Rising alt-pop artist Mezzaluna conquers music on her own terms
Introduced earlier this year as one of the first Asian artists to join pan-regional music label, OFFMUTE, Mezzaluna has captivated music fans with her jazzy, soulful and sometimes brooding take on pop music. With deep, sultry vocals and intensely personal storytelling style, the Indonesian newcomer delivers inspiring and powerful songs with a universal reach.
She also grew up in a musical household as the daughter of Indonesian rockstar, BimBim — drummer of the legendary Indonesian rock band Slank, and started picking up the piano and guitar at an early age. Despite coming from a lineage of acclaimed and respected musicians, Mezzaluna forged a path of her own, and developed her own sense of artistry in a uniquely humbling way.
This sense of eclecticism is deeply felt on her debut single “In Situ,” which she wrote at the start of her music journey. “It was one of the quickest writing processes I’ve done as I was being honest with my feelings,” Mezzaluna shares. “Since it was based on my own personal experience, I was just speaking from my heart.”
Carrying the weight and wisdom of heartache beyond years, the alt-pop star explores darker but relatable themes that come from a place of experience. The glacially paced pop tune, which threads the line between darkwave and trip-hop, soul and jazz, came to fruition with Indonesian producer Gio Wibowo.
“Working with Gio on the song was surreal to me as I didn’t think that I would make it this far,” the 20-year-old artist admits. “It started out as a fun little project that I thought would only stop there but it turned out great and I really am proud of it.”
The track is accompanied with a music video helmed by Deby Sucha and produced by Howdy Productions Indonesia. The visual treatment conveys the anxious wistfulness and melancholy Mezzaluna sings about in her song: The juxtaposed imagery of light and dark mirrors the feelings of exposed vulnerability and obscured hopelessness, while exuding the polarizing tension of stillness in waiting and restlessness of impatience.
“‘In Situ is a song about reaching out to someone that isn’t responding, so what’s left is a feeling of hopelessness to the point where you just accept anything without expecting or fighting for it anymore,” Mezzaluna explains. “The music video truly captures the essence of the song. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Mezzaluna’s In Situ is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via OFFMUTE and Sony Music. Check out the music video here.
