Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. This week, something a little different — Indonesian vocalist Afgan is here to chat about his new album, Sonder, including the fun collaboration with soloist JESSI. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and subscribe to my companion newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered right to your inbox each week!
Afgan describes his new album, Sonder, as an emotional rollercoaster. With a title referring to the epiphany that every stranger around us is living their own rich, fully realized life, Sonder swings from “insecurities and pain” to “playful, joyful” moments.
The focus track of the album, “Escape,” definitively lands in that second category. To achieve the bright nature he felt the single demanded, Afgan teamed up with JESSI, and the two flew to Bali to film the music video. “JESSI was super spontaneous,” he recalls of their time on set together.
Watch the music video for “Escape” below, and read on for the full interview with Afgan.
“Escape” is so fun! How did this collaboration come about? How did JESSI get on your radar?
I completed the track in London with some British producers, and originally, “Escape” was supposed to be my own song. But I felt like since there’s a summery vibe to the song, it needed an extra touch. I ended up reaching out to JESSI, who I’d met before in Jakarta at a show we both performed at together. I’m so glad she said yes as I think “Escape” is perfect for us.