Malaysian indie band Lokarya is stepping into an exciting new chapter with the release of two latest singles, “Pelangi Selepas Hujan” and “Lie”.
Released ahead of the band’s highly anticipated debut studio album, the two songs offer a glimpse into Lokarya’s evolving musical identity while highlighting the experiences, challenges and personal growth that have shaped the band since its formation in 2019.
Rather than simply returning with new music, Lokarya is using this moment to show audiences who they have become after years of finding their sound.
A New Chapter for Lokarya
Lokarya consists of Shaheth Nair on vocals and guitar, Khairi Hamidi on guitar, Rafael Ahmad on bass, Taka on keys and Amirul Zailan on drums.
Over the years, the Malaysian indie band has developed a distinctive sound influenced by modern city pop, soul and alternative music. While these influences remain an important part of their identity, Lokarya’s latest material shows a greater sense of confidence in combining different sounds with emotional storytelling.
The road to this point, however, has not always been straightforward.
Since forming in 2019, the band has experienced different challenges, changes and periods of uncertainty. Those experiences eventually became part of the creative process, helping the members better understand their individual strengths as well as the identity they wanted Lokarya to represent.
“Pelangi Selepas Hujan” Brings a Message of Hope
Among the two new singles, “Pelangi Selepas Hujan” carries a particularly meaningful message for the band.
The song was written by Noh Salleh, a musician and songwriter whom Lokarya deeply admires. At its heart, the song explores the relationship between human beings and God, especially during moments of hardship, loss and uncertainty.
Its message is also about remembering faith during difficult periods.
When life becomes complicated, people can sometimes become so focused on finding answers that they forget to pause, reflect and return to God. “Pelangi Selepas Hujan” serves as a gentle reminder of faith, hope and surrender.
For Shaheth, however, the song is not limited to the idea of overcoming hardship.
It also touches on life, love, destiny and the importance of trusting the Creator.
Musically, the song presents a brighter and more harmonious side of Lokarya. Combined with poetic lyrics, the track reflects the band’s growing maturity and confidence.
From “Deruan” to a Stronger Musical Identity
The journey towards Lokarya’s debut album can be traced back to “Deruan”, a song that played an important role in helping the band discover its musical direction.
After being reintroduced last year, “Deruan” gained attention through RIUH x ASEAN and eventually became an important blueprint for the sound and creative direction of the band’s upcoming debut album.
For bassist Rafael Ahmad, the song represents an important turning point.
At the time, Lokarya was still figuring out what kind of band it wanted to become. After years of experiences, the members now feel more confident about the music they want to create.
The album-making process also taught them that a musical journey does not always move in a straight line.
Every challenge and change became part of their development, allowing the band to confront weaknesses, recognise strengths and grow together.
“Lie” Reveals a More Personal Side
While “Pelangi Selepas Hujan” focuses on hope, faith and introspection, “Lie” introduces listeners to another side of Lokarya.
The English-language song was originally written by Shaheth back in 2014. It remained unreleased for years and went through several versions before eventually being rediscovered and reimagined as a Lokarya song.
For Shaheth, “Lie” is more than just another track on the album.
It represents a piece of his history as a songwriter and demonstrates how an old idea can take on a completely different meaning when revisited years later.
With Lokarya’s current musical identity behind it, the song has found a new life and a place within the band’s debut album.
A Debut Album Full of Different Musical Colours
Both “Pelangi Selepas Hujan” and “Lie” will be included in Lokarya’s upcoming debut studio album, marking one of the most important milestones in the band’s journey.
Instead of restricting the album to one particular genre, Lokarya has chosen to explore different musical colours, arrangements and emotions.
Each song is intended to have its own character while remaining connected to the album as a whole.
This approach reflects how the band has evolved. Lokarya is maintaining the elements that define its identity while becoming more comfortable with experimentation.
According to Rafael, every song may have a different personality, but there is still a common “red string” connecting the entire album.
In other words, listeners can expect an album that feels diverse without losing the essence of Lokarya.
Bringing the Album to Life
Creating the right sound while staying authentic to their roots was one of the band’s biggest challenges.
To help transform their ideas into a cohesive musical experience, Lokarya appointed Fai HK as the album’s music producer and arranger.
The band also acknowledged the support of the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and MyCreative Ventures through Rumah Muzik Production, which helped make the professional production of the album possible.
With this support and the band’s creative direction coming together, the debut album represents a major step forward for Lokarya.
Music That Can Become a Companion
For Lokarya, the ultimate goal is not simply to create songs that people listen to once and move on from.
The band hopes its music can accompany listeners through different moments and chapters of their lives.
Keys player Taka believes that if Lokarya’s songs can become something people return to during certain moments in their lives, that would already be meaningful for the band.
It is an ambition that fits naturally with the emotional storytelling found in their latest releases.
Lokarya Is Ready for What Comes Next
From “Deruan” to “Pelangi Selepas Hujan” and “Lie”, Lokarya’s journey has been one of discovery, experimentation and growth.
The band that once spent years searching for its musical identity now appears ready to embrace it.
With their debut studio album coming soon and plans for future tours and special performances, Lokarya is looking to bring its music to a wider audience while staying true to the sound and stories that brought the band here.
For fans of Malaysian indie music, the arrival of these two singles offers an exciting preview of what is to come.
“Pelangi Selepas Hujan” and “Lie” are now available on digital streaming platforms, while Lokarya’s debut studio album is expected to arrive soon.
Fans can follow @lokaryamusic on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for the latest updates.
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