Photo Courtesy of Bubble Bliss
Today, we’re thrilled to chat with Bubble Bliss, a Jakarta-based group that’s turning the idol scene on its head. They’re not just an idol group, and they’re not just a band – they’re both! We’ll be talking with Yuki, Xia, Ryu, Kira, Kae, and Rendy Aprizal (their manager/band creator) about how they blend the energy of a live band with the charm and connection of idol culture, creating a truly unique sound and experience. Get ready to dive into the bubbly world of Bubble Bliss!
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned since joining Bubble Bliss?https://www.instagram.com/bubblebliss.ofc?igsh=MW13ZWRnaXhwems1bQ==
Kae: The most unexpected thing I’ve learned is how our group is like family now. Before, I was afraid it was gonna be awkward, but now, we eat together, laugh, even cry sometimes. So I learned that music makes strong friends! Also, I do not expect to be so tired. We always practice, practice… then shoot video, then live show, fanmeet, etc. My legs cry sometimes when we get home at 11 PM hahaha. But I’m happy and tired, you know?
Xia: When I first joined Bubble Bliss as the keyboardist, I thought most of what I’d be learning would be around music, like improving my playing, syncing with the band, or learning new songs. But one of the unexpected things I’ve learned is the technical stuff, especially about cables and audio gear.
Before joining the band, I didn’t even know there were so many types of cables! I used to call USB B as “the printer cable”. Now, I can actually tell the difference between USB A, B, and C and also other jacks, and I understand how they connect to our instruments and interfaces. I’ve also gotten to know the other gear such as sound card, DI, and DAW. It’s not something I expected to care about, but now I see how essential it is. It’s kind of cool because being a member of an idol band isn’t just about performing, but also knowing your setup.”
Ryu: That patience (in growth) is an absolute virtue.
Yuki: The most unexpected thing I’ve learned is how challenging it can be to work with people who aren’t into Japanese modern culture the way I am. Even though our concept is Japanese-inspired, most of the members are pretty new to it. Their fresh perspective actually helps us create something unique together.
Kira: After I joined Bubble Bliss, I realized that being in a band is a completely new and unique experience. I was used to performing as a solo drummer, but being in a band is really different. I learned about new equipment, how to synchronize with my bandmates, and balance each of our sounds so we can compliment each other nicely (which is a challenge for me since drums are very loud… hehehe). I learned a lot of things from being in Bubble Bliss, and I improved myself a lot.
If Bubble Bliss could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Yuki: If Bubble Bliss could collaborate with any artist, I’d love for us to work with local chika idols like Tomoshibi, Nextanative, or Gochikara. Their music really embraces the anisong vibe, which aligns perfectly with our concept. It would be so much fun to perform live together in a full band format and bring that energy to the stage as a collaboration.
Ryu: Speaking for the band, it would absolutely be Korean band, QWER. It must be obvious by now that they’re an absolute inspiration to us; both musically and by concept!”
Xia: If Bubble Bliss ever had the chance to collaborate with another artist, I would love for us to work with Laleilmanino. They’re one of the coolest and most talented producer trios in Indonesia, and I really admire how they combine catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics, something I think would pair perfectly with our idol band’s sound and energy.
I feel like a collaboration like that could bring out a whole new side of Bubble Bliss. It would be a fun and exciting musical challenge for us, and I think our fans would really enjoy seeing that fresh dynamic.
Kira: I’d really love us to collaborate with J-Rocks, an Indonesian band that takes inspiration from Japanese rock bands. I think both of our styles can go along very nicely. Besides that, I think it would be really cool if we could collaborate with a band from the BanG Dream! project. Our style is heavily inspired by BanG Dream! bands like Poppin’ Party, so it’d be amazing if we could collaborate someday.
Describe the best part about performing on stage with your bandmates.
Kae: The best part is when I’m singing with my bandmates and hearing our fans chanting to our song. This way, our performance feels like a shared adventure, and that connection is really beautiful.”
Kira: I really love when we perform, we sync together and harmonize each of our sounds. We each have different instruments and different sounds, but when we perform together, it becomes one and inseparable. Performing with a band is really different from performing solo, you really have to learn when to be loud, and when to play softer to compliment your other bandmates. I think that part is the best thing when we perform.
Xia: Honestly, I still get nervous before every performance, especially when we’re backstage waiting for our turn. My heart beats fast, my hands feel a little shaky, but the moment we step onto the stage and I hear the first cheer from the audience, that nervousness starts to melt away.
The best part is definitely the connection with my bandmates. When I’m ready with my instrument, glance over and see their smiles, hear the first cue from the drums, and play the songs. We support each other and it reminds me that I’m not alone up there.
Seeing the audience react, singing along, or waving their light sticks to our songs, that energy lifts us up. It creates some amazing feelings of sharing emotions together. Every time we finish a performance, I’m already excited for the next one.
Yuki: The best part about performing on stage with my bandmates is when the audience sings along or does the fanchant. That moment feels so powerful, like we’re all connected through the music. It reminds me why I love performing because sharing that energy with the crowd and my bandmates is really special.
Ryu: “Being comfortable and having absolutely no fear in playing my part. Imagine sitting in a room and jamming with your best friends with no judgement over your self-expression and musicality. That exact feeling!
What’s your favorite song to perform and why does it resonate with you?
Ryu: I don’t believe that resonating is the exact reason it falls as my favourite, but our original song Lelah Dengan Dunia! I’ve seen the way it impacts our fans, and we’ve been told many times how it comforts them. Knowing that something we made could evoke such a feeling is the absolute biggest reason as to why I want to perform at all!
Yuki: So far, my favorite song to perform with Bubble Bliss is Discord by QWER. I really enjoy it because I get to modify the basslines using slap and pluck techniques, which makes it feel more personal and fun to play. It’s one of those songs where I can fully express my style while still keeping the group’s energy and vibe.
Kae: One of my favorites is “Tenshi ni Fureta yo!” by K-On! It’s so emotional and carries a message that I think a lot of people relate to, that separation is not the end.
Xia: My favorite song to perform is “Lelah dengan Dunia”. It’s really meaningful to me because it’s the very first single I’ve ever been taking part in my life. Whenever I play it, it’s feels like a dream come true. It reminds me of all the effort and practice that led us here, and how far we’ve come as a band.
The song feels like a hug for anyone who’s feeling tired of the life. It’s something I think everyone goes through, and that’s what makes this song is so special.
When we perform “Lelah dengan Dunia” live, I can feel the emotion flowing, not just from us on stage, but also from the audience. That’s why I love performing this song the most. It feels human. And it reminds me that even when we’re tired, we’re never truly alone.”
Kira: Definitely “Lelah Dengan Dunia“, our original song. I had a lot of fun arranging the drum parts for the song, and it turned out amazing combined with everyone’s instruments. I also really love the lyrics, it’s just like me for real (lol). Many people told me that they can relate to the lyrics, and it made me happy because we made a song that resonates with many people’s hearts, including mine.”
What’s the funniest thing that happened during a Bubble Bliss practice or peformance?
Kae: During one rehearsal, Ryu senpai was sick and couldn’t join us. But she’s the one who usually initiates and leads our vocal warm up. So that time we had to figure it out ourselves: Xia senpai on the keyboard and Kira maintaining the tempo with her hi-hat. We spent 30 minutes in disaster—we were so confused and out of sync—when we could’ve just searched “vocal warm up” on the internet. We still joked about how we are so screwed without Ryu senpai. We do our warm up tho, with the internet.
Xia: One of the funniest things that always happens during our practice is when our manager suddenly joins in and tries to play with us. Sometimes, he’ll randomly play guitar and start singing along, even if the guitar is out of tune. We end up laughing a lot.
Kira: I still remember before our very first pre-debut show at Kagayakashi Matsuri, I taught the other members how to do the two-step moshing dance. We were waiting for our turn to perform, and it was night time so it was really dark, but we still did the dance anyway. It was the most random moment that I still remember until today.
Yuki: “One of the funniest things that’s happened during a Bubble Bliss rehearsal was when our manager, Rendy, suddenly started acting like a wedding host right in the middle of a mellow song during the interlude. The timing was so unexpected that we all burst out laughing. It totally broke the mood in the best way and made the practice way more fun.”
Ryu: Inadequate sound! Definitely more frustrating than funny during the actual performance; but once it passes, discussing it with the band and how we were basically struggling to hear anything at all when up on stage will always make me laugh a bit!
At this stage of the interview session, we will be asking the band members about their responsibilities, influences, hobbies, and so much more.
For Kae,
How do you balance your studies/school with your demanding schedule as a member of Bubble Bliss?
Balancing school and idol work is not easy. Before I graduated high school, I used to go to school on the weekdays, then go practice or perform on the weekends, the time when I would have been resting. So I got really tired sometimes, even skipped school on mondays because I got sick but I kept trying. I hope that in the future when I go to college, I can do better in time management and maintaining my health. I want to make my family proud. They support me so much, so I don’t want to give up school. I want to show them I can do both
What’s your favorite thing to do when you have a day off?
I usually listen to what my body and mind needs, sometimes I reset myself with a good sleep and eat delicious food, sometimes I go to the gym and feel energized, sometimes I go out, play drums, watch anime/drama, or reward myself by just staying home and playing games with my friends. It seems like I have a lot of favorites hehe.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
That I still feel anxious about being the center of the group. Being an idol and being on stage are what I’ve always dreamt about since I was small. However, this is different from any idol group member that I imagined being—cool choreography now has become (insert cool guitar technique)—which excites me a lot because we’re unique in some way but it puts more pressure because everything is new to me.
For Ryu,
Your favorite musicians span a wide range of genres. How do these diverse influences shape your musical style and approach to playing guitar?
I believe that the music you enjoy listening to versus the music you use to study your instrument, are two very different things! And so even though I may listen to jazz and indie rock for fun; I truly look into the J-pop-rock style when playing for Bubble Bliss because that’s simply what’s needed. However, perhaps you’d be able to point out my wide range of influences when it comes to the improvised parts – listen close enough and you might catch a harmony or two that sits a bit differently!
What’s the most challenging aspect of playing both guitar and vocals simultaneously, and how do you overcome it?
The most obvious difficulty is coordination – it’s only human for me to struggle in singing and playing two very different rhythms, especially as the lead guitarist. As for overcoming it, practice is definitely key; but in all honesty, sometimes you just have to know when to give up! There’s no shame in needing to simplify parts if it optimizes a performance!
If you could collaborate with any of your favorite musicians, who would it be and what kind of song would you create together?
Marianas Trench! They’re a band from Canada known for epic vocal harmonies and complex orchestra writing in some of their bigger pieces. I’d love for us to be able to come up with a long, theatrical piece and truly utilize our all-singer band!”
For Yuki,
As the band leader, what are your biggest challenges in balancing your musical role with leadership responsibilities?
One of the biggest challenges is balancing my own musical focus with the responsibility of leading the group. I need to perform well while making sure rehearsals run smoothly, everyone is on the same page, and any issues within the group are addressed fairly. It’s not always easy to shift between being a musician and a leader, but I try to lead with clear communication, empathy, and by setting a good example.
Your favorite musicians include several known for powerful vocals. How does their influence shape your own vocal style and performance?
Even though the concept of Bubble Bliss is bubbly and cute, my favorite musicians like LiSA, ONE OK ROCK, and Bring Me The Horizon really shape how I carry myself on stage. I don’t sing much during our performances, but their energy and intensity influence how I move and play the bass.
I grew up listening to anisong, rock, and metalcore, so I naturally bring a lot of power and emotion into my stage presence, even if the song is light and cheerful. Whether it’s jumping, dancing, or how I express the rhythm, I try to channel the same passion and drive I see in the artists I admire.”
Your hobbies include “food hunting.” What’s your favorite food discovery so far, and does it inspire you musically?
One of my favorite food discoveries was when I visited Suryakencana Street in Bogor and tried cungkring. It was so good! I also had lumpia basah there, which I already knew and loved. And of course, seblak will always have a special place in my heart.
Another top favorite of mine is nasi padang with gulai tunjang. It’s rich, spicy, and super comforting. These foods don’t really inspire me musically, but they do give me a boost of positive energy. Good food makes me feel recharged and happy.”
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to be a band leader?
One piece of advice I’d give is to lead with empathy, not ego. Being a band leader isn’t just about giving direction, but about listening, supporting your members, and creating a space where everyone feels heard and motivated. Your attitude sets the tone for the whole group, so lead by example and be the kind of leader you’d want to follow.
For Xia,
Your favorite musicians include a mix of genres. How do these diverse influences contribute to your keyboard playing and vocal style within Bubble Bliss?
From Yiruma and Joe Hisaishi, I’ve learned to express emotions and create a sense of memory through beautiful arrangements and piano playing. YOASOBI, on the other hand, inspires me by how they deliver the blend of a story from a book with charming electronic pop music, and I love how the vocalist sings with a unique and energetic tone. This really influences me to explore my unique tone in vocals and also how I do vocal phrasing, especially in Japanese language songs.
These influences help shape the emotional depth and creative expression in both my keyboard playing and vocal style.”
You mention “trying random new things” as a hobby. Does this adventurous spirit extend to your musical approach? Do you experiment with different sounds or techniques?
I’d say it’s about 70% yes, because I enjoy experimenting with different sound, effects, keys, and playing styles on the keyboard. This exploration helps me to train my ear and also recognize other chords progression that I might use in the future plays. As for vocal, I still need figuring out how to harmonize properly, but I’m learning as time goes on.
As the vice leader, what’s your role in the band’s creative process and decision-making?
So far, I’ve learned that the main responsibilities of Bubble Bliss’s vice leader are being present, supportive and sensitive to the needs of the team.
As the vice leader, I try to be someone who listens to everyone, the member and also the management. I do my best to notice how the other members feels and support them however and whenever I can. I also try to offer some gentle rules, like small routine reminders that help keep us focused and moving forward as a team
When it comes to the creative process, I might not always be the one who comes up with the out-of-the box ideas, but I try to contribute with helpful ideas and make sure the group feels heard and included in the final decision.
If you could write a song inspired by one of your hobbies (like traveling or karaoke), what would it sound like?
I think I’d love to write a fun, upbeat song that’s perfect for karaoke, the song you would sing happily with your closest friends or family, which instantly lifts up the mood and makes everyone want to sing along. The lyric might have a call-and-response structure, so people can join and make the moment more interactive. The energy would be cheerful in the same rhythm and gets everyone clapping or dancing. It’s the kind of song that turns a simple karaoke night into one of the core memories.
For Kira,
Your list of favorite musicians includes some iconic rock and pop acts. How do these influences shape your drumming style and overall musical approach?
You’re still learning to draw and watch movies as hobbies. Do these creative pursuits inspire your drumming or musical ideas in any way?
I like listening to songs from various genres. I think that by listening to different genres, it expands my musical vocabulary — I get to learn many drum patterns and fill-ins that I can apply to my own drumming style. In addition, I learn from drummers I look up to, such as Roger Taylor from Queen, Miyauchi Kousuke from Gyroaxia, and Kami from Malice Mizer. You could say my drumming style is a combination of the styles of drummers I admire and the drum patterns from the songs I enjoy listening to.
You’re still learning to draw and watch movies as hobbies. Do these creative pursuits inspire your drumming or musical ideas in any way?
“Yes, I can say that art is a very important part of my life. It serves as a source of inspiration for me in making music. What I feel the most is that when I play a song from a film I love, it allows me to truly immerse myself in and feel the song on a deeper level. Drawing has also taught me to see things in greater detail, which helps me pay closer attention to the details in my drumming as well.”
You mention a love for comics and cosplay. Does this playful side influence your stage presence or the band’s overall aesthetic?
Yes!! Maybe not everyone notices, but I really like the fashion worn by characters in the comics or films I watch. I have a particular interest in fashion, especially Japanese subculture fashion, and that has indirectly influenced my outfit style when performing with Bubble Bliss. As for cosplay, I’m still a beginner, but I have great respect for people who enjoy it. Cosplay requires a high level of confidence, and through cosplay, I’ve been training myself to perform with more confidence.”
What inspired the creation of “Lelah dengan Dunia”? What message or emotion did you aim to convey through the song?
Rendy Aprizal: As the total producer and manager of Bubble Bliss, I wrote Lelah dengan Dunia during one of the most challenging periods of my life; navigating family separation, heartbreak, and fading friendships. The song is a tender reflection on emotional exhaustion, created to feel like a quiet hug for anyone who’s ever needed permission to pause and breathe.
Can you describe the songwriting process? Was it a collaborative effort, or did one member take the lead?
Rendy Aprizal: I began the song alone, drawing inspiration from Hindia’s raw honesty, Nadin Amizah’s gentle storytelling, and Bernadya’s simple yet piercing melancholy. The bridge was later written by Shann Theodora, and Arman Vesona helped refine the arrangement and melody. Throughout the process, I oversaw every creative decision, from the first lyric to the final master, ensuring it aligned with the emotional vision I had for Bubble Bliss’s debut.
What was the most challenging aspect of producing and releasing your first single?
Rendy Aprizal: The hardest part was releasing something so deeply personal as Bubble Bliss’s debut single while carrying the dual responsibility of being both artist and the group’s total producer/manager. Balancing vulnerability with the technical demands of production, arrangement, and promotion was daunting. But once I saw the song resonate with listeners, every sleepless night felt worth it.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a part of Bubble Bliss?
Yuki: For me, the most rewarding part is the connections and exposure I’ve gained through this journey. Being in Bubble Bliss has opened up so many opportunities to meet people in both the local chika idol community and the Japanese band community. It’s really fulfilling to see how our bubbly and fresh concept resonates with others, and it’s also helped more people get to know me as Yuki, not just as a band member but as a bassist.”
Xia: For me, the most rewarding part is receiving so much love and support. Knowing that people listen to our music, support us, and send us their warm energy means the world to me. It motivates me to keep growing and always give my best.
Kae: Being able to perform on stage, meet many new friends (both fellow chika idols and even fans), being in a band with four awesome people and watching how our music resonates with others. These make every late night and long rehearsal worth it.
Ryu: Being able to watch a community of fans get built around our own love and care for the growth of the band. In other words, simply being able to become an impact for others through music.”
Kira: “Building connections, with my bandmates, with the staff and people who support us, and with our fans. I’m really happy that there are people out there who love and look forward to us, and I feel like I can’t betray their expectations. It gives me motivation to further improve myself and do my best for the band, and for everyone who supports us.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a musician, and how did you overcome it?
Yuki: One challenge I’ve faced as a musician is being compared to others and labeled as a copy of someone else. While I understand that some people may mean it as a compliment, it doesn’t always feel that way. As musicians, we all work hard to build our own identity and style, so being seen as someone else’s version can be discouraging.
To overcome this, I choose to focus on growth. I keep learning, practicing, and refining my bass playing so I can show people who I truly am as a musician. I want to be recognized for my own sound and presence, not through the lens of someone else’s image. This mindset keeps me motivated and grounded in my journey as Yuki, a bassist with her own signature style.
Xia: One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is adapting to live stage performance, especially learning how to connect and communicate with the sound engineer.
Since every event usually has a different sound team, we have to adjust and communicate our needs effectively, in a short time, whether it’s about mic level or instrument balance. As time went by, we learned how to be more prepared during soundcheck. It’s still challenging sometimes, but it’s helped us to progress a lot as a musician in a band.
Kae: One of the challenges we had as a group was learning how to work well together. We made mistakes, sometimes didn’t agree, and felt a little awkward. But we kept practicing together, talked more, and helped each other. We also spent more time together outside of practice, just hanging out, eating, and having fun. Now, we’re more united. We still have small problems sometimes, but we solve them easier. I feel we’ve become not just teammates, but also like a real family.
Ryu: As someone who studies music professionally, a problem I faced was slowly seeing practicing for Bubble Bliss as just another piece of homework whenever I felt burnt out; however, getting past this specific challenge was easy once I saw Bubble Bliss as one big picture that involved being able to spend time around some of the best people I knew and growing with them. In other words, to look beyond the music itself.
Kira: I sometimes struggle with keeping up with my bandmates. Since I am the drummer, I’m in charge of keeping the tempo stable and being the base for the band’s rhythm. I sometimes slip and play a song faster or slower than it should’ve been. But we’ve all been very understanding of each other, and we try again until we can play the song properly. We all make mistakes, and it’s fine, because I feel like we’re improving together, and I don’t feel alone anymore.
What’s the funniest or most memorable moment you’ve shared with the band?
Yuki: One of the funniest moments was during our very first interview back in the pre-debut era. I got a bit nervous and messed up when answering the question, “What makes you different from other bands or idols?” and I blurted out, “We have merch!” The rest of the members were kind of freaking out and quickly jumped in to add more serious answers. It was chaotic but hilarious. Ever since then, every time we have a new interview coming up, they still tease me about it. It’s become one of our inside jokes and a funny reminder of how far we’ve come.
Xia: The most memorable yet funniest moment was during our photo shoot. We decided to recreate some hilarious five-person poses we found at the internet, and some of Power Ranger’s poses. We couldn’t stop laughing the whole time, and it turned into such a fun bonding experience for all of us.”
Kae: “One of the most funny and special moments for me was our bonding day. We had no schedule that day, so we all met at one member’s house. We play games, talk about our dreams, and even make tiktok videos for fun. No pressure, no practice, just us being friends. That day made me feel really close with everyone. I think from that time, we became more like a real family, not just bandmates.”
Ryu: “Maybe not one specific moment, but definitely our habit of being constantly hungry. Whether it’s during practice, or even meetings, it’s not uncommon for us to already start suggesting lunch ideas (and perhaps even snacks after).”
Kira: “I love the moments we spent while preparing our debut, especially our chaotic MV shooting day. During a scene, we gathered in a circle and started chanting our manager’s name while spinning around. If you want to see it, check out our MV for “Lelah Dengan Dunia”. Around the end when we held hands in a circle and started spinning, we were actually saying our manager’s name. Some people don’t believe it, but we still do that ritual before shows.”
What are your aspirations for Bubble Bliss in the future?
Yuki: I really hope Bubble Bliss can keep growing and reach even more people, not just in the local scene but maybe even internationally someday. I want us to be known for our unique charm, our energy, and the strong bond we have as a group. More than anything, I hope we can keep making music that speaks to people, something that brings joy, comfort, or inspiration. Step by step, I want us to become a band that people genuinely connect with and look forward to seeing grow.
Xia: We started this with the same dream, and in the future, I wish Bubble Bliss to fly higher and keep chasing and achieving the next goals.
My biggest hope for Bubble Bliss is that we can keep continuously growing, musically, personally, and as a team while staying true to who we are. I want us to continue experimenting with new songs and concepts, while still emotionally connected with our audience. I hope Bubble Bliss can be a source of positive energy in people’s lives.
Kae: We hope to continue evolving as artists and a community. Experimenting with new genres, and giving our fans great works.
Ryu: To continue in becoming a great impact for those around us; and to make sure that that purpose does not fade off when we grow.
Kira: I hope we can continue to improve as a band, make more music, and connect with even more people. I want Bubble Bliss to continue to bring positive energy for everyone.
What’s your message to your fans?
Yuki: “Thank you so much for always supporting Bubble Bliss. Your love and encouragement mean the world to us. Without you, we wouldn’t have come this far. Please keep watching over us as we continue to grow. We want to keep improving and sharing our journey with you. Let’s keep moving forward together!”
Xia: “To all our amazing fans (from the bottom of our hearts), THANK YOU for being part of Bubble Bliss. Your support means more than words can ever fully express. Every message, every chant, every moment you spend listening to our music or watching our performances gives us the strength to keep going and keep giving our very best. Whether you’re having a good day or a tough one, please remember that you’re not alone, we’re here with you. Let’s keep reaching our dream together.
Kae: Thank you for believing in us, thank you for always being here with us. Your support, messages, and energy fuel everything we do. We hope our music brings you comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging, because you’ve given us exactly that.”
Ryu: Love you always.
Kira: Thank you for supporting us! You are an important part of our journey, so I hope you’ll continue to follow us through our adventures. You can’t spell “Bubble Bliss” without “U”, because we’re incomplete without… u! *wink wink* (that was a horrible pick-up line, but you get the point. Hahaha
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