The Jakarta-based multi-instrumentalist KLAV has released the second single from her upcoming EP. The song feels more like a journey than a repetitive composition, while familiar patterns continue to return throughout. We got in touch with KLAV to talk about her new direction as an artist, her upcoming EP, and how this second single came to be. 

For those who don’t know you yet, could you give us a brief introduction to who you are as an artist and what drives you to create the music you make?

Hi! I’m Keshia Aita, also known as KLAV, a music producer and musician from Jakarta. I play a couple of instruments, but my roots and primary instruments are drums and percussion.

I’ve always loved exploring music through different mediums, from my solo project KLAV, my duo RL KLAV, and my collective Salon RnB, also to meditative soundscape, and music for art installations.

After years of creating collaborative projects, my main focus now is my solo project, where I’m exploring more personal stories and perspectives through cinematic instrumental music. I think the curiosity to keep exploring and finding new ways to express myself is what really drives me to create.

What is your main goal with music? At the core of it, what does being a musician mean to you?

For me, music is more than just releasing songs or performing. It’s a form of communication and a way of releasing.. I feel like there are many different layers within me that want to be expressed, which is why I enjoy exploring different projects and mediums.

I don’t really want to be defined by one category, because music is such a beautifully complex art form. At its core, music is my safe space to communicate and release energy. And if something I create happens to resonate with or even help someone else, of course that means a lot to me.

You’ve entered a new chapter as an artist with your upcoming EP and the two latest singles that are part of the project. What made you take this step?

The initial drive actually came from RL KLAV going on a hiatus because my duo mate, Laras, moved to New Zealand. I also realized that I missed releasing music that felt personal to me.

Since Laras was starting her own solo project as well, I decided to use this moment to explore my own solo project, with a stronger focus on instrumental music. The two singles, Bloom and Finite Mind, Infinite Line, became part of that process and eventually led me toward this EP.

You’ve had success as part of the duo RL KLAV. How does it feel to take on a solo project this time? Did the transition come naturally to you, or did you face any challenges when starting out on your own?

It actually didn’t come naturally. I’ve always been more comfortable in collaborative projects, so I didn’t immediately decide to become a solo artist when RL KLAV went on hiatus.

A lot of friends had asked when I would release a solo project, but at the time, I didn’t feel the calling. I didn’t want to release something just to prove my existence in music.

Towards the end of 2025, after going through a lot of internal changes and reflection, I finally felt the drive to create something more personal and share my own perspective. That eventually became my debut single, Bloom.

It was also a challenge creatively; from writing and arranging alone, to developing a different mindset and stage presence as a solo performer. But I’m slowly starting to enjoy it now. I’ve also learned that being a solo artist doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. You can still create that collective energy through collaborations.

“Finite Mind, Infinite Line” has a very cinematic and jazzy feel to it. What draws you to this type of sound, and can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the EP as a whole?

Finite Mind, Infinite Line started very organically from a jam session with my boyfriend, who plays bass, while I played drums. So the original idea was literally just bass and drums.

I developed the track further through production, and the sound naturally came from the music we enjoy listening to. At the time, I was also heavily inspired by BADBADNOTGOOD and Kamasi Washington, so those influences naturally found their way into the track.

For the EP as a whole, there are two main inspirations: cinematic soul and classic Italian film scores. Since most of the EP is instrumental, I want the songs to feel almost like a film score or soundtrack; music that can accompany a certain atmosphere, scene, or mood.

There will also be some spoken words and dialogue throughout the EP, which are meant to represent the message behind each song. I’m really interested in making the EP something you can listen to aesthetically and emotionally, almost as if you’re creating your own visuals or scenes while listening.

Listen to Finite Mind, Infinite Line here.