TRIPOV are no longer 'M.I.A', open up on their euphoric new single from sophomore album — listen

Jakarta-based pop trio TRIPOV are back, and they are turning up the heat with their electrifying new single, 'M.I.A'. With this track, the trio – comprising singer Jilie Kezia, guitarist Evan Asher, and bassist Yoga Bagaspati – marks a fearless new chapter in their journey, showcasing their growth and evolution. This reinvention of their sound sets the stage for their sophomore album, which promises to be their most ambitious and exciting yet.

Blending the high-energy pulse of YOASOBI with the infectious bounce of NewJeans, 'M.I.A' is a euphoric rush of carefree fun wrapped in a slick, fast-paced production. “‘M.I.A’ was inspired by YOASOBI’s ‘群青 (Gunjou)’ and NewJeans’ ‘Super Shy’. We wanted to write an uptempo, upbeat track that we could all sing along to together,” explains Evan.

Designed to be a crowd-pleaser, it is a song that practically begs to be sung along to, an anthem for letting go and moving on wrapped in TRIPOV’s signature wit and charm. “We wanted to write a part that would be easy for the audience to sing along to at a gig. That is how we came up with the hook in the chorus!” says Jilie. The chorus’ gang vocals, recorded with family, friends and fellow musicians, give it an exhilarating communal energy, capturing the spontaneous joy of a summer night out.

Lyrically, 'M.I.A' plays with the idea of ghosting, not out of bitterness, but out of a sense of liberation. “We chose to call it ‘M.I.A’ because it is a straightforward line to pick up and also the perfect metaphor for going missing on purpose,” Jilie divulges.

“Got a one-way ticket, see me out in Paris, turning heads left and right, like a tourist,” Jilie teases, delivering lines that are both catchy and effortlessly cool. The song’s hook, built around a preschool-rhyme simplicity, was crafted with one goal: to be instantly memorable and impossible not to chant along with.

Behind the scenes, 'M.I.A' underwent an obsessive production process, with multiple mixes and remasters ensuring it was nothing short of perfect. “We really experimented a lot because we wanted to level up in terms of production,” shares Yoga, who handled the mix himself before handing it off to Gerard Rumintjap for mastering. This commitment to quality resulted in a polished yet playful track that encapsulates TRIPOV’s newfound focus and evolution, giving you the confidence you are in for a treat.

“M.I.A” is just the beginning. TRIPOV’s upcoming second album will be a sonic playground, with each track offering a distinct flavour. “It is still TRIPOV at its core – fun and easygoing – but we are pushing ourselves to explore,” Evan conveys. “We want to surprise people and make them feel like they just discovered their new favourite band,” adds Jilie. “I hope it can become the song that brings up the mood and lights the fire in our listeners’ hearts. It could soundtrack people’s morning activities before they go to work.”