Isyana Sarasvati, Indonesian singer

Isyana Sarasvati, born on May 2, 1993, stands as a prominent Indonesian singer-songwriter, composer, and a true musical polymath whose artistry transcends genres. Her remarkable journey began with a formidable classical foundation, having meticulously honed her skills at two highly esteemed institutions: Singapore's Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and London's Royal College of Music. This rigorous classical training has profoundly influenced her distinctive sound and versatile performance capabilities, making her a unique voice in the contemporary music scene.

Classical Roots and Early Acclaim

Before captivating a broad audience with her popular anthems, Isyana had already established a formidable reputation within classical music circles. She excelled as a soloist and recitalist, demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication through her participation in numerous musical competitions. A significant early achievement arrived at the tender age of 15 when she clinched a "best composer" award. Her poignant composition, "Wings of Your Shadow," received international recognition, ranking as the 12th best out of an impressive 3,500 global entries in the esteemed International Junior Original Concert (IJOC). This accolade led to a memorable performance on the electone at the IJOC 2008 concert, held in the iconic Bunkamura hall in Tokyo, Japan, showcasing her early prowess and potential. Furthermore, her classical training extended to the operatic stage, where she performed as an opera singer in Singapore, further underscoring her versatile musical background and deep understanding of vocal artistry.

Ascension to Pop Stardom and Songwriting Prowess

In 2014, Isyana embarked on a pivotal new chapter, signing a recording deal with Sony Music Indonesia, marking her official foray into the mainstream pop scene. This partnership quickly bore fruit with the release of two popular singles: "Keep Being You" in 2014 and "Tetap Dalam Jiwa" in 2015, which garnered significant public attention and critical acclaim. Her debut pop album, Explore! (2015), was a testament to her exceptional talent as a songwriter, with every track being an original composition penned by her. This creative independence became a hallmark of her career, continuing with her subsequent critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, Paradox (2017) and Lexicon (2019). Through these works, Isyana solidified her position as a creative force who not only performs but also crafts her own narrative through deeply personal and innovative music. Throughout her illustrious career, Isyana has been the recipient of numerous prestigious Indonesian and international awards, recognizing her immense contributions and impact on the music industry.

Landmark Performances and Global Collaborations

Isyana's profile soared even higher through various high-profile events and international collaborations, cementing her status as a global artist. A particularly memorable moment occurred on September 2, 2018, when she graced the closing ceremony of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Before a massive and enthusiastic audience of over 55,000 people at the historic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, she delivered a powerful and resonant rendition of "Asia's Who We Are," a song that deeply captured the spirit of unity and sportsmanship of the games. The following year, in May 2019, Walt Disney Pictures selected Isyana and fellow Indonesian artist Gamaliel Tapiheru for a truly magical project: to lend their voices to "A Whole New World" for the soundtrack of the Indonesian version of the live-action Aladdin remake. This incredible opportunity saw them interviewed in Tokyo by the legendary Alan Menken, the prolific and multi-award-winning composer behind many of Walt Disney Animation Studios' most beloved film scores, adding a significant layer of prestige and international recognition to her portfolio.

Television Presence and Industry Recognition

Beyond the recording studio and concert stages, Isyana has also made a significant mark on television, expanding her influence as a mentor and public figure. In July 2019, she joined the esteemed coaching panel for Season 4 of The Voice Indonesia, sharing her invaluable expertise and insights alongside renowned figures such as Armand Maulana, Titi DJ, Nino RAN, and Vidi Aldiano. Her commitment to nurturing new talent extended further as she also served as a panelist for Season 4 of The Voice Kids Indonesia. Her growing influence and remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed by the business world. In 2019, she was proudly featured on Forbes Indonesia's prestigious "30 Under 30" list, specifically recognized in the art, style, and entertainment category for inspiring young achievers. This significant national recognition was further cemented in April 2020 when Forbes Asia included her on their highly competitive "30 Under 30" list, spanning both the Entertainment and Sports, and Celebrity categories, highlighting her impact across the broader Asian region.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Recent Projects

After six successful years under Sony Music Indonesia, Isyana embarked on a new, entrepreneurial chapter in her career. On October 20, 2020, she announced the establishment of her very own music label, REDROSE RECORDS, signaling a bold move towards greater artistic independence and complete creative control over her musical output. Demonstrating her ability to blend personal milestones with professional endeavors, Isyana and her husband, Rayhan, released a heartfelt single titled "1+1" on February 2, 2021, a beautiful commemoration of their first wedding anniversary. Her versatility and broad appeal also extend into innovative brand collaborations. On March 10, 2022, Garena Free Fire Indonesia unveiled an exciting partnership with Isyana, conceptualizing her persona as "The Diva on Battle In Style." This unique collaboration resulted in a captivating music video featuring a Free Fire-themed song, masterfully arranged and performed by Isyana herself. Furthermore, it included a special in-game bundle, the "Coral Tribal," personally chosen by Isyana with a distinct Japanese samurai theme, seamlessly integrating her artistic vision into the immersive world of gaming.

FAQs

Who is Isyana Sarasvati?

Isyana Sarasvati is a highly acclaimed Indonesian singer-songwriter and classically trained musician, born on May 2, 1993, known for her original compositions and versatile performances.

What kind of music does Isyana Sarasvati create?

While rooted in classical music and opera, Isyana primarily creates pop music, distinguishing herself with original compositions for all her albums. Her style often incorporates elements from her classical background.

Where did Isyana Sarasvati study music?

She received her professional music education at two prestigious institutions: Singapore's Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and London's Royal College of Music.

What are some of Isyana's most famous albums?

Her notable pop albums, all featuring her original songs, include her debut Explore! (2015), followed by Paradox (2017), and Lexicon (2019).

Has Isyana Sarasvati received any major awards or recognition?

Absolutely. She is the recipient of numerous Indonesian and international awards, including a "best composer" award at age 15. She has also been recognized on Forbes Indonesia's "30 Under 30" and Forbes Asia's "30 Under 30" lists.

Did Isyana Sarasvati perform at the Asian Games?

Yes, she delivered a memorable performance of "Asia's Who We Are" at the closing ceremony of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 2, 2018.

What was Isyana Sarasvati's collaboration with Disney?

In May 2019, she collaborated with Gamaliel Tapiheru to sing "A Whole New World" for the Indonesian soundtrack of Disney's live-action Aladdin remake. They were also notably interviewed by legendary composer Alan Menken.

Does Isyana Sarasvati own her own music label?

Yes, after her tenure with Sony Music Indonesia, she established her independent music label, REDROSE RECORDS, on October 20, 2020.

What was Isyana Sarasvati's collaboration with Garena Free Fire?

In March 2022, she collaborated with Garena Free Fire Indonesia on "The Diva on Battle In Style," which included a Free Fire-themed music video, a song arranged by Isyana, and a special in-game bundle she personally selected, featuring a Japanese samurai theme.