Q&A: MANJA Unveils Light-Hearted Utopia with Upbeat New Single "MNSF"
INDONESIAN ALT-POP TRIO MANJA is taking listeners on a journey to a mythical paradise with their latest single, "MNSF." This vibrant track, released on March 21st, 2024, marks a departure from their previous work, offering a refreshing dose of escapism and pure sonic bliss.
Inspired by The Weeknd and Parcels, "MNSF" was born from a creative dry spell for frontman James Sukadana. However, this initial hurdle blossomed into a lush soundscape, a world where fantasy and reality playfully coexist. The song's title, "MNSF," embodies this fluidity, serving as a placeholder that morphed into a personal Shangri-La for each listener.
"We call it 'Minasofa,'" explains Sukadana, "but the song might imply a different name for each wanderer. It is up to the listeners how to pronounce or write it. It is a different state of mind or place for every artist or listener, so everyone is free to devise their word for it."
This sentiment of personal interpretation extends beyond the title. The track's captivating melody and kaleidoscopic synths create a space for self-discovery, a haven for letting go and embracing joy. The enchanting vocals of Indonesian artists Meda Kawu and Vanessa Adverta further elevate the song, adding depth and dimension to its radiant sonic universe.
Read below to learn more about the track and the world that MANJA is creating.
LUNA: Your new track "MNSF" explores a lighthearted utopia. What inspired this shift in tone from some of your previous work?
MANJA: So much of what we write is influenced by our surroundings. "Rise" was written during the pandemic, and "Last Night's Kiss" came about after we played at a party gig. "MNSF" was inspired by the bale bengonghut in a traditional Balinese compound. "Bale" (pronounced like "ballet") means "hut", while "bengong" roughly translates as "staring into space". The song reminds us to take a break and find a space to reflect. For us, "MNSF" is a space. In this imaginary world, we can escape from our identity complexities, write music, and be inspired. It feels like entering a world similar to the one in the film "Tron", which explains the "Tron"-esque feel to the track.
LUNA: The song title "MNSF" is described as having a fluid meaning. Can you elaborate on the concept behind the name and how listeners can interpret it for themselves?
MANJA: Ha! The name was originally just a placeholder name. I needed a four-syllable word for the chorus, so I made up "MNSF" (pronounced minasofa). It's a fun word to sing! But as the song came to be, I realized it was the perfect name for our world. We can name it whatever we want–just as we encourage our listeners to find their world and be as creative as they want in naming it.
LUNA: Collaborating with Meda Kawu and Vanessa Adverta adds a new dimension to the track. How did this collaboration come about, and how do their voices elevate the track?
MANJA: The demo of "MNSF" had a couple of layers of high-pitched vocals accompanying my vocals, a bit like how Cortana's voice accompanies Master Chief in "Halo" or howZelda's voice haunts Link in "The Legend of Zelda." So, when we workshopped the song, we felt a vocal layer was missing. We had to find a female vocalist to do the job and found two outstanding vocalists Meda and Venessa!
LUNA: The music video for "MNSF" is visually stunning. What aspects of the song did the directors capture most effectively?
MANJA: It is visually stunning! Gisella captured the essence of entering another world or dimension very well. She also effectively communicated the concept of taking a souvenir from there to the real world because entering "MNSF" is to bring something back for our listeners
LUNA: You blend pop and rock influences with Eastern and Western sounds. How do you approach this cultural fusion in your songwriting?
MANJA: The musical blend of the two cultures just came out organically as I grew up listening to Indonesian and Western music. Our pool of influence spans from East to West, and we always try not to limit ourselves to a particular genre. This freedom is why our songs also traverse multiple genres.
LUNA: You've mentioned the influence of The Weeknd and Parcels on "MNSF." Are there other artists who inspire your sound?
MANJA: Daft Punk! I think The Weeknd and Parcels share a common love and inspiration for Daft Punk, especially their last album, "Random Access Memory," one of my top five favorite albums.
LUNA: Your music explores themes of self-discovery and identity. How do your own experiences growing up with mixed heritage influence these themes?
MANJA: I personally like to examine an Indonesian concept and write about it from a Western point of view and vice versa. Take "MNSF", for example. The song combines the bale bengong concept with the retro-futurism of "Tron". As someone of mixed heritage, it's a gift to grow up and look at both Eastern and Western cultures from a different perspective. We intend to share this gift with everyone as the world becomes more diverse and multicultural.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming spring season?
MANJA: We're planning a summer tour to celebrate the release of our first album. So, our plan this spring is to tirelessly work on our live set and prepare for this super exciting tour!
