The Midnight Darlings Reveals a Story of Love Full of Wounds through Semu

JAKARTA - The Midnight Darlings (TMD) continues to show its consistency as a new music unit, by officially releasing the latest single titled "Semu".

This song became the first Indonesian-language single from the group led by Vanesha Prescilla, Jevin Julian, and Aldrienko Pakusadewo - also a bridge to the launch of their debut album which is scheduled to be released in September.

Different from the two songs that were released earlier, "Am I Loving You Alone?" and "Momentary Pleasure" which have a romantic teenage and nostalgic feel, "Semu" carries an emotional narrative that comes from the reality of life.

This song is inspired by the real experience of Jevin Julian's close friend who had to end his love affair after years of being secretly fought due to family blessings.

Jevin said that the relationship that had been running for seven years suddenly ended not because of fading love, but because of a family decision that could not be changed.

From that bitter event, "Semu" was born as a depiction of hope that has died in the midst of the fact that feelings of love are not always enough to unite two people.

"The thing that sticks with me is not just because they finally didn't get together, but because I saw firsthand how he fought for that relationship for years," Jevin said in his statement, Thursday, August 13.

"He even often painted the faces of the women he loved, some were given, some were kept for himself. When everything had to be finished just like that, it felt like there was a wound that was difficult to explain with words. That's where 'Semu' was born," he added.

Musically, The Midnight Darlings still maintain their strong melancholy and cinematic music identity. However, the use of Indonesian lyrics provides new exploration space to convey messages that are closer and more personal to listeners in the country.