Pursuing her passion for music, our talented alumna is now a Sony Publishing independent artist and has released her latest single.
When did you study at GESS and which graduation year were you in?
I was a GESS student from 2009 (Kindergarten) to 2023 (High school graduate). My time at GESS was my absolute core memory growing up. It was my second home as I grew up with the classmates, teachers and staff around me. I was in the graduating class of 2023.
What was next for you after you graduated from GESS?
During my final year at GESS, I was at a crossroad, contemplating my next steps. Though university was an option, I realized a gap year would be my perfect choice. Music has always been my passion, from childhood to now, and I felt this was the ideal time to fully dedicate myself to it. I’ve decided to embark on a musical journey in Indonesia, confident that my studies can be resumed late, but my passion can’t wait.
You have ventured into the music industry as a singer. Can you tell us more about your experience? How did this start?
My journey into the music industry began in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I spent three transformative months there, diligently building my artist profile through numerous gigs, studio recordings of cover songs, and filming accompanying videos. Immersing myself in the local music scene allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my culture and the workings of the Indonesian music industry.
After Yogyakarta, I moved to Jakarta, the bustling heart of Indonesia’s music industry. There, I dived headfirst into my singing career, connecting with musicians, industry professionals, and media companies. My days were filled with meetings with music labels, artists, managers, and music aggregators, giving me invaluable hands-on experience.
I seized every opportunity, performing at various gigs and quickly writing and recording my first professional song with a producer. I learned the intricacies of marketing music, pitching, and the processes involved with platforms like Spotify, from recording to mastering and distribution. Releasing my first single led to a radio tour across Indonesia where I had the incredible chance to be on air with multiple stations and even tried my hands at radio hosting.
Collaborating with Indonesian artists and producers has been a privilege. Signing on with Sony Publishing early in my career is a significant milestone, offering me insight into the industry’s workings. Additionally, working with music distributors like The Orchard has been an exciting and educational experience.
Your music is both in English and in Bahasa Indonesia. Please let us know more about your Indonesian songs.
As an R&B singer, I’ve noticed that the genre isn’t very prominent in Indonesia. While I usually write songs in English, I wanted to challenge myself and connect more deeply with the Indonesian music scene by writing and singing in Bahasa.
My second single, “Merayu Waktu,” is in Bahasa and explores the theme of loss, whether through grief or simply missing someone. This song is particularly special to me as it was inspired by the passing of my manager and best friend, who was my biggest supporter. I want to dedicate this song to him and to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
In Indonesian culture, expressing love for those closest to you isn’t very common. As an individual with mixed heritage, I felt it was important to convey in this song that it’s okay to tell someone you love them. Life is short, and it’s crucial to let the people you care about know how you feel.
To celebrate the release of “Merayu Waktu,” I held a listening event where I spoke about loss and the importance of expressing our emotions. I wanted to encourage others to embrace their vulnerability and support one another in difficult times.
Tell us about the challenges of starting a music career. Do you have any?
Starting a music career comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest is discipline. You have to be the one making connections and networking to find the right circle to help launch your career. For me, a major challenge was watching most of my classmates and friends dive into university life, surrounded by peers going through the same experiences. Meanwhile, I was starting from scratch in a completely different world, with no peer around me going through the same journey. The fear of missing out was real, but over time, I realized this feeling was natural and valid. As I got to know my environment better, I began to meet people who were also forging their unique paths, which helped me feel less isolated and more understood. So, it is really all about taking things step by step at your own pace.
Where are you in your music career now? What comes next? What are you planning next in your music career?
I released my latest single, “Merayu Waktu,” on 21 June 2024. Moving forward, I’m planning off-air events and more radio tours to promote this single. I’m also gearing up to film a music video for my next release. In addition, I’m busy writing new songs and getting them into the studio as soon as possible. My ultimate goal is to share my music and journey with a global audience, spreading my voice far and wide.
Do you feel GESS helped you in your music career, and if yes, how?
GESS played a crucial role in shaping my music career. From early years here, the school offered a variety of after-class activities such as vocal lessons and music classes, which were my favourites. These classes provided a creative outlet and a relaxing environment where I could express myself.
As I grew older, I joined the Rock and Pop band, performing at school events and assemblies. This experience significantly boosted my stage confidence. Middle school music lessons at GESS were particularly insightful, broadening our understanding of music beyond just playing and listening. They introduced us to the idea of choosing music as a focused subject in the IB programme, highlighting the creativity and interpretation involved.
During my IB years, I chose music, which prepared me immensely for my current journey. A special shoutout to Mr. Dubiel, my music teacher since grade 6, who always supported my passion for music. He provided countless opportunities and motivated us to understand the true essence of music.
Do you think your time at GESS had an impact on your life?
Absolutely, my time at GESS had a profound impact on my life. Growing up within the GESS community, we shared so many memorable moments, through our studies and beyond, shaping me into the person I am today. The support and comfort from teachers were invaluable, and I’ll always remember the staff’s friendly smiles throughout my school days. The friendships I made at GESS are core memories that I’ll cherish forever.
Are you still in touch with your classmates? Any plans to meet up with them for a reunion?
I’m still in touch with my classmates. It’s wonderful to see the diverse paths they’ve taken and their new interests. It’s incredibly heartwarming when they reach out to say they’re proud of me and are following my music journey. It feels great to have the support of my school community. While organizing a reunion is challenging with my classmates scattered across the globe, I’m certain we’ll reunite whenever I am in their part of the world.
Is there any piece of advice or any experience you would like to share with current GESS students?
If I could share a message with current GESS students, it would be this: Always pursue your passions wholeheartedly and commit to them with determination. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone because that’s where personal growth truly happens. Believe in yourself and take the leap — you’ll surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
