- October 7, 2026
- 02:46 PM
Bingkai Karya – The pressure to keep moving forward brings Lafa Pratomo, Ari Lesmana, and White Chorus together in “Juara Dua,” the fourth single from the EP ‘Garis Tegak’. Released on October 6, 2026, the song reflects on the choice to pursue a happier life without the constant need to be first. For Lafa, being “second place” can be a valid choice when it allows someone to live more comfortably and meaningfully.
The song grows from a shared sense of unease about the pace of modern life. Ari Lesmana brings his experience of working at an intense rhythm and questioning what he is ultimately chasing. What he seeks instead is a quieter life lived with moderation and without the need for constant validation. White Chorus shares a similar perspective, particularly in observing how quickly people rush to create and release music. As they put it, “we’re not competing with anyone else.”
That shared perspective developed through conversations, while the musical foundation came from White Chorus’ collection of beats. The group presented six options, with the sixth draft eventually becoming the starting point for “Juara Dua.” The early version consisted of only a few bars, a drum break, and acoustic guitar. Although it was initially set aside because it did not fit the EP’s more electronic and energetic direction at the time, Ari was drawn to its tone and raw character. After repeatedly listening to several options, the collaborators agreed to develop the draft further.
The collaborative process opened new musical possibilities, including a quieter section built around acoustic guitar and a key change within the song’s initially repetitive pattern. Ari describes this moment as where the identities of all three parties merge, while reinforcing the idea of having ownership over one’s own choices. The original drum-break character remained, although the initial drum sample eventually evolved into newly recorded drums.
For Lafa, the songwriting process unfolded across two main sessions. The first focused on music and melody through an exchange of references, while the second developed lyrics from fragments of conversations he had recorded in his notes. This approach placed shared experiences at the center of the writing process, with Lafa taking the role of initiator and bringing together the distinct strengths of his collaborators.
The same spirit of collaboration shaped the vocals. After hearing an earlier recording by Clara Friska Adinda, Ari chose to sing beneath her vocal line, discovering a complementary tonal relationship. Their alternating registers and harmonies allow both voices to remain distinctive while contributing to the same narrative context.
Ultimately, “Juara Dua” is not positioned as a predetermined emotional chapter in the EP’s sequence. Instead, Lafa leaves room for listeners to discover their own meaning. For Ari, choosing to be “second place” resonates when that choice leads to happiness: “As needed, as much as necessary.”
“Juara Dua” was released on October 6, 2026, across digital music platforms, accompanied by an official lyric video. The official music video is scheduled to follow one week later through the KithLabo YouTube channel.
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