Cinta Laura Kiehl’s journey from dominating the Asian film industry to embarking on her music career has been nothing short of impressive. Now, her new single “Loco” adds another layer of electrifying empowerment to her growing music portfolio. Featuring popular Brazilian duo Tropkillaz, who brings a fresh and energetic sonic vibe to the track, it is a showcase of Kiehl’s ever-evolving musical journey — sure to captivate both loyal and new fans. A testament to her versatility, it shows a transition from her pop roots into a nuanced, one-of-a-kind musical style. With its colourful cinematic offering, this masterpiece exudes the essence of a pop star’s fantasy, with Kiehl and her dance crew dazzling the audience with smooth moves in a sun-kissed setting.

This release marks a significant milestone in Kiehl’s ongoing success and influence, and we were lucky enough to sit down with the rising star to chat through her early influences, “Loco”, non-musical pursuits, and her big future plans.

Stream “Loco” now…

Read the exclusive interview below…

Who and what influences you?
I have always drawn inspiration from strong, outspoken, and unapologetic women. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I truly appreciated how fortunate I was to have been granted the freedom to recognize my potential as a woman, without being burdened by fears and doubts that my ability to thrive was restricted for any reason. As time passed and I gained a deeper understanding of the world and how local communities operate, I came to realize that the confidence and mindset I had cultivated were significant privileges. Many women and young girls in my country, Indonesia, do not have the same freedom and opportunities that I enjoyed growing up. Therefore, I hold deep admiration for bold role models, from Oprah and Angelina Jolie to Margaret Thatcher. Confidence, self-assurance, and fearlessness are the qualities I aim to foster in everything I do, both personally and professionally. With my “privilege,” I believe it is my duty to empower others in any way I can.

What are your musical origins?
I’ve always found inspiration in the pop divas of the 2000s, like Britney Spears, JLo, Beyonce, Shakira, and more. It’s clear in my music videos and choreography that I strive to channel their energies. I’m unafraid to make a statement through my movements and the way I present/style myself. However, in recent years, my artistic influences have extended to reggaeton (Bad Bunny, Anuel AA, Karol G, Rosalia, J Balvin, and others) and afro beats (Juls, Nonso Amadi, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tems, Ayra Starr, and so on). Essentially, I have a deep love for high-energy music that drives you to move and celebrate life. Music is meant to lift your spirits, so why not make people want to party?

How did you find and develop the sound that you wanted to, and want to, create within?
Over the last four years, ever since “Vida,” I’ve played a significant role in producing each of my tracks. Specifically with “Markisa,” Eka Gustiwana, who is the music producer from the band Weird Genius, and I attempted to infuse reggaeton energy with traditional Indonesian instruments. Surprisingly, reggaeton shares rhythmic similarities with certain traditional Indonesian music. Therefore, with “Loco,” I collaborated with Tropkillaz to blend Brazilian baile funk (another genre I’ve been enjoying since 2016) with traditional Balinese kecak music. In recent years, my sound has focused on merging my energetic personality with my love for reggaeton, subtly incorporating Indonesian sounds that people wouldn’t typically expect to find in modern pop music.

How would you describe the essence of your music?
Flirty, fun, confident, feel-good POP.

How has your diverse cultural background shaped your artistic outlook?
During my upbringing, I had the opportunity to reside in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, the USA, and, of course, Indonesia. As a result, I was exposed to a wide range of diverse and possibly eclectic sounds. My love for music spans German techno, Middle Eastern vocal textures, traditional Indonesian music, and, naturally, everything from pop, hip-hop, R&B to Latin genres like dembow, reggaeton, baile funk, salsa, and more. I’ve always had the desire to explore and experiment with various musical styles (hahaha).

That said, I’ve come to realize that my multicultural background has inspired me to delve into sounds that don’t necessarily originate from my own cultural background. Although, it’s also arguable, given that I represent many third-culture kids who don’t feel tied to a single culture. Regardless of the track I’m working on, I consistently gravitate towards capturing the essence of feminine energy. What does that really mean? Well, I aim for my music to successfully capture allure and mystique while also embracing moments of confidence and boldness. You can always expect a touch of that GIRL POWER in my music.

Do you think Asian music is still overlooked by Western industries? How can we change the narrative?
No. Look at how K-pop has taken over the world. Southeast Asian music? Absolutely. While I can’t speak for other Southeast Asian countries, I believe it’s fair to say that, at least for Indonesia, we bear some responsibility for not yet having made a mark on the global music stage. Indonesia’s music scene is highly segmented, with heartbreak ballads being the prevailing theme that enjoys widespread success. The mainstream music industry often lacks diversity, as major labels primarily focus on targeting a broad audience and maximizing profits. Consequently, exceptionally skilled and versatile local artists often find themselves on the fringes, lacking the support needed to achieve widespread recognition. Essentially, it becomes challenging to make a global impact when the people from your own country are unaware of your talent and aren’t providing the necessary support for international success.

What do you think stands out about you as a musician?
I’m a chameleon? Hahaha.

Context:
In my song “Cloud9,” I was able to incorporate German yodeling into the chorus (fyi, I’m half German). In “Markisa,” I incorporated seven traditional Indonesian instruments, giving it a somewhat Middle Eastern vibe. In the “Oh Baby Remix,” I channeled my inner Dutch house DJ. And as for “Loco,” well, I think we’ve already covered that one!

I represent individuals with diverse backgrounds, allowing me to connect with a broad audience through my understanding of various cultures.

Congratulations on your latest single! Talk us through your creation of the track?
I connected with Tropkillaz via Zoom in November of last year. We got to know each other online, I shared my musical goals and the sound I wanted to explore with them. They sent me a couple of beats they had already created, and we worked on refining the ones that resonated most with me. Collaborating with Los Angeles-based lyricist Mikel Cole, I developed the ideas behind the lyrics, and we recorded the song in January of this year. Two weeks later, we all met up in LA to shoot the music video together. It was honestly a very speedy process, but I guess the chemistry was there!

Why did you decide to work with Tropkillaz and how was that experience?
I’ve been a fan of their work since 2018! I’ve always loved their sound, meeting them and working with them was AWESOME (yes, this one word captures everything). Zegon and Laudz are not only incredibly talented but also humble. They managed to turn my scattered ideas into music with remarkable finesse. It was a true honor for me to collaborate with such renowned music producers who have worked with many influential people in the Latin music scene. I think it’s safe to say that I was incredibly fortunate that they wanted to work with me, rather than the other way around.

What are you saying with the track?
The song’s message is about a woman who transforms into a stronger, more self-assured person by making herself a priority. She doesn’t let the opinions or judgments of others hold her back. She’s prepared to face the world, conquering her insecurities and fears. In the chorus, the word “Loco” represents her readiness to cut loose, be her authentic self, and fearlessly embrace it.

Talk us through your non-musical pursuits and passions?
I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades (16.5 years to be exact) as an actress, singer, and all-around performer.

My unwavering dedication to the world of entertainment is paralleled by my profound commitment to elevating the standard of education in Indonesia. In 2022, I initiated a movement known as “Act of Love,” designed to be a catalyst for change through a series of initiatives aimed at fostering a positive and critical mindset within Indonesian society.

The heart of the Act of Love movement beats to inspire the younger generation, motivating them to actively participate in activities that fuel widespread economic and social progress. This vision encompasses education, environmental conservation, philanthropy, technology, and the creative industries.

My current focus centers on the expansion of Cinta Paras Semesta (CPS), a holding company I founded comprising six distinct business units within the creative industry. My overarching goal is to establish an inclusive and nurturing environment for emerging creatives, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to contribute significantly to the advancement of the Indonesian creative landscape. The company names are: RUMAH SRADDHA SEMESTA, REVOLICONS, PUELLA ID, LVCID, ABSTRKT, EIGHTEEN COFFEE.

Alongside this, I am also a member of the Board of Commissioners at Mahareksa Biru Energy Tbk, a waste to energy company that has gone public where I serve as a voice for the youth, addressing their concerns regarding the increasing air pollution and contaminated waters. Together with my dedicated team, we have established a community known as Team Biru, focused on raising awareness about the pressing issue of environmental degradation and empowering young individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Through a combination of online and offline initiatives, my goal is to instill positive values within diverse Indonesian communities and encourage them to actively participate in solutions for the ongoing climate crisis. Our collective efforts aim to foster a sense of responsibility and nurture environmentally conscious habits among the younger generation.

I hold a strong belief that media can influence and mold societal behaviors, serving as a potent instrument to illuminate the realities of our world. Consequently, I am driven by the conviction that media should be harnessed as a tool to shape values, perspectives, inspire change, and challenge prevailing worldviews. My dedication to the creative industry carries with it a deep sense of responsibility, as I strive to educate and motivate the youth to grow and evolve for the betterment of themselves and their communities.

My core belief revolves around the idea that purpose-driven action, rooted in love and sincerity, holds the key to meaningful change, a change that can contribute to a brighter and more promising future for all.

What are your future career goals?
WORLD DOMINATION. Jk. I’m always eager to push my limits. Given my various business ventures, acting projects, and philanthropic activities, it’s hard for me to narrow my list of goals. In a nutshell, my overarching goal is to contribute to the growth of the Indonesian creative industry. This country is full of talent and potential that has been overlooked for far too long. My primary goal is therefore to place Indonesia on the map, whether it’s through my personal body of work or the creative ecosystem I have built through Cinta Paras Semesta.