Whisnu Santika Maps Out His Musical Evolution on Forthcoming Debut Album

Set for release later this year, the Indonesian artist previews his biggest project yet with lead single ‘Aku Harus Pergi,’ featuring Ari Lesmana, out now.

Internationally celebrated Indonesian DJ and producer Whisnu Santika has officially announced his debut album, ‘Map of Feelings,’ due for worldwide release later this year. With the album, Whisnu explores a more intimate, emotional and reflective side of his music while continuing to carry the explosive energy and spirit that have defined his rise within the global dance music scene. Launching alongside the album announcement is the project’s first single, ‘Aku Harus Pergi,’ a collaboration with celebrated Indonesian singer-songwriter Ari Lesmana.

The release also marks a renewed creative partnership between Whisnu Santika and Ari Lesmana, following their successful 2025 collaboration on the viral hit ‘Mangu,’ which almost kickstarted Whisnu Santika’s journey of showing the emotive side of his studio work.

Widely recognized as a pioneer of Indonesian bounce (a sound blending baile funk influences, global grooves, and Indonesia’s unique musical identity), Whisnu has spent the past several years building a strong presence both locally and internationally. Since 2019, he has released more than ten records that established his signature style across Asia’s electronic music landscape. Now, through ‘Map of Feelings,’ he aims to become a bridge between electronic music and the Indonesian pop world.

Through releases such as ‘Yalla Habibi,’ ‘J-Town,’ and ‘Mi Casa’ with Cinta Laura and Liquid Silva, alongside more emotional works like ‘Mangu’ and ‘Bagaimana Kalau Aku Tidak Baik-Baik Saja (Remix 2025),’ Whisnu Santika has consistently pushed beyond genre boundaries while staying rooted in his artistic identity. With ‘Map of Feelings,’ Whisnu now enters his most personal era yet. The announcement also arrives ahead of Whisnu’s two upcoming performances at Tomorrowland Belgium this July, further cementing his growing international presence.

Speaking about the upcoming album, Whisnu says: “This album is definitely a different side of me. I want people to understand that we are trying to become a bridge between two worlds; electronic and pop music. Behind the dancefloor energy, there are also emotions, stories and moments of self-discovery that deserve to be heard.”

‘Aku Harus Pergi’ serves as the emotional gateway into that world. Built around themes of complicated relationships, distance, healing and emotional reflection, the song tells the story of two people choosing to step away from one another, not out of anger, but to rediscover themselves individually. Despite the separation, the emotional connection remains, lingering quietly through memories, curiosity and unspoken care. At its core, the song reflects a feeling many people experience: exhaustion from life itself and the need for solitude in order to heal and reconnect with who they truly are.

The collaboration with Ari Lesmana brings an additional layer of depth and sincerity to the tune. Best known as the vocalist of folk-pop band Fourtwnty, Ari has become one of Indonesia’s most respected alternative voices through poetic songwriting and introspective storytelling in songs such as ‘Zona Nyaman’ and ‘Fana Merah Jambu.’ His artistic approach, blending music, literature and emotional honesty, naturally complements the atmosphere Whisnu seeks to create on this new project and lets the story unfold like chapters in a book where every song carries its own story and invites listeners to connect with it in their own way.

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