The 18-year-old pop singer-songwriter's freshman studio album, 'Penyendiri', addresses the beauty and turmoil of being a lone wolf on the precipice of adulthood.
he 18-year-old pop singer-songwriter's freshman studio album, Penyendiri, addresses the beauty and turmoil of being a lone wolf on the precipice of adulthood.
Sometimes the title of a record says it all. The title of Misellia's debut album, Penyendiri (Loner), for instance, gives off an impression that the pop singer-songwriter's record is less of an anthology of newer and existing tracks and more of a declaration of who she is – as both a musician and a human being.
Turns out, in a conversation with The Jakarta Post on Jan. 24, which was also three days before the album's official release, Misellia acknowledged that she hoped her album title was self-explanatory even before the listeners took a closer look at it. Penyendiri is her debut studio album, after all, and she aimed for the album to manifest her entire individuality, warts and all.
"This album is very personal and very close to my [heart]," said the Surabaya native, who first debuted with an acoustic pop number "Isi Hati" (Heart's Content) back in 2020. "After thinking it through, I was, like, 'What's the one word that describes me best?' And that would be a 'loner', which also sums up the entirety of this album. And, I think that's one of my unique points – being a loner."
Comprising 10 solo tracks, Penyendiri offers a glimpse of what goes on inside Misellia's head as her introverted self deals with the opportunities and the challenges the world has to offer, ranging from responsibilities, friendships, expectations and social pressure to white-knuckling through adulthood.
So, what kind of strengths does an introvert have that others might not?
"When we enjoy our solitude, we get to know and understand more about who we are. I think that's what's most important," she continued.
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