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.

Lonesome 'rebel'

Misellia was aware of the image that she had established leading up to the release of Penyendiri. Her previous singles, most notably "Isi Hati" and "Hati dan Logika" (Heart and Logic), had left an impression about the artist being a wholesome, lovable girl next door. Moreover, she was familiar with where the Indonesian pop music trends had ebbed and flowed in recent years, mostly in the loch of romantic balladry.

In working on her debut album, however, Misellia refused to go with that flow. "It sounds like a gamble now, doesn't it?" she quipped with a laugh.

Alone, not lonely: The album 'Penyendiri' finds Misellia presenting the beauty and the turmoil that comes from solitude through the perspective of a young adult (Courtesy of Merakit) (archive/Courtesy of Merakit)

Misellia explained, "My identity was a bit blurry before, but in this album my identity is whole – everyone is to know who I genuinely am. Maybe for everyone else, their teen lives revolved around the [romance] stuff, and I don't blame them for it because each of us is different, but for me? Hmm, I don't think so. I don't know whether that's a bad thing or not, but I feel like my days have become way more interesting thanks to my weird thoughts."

Her decision to step away from romantic narratives did appear to be a creative gamble. Her second solo single, the separation-laden "Akhir Tak Bahagia" (Not a Happy Ending), remains her biggest hit to date, generating more than 79 million plays on Spotify and an Anugerah Musik Indonesia (AMI) Awards nomination for Best New Artist back in 2021.

Nonetheless, Misellia believed that authenticity should go above and beyond marketability, even if that meant deliberately not having her biggest hit as the album's blueprint.

"Of course, it would have been easier [that way], but, the way I see it, it doesn't have to be easy," she quipped. "Maybe because I'm still young, everything comes [directly] from my mind. I won't call myself an idealist, but I am being kind of a rebel. Like, 'This is what I want while I still can!' Also, fun fact: I'm not the type of person who's into mellow stuff."

Another creative decision of Misellia's that may raise some eyebrows was the inclusion of more midtempo tracks in Penyendiri as opposed to propelling the album with sweeping ballads.

"These days, especially, it's been very hard to find new songs that could be my everyday jam. So, I just made them myself," she laughed.

A song for introverts

Misellia worked alongside several pop music veterans in delivering Penyendiri, most notably Donne Maula and Yura Yunita. The title track, which Misellia cowrote with Donne, ultimately became the genesis that tied the remaining tracks in the album together. Characterized by a peppy guitar intro, finger-snapping thumps and piano accompaniment that eventually reaches its crescendo, the title track finds the artist cheerfully embracing her social anxiety, inner fantasies and love for solitude.

Misellia commended the title track for its potential of being a pioneering "jam".

She explained further, "I've never heard anything like this on Spotify before – a song with lyrics like these and music production like this. Especially considering it comes from a young Indonesian musician who happens to be female. So, like, 'Wow, this is fresh, this is interesting, and, what's most important, this is me.'"

While the title track sheds light on the joy of being an introverted loner, the downtempo "Sendiri" (Alone) makes the case for the turmoil that comes from someone who enjoys her solitude more than she should. Co-penned with Yura, "Sendiri" is made available in two different versions in the album and, according to Misellia, was one of the most difficult songs she has written so far.

"It was exhausting producing that song, both mentally and physically," she divulged. "I gave myself up for this song."

Moreover, it took some convincing for Misellia to ultimately include "Sendiri" in the album. Her gut later told her that the song would generate a "massive" impact on its listeners.

"I knew [deep down] that this album would not be complete without this song," she added.

Misellia's fondness for withdrawing from the world has also taught her one or two things about dealing with life's challenges. "Repetisi" (Repetition), with its production harking back to new wave and pop, delivers a playful lesson about carrying on with what is ahead despite not knowing its merit or purpose. She was keen on taking a closer look at the mundane routine that, build by build, makes up a person's life.

"I wanted the song to be comedic, not serious at all. It's great, but in a witty kind of way," she enthused.

If we're honest

The unvarnished self-honesty of Penyendiri might either inspire or challenge its audience. Regardless of the actual impact, working on the album was also a manifestation of why Misellia decided to pursue a career in music in the first place.

"I want to comfort people with my songs, and the songs don't have to be all heavy and fantasy-like," she asserted. "They should be, like, casual; I want to come into this world and be friends with everyone through my songs. If I'm being asked why, being honest, I guess it's because that's my only option. It was never an option to be dishonest with my songs."

Donne Maula, who is also the cofounder of Misellia's music label, Merakit, felt that it was his duty to nurture her as a musician and songwriter.

"I think what's most important for an artist is how they don't feel 'tortured' when they pour what's inside their head into their work," he opined.

He also highlighted that, in his eyes, delivering a commercially impactful debut album was not his top priority for Misellia.

"Does the first album have to be successful? No. For me, the first album has to make people understand who the artist is," he concluded. "I do think of the numbers, but that's not the most important thing for me. Music is a marathon, and I want the artist to have a career for as long as they can."

Misellia's Penyendiri is available to stream on Jan. 27.