwidha, Gusti Agung Bagus Mantra, Gusti Agung Ayu Dewi and Ito Kurdhi Risna. BEF play traditional instruments such as reong, flute, Rindik, genggong, drums and cengceng. (1993-1995). In 1999, Balawan released his first album "Magic Finger".
In Indonesia, Balawan has been recognized as one of the best guitarist in Indonesia. Balawan has often filled TV show in Indonesia and performed at jazz cafe, Ubud (Bali) with his Batuan Etnic Fusion band and his jazz group. Balawan is a guitar teacher and often perform at several music schools in Indonesia. Balawan also has been endorsed by Ibanez and Laney. Previously, Balawan also have done the Tour of Europe: East Meet West Festival Gitarren Edekoben Germany 2000 Tour, Tour to 20 Cities in Germany in 2001, tour to Hell Blues Festival in Norway (Sept, 2001) and released his solo album produced in Germany in 2001.