As simple as it sounds, being yourself is hard work. From making sure your mental health's in check to working on your inner peace, it takes a lot of effort and work to not only be yourself but also accept all parts of yourself. It's that tiring and often difficult journey that Jinan Laetitia is sharing in her debut album, One. 

"I learned that even being yourself takes work and effort, but working on yourself and resolving your trauma is a small sacrifice for inner peace. This album wasn’t just a creative output, but also emotional and transformative for me in so many ways," the Indonesian rising star tells Bandwagon.  

Emerging onto the music scene with a hypnotic, dreamy blend of pop and R&B, the 'Gemini' act lays down both the good and bad parts of life and love, finding inspiration in the duality of it all. You see it most exemplified in One, as Jinan tracks the rocky and bumpy path to being content with who you are. 

"One tells a story of becoming one with yourself. Sometimes the world demands so many versions of us that we get confused and we forget who we are. In the album, I’m reflecting on the inner journey someone goes through to get to know and accept all parts of themselves," she shares. 

Bandwagon caught up with Jinan to talk about her musical beginnings, her strengths, and the story behind her debut album. 

Hi Jinan! How has life been treating you lately?

Life is good lately. My album just came out, so that’s a huge relief.

Let’s start from the beginning, what first drew you into music?

I enjoyed singing since I was little. My dad was a musician, I see him playing the keyboard and listening to jazz songs all throughout my childhood which influenced me to gravitate towards music. In high school, I started writing poems and turning them into songs. After that, I learned to produce my own music because I was curious.

Music is something that doesn’t feel like a job to me, so I rarely get tired of it. Having music as a career makes my life enjoyable, so naturally, I do that now.

How would you describe the music that you make? What impact would you like it to have on your listeners?

Music to me is a method of storytelling. I do a lot of inner work by writing lyrics and composing. I’d love for my music to comfort and celebrate the people listening to it.

Who are some of the artists that you look up to?

I adore strong female artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Kehlani. I love their boldness and I think they’re creative in so many ways.

In 2021, you did a three-part project where you released two songs that give different perspectives on the same theme. What inspired you to embark on this project? What were some things you learned while working on it?

I went through a tough time that made me reflect on how I view myself. I was burnt out and have very low self-esteem, so I decided to realign my mental state so I can live a happier, healthier life.

This album wasn’t just a creative output, but also emotional and transformative for me in so many ways. I learned that even being yourself takes work and effort, but working on yourself and resolving your trauma is a small sacrifice for inner peace.

Working on this album also enabled me to meet very talented, kind-hearted people who helped make the music and visuals happen, which I’m very grateful for.

Those songs came all together to form your debut album, One. As a whole, what story does the record tell?

One tells a story of becoming one with yourself. Sometimes the world demands so many versions of us that we get confused and we forget who we are. In the album, I’m reflecting on the inner journey someone goes through to get to know and accept all parts of themselves.

What do you think is your greatest strength as an artist?

Vision. I have a good sense of purpose that makes me resilient.

Where can we see Jinan Laetitia in the next five years?

I’ll be 25 and hopefully happy with whatever I’m doing then.

Outside of music, what are something you enjoy doing? Are there any new shows or movies you’ve been loving lately?

I just finished Season 3 of The Umbrella Academy. I loved it so much!

What can we expect from you for the rest of 2022?

A live performance and hopefully, new music. I can’t wait to show you!

Listen to Jinan Laetitia's One here.