Bringing Southeast Asia to the fore in global music
TOPPING Spotify’s Global Viral 50 for over four weeks and scoring nearly half-a-billion streams in six months, Stephanie Poetri with her debut single, “I Love You 3000,” released in 2019, is deemed a phenomenon, receiving praises from popular music and entertainment platforms Billboard Magazine, E! and Buzz Feed.
Inspired by what Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) uttered in the “Avengers Endgame” movie, the song has sparked countless covers and fan videos across cyberspace.
Born in Indonesia, with her mother Titi DJ being one of Indonesia’s biggest artists and most recognizable personalities, Poetri is bringing Southeast Asia to the fore in global music.
Just last February 14, Valentine’s Day, the pretty 19-year-old singer-songwriter released two new singles, “Do You Love Me” and “Touch” under Infinite Thrills/88rising and distributed by 12Tone Music.
“We put out both ‘Do You Love Me?’ and ‘Touch’ on Valentine’s Day because it is quite interesting especially for us single girls,” Poetri said in an exclusive phone interview with The
Sunday Times Magazine.
She said that “Do You Love Me?” seems an upbeat bright song, but the lyrics actually tell it is dark.
“It is about someone who is currently going through unrequited love and trying to figure out if the person she likes could like her back. It is a childish interpretation of love, that’s why it sounds a little empty and emotional,” Poetri said in the interview.
On the other hand, “Touch” details when missing someone’s presence. It is a romantic, mid-century modern story about yearning for that special someone and the everyday routines that used to be shared.
“‘Touch’ shows a more mature maomebody. side of losing somebody. It is more intimate [than an ‘Do You Love Me?’], as if the song is coming from inside your head.
That’s why the song sounds a little bit more quiet and emotional,” she said.
In this exclusive interview with the Indonesian songstress, arranged by Anne Poblador of Amplified Entertainment, Poetri shares her innermost thoughts on how she creates music, her feelings as a rising global pop star and what her Filipino fans can expect (when this Covid-19 pandemic is over).
The Sunday Times Magazine: Can you share how is your creative and songwriting process?
Stephanie Poetri: It definitely depends on the day. Sometimes I write melodies first, usually through humming. Sometimes [too] I would be talking to a friend then a phrase or something I say stands out to me and I’ll be like, “Oh, I want to write a song with that specific word or phrase in mind.” What’s great about songwriting is that it comes out of anywhere. It doesn’t necessarily come through one specific process.
STM: How do you get inspiration in your songwriting?
SP: I find inspiration from anywhere but specifically from artists that I’ve really been into in terms of songwriting, like Phineas and Alec Benjamin. I think they have the certain kind of songwriting where it is very deep and without needing too many words. It’s really cool to be able to put so much meaning into a song with little words.
Love You 3000”?
SP: “I
Love You
3000” was quite different in terms of the techniques
I used. “I Love
You 3000” is so much slower.
The lyrics started quite bright. In my opinion, it is easier for me to sing happy songs because I have a happy tone in my voice. So by singing both “Do You Love Me?” and “Touch” which are quite sad, I had to really figure out how to sing to show the emotions instead of sounding happy.
STM: Your mother Titi DJ is such a big artist in Indonesia. Do you ask her for advice when it comes to music?
SP: She hasn’t given me advice ever since I started going out of the country because of her understanding that the industry is different. She had given me advice as a person though. A lot of it is like staying true to yourself and be a humble person. Because she grew up as a musician, it was apparently quite hard to be able to stand out for what you believe in especially in this industry that tries to control you sometimes. But what I find very lucky for me is that I’m able to really showcase who I am first and then have people work with me who will support me no matter what.
STM: Your American father also taught music at your school. What is the greatest lesson you have learned from him?
SP: He keeps on encouraging me especially the people in high school, or in general [he says] is to prepare for the jobs of the future. A lot of people’s mistakes is that they really try to focus on this one kind of specific type of job ever since they were young and therefore when they graduate that’s all they can do. Years ago, there’s no such thing as social media and YouTube, so what’s great about now is that there are so many job opportunities and therefore you should prepare for jobs that haven’t even existed yet.
STM: Who are your musical influences?
SP: I’ve been into Lauv. He just released his debut album and I’ve been a fan for so long. I think his music style is definitely what I like and find inspiration from. He is a great songwriter and producer. STM: What is music to you? SP: I think music is a great form of art in terms of you can express emotions or information or anything. People can interpret it in their own way. My favorite part about music is the fact that I strive to make music that can accompany people throughout their day whether it’s in the car or driving to work or in the shower or when they go to the gym. The fact that they are appreciating my song and finding a place for it in their day to day lives is amazing.
STM: Any dream collaborations or any artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?
SP: I would love to collaborate with AnneMarie. She’s my favorite right now.
STM: Do you feel pressured to be a role model especially to young people?
SP: Definitely, but not too much because I just try my best to be a good person. Whether someone chooses to look up to me or not, I think
no matter what, I just try my best to do as much good as possible. If that inspires people then that’s amazing. Do as you will.
STM: How does it feel to be called a rising global pop star and an Asian who penetrated global music?
SP: I’m not so sure. It is specific and vague at the same time. For me, the most important thing is to understand that I’m very lucky and I want to be able to create more opportunities for other amazing Asian talents and also be a representation for people who look like me and feel the same way as I do. What’s great about now is it’s a lot more diverse and I think it means a lot less to where you come from and more about your talent and your creativity. What is so great about social media now is that you can post songs and you can post covers and no matter where you are, people from across the world can see you. What’s so surreal and amazing about it is to be able to live in the same space as other artists from different countries. STM: Your message to your Filipino fans? SP: Personally, I would definitely love to come to Manila. I think I have so many supporters there. Just to see everyone would be so incredible. And I would like to say thank you very much to everyone. I get a lot of tweets and comments from people in Manila and you guys are so funny and so kind. It just makes me really happy to see how supportive everyone is. I can’t wait to hopefully one day go there this year.
STM: How are “Do You Love Me?” and “Touch” different from “I