June 21, 2026
World Music Day

World Music Day Special:
Voices Behind the Industry Speak Out

Music is a universal language that keeps evolving from tradition to digital, from local stages to global audiences.

Music is one of the art forms closest to human life. Through rhythm, melody, and lyrics, music becomes a medium for expressing emotions, delivering messages, and building connections between people beyond language and cultural barriers. From traditional melodies to modern digital productions, music continues to evolve alongside society and remains an important part of everyday life.

Every year on June 21, people around the world celebrate World Music Day, also known as Fete de la Musique, which was first introduced in France in 1982. The celebration was created as a way to appreciate music and everyone involved in the creative industry behind it. World Music Day also encourages people to enjoy music freely while supporting musicians and artists who continue to inspire audiences through their work.

History of music

The history of music dates back thousands of years, long before written language. Prehistoric people used natural sounds, hand claps, and simple stone or wood instruments to create rhythm. Music evolved through ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and China, where instruments like harps and flutes symbolized cultural growth. The Middle Ages and Renaissance brought musical notation and orchestral performances, leading to classical masters like Mozart and Beethoven.

In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and China, music began to develop its own systems and theories. The ancient Greeks considered music an essential part of education and social life. Instruments such as harps, flutes, and lyres became symbols of cultural development at the time. Music was not only seen as entertainment, but also believed to influence human emotions and character.

Entering the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period in Europe, music developed rapidly with the introduction of musical notation and orchestral performances. Composers began creating works that were more structured and artistic. During this period, classical music gained widespread recognition and became the foundation for the development of modern music in the future. Legendary composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven later became iconic figures in world music history.

Technological advancements in the 20th century brought major changes to the music industry. The rise of radio, vinyl records, cassette tapes, and eventually digital platforms made music more accessible to global audiences. Various genres such as jazz, rock, pop, hip hop, and electronic music emerged and developed with their own unique characteristics. Music eventually became not only a form of entertainment, but also a massive industry driven by creativity, technology, and business.

In today's modern era, music continues to transform alongside the growth of social media and digital streaming platforms. Artists are now able to share their work with worldwide audiences more quickly and easily than ever before. Cross-cultural and international collaborations have also become increasingly common, creating new colors and diversity within the global music industry.

To celebrate World Music Day, many producers, soloists, and idol groups from around the world have shared their perspectives on what music means to them and how they create their work behind the scenes. Through interviews and discussions, they explain how music becomes a way to express stories, emotions, and personal experiences to listeners. They also share insights into the creative and production process of making music in today's fast-moving and highly competitive digital industry.

August Alban, Producer

In celebration of World Music Day, various figures from the music industry have begun sharing their perspectives on creativity, artistic identity, and the challenges of surviving in today's rapidly evolving digital era. One of them is August Alban, a producer known for his reflective approach to music production and creative process.

In an interview session with Kaboom, August Alban spoke about the growing pressure within today's music industry, where artists and producers are often expected to continuously release new projects in a short amount of time. According to him, maintaining quality and preserving personal identity in music has become one of the biggest challenges producers face today.

"People think being a producer means you're always 'on,' always cranking out beats on demand. And sure, sometimes it is like that. But the songs people actually remember, the ones that hold up years later, those almost never came from a session where I felt rushed," he explained during the interview.

August also shared that, for him, a producer's identity is not defined solely by technical elements such as drums or chord progressions, but by the subtle creative decisions made throughout the production process. He emphasized that authenticity often comes from details that listeners may not immediately notice, yet emotionally feel within the music itself.

"The way I let a vocal breathe before the beat drops back in. The texture I choose over a cleaner option because it feels more honest. Those choices take time, and time is the one thing the industry doesn't want to give you," he said.

He further revealed that whenever he feels disconnected from his artistic identity, he chooses to step away from external pressure and return to the simplest form of music-making. According to him, reconnecting with the original reason behind creating music is what allows him to continue producing work that feels genuine and emotionally real.

Beyond discussing production pressure, August Alban also reflected on how technology and social media have transformed the music industry in the digital age. While he acknowledged that modern accessibility has opened opportunities for independent creators, he also admitted that the current system has made the creative process more emotionally demanding for producers.

"I didn't go to some elite production school with connections. I was a kid with a cracked laptop and free software, learning by breaking things and figuring out how to fix them. Without that accessibility, there's no version of me that ends up where I am," he shared.

However, he believes the meaning of "finishing" a song has drastically changed compared to previous generations. Producers are now expected not only to create music, but also to think about promotion strategies, social media presentation, online framing, and digital rollout plans even before audiences fully experience the song itself.

"As a producer, that adds this whole second job that has nothing to do with sound, but it still affects how you make the sound, because you're aware of it the entire time," August explained.

Despite the growing complexity of the industry, he believes creativity itself still begins from genuine emotion rather than algorithms or online trends. For him, the emotional connection behind a song will always exist before numbers, platforms, or digital marketing strategies enter the conversation.

"So creatively, I think the tools opened doors that should've always been open. But emotionally, producers now carry this extra layer of noise that didn't used to be there," he concluded.

Jeniffer Nora, Producer

In another interview session with Kaboom, Jeniffer Nora shared her perspective on balancing artistic idealism with the demands of today's music industry trends. According to her, every production process should begin with personal instinct and genuine artistic vision before considering anything beyond the music itself.

"As a producer, I always start with instinct and artistic vision. For me, every song needs a genuine emotional foundation before anything else," Jeniffer Nora explained.

She stated that focusing too heavily on trends or what is currently popular can often make the final result feel less authentic and emotionally disconnected from the story the artist wants to tell. However, Jeniffer also acknowledged that the music industry and listener behavior continue to evolve rapidly in today's digital era.

According to her, streaming platforms, social media, and modern production styles have significantly changed the way audiences discover and experience music. Because of that, she believes it is still important for producers to stay aware of these developments in order to present songs in a way that feels current and engaging for listeners today.

"However, I see trends as references rather than directions. They can inspire certain production choices, whether it's a mixing approach, sound design, or arrangement technique, but they never define the heart of the song," she said.

Jeniffer added that the role of a producer is not only to create music that sounds modern, but also to preserve artistic honesty within the work itself. For her, the ultimate goal is to create songs that remain true to their identity while still being able to connect with modern audiences.

Beyond discussing industry trends, Jeniffer Nora also talked about creative blocks, a challenge that many artists and producers experience throughout their careers. According to her, creative blocks are a natural part of the creative journey and not something that should always be resisted.

"I've come to accept that creative blocks are a natural part of the creative journey. Instead of fighting them, I've learned that sometimes the best thing I can do is step away for a moment and give myself some space," she shared.

Whenever she feels stuck or loses motivation in the studio, Jeniffer usually chooses to temporarily step away from the project she is working on and spend time doing completely different activities outside the production environment. She explained that she often regains inspiration by spending time outdoors, playing instruments without pressure, writing random thoughts, or simply taking a walk to clear her mind.

In addition, she enjoys listening to music outside of the genres she normally works in. For her, inspiration can come from unexpected details, whether it is a sound texture, rhythm, or a unique production approach found in another song.

"Sometimes a small detail in a song can spark an entirely new idea. As a producer, I'm constantly inspired by different sounds, cultures, and creative approaches," Jeniffer explained.

At the end of the interview, Jeniffer Nora emphasized that creativity cannot always be forced. According to her, one of the most important parts of the creative process is reconnecting with the original reason why someone started making music in the first place.

"Music has always been a space where I can be honest with myself and express emotions that are difficult to put into words. When I return to that mindset, the pressure to create usually fades, and inspiration tends to come back naturally," she concluded.

Aurisya Koswara Kwando, Soloist

Continuing the World Music Day special interview series with Kaboom, Aurisya Koswara Kwando shared her thoughts on artistic identity, creative storytelling, and the emotional responsibility of performing as a soloist in today's music industry. This interview took place at Aurisya Private Studio, Central Jakarta.

During the interview at Aurisya Private Studio, Aurisya explained that her involvement in every song she creates goes far beyond simply recording music. According to her, songwriting, visual direction, storytelling, and performance concepts are all deeply connected and play an important role in shaping the emotional experience behind her work.

"My role in every song I write is obviously very significant, and it influences every aspect involved in the process. It starts with writing lyrics. I always try to pour themes of love and obsession into every song I create," she shared.

Aurisya revealed that she enjoys romanticizing emotions surrounding love and affection, often expressing the perspective of a woman deeply in love and longing to be loved wholeheartedly. For her, lyrics become the foundation that allows emotions to be delivered honestly and completely.

She also emphasized that visual elements such as artwork concepts, color tones, styling, makeup, expressions, and music video narratives must remain interconnected with the emotions carried by the song itself. In some cases, she personally prepares visual concepts before presenting them to the production team to ensure that every detail reflects the story behind the lyrics.

"I want every visual element to become an extension of the lyrics I write, but this time portrayed visually and more realistically. Because music is not only meant to be heard, but also seen and deeply felt," Aurisya explained.

According to her, contributing to every stage of production, from lyric writing to music video shoots, is important in building a stronger emotional connection between the audience and the music itself. She believes that when a song carries sweet and affectionate emotions, the visual representation should feel equally alive so listeners can fully immerse themselves in the same feeling.

As a soloist known for her playful, cute, and emotionally expressive public image, Aurisya stated that maintaining consistency in creative direction is also essential in preserving the identity she has built since the beginning of her career.

"I want my listeners to feel the same excitement and butterflies. When they think about something full of love, I want them to remember me as its icon," she said.

She also mentioned her personal slogan, "chanting spells to pull you into my arms," describing it as a representation of how she hopes her songs can become emotional spells delivered through music that listeners can experience in a deeply personal way.

"Being a soloist and musician is not only about singing songs. It's also about building a character and a world that listeners can emotionally experience," Aurisya added.

Beyond discussing creativity and artistic identity, Aurisya Koswara Kwando also spoke openly about the emotional pressure that often comes with performing alone on stage. According to her, despite occasionally performing alongside dancers, the attention of the audience ultimately remains focused on the solo performer.

"The pressure is definitely always there, especially as a soloist who has to stand alone on stage. Even when dancers are performing with me, people's eyes will still naturally focus on me," she explained.

To prepare mentally before performances, Aurisya shared that she tries to transform fear into trust rather than allowing pressure to overwhelm her. Instead of focusing on possible mistakes, she reminds herself why she chose to stand on stage and share her stories with others in the first place.

"Not everyone has the courage and opportunity to stand on stage and be heard. The reason I'm still here today is alsoembedbelieving in me," she said.

Emotionally, Aurisya admitted that managing nervousness remains one of the biggest challenges she faces before stepping onto the stage. However, instead of rejecting those emotions, she chooses to embrace them as part of the performance itself.

"Nervousness is natural. That means I truly enjoy and embrace every mixed feeling before stepping onto the stage," she shared.

According to Aurisya, emotions can easily be reflected through facial expressions and stage presence, which is why she tries to channel those feelings into energy that helps create a more transparent and emotionally connected performance for the audience.

"If I can feel connected to my emotions and the song I'm performing, the connection with the audience usually forms naturally," she explained.

At the end of the interview, Aurisya emphasized that the most memorable performances are not always the most technically perfect ones, but the performances capable of making audiences feel emotionally understood and connected.

"If someone leaves after my performance feeling accompanied, understood, or even reminded of someone they love because of the song I sang, then I feel like I've succeeded in fulfilling my role as a musician," she concluded.

Celeste Vivienne, Soloist

Celeste Vivienne shared her perspective on the relationship between artists and social media, as well as the growing challenges faced by solo performers in today's music industry. The interview session took place at Lunaria Studio Record alongside Kaboom.

During the interview at Lunaria Studio Record, Celeste Vivienne explained that social media has created a much closer connection between artists and audiences compared to previous generations. According to her, this development can feel deeply inspiring, while also bringing emotional pressure that many artists quietly experience behind the scenes.

"Social media is a beautiful paradox for me. On one hand, it's incredibly inspiring because I get to see how my music lives in people's everyday moments, how it becomes part of their stories, their healing, and their joy," Celeste shared.

She believes that this level of closeness makes music feel more human, immediate, and meaningful than ever before. What older generations of artists could once only imagine can now be experienced directly through digital interaction and online communities.

However, behind that connection, Celeste also acknowledged the emotional weight that comes with living under constant public visibility. According to her, social media creates an unspoken pressure for artists to always remain present, evolving, and worthy of attention in the eyes of the public.

"When your life is constantly visible, there's a quiet pressure to always be 'present,' always be evolving, and always be worthy of attention," she explained.

Celeste stated that this environment can slowly blur the line between an artist's identity and their personal life as an individual. Because of that, she believes it is important to protect a part of herself from public exposure and preserve a sense of privacy.

"I've learned that protecting a part of myself—something private and untouched—is essential. Because at the end of the day, the music needs honesty, and honesty needs space," she said.

Beyond discussing social media, Celeste Vivienne also reflected on the biggest challenges soloists face in today's music industry compared to previous generations. According to her, modern solo artists are now expected to carry multiple roles at the same time.

"You're not just an artist anymore. You also have to become a brand, a storyteller, a content creator, and a public figure. And all of that exists in real time under constant observation," she stated.

Celeste believes that artists from previous generations still had more space to grow quietly between releases, while today relevance moves at an extremely fast pace and trends can shift overnight.

For her, the biggest challenge is not simply following trends, but remaining grounded in one's identity while everything around them continues to change rapidly.

"That's the real challenge—staying grounded in who you are while everything around you is constantly changing," Celeste explained.

At the end of the interview, Celeste Vivienne emphasized that success should not be measured by how well an artist keeps up with every trend. Instead, she believes the most meaningful works are the ones that remain honest and timeless even years later.

"For me, success isn't about keeping up with every trend. It's about creating something timeless, something that still feels true years from now. Because in the end, authenticity is the only thing that doesn't go out of style," she concluded.

Our Dream, Boy Group

Leonardo Nicholas Wang, also known as Leo from Our Dream, shared his thoughts on teamwork, group chemistry, and the challenge of maintaining a strong musical identity in today's rapidly evolving music industry. The interview session took place at Kadio Space, The Kachoo Office Building, South Jakarta alongside Kaboom.

According to Leo, synchronization, chemistry, and trust between members are essential elements in delivering a powerful group performance on stage. He explained that behind every performance, there is continuous effort to maintain emotional closeness and healthy communication within the team.

"You're absolutely right. A group performance really requires strong synchronization, chemistry, and trust between members in order to give the best performance possible. We don't want to disappoint the fans who come to support us, right?" Leo said with a laugh.

To maintain strong relationships behind the scenes, Leo shared that the members usually build connection through simple moments together, such as eating together or spending time in the practice room during breaks. He also mentioned that the group's leader and management team play an important role in helping the members build chemistry naturally.

"Usually, we start with simple things first. Eating together or playing around during break time in the practice room helps us build chemistry naturally," he explained.

Leo also revealed that he personally feels close with all the members of Our Dream because he enjoys approaching people first and sharing hobbies or casual conversations with them.

"I'm not really the type of person who's shy about approaching people, so I usually approach the other members first and talk about things we both like," he said.

Despite the strong bond within the group, Leo admitted that differences in opinion and pressure are unavoidable, especially while preparing major projects such as comebacks. He shared that disagreements previously happened while discussing song selection and musical direction for their recent Korean comeback.

"Some members had pretty significant differences in opinion regarding the songs and the musical direction for our Korean comeback," Leo revealed.

However, rather than allowing conflicts to grow into larger problems, the members chose to solve them through discussion and collective decision-making. According to him, openness and communication are important in maintaining trust within the team.

"We usually solve things through discussion and voting so everything feels fair. If someone has objections, we encourage them to speak up at that moment," he explained.

Leo also mentioned that the members often joke around during practice sessions to keep the atmosphere from becoming too tense or emotionally exhausting.

Beyond discussing group chemistry, Leonardo Nicholas Wang also reflected on how quickly music trends continue to change in today's industry. According to him, keeping the group's music fresh while preserving its unique identity has become one of the biggest challenges for modern idol groups.

"It's true that music trends are constantly changing," he stated.

For Our Dream, continuing to evolve musically means releasing songs that feel fresh, relatable, and encouraging for listeners without losing the group's signature emotional color.

"The concept of teenagers and dreams has always been the main thread throughout Our Dream's journey because we want our music to accompany people through every stage of growth," Leo explained.

He hopes that Our Dream's music can support listeners while chasing dreams, facing challenges, or celebrating small achievements in life. Because of that, although their music continues evolving alongside modern trends, the themes of togetherness, hope, and courage to keep dreaming will always remain the heart of the group's identity.

"Our Dream means 'our dreams,' so we want to continue protecting our dreams and everyone else's dreams as well, so they can continue growing and eventually become reality while bringing positive things to the people around us," he concluded.

World Music Day reminds us that music is a shared heritage of humanity. From traditional melodies to digital experiments, every note carries stories and hopes. Let us continue to support musicians, appreciate their work, and let music be a bridge that unites differences. Because in the end, music is not just about sound, but about the feeling that touches the heart of every listener.

Speakers