'Longing for Paintings', a Song by Ismail Marzuki Performed by Caldera as the Soundtrack for 'Gadis Kretek'

Kapanlagi.com - Jakarta-based singer and songwriter, Caldera, recently released their latest single titled Longing for Paintings. Unlike their previous 3 works, this song, which also features male soloist Rei Naldy, is a cover of a favorite Indonesian maestro's song, Ismail Marzuki.

Now, Caldera's latest rendition of Longing for Paintings has been selected as one of the songs included in the soundtrack for Gadis Kretek, the first original series from Netflix Indonesia adapted from a novel by Ratih Kumala. This series, directed by Kamila Andini, also features big names in the Indonesian film industry such as Dian Sastrowardoyo, Ardio Bayu, Putri Marino, and many more.

Longing for Paintings is a song that was previously sung by Pranadjaja and Nina Kirana, and it is also a part of the classic musical drama film titled Asrama Dara from 1958, directed by Usmar Ismail.

According to Caldera, giving a fresh breath to this song has been a delightful experience.

"It's like being kissed by sweet memories from the past. When I hear the song 'Longing for Paintings' for the umpteenth time this year, it feels like being taken back to the time when there was not a day without hearing oma Mies singing in the living room, one of my grandmother's sisters who loved to sing," said Caldera.

"Fortunately, because I often accompanied oma while she was singing, the songs she sang became ingrained in me, making me also love old songs that oma sang in her living room. Among the many songs, 'Longing for Paintings' is a song that has left a deep impression," they continued.

1. As Simple as Possible

Caldera recently released their latest single titled Longing for Paintings (Credit: Special)

Unpacking the musicality aspect, in short, the rendition produced by Heston Prasetyo is crafted as simply as possible with the aim of touching the hearts of the listeners. When packaged together with vocal performances, it is presented to the listeners like a warm dish with a bittersweet taste of nostalgia and the sweetness of love.

It is an honor for Caldera to be one of the contributors to the soundtrack of the Gadis Kretek series. With this opportunity, it is hoped that Caldera can establish itself more firmly in the Indonesian music industry.

"The journey ahead of me is still long, this is just the beginning, and there will definitely be more exciting surprises waiting ahead," Caldera concluded.

Growing up in a family that loves music, at the age of 7, Mutia Deviana found herself falling in love with singing. Since she was young, this Batak-blooded woman has been exposed to music ranging from João Gilberto, Dinah Shore, Sam Saimun, Ermy Kullit, to Lilis Suryani by her parents.

It's a different story for young people in the digital era now, Mutia actually fell in love with these old musicians who ultimately had a significant influence on her as a singer and songwriter under the moniker Caldera. The meaning of the name Caldera itself signifies a beauty that arises from great destruction, like a basin resembling a cooking pot that forms shortly after the emptying of the magma kitchen space during an eruption.

2. Debut Single Release in 2021

In 2021, Caldera released his debut single Talk, a song he wrote in English which is Caldera's love letter to anyone who finds themselves lost and longing. Not far from its first release, Caldera immediately followed up with his single Dahaga, marking Caldera's first Indonesian-language song.

In 2023, Caldera then released a collaboration single with Bilal Indrajaya titled Semestinya, which also featured Heston Prasetyo as the producer. Towards the end of 2023, Caldera returned with the release of Rindu Lukisan as his fourth single, a cover song of Ismail Marzuki's work. Previously, Caldera also performed the cover in his live session that can be watched on his YouTube channel.

The cover song, which also features male singer Rei Naldy, caught the attention of many people and was eventually chosen to be part of the soundtrack for the first Netflix Indonesia series Gadis Kretek, starring top names in the Indonesian film industry.

Through these four released works, Caldera remains consistent with his vision to portray honest and open emotions in his approach to music. Through his music, Caldera invites listeners to express their emotions while enjoying authentic and colorful melodies. The allure of darkness, combined with honest emotions, and united by smooth vocals, become the distinctive characteristics of Caldera.

(kpl/pur/tdr)