Photo Credit: Vony Wong
“Laika’s story inspired me deeply. I imagined Laika being brought into this world longing for affection, nurtured, and given love she thought was forever, only to end up as a mere tool to satisfy human arrogance. That tragedy made me reflect—why do we have to sacrifice another creature for what we chase? Those exact feelings became the representation for this entire album” — Nadin Amizah
Acclaimed Indonesian singer-songwriter Nadin Amizah has officially dropped her highly anticipated third studio album, Laika, Yang Ditinggalkan (Laika, The Abandoned). Launched through her independent label, Sorai, the 11-track collection is now available globally across all major digital streaming platforms for fans to enjoy.
Named after the Soviet space dog sent on a fatal one-way mission in 1957, the record uses Laika’s tragic story as a core metaphor. Through it, Nadin channels raw themes of grief, fatherlessness, and a deep sense of unfulfilled yearning that ultimately boils over into rage.
Beneath its melodies, Laika, Yang Ditinggalkan offers a quiet but powerful sociological critique. Reflecting Indonesia’s stark reality as one of the world’s leading countries facing fatherlessness, the album acts as a safe emotional haven for individuals growing up without a father figure or a stable home life.
Tracks like “Reservasi Untuk Dua” (Reservation for Two) best showcase this unfiltered vulnerability, with Nadin leaning into a starker, more profanely honest language than what fans might usually expect.
“When people hear bitter words like ‘hell’ or ‘defiance’ in these songs, what they are actually witnessing is an injured child underneath,” Nadin says. “It is not hatred—it is pure, unadulterated pain”.
This deep sensitivity is also present in “Ditemukan Sebuah Bangkai,” which was inspired by a real-life news story from the 2020 Jakarta floods regarding an unclaimed body found floating in the East Flood Canal. “Imagine: no relatives, no family, no one looking for them. Insane, isn’t it?” Nadin shares. However, she clarifies that she is not trying to act as a hero for the marginalized: “I’m simply witnessing the brokenness around me. Simply said, I feel the pain that you feel”.
Signaling a major evolution in her creative journey, the album showcases Nadin’s artistry expanding with two tracks written entirely in English: the lead single “Moonlight” and “Take Him To The Moon For Me.” Additionally, she seamlessly blends languages with clever code-switching in “Laika, Kau Mudah Dicinta.”
Musically, Laika, Yang Ditinggalkan is Nadin’s most grand project yet, utilizing 10 different producers across its 11 tracks. Among the notable names helping shape the album’s sound are Lafa Pratomo, Baskara Putra, Enrico Octaviano, Otta Tarega, and Feby Putri.
“Even from the songwriting process, I already had a vision for its sonic layout, including the people who could bring out the best in it,” she adds.
‘Laika, Yang Ditinggalkan’ follows her first two acclaimed records, ‘Selamat Ulang Tahun’ (2020) and ‘Untuk Dunia, Cinta, & Kotornya’ (2023).
Listen to ‘Laika, Yang Ditinggalkan’ here.
