BROOKLYN. After the success of the single Ghost Circuit, which was featured on the soundtrack of the psychological thriller Smothered, produced by Joko Anwar (Nightmares and Daydreams), which is now available for a global audience to stream on Netflix, Zeke and The Popo (ZATPP) returned with their latest single, Reel 4. This New York-Jakarta Indie band is generating buzz for their long-anticipated second album, Crazy Life. This track shows that artistic growth isn't just about being flashy; it’s also about creating thoughtful, meditative moments.
The Reel 4 takes a closer look at finding silence in a busy world. It feels more personal and relatable compared to the mysterious tone of Ghost Circuit. The acoustic guitar strumming adds a natural vibe, telling a story about the mental strength needed to stay connected while searching for a true sense of home. The song Reel 4 features Zeke and the Popo diving into self-reflection, with some great vocal contributions from Kaneko Pardede, adding depth to their second single from the upcoming album Crazy Life.
"The song is all about the things I actually have power over: my attention and my willpower. I’ve been studying Hermetic philosophy, and I’m a big believer that the universe is mental', said Zeke from his home studio in Brooklyn. "For me, music is the way I control those parts of myself. Home is really just finding that right headspace by raising your mental vibration", added Zeke who plans to have a concert tour with his band in Jakarta starting June.
Rich layers of keys and synthesized sounds give the song a dramatic flair without overwhelming it. Each sound seems thoughtfully placed to fill in the quiet, creating a curated ambient atmosphere. Kaneko Pardede from The Cottons adds dreamy vocal layers that perfectly complement Zeke's lead vocals.
On the production side, Jonathan Pardede balances the richness of the electronic elements with the simplicity of the main instruments, making sure the music keeps its essence while sounding modern. After recording at Pejaten Studio and Black Studio in South Jakarta, Jonathan mixed the track, and Felix Davis mastered it at the famous Metropolis Studio in London, ensuring top-notch sound. Reel 4 showcases ZATPP's evolving art-rock style and is more than just a step toward Crazy Life; it’s available on all major streaming platforms.
Monitor Credits: Composition by Zeke Khaseli, Lyrics by Zeke Khaseli, Produced by Jonathan Pardede, Co-produced by Matalino Marquez Siraj, Lead vocals by Zeke Khaseli, Vocal layers by Kaneko Pardede, Backing vocals by Zeke Khaseli, Yosaviano Santoso, and Leonardo Ringo, Guitar by Robert Mulyarahardja, Keys by Matalino Marquez Siraj, Synthesizer by Jonathan Pardede, Recorded at Black Studio and Pejaten Studio in South Jakarta, Mixed by Jonathan Pardede at Pejaten Studio, Mastered by Felix Davis at Metropolis Studio in London, UK.
Written by Amanda Tamara. Photo by Zeke & The Popo.
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