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Rich Brian, NIKI, Hue bring Indonesian flavor to collab single 'California'
The labelmates and compatriots bring a touch of Indonesian pop culture to the music video for their newly released single, "California".
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Rich Brian appears in a still from his "Bali" music video featuring Guapdad 4000, relased in April 2020. The rapper collaborated with fellow Indonesian musicians and 88rising labelmates NIKI and Warren Hue on the single "California", with the music video premiering on May 27, 2021. (88rising on YouTube/File)
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ndonesian artists Rich Brian, NIKI and Warren Hue, all based in the United States, on Thursday released the collaborative single “California”, which gives an early taste of their label 88rising’s much-anticipated third compilation album, Head In The Clouds III.
The single’s official music video on the label’s YouTube channel finds the Indonesian trio just hanging out, and includes a cameo by Japanese girl group and labelmate Atarashii Gakko!
The trio pays homage to their cultural roots, snacking on the popular chocolate paste Choki Choki and sipping Teh Kotak jasmine tea through a straw, even playing the congklak traditional shell game in one scene. NIKI (@nikiupdate) tweeted a montage of video stills to their fans’ delight, captioned: “Tell me you’re Indonesian without telling me you’re Indonesian”.
“This song is about three Indonesian kids that managed to chase their dreams. Whether it’s acting, being a scientist or an architect or both, it’s all attainable. [...] In this case NIKI, Warren, and I attained the same thing and that is making a career in California, which comes with its highs and lows,” Brian said in a press statement quoted by NME.
Read also: Rich Brian launches new EP, '1999'
The music video also features Asian families enjoying their day outdoors, whether playing chess or cycling.
“The process of making this song was interesting because it shows the perspective of three Indonesians talking about America and it’s definitely a fun project,” said Hue, whose music video for latest single “Too Many Tears” hinted at the collaboration with a single-frame shot of the trio at the end.
Both “California” and “Too Many Tears” are to appear on the third installment of 88rising’s compilation album, Head in the Clouds, named after its famous music festival.
Read also: Head in the Clouds Jakarta's latest coronavirus-postponed event
“Songwriting-wise, it was the most organic coming-together between the three of us,” NIKI said, as quoted by Southeast Asian media outlet Bandwagon.
Read also: Moonchild Experience: NIKI to present livestream concert
The single’s music video premiered the day after the livestream of 88rising’s “Asia Rising Together” benefit concert on May 26, when the trio debuted the song with an acoustic twist, joined by other artists like mxmtoon, eaJ (of DAY6) and RZA.
Brian and NIKI have been with 88rising for around four years, and also released recent singles “Sydney” and “Hallway Weather”, respectively. Hue is a new addition to the musical collective, first introduced on the single “Freaks” with Atarashii Gakko!, following up with solo single “Omomo Punk”.
The label has a fourth Indonesian artist onboard, singer-songwriter Stephanie Poetri known for her breakout single “I Love You 3000”.
