Indonesian indie-pop artist Aldi Handaling has recently released his debut EP Heartbreak Misery. The project, which features four songs, centers around the five stages of grief and the concept that “when you love someone, you gotta let them go.” The EP was preceded by the singles “I’ll Be Waiting” and “Naive.” The former, which serves as the lead single, is about longing for someone you love and was heavily influenced by Aldi’s breakup. This theme runs throughout the EP, especially on the track “I’m Finally Letting You Go,” where Aldi finds the courage to let go of his past love.
The Makassar-based singer has been making a name for himself since his debut in 2023 with “Forget You,” which now has over 38,000 streams on Spotify alone. Now that his debut EP is finally out, the indie-pop singer is fully focused on hearing listeners’ thoughts on the project.
Aldi Handaling chatted with InMusic about Heartbreak Misery, the five stages of grief, and more!
What inspired you to create the concept for “Heartbreak Misery,” and how did your personal experiences shape the songs on the EP?
I personally made the EP because I was inspired by many musicians, one in particular named Sal Priadi. I feel like all musicians have their own ways to create an album. But for me, I went through 5 stages of grief to make that EP.
The EP centers around the five stages of grief. Can you share how you decided to structure the project in this way, and how each stage is represented in the tracks?
First thing first, I write my own music first and then hand it to my producers, Sekar and Tabitha. With their magic hand and mind, they gave me ideas to make this EP have a story. They asked me about my songs, what they’re about, and I explained it one by one. Finally, the three of us came up with 5 Stages of Grief ideas.
“I’m Finally Letting You Go” feels like the heart of the EP. Can you talk about the story behind that song?
It’s basically a cliche story. When you love someone, you gotta let them go. In this song, I can finally deal with everything, that we don’t have to be with anyone and everyone, and in any kind of conditions. Sometimes, it’s better to let go. And in this case, I’m letting go of my ex.
You collaborated with maniasonic., Sekar Astiari, and Tabitha Atmodjo on this project. How did that team come together, and what was it like working with them to bring your vision to life?
It was really fun and great! If it wasn’t them, I wouldn’t know what I would be.
You’ve cited John Mayer, Sal Priadi, and Omar Apollo as influences. How did their music inspire your songwriting?
The way they make their music, their taste, the melody, the lyrics, everything.
Now that you’ve released your debut EP, how do you feel about the journey from concept to final release?
I feel so happy because I can finally let everyone listen to this. The masterpiece that I’ve been gatekeeping for a long time.
What’s next for you musically? Are you already working on new projects?
I haven’t thought about it, actually. For now, I just wanted to let everyone listen to the EP.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know?
I want to tell them that love is not always about taking care of anyone. Instead, you have yourself to take care of. Don’t be a people pleaser too often, and don’t be naive to yourself.
Listen to Aldi Handaling’s new single “I’m Finally Letting You Go” from his debut EP “Heartbreak Misery” on our Spotify playlist:
Leave a Reply