Tohpati and Meiska Adinda's "Ingin Kumiliki" is Sweet and Lyrical

Veteran jazz musician and producer Tohpati is breathing new life into beloved Indonesian classics, this time joining forces with emerging vocalist Meiska Adinda for a rendition of the iconic 1990s ballad, "Ingin Kumiliki." Originally popularized by the legendary Ruth Sahanaya, the song's revival is part of Tohpati's broader initiative with WeCord Evermore Indonesia to bridge generational gaps in music appreciation. This collaboration marks the third release in a series dedicated to reintroducing the greatest hits of the 90s to a contemporary audience, with a full compilation album in the works.

Tohpati's production approach emphasizes respect for the original composition. Rather than drastic overhauls, he opted for nuanced adjustments, primarily focusing on tempo and trimming sections that might feel lengthy to today's listeners. "The essence of the song remains," Tohpati explains, "because I didn't want to change the arrangement too drastically, lest the mood of the song be lost." This delicate balance ensures the song retains its original character while being accessible and appealing to a new generation accustomed to the rhythms and styles prevalent on digital platforms like Spotify and TikTok.

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The essence of the song remains, because I didn't want to change the arrangement too drastically, lest the mood of the song be lost.

For Meiska Adinda, interpreting a song so deeply ingrained in the public consciousness presented a unique challenge. She immersed herself in the original version, meticulously studying its emotional core to deliver a performance that was both faithful and fresh. The recording process, spanning six hours, required careful vocal control to convey the song's intended sweetness without resorting to excessive emotiveness. "I really guarded the mood while singing," Meiska shared, "because we didn't want the emotion to be explosive. From the start, we were reminded that everything had to be controlled to maintain that sweetness."

This collaboration is more than just a remake; it's a deliberate effort to curate Indonesia's rich musical heritage for modern consumption. By pairing Meiska's smooth yet powerful vocals with Tohpati's signature production style, the project aims to demonstrate the enduring appeal of 90s Indonesian music, proving its relevance in the current digital landscape and fostering a deeper appreciation for the nation's artistic legacy across different age groups.

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I really guarded the mood while singing, because we didn't want the emotion to be explosive. From the start, we were reminded that everything had to be controlled to maintain that sweetness.