10/06/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | JUNE 10, 2026

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Jordan Susanto on life’s Million Different Reasons

I NDONESIAN singer-songwriter Jordan Susanto has announced his second album Million Different Reasons , due July 17, alongside the release of two new singles Nervous and Such A Shame . The Jakarta artiste first introduced the album with Death of Me earlier this year. The two new tracks expand on its direction, drawing from soul and funk while looking at relationships, friendship, anxiety, longing, self-love and the different reasons behind how people move through life. Nervous draws from funk and soul, with Jordan citing artistes such as Prince, James Brown and Michael Jackson as influences. The song pairs a livelier groove with a more playful approach than some of his earlier material. “For me, it’s not about replicating a sound from an old era, but finding the most honest way to translate what I felt when I wrote this song,” Jordan said. Such A Shame is described as a sister track to Nervous , musically and thematically. Both songs centre on emotional openness and the act of caring without trying to appear detached. To capture a more organic sound, Jordan recorded the rhythm section live with his band The Soul & Rollers , keeping more of the interaction between players in the final recordings. “I see that the current generation is starting to not be too afraid to look ‘cringe’, not afraid to care. I hope the next generation will grow up in environments that are more welcoming of their emotions,” he said. Jordan said the album feels more representative of him than his debut. “Love feels too narrow to describe all of it. There are a million different reasons behind the way we feel and live life,” he added. o Singer-songwriter previews upcoming album with two new singles

Friendzone in motion THAI-SINGAPOREAN singer songwriter and actor James Alyn has returned to deliver his first single of the year My Friend? that dives into the blurry definition of friendship in modern romance, following his debut solo album 2019 last year. The single is accompanied by a music video that brings My Friend? ’s friendzoned narrative to life, when two souls share a seat in a car racing towards the horizon, yet remain worlds apart. As the relationship stays frozen, the emotional gap only grows. Both My Friend? and 2019 came from James’s departure from the international male duo group HYBS as he embarked on a solo career that showcases his versatility across a wide range of musical styles. His repertoire features beloved HYBS classics alongside cutting edge new material that he has written and performed, solidifying his reputation in the music industry. On stage, James captivates audiences with his electrifying performances, backed by a band that has been by his side for over a decade. Together, they create an immersive and exhilarating live experience. The start of James’s musical career can be traced to HYBS, which split in 2024.

Compared with his 2024 self-titled debut album Jordan , the new project takes a simpler approach, with looser arrangements, minimal editing and more emphasis on recorded moments. – ALL HANDOUT PICS

Jazz Festiva l and We The Fest . In late 2024, he won Best Soul/R&B Artiste at the AMI Awards and received another nomination in the same category the following year.

Jordan released his debut album in 2024, after gaining attention with songs including Senopati In The Rain, which reached Spotify’s Viral 50 charts in Indonesia and the Philippines. He has also performed at Java

Alicia DC drops Wanna Kiss SINGAPOREAN singer-songwriter and producer Alicia DC has released her debut album Wanna Kiss , a dance-pop and alternative pop project built around comic book-inspired visuals and personal songwriting. energetic production to reflect the contrast between her reserved personality and the louder thoughts running beneath the surface.

While the album leans into playful dance-pop, its themes remain rooted in smaller emotional details, from romantic uncertainty to deciding what to eat for lunch. The project frames dance music as part of Alicia DC’s inner world rather than a simple escape from it. Her earlier releases have moved across acoustic ballads, trap pop and alternative sounds. She has also collaborated with artistes including Gabba, Ceratone and June Pan. The album follows recent performances at Singapore Arts Week 2025, Light to Night Festival 2025 and Axean Festival 2025 in Bali, where she appeared alongside emerging acts from across Southeast Asia. Wanna Kiss is available on digital streaming platforms.

The album marks a fuller move into dance pop for the Singapore based artiste, following her 2022 debut EP Maybe and 2024 single Circles . Across eight tracks, Wanna Kiss pairs upbeat production with songs about relationships, insecurity, overstimulation and everyday thoughts. Its tracklist includes Wanna Kiss , IDM , Tsundere , Leaf , Secret , Say Ur My Type , Introvert and Stomach . The release uses neon colours, pixel inspired imagery and

The album’s visual direction takes cues from Scott Pilgrim vs The World , placing Alicia DC in a comic book-like setting that moves between reality and a heightened party world.