Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones — always focused on sound, stage and substance.
Part of what brought the HallyuTones team together is the online fan communities we find ourselves in. So from our own experiences, we know just how strong the power of fandom and fan created platforms can be. Another person who can attest to this, is the rising artist, Andrea Najla.
Many fans of Korean girl groups and soloists will be familiar with the ‘nugupromoter’ account on Twitter (now known as X). This is a fan-made account that started off to promote artists from smaller companies who were often overlooked in the tides of the Hallyu Wave. That is not to say that these artists were and are not just as hard-working or as talented; they simply needed a lot more fan support to reach their milestones.
It is through a nugupromoter post that music listeners were introduced to the entrancing vocals and addictive sounds of Andrea Najla, in particular, the song ‘LA DA DI’. The song has an addictive chorus that plays as the perfect build up for the epic outro and the darker instrumentals that play to the end. If you loved‘dance with me’ by friend of the site Denise Kim, you’ll love this one.
Based in Jakarta, Andrea is part of a growing list of Indonesian artists who are joining mainstream pop discourse. Others include the four-member group no na taking the world by storm, and the soloist Dita Karang who is famous for her activities as a girl group member in the K-pop industry.
A consistent theme throughout all of Andrea Najla’s work is honesty and reflection. At HallyuTones, we truly believe in the substance of an artist’s work as, in some ways, an offering of themselves. Her sound is reminiscent of early 2000s girl groups that had little girls styling their outfits in all types of bright colours and patterns, singing to music from a CD/Cassette player.
Her first EP, ‘fallen angel‘, is a six-track project that was released in 2021 following the debut single ‘best thing i ever did’ and its follow-up, ‘madhouse’. Each release is a blend of airy vocals with strong placements and pop-dance elements.
While getting to know more about her through the research for this article, Andrea’s YouTube channel stuck out as an archive of her work of studying and presenting the works of some of the music industry’s best musicians.
Not only has she proven her versatility through her own musical offerings, but she continues to give fans sneak-peeks into just how wide her range can be. For those who follow her on Instagram, they would have been lucky to hear a cover of the track ‘Silent Disco’ by Little Mix alum, Jade Thirlwall.
Longtime fans of girl groups will know that Little Mix has been named over and over again in conversation regarding some of the past decade’s best vocalists. Andrea’s cover is a testament to her technical vocal skills. More importantly, however, it shows that she has the talent and star quality to be included in these conversations too.
Staying true to our mission of bringing you all sound and substance, we’ve reached out to Andrea Najla so she can introduce herself to listeners, and the readers, on her own terms, in her own words.
Interview
- Hello and welcome to HallyuTones. Please introduce yourself to the readers.
Hi, thank you so much for having me! My name is Andrea Najla. I’m an independent R&B and pop artist from Jakarta, and I’m really happy to be here and share a bit of my world with you.
- When did you first realise that music is the career path you want to follow?
I don’t think I ever had a big “aha!” moment. It just felt natural. Growing up, I was that little girl who’s always singing, dancing, writing—basically doing anything that involves performing. And I grew up obsessed with pop stars like Little Mix, who could do everything. I wanted to be that kind of artist.
As I got older, music became my safe space. I’m pretty closed-off in real life, and music is the one place that lets me say things I was too scared to say out loud without feeling judged or misunderstood. And now that I do everything pretty much independently, like writing, planning visuals, directing and editing my content, it just feels like the most me thing I could ever choose.
- Who are the artists that inspire your sound?
Honestly, I get inspired by so many artists, and it changes all the time! I’m like a sponge. But lately I’ve been leaning into that 90s and early 2000s sound, while still keeping things modern.
So I’d say NewJeans, FLO, and Britney Spears.
And this might surprise people, but I’ve been really loving Addison Rae’s new album. I know people have mixed opinions, but to me, she’s killing it right now. I love when someone proves your assumptions wrong.
- When did you first start listening to South Korean artists and K-pop in particular? What drew you to this space?
My first introduction was actually in elementary school! We had a school musical with a K-pop theme. That’s when I first heard Girls’ Generation’s “The Boys” and of cours“Gangnam Style.” But NewJeans is what really pulled me into the space. I saved “Attention” to one of my inspo [Inspiration] playlists before I even knew who they were. I was obsessed with the chords, the groove, and how lush their vocals were. Not long after, I randomly saw a picture of one of the members (Danielle) while looking for a haircut inspo, so I looked them up. And somehow it just turned into a deep dive into Newjeans’ entire discography. Their nostalgic-but-modern approach to music and their visual storytelling just inspires me so much.
- As someone who is quickly becoming increasingly popular through the online fan space, what is something that surprised you about people’s response to your work?
Honestly? The fact that people actually connect with it. I make everything in my room with very limited equipment, so sometimes it feels like my music only exists inside that space.
And when someone messages me saying something so specific, like how they study to my songs or recommended them to friends, I get a little emotional. It reminds me that what I make actually lives outside my bubble. It feels really precious and surreal, the fact that my music can be a part of someone else’s life.
- Do you remember the first song you ever completed? If so, what was it about?
Unfortunately I do… It’s unreleased, from around 2020. It was about having a crush on someone and wanting them to make the first move. And the lyrics were really bad. It’s very humbling to look back on that honestly. But hey, you gotta start somewhere! It makes me appreciate how far I’ve grown as a writer.
- Recently, more people are tuning in to artists from across the Asian continent as a result of their interest in K-pop. Who are some Indonesian artists that you listen to frequently?
I grew up on a lot of older Indonesian pop songs because of my mom, so that’s a big part of my life. And of course, just like every Indonesian girl, I was obsessed with NIKI in high school.
But my current favorites are BANK, Noni, Assia Keva, and no na. They’re amazing. I love seeing Indonesian artists thrive globally. I hope I get to join them one day.
- As an artist based in Jakarta, what are some elements from home that you would love to or already do incorporate into your art?
Great question! My answer is a little bit personal, but for me, Jakarta is tied to my mom. Even now, when I’m driving around the city, the smallest things remind me of her. She was the hardest-working woman I know. She was independent, kind, and so resilient no matter what was going on in her life.
She loved taking the public transport to work. She’d send me and my sister selfies from the train or bus to update us on her day, which made the city and the hustle-bustle feel warm and familiar. Now, I try to create with that same spirit. I try to always show up, stay resilient, and stay optimistic, even when things are hard.
- When you think of the next steps in your career, what do you most look forward to?
I’m really excited to meet more people and build a solid team around what I do. I want to keep growing as a songwriter, not just for myself, but hopefully for other artists too. And performing around the world is definitely on my list. One day, I want to put on a full show with dancers, visuals, the whole thing!
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that growth can be slow. But that’s what makes every step feel meaningful. Every small win keeps me excited for what’s coming next!
- Is there a particular sound or genre that interests you that is the total opposite of what you generally produce and consume?
Definitely. I love really upbeat music. I grew up in that whole EDM era, so now, I’d play artists like Disclosure, Fred again.., Skrillex, Flume, especially when I’m working out.
But on the opposite end, I also have a soft spot for more stripped-back, sad music, like Sufjan Stevens, whenever I’m in my feels. I think I just enjoy everything, honestly.
- While you’re in the early stages of your journey, are there some things that you’ve learnt about yourself that pleasantly surprised you?
Thank you for this question. I’ve learned that I’m more resilient than I thought. And that I need to be kinder to myself. Being an independent artist means that you’re the artist, the creative director, the manager, and the PR team all at once. It can be overwhelming, and I doubt myself a lot, because music is not the traditional career path, especially in an Asian household.
But, by doing this, I’ve learned along the way that making music is a brave thing too. You pour so much of yourself into it and hope someone out there connects with it. That takes courage, and I think it’s a testament to your patience and resilience. So now, I’m learning to be more proud of that.
- What piece of advice or words of encouragement have you heard thus far that you always keep in mind?
Something that I always keep in mind is to make music honestly. To create for yourself and not for outside validation. Because when people connect with something you made from an honest place, it feels better and more rewarding.
It can be very tempting to make songs that are more palatable for the “popular crowd”, but I always try to be as honest as I can with my process. People can feel it when you’re honest.
- There will be people who find your music and story and use that to motivate them to chase their own goals. What would you like these listeners and readers to know about turning dreams into reality?
Be patient and never lose yourself and your spark by trying to rush things.
It’s a slow process, it’s lonely, and sometimes you don’t feel like people see how hard you’re trying and pushing yourself. But the small things matter so much. Be present. Be genuine. And most importantly, be grateful for the people who find you and support you early.
When you get overwhelmed or burnt out, it’s okay to take a break and try to find inspiration from other parts of your life. But get back to it once you find your spark again!
- What do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?
I hope my music feels like a safe little escape. Like a place you can go to when you need a little cheering up. I want it to give comfort and encouragement, or at least make someone feel a little better than before they play my song because I know sometimes life can be sad.
- Where do you see yourself as an artist in the next five years?
Happy. That’s really the main thing. But also, with a fuller discography, performing with dancers, collaborating with artists I admire, and connecting with more people as I travel around the world, and hopefully winning a few awards along the way. That’s the dream!
- Many artists often let their fans choose their fandom name. Is that something you would do, or do you already have a name in mind?
Absolutely! But I’d prefer for them to choose. It would feel more meaningful, I think. So we’ll see in the future, yeah?
- Finally, do you have any message for your listeners (old and new) and the HallyuTones readers?
Thank you so much for listening, supporting, and for just being here. It means a lot to me. I hope my songs can find their way to you, connect with you and maybe make you dance a little! I’m excited to keep growing, creating and sharing this journey with you all.
Andrea Najla is an artist whose work shows not only promise, but dedication to the craft of music. Her ability to share vulnerability and such personal experiences in a relatable, and honestly fun at most times, way suggests that she truly understands how to tell a story for the human heart. Much like our previous interviewee, Lowell Straight, she doesn’t shy away from the honest truths of the courage and strength it takes to be an independent artist.
Her journey also speaks to the power of fandom and the role that online spaces play in creating a platform for fans. These online communities are not only there for us to enjoy common artists, but to support the talents we each use to realise the messages relayed through their lyrics.
In ‘mikrokosmos’ by the legendary BTS, the members sing that every person is a light, and each light its own universe. It truly has been a pleasure to open the door to Andrea Najla’s world. We hope you all stay to watch her grow and shine brighter with us.
You can keep up with Andrea Najla here:
Instagram: ANDREA
YouTube: Andrea Najla
Spotify:Andrea Najla
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