They always that the best things in life happen unexpectedly and for Rahmania Astrini, it proves true. 

The Indonesian singer-songwriter, known for her honest lyrics and beautiful blend of R&B and pop, found her love and passion for music without her even realising it. With her parents guiding her every step of the way, Rahmania’s journey to music is as graceful as she sounds. 

“My family, especially my parents, have always been very supportive towards what me and my siblings are passionate about. I remember having them encourage me to go on stages at cafes when we were eating out, or at family gatherings, they always tell me to sing and be confident about what I am passionate about. I knew [I wanted to do music] cause my parents helped me and assure me about my passion for music,” Rahmania tells Bandwagon. 

Rahmania emerged onto the music scene with covers of popular pop songs on YouTube, before releasing her original track 'Menua Bersama' in 2017. From there, she grew a vast community of fans with her genuine and vulnerable tracks that tug at the heartstrings.

"I used to feel that I wanted to appear cool or edgy and make songs that are complicated enough to make people appreciate me and my musicality. But, along the way, I realized that I just want to be honest and share my stories with others. Rather than making a massive impact, I want to be friends with my listeners, I want to share my side of the story with them," says the young singer. 

Taking inspiration from artists like H.E.R., Rahmania always wants to make sure she's coming from a place of sincerity and honesty with her music, never wanting to stray away from what feels like her true self whether it be in her songs or live performances. 

"I deeply look up to H.E.R. She is just drop-dead amazing. I always had a dream of performing on stage while playing any musical instrument and that is who H.E.R. is. Her musicality, honesty in writing and you can feel how passionate she is through every song and performance. I want to be like her someday," says Rahmania. 

In 2021, she released her first-ever EP, Adolescent. Aptly named, the record takes her listeners through a sonic journey of ups and downs of love, life, and being young. It features her hit single 'Runaway', her first-ever track in English, as well as collaborations with the likes of Leanne & Naara and Monica Karina. 

Since then, Rahmania has been making waves all across the region with her music that's rooted in three simple principles she takes pride in: "honesty, consistency, and a willingness to learn". 

"The big challenge that I need to counter is how to keep being confident and being able to trust the process which isn't easy at all. Seeing so many amazing artists nowadays is really inspiring. It makes me want to explore and learn more about the things that I haven't had the opportunity to get my hands on," shares Rahmania. 

Most recently, the 'pizza pepperoni' act released her dual single 'i don't mind' which showcased different sides of herself with two versions of the same song. The track plays on the notion of being a hopeless romantic and falling head over heels for someone. 

"The inspiration of this song solemnly came from the deep feeling of being in love and how it felt like I wouldn't mind doing anything in the name of love. the butterflies you feel and how that special person makes you feel is just inexplicably beautiful," Rahmania shares. 

Rahmania's music has always been reflective of her journey as both a person and an artist, sharing stories of growth, change, and healing no matter how personal—an experience she said has helped her keep sane during turbulent times. 

Moving forward, the singer-songwriter wants her music becomes a solace for people too, hoping that they help ease them through their times of hardship. As Rahmania wraps her last year of college, she's excited to share more of her music with the world, adding that there's "more love and honesty" in store. 

Listen to Rahmania's dual single 'i don't mind' here.