Tag Archives: 88rising

Today, Indonesian vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, NIKI shares her new haunting synth/percussion-driven single, “Switchblade” via 88rising, distributed by 12tone Music. Listen to it HERE. Inspired by NIKI’s move to the U.S. from across the world, “Switchblade” serves as a fist-high tribute to bravery amidst unknown fates with lyrics like “the winds of change have nothing on this switchblade faith” and sets the tone for NIKI’s forthcoming concept album, Moonchild, scheduled to debut later this summer.

To complement the single, NIKI has also dropped the music video for “Switchblade” today. Watch it HERE. Directed by Tom Teller (P!NK, Marshmello, Kehlani), the music video introduces NIKI as the innocent and naive ‘Moonchild’ born from a divine silk cocoon as she explores her new surroundings. Over the course of her journey, we see NIKI’s battle betrayal, ultimately losing her light as she faces tension for her creator, the moon (a representation of NIKI’s heritage and homeland).

Speaking on “Switchblade”, NIKI explains “‘Switchblade” is the song that kicks off ‘Moonchild’, which I’ve been working on for almost two years now. This single marks the beginning of ‘Moonchild’s’ sonic journey, which is ironic because it was one of the last songs I wrote for the album. “Switchblade” represents an iron clad attitude and outlook—conquering whatever you want, whatever is in your vicinity or in your way. Your “switchblade faith” allows you to accomplish anything!”

The ten-song Moonchild, is an ambitious concept album that traces NIKI’s own journey while tackling universal themes of identity and empowerment. A sonic allegory, Moonchild illuminates the linear path of youthful exploration through three lunar phases: crescent moon (innocence, curiosity, embarking), half-moon/eclipse (loss of hope, disillusionment) and full moon (self-discovery, strength).  The album itself offers an exploration, infusing its triptych song structure with eclectic styles – R&B, pop, urban, punk, country – from stripped-down piano ballads to lushly orchestrated anthems.  A full two years in the making, Moonchild brought NIKI together with such collaborators as producer/writer Jacob Ray, the producer collective Bekon & the Donuts, and Montreal producer Pomo (David Pimintel).

ABOUT NIKI:

At fifteen she opened for Taylor Swift.  Four years later Complex hailed her as one of 2018’s “Best New Artists.”  Now, at 21, Indonesian vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Nicole Zefanya, better known as NIKI, crosses a new creative threshold with her first full-length album, Moonchild.  Earning wide critical acclaim since her breakthrough EP, Zephyr, NIKI has cultivated fans around the globe with her expressive voice, personal songwriting and genre-blurring artistry, becoming a vibrant symbol of – and an advocate for – a generation of Asian musical artists.

Claiming her place on the charts, from Spotify (e.g., Top Hits Indonesia, Trending Tracks, Teen Hits) to Apple Music (e.g., Today’s Chill, Best of the Week), NIKI has steadily garnered a loyal throng of fans, reflected in 370+ million Spotify streams, over 1 million Instagram followers, as well as 166,000+ YouTube subscribers. With her Indonesian heritage essential to her story, she feels “a social responsibility representing Asian artists, especially as a role model for girls.”  For aspiring Asian and Asian American talents aiming to break cultural norms and overcome music industry under-representation, NIKI proves that the highest dreams are indeed within reach.

Follow NIKI

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Indonesian rapper Rich Brian premieres the official video for new single “100 Degrees” today— watch here [INSERT LINK]. Taken from Rich Brian’s new album, The Sailor, “100 Degrees” is a thematic departure from previous singles “Kids” and “Yellow.” Produced by 1Mind (French Montana’s “Unforgettable”) and Kid Culture, the song is reminiscent of the hot summer days when pool, libraries and movie theatres become the best escape from the heat. Directed by DAPS (Migos, Wizkid and Drake), the video follows a disinterested Brian as he floats through the chaos of the summertime.

The Sailor, out now on 88rising, exclusively distributed by 12Tone, has reached over 60 million streams since its release—listen and watch the album’s accompanying Sing J. Lee-directed short film.

Brian is set to perform songs from The Sailor for the very first time at 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Festival on August 17. He will also embark on a headline tour of North America this October with stops at New York’s Terminal 5, Chicago’s House of Blues, Seattle’s The Showbox and more. See below for the full list of dates.

Featuring production from Bekon & The Donuts, 1Mind, Frank Dukes and Rich Brian himself, The Sailor documents 19-year-old Brian’s coming of age in the public eye, which has taken him from an Internet-born rapper to an Indonesian icon and hero for Asian youth around the world. The Sailor vinyl and merchandise is now available for a limited time.

The Sailor was recorded over the last year between New York, Los Angeles and Jakarta. The album features singles “Yellow” and “Kids” which have been streamed over 25 million times globally. Album highlights include summer anthem “100 Degrees,” “Where Does The Time Go” featuring 88rising labelmate Joji and “Rapapapa,” which includes a spoken word verse from Wu-Tang Clan legend RZA. The Sailor was executive produced by Brian, Bekon & The Donuts and 88rising founder Sean Miyashiro.

Rich Brian is 19-year-old Brian Imanuel, born in Jakarta, Indonesia. After sharing a string of singles featuring guests such as 21 Savage, Offset and Playboi Carti, Brian’s debut album, Amen, was released to widespread critical acclaim in 2018. Brian has since gone on to sell out shows across North America, Europe and Asia, and festivals around the world including Bonnaroo and Rolling Loud. Brian currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

The video also contains a cameo appearance of a GoJek driver as part of Rich

Brian’s collaboration with the leading Southeast Asian technology platform.

RICH BRIAN—THE SAILOR

1. The Sailor
   2. Rapapapa (featuring RZA) 3. Yellow (featuring Bekon) 4. Kids
   5. Drive Safe
   6. Confetti
   7. Vacant
2. No Worries
3. 100 Degrees
   10. Slow Down Turbo
   11. Curious
   12. Where Does The Time Go (featuring Joji)

In the wake of his debut album ​BALLADS 1​ and having his “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” song certified as a Gold record, ​Joji​ is back today with “Sanctuary”—an enormous power ballad teeming with emotion and sentiment. “Sanctuary” gives voice to a lovesick yet hopeful feeling towards an unrequited love.

While the single calls upon sensibilities of 80s icons like Phil Collins and Journey, Joji’s latest is drenched in minimalistic beats and futuristic soundscapes, acting as somewhat of a “taste before the madness.” ​The video, directed by ​Eoin Glaister​, is a campy space drama as envisioned by Joji.

The accompanying video for “Sanctuary” is a melancholic space odyssey that tells the story of “Captain Joji,” a space ranger who travels across lightyears to defeat his arch nemesis. The video begins with Captain Joji succeeding in ridding the universe of his sworn enemy and portrays life a year later for Captain Joji and his crew. The visual deals with the malaise of a hero who, after saving the galaxy, no longer bears a purpose. The burden of being a hero without a clear future weighs heavily on Captain Joji. What does one do next?

Watch the video Joji’s “Sanctuary”: 

This past year proved to be a breakthrough year for Joji as he scored his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “​SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK​”, charted at No.1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart with his debut LP ​BALLADS 1, a​ nd has accrued over 310 million streams to date. ​BALLADS 1​ itself has reached over 850 million streams as of today. ​A master of multiple mediums, Joji is an Osaka, Japan-born singer and producer capturing a following from every corner of the Internet. The multi-talented visionary defies convention — his songs are characterized by down tempo, melancholic themes and soulful vocals, layered over lush grimy textures, blending elements of trap, folk, electronic, and R&B. Featured everywhere from ​GQ​ to Nylon ​to ​Billboard​ to ​VICE News (HBO)​ to ​The FADER ​and beyond, Joji is one of the most interesting and promising new artists in the digital age.

88rising are thrilled to announce Head In The Clouds II, the follow up to their first edition from last year which has garnered over 450 million streams and reached #1 on Spotify’s Global and U.S. Viral Charts with single “Midsummer Madness”. This year, 88rising have enlisted flagship member Joji to executive produce the album. Head In The Clouds II will be released by 88rising and exclusively distributed by 12Tone Music.

NIKI’s “Indigo” is the first taste off the album and is an empowering and provocative take on feminine desire, with NIKI delivering her most hard-hitting vocal performance yet. The song is produced by Rogét Chahayed (Travis Scott, DRAM, Khalid, Calvin Harris, Miguel, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar & more) alongside Wes Singerman & Taylor Dexter.

Alongside the release of “Indigo” is the Daniel Cloud Campos (Zedd, Paramore, Panic! at the Disco) directed video for “Indigo”, where NIKI plays a femme fatale that invites unsuspecting male suitors to her home.

Djakarta Warehouse Project proudly announces the Phase Three lineup for its 9th annual celebration. Talents from a plethora of genres join the bill, boasting hefty additions across the spectrum of techno, hip-hop, trance, trap and mainstage sounds.

With an attendance of 90,000 over two days in 2016, fans will be thrilled to see mainstage staples Hardwell and Slander accompanied by hip hop sensation Desiigner join the roster. These renowned acts join the ranks of the previously confirmed DVBBS, Flume, Marshmello, Tiesto and more.

This Phase Three announcement adds yet more trance legends to the already stacked lineup, including David Gravell, Vini Vici and Sander Van Doorn’s alter ego ‘Purple Haze‘. Launched earlier this year, Doorn’s project explores the darker side of the genre and is sure to be a festival highlight.

A breadth of regional support is also featured in this announcement in addition to the star-studded international talent. The 88rising crew are set to bring their Asia-centric brand of hip-hop and trap to the table with, Rich Chigga, Keith Ape, Higher Brothers, and Joji. A native to Indonesia, Chigga’s homecoming show will be one of the most highly anticipated over the weekend. Higher Brothers are also ones not to be missed, having recently caught the attention of hip-hop heavyweights including Migos, Lil Yachty, and KYLE.  Other regional dance talent includes Andre Dunant, Chelina Manuhuttu, Devarra, Rukes and more, making for a truly diverse celebration of electronic music.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Djakarta Warehouse Project will take place at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran on December 15 & 16, 2017.  Tickets are still available online.  Weekend passes are available from as little as IDR 1,150,000 (roughly $80 USD), and VIP passes start at IDR 2,500,000 (roughly $180).

Details, ticketing & experience information can be found at: www.djakartawarehouse.com