Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with MASWO

MASWO is a songwriter, singer, composer and music producer born in 1993 from Indonesia. Started writing songs around the age of 16, actively developing his musical works with “trafficjam” and “soul on fingers”, and was involved in several musical works such as his album “mensana” he wrote the song “lesson learn” as well as “lalu lintas” trafficjam , “aku tau” and “kagumi” soul on fingers.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

Back then, I found a CD of “In Utero – NIRVANA” in my friend’s room. When I listened to “Heart Shaped Box,” I immediately wanted to play the guitar that very day and dreamed of becoming a musician after hearing “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

It started with curiosity. I borrowed my cousin’s guitar and taught myself, eventually buying secondhand music magazines. I learned to write songs, and every school notebook had my scribbles. Somehow, I always felt happy doing it—that’s how I discovered that creating songs is the most honest way to tell stories and understand myself.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

MASWO is a space where I freely experiment without being confined to one genre. The latest single, “barangkali,” featuring Popy Nafisa, is an example: a musical conversation between the darkness of grunge and the tenderness of orchestra, born from personal experiences of letting go. It’s about endless sacrifice and someone doubting those efforts. I kept thinking, “What if I had this, what if I could do that?”—only to realize I had nothing except my willingness to be the victim of my own sacrifices.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Imagine an intimate, dramatic conversation. On one side, there are deep vocals and the texture of acoustic guitars with dark grunge fill-ins; on the other, majestic orchestras and soft jazzy vocals. That’s the essence of MASWO’s sound: **a melancholic symphony that is both personal and full of contrast.**

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

That emotion is the foundation, not technique. I used to be trapped in theories and perfection. Now, I prioritize the “soul” of a song. When the feeling is right, even imperfections can become character.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Acoustic guitar as the foundation for songwriting, a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for recording and arranging, and virtual libraries for orchestral strings. For “barangkali,” the flute and French horn were key elements in creating a cinematic atmosphere.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I deeply admire the works of Turnstile and .Feast in the current era. The way they make music feel fresh and never boring, with incredibly cool lyrics—I’m speechless, it’s just so brilliant and inspiring.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

Every song is a fragment of my life’s diary. Experiences of loss, doubt, and self-acceptance fuel my creativity. “barangkali,” for instance, crystallizes the moment when someone decides to stop sacrificing themselves for an unbalanced relationship.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope they feel less alone. That complex emotions like sorrow, restlessness, or doubt are part of being human. My music is a reminder that we all have wounds, and it’s often from there that our strength grows.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Honesty is the strongest resonance. You can’t lie through music. The greatest lesson is to always stay true to your inner voice, because the right listeners will feel its authenticity.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

A stage like Synchronize Fest or any festival with an intimate concept.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

**Damon Albarn**—I think he’s a genius musician in this world, with groundbreaking works.

**Baskara Putra/HINDIA**—This Indonesian musician inspired me to go solo and boldly search for my own sound.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

**Spotify:** [https://open.spotify.com/artist/5XgbBkGDKDAD0xmOzjmeOf](https://open.spotify.com/artist/5XgbBkGDKDAD0xmOzjmeOf)

– **Instagram:** [@maswo_69](https://instagram.com/maswo_69)

– **Email:** maswo6993@gmail.com

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

To release a full album that further explores MASWO’s sound and to go on a small tour to genuinely connect with the people who support my music.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

That beneath the sometimes dark atmosphere, there’s someone constantly seeking beauty in life’s imperfections. I hope they find a glimpse of their own stories in every song I create.