- 2.54 PM
- February, 19, 2026
Bingkai Karya – Ramadan is a time of contemplation, which makes it the perfect moment for Reality Club to present a new spiritual-themed maxi-single. Released to digital streaming platforms on February 20, 2026, “Close to You” sees the Jakarta-based quartet of Fathia Izzati (vocals), Faiz Novascotia Saripudin (vocals, guitar), Nugi Wicaksono (bass) and Era Patigo (drums) explore both the divine realm as well as the boundaries of their sound. This maxi-single, produced by the band and Wisnu Ikhsantama, also includes “Close to You/Jauh”, the Indonesian version that the band previously released last year on ‘Who Knows Where Life Will Take You?,’ their acclaimed fourth album.
“‘Close to You’ is a song about longing to be close to your Creator, or whatever higher being you believe in. It’s about coming to a realization that at the end of the day, you need Him and His blessing in life,” says Fathia, who penned the song during Reality Club’s 2024 writing sessions for ‘Who Knows Where Life Will Take You?’ in Bali. “I had a spiritual enlightenment that pretty much gave me an epiphany, and all I wanted to do was get close and learn more about my religion. While songwriting in Bali I was just staring up at the beautiful blue sky and thought, ‘Wow, I really want to write a song about how thankful I am to just even live in the world He has created. I’ve done many awful things – as humans do – now how do I give back?’”
While initially writing the song in English like the rest of Reality Club’s discography at that point, Fathia decided to also pen lyrics for an Indonesian version with help from Nugi. However, this doesn’t mean the English and Indonesian versions are direct translations of each other. “Though the instrumental is the same, the melody and even the lyrics aren’t. The English one is actually from the view of a person trying to be thankful and get closer to God, while the Indonesian one is about being far from God and whether they could still be saved even after straying so far away,” says Fathia. Adds Faiz, “It feels like the song has two different souls. It’s kind of the same message with two different ways of saying it.”
Both versions of “Close to You” were recorded along with the rest of Who Knows Where Life Will Take You? in February 2025 at Tree Recording Studio, Bangkok, Thailand, with the band’s additional live musicians Gerry Roithart and Upi Maajid adding guitar and synths respectively. Among the three producers recruited for the album, Reality Club felt longtime collaborator Wisnu Ikhsantama, who has been involved since their second album What Do You Really Know? in 2019, was the one best suited for “Close to You”. According to Fathia, “It just had to be Tama because he is a very spiritual person and I knew that he would get the vision,” while Nugi says, “Tama did a wonderful job enhancing, pushing and transforming this song into what we know today.”
Since “Close to You/Jauh”’s release last year, it has quickly become a standout part of Reality Club’s catalog and live shows both due to its lyrics and the atmospheric nature of the music. “I’m surprised that we gained new listeners. Those who are maybe more into chill ambient music and couldn’t necessarily relate to our previous releases can find themselves in this song.” says Fathia. “Also, it’s our first time ever talking about this topic. It’s interesting to have a ‘religious/spiritual’ song.”
After getting teases of its lyrics at recent gigs, Goddess Rockstars, Reality Club’s fans can now finally enjoy the English version of “Close to You” in full. “We were so torn between both versions because they were both good,” says Faiz. “So I’m very happy this English version gets to see the light of day.”
The band’s rhythm section also concur regarding the magic of “Close to You”. “Recording this song was easily one of the best experiences I have ever had as a musician,” says Era, while Nugi adds, “I feel both versions ended up as something profound, and I enjoy listening to it and playing it on stage.”
In short, “Close to You” is a song that the members of Reality Club are proud of. Whether listeners connect with the English or Indonesian versions, both are now available to accompany them on their own spiritual journey. “We hope this song could accompany your moments of reflection and contemplation in this Holy Month and beyond,” says Fathia.
Read more about the music here
