Bingkai Karya – In a bold move away from his role as the bassist for Polka Wars and his contributions to Jakarta’s music scene through Studiorama and Swanky Express, Xandega Tahajuansya has stepped into the spotlight with his debut solo release, “Da Dawg Within.” The song, where Xandega serves as the writer, producer, and vocalist, delves into his decade-long struggle with imposter syndrome and the depression that arose from delaying his dream of becoming a full-time artist.
Inspired by the likes of Joji and James Blake, the music in “Da Dawg Within” seamlessly blends elements of dance and pop genres. Xandega’s experiences in establishing and running Swanky Express over the past year, a monthly party featuring dance music across various genres with a fast tempo, have significantly influenced the direction of the song’s arrangement. The hope is that “Da Dawg Within” will become a staple at Swanky Express events and other music gigs.
Despite being a solo endeavor, Xandega sought guidance and collaboration from seasoned artists. Emir AM of White Chorus, electronic musician Logic Lost, and Magis, a producer affiliated with the Swanky Express collective, provided valuable direction during the creation of the song. BAP, alongside Erik Soto as the mixing and mastering engineer, played crucial roles in bringing the project to fruition.
Accompanying the single is an impactful music video directed by Xandega himself. The visuals, captured in a dashcam style, follow the path of a car collision involving Xandega. The video serves as a metaphorical representation of the challenges and obstacles the artist has faced on his journey.
As “Da Dawg Within” marks Xandega’s solo debut, it sets the stage for his upcoming singles, scheduled for release in early 2024. With a newfound artistic expression and a team of collaborators supporting his vision, Xandega is ready to carve his path as a solo artist, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
