After releasing two songs in 2025, Aruma returns with a new single called “Cendana.”
The song offers a warm yet emotional story about memories, confusion, and scents that linger through time.
Aruma revealed that her inspiration came from someone who had once been part of her life, nearly two years ago.
This person had a distinctive fragrance, the scent of sandalwood or cendana.
That aroma, she explained, became a powerful reminder of the past.
Whenever she caught that scent again, the feelings, moments, and even the person would instantly come back to mind.
For her, “Cendana” symbolizes not just a fragrance, but a lasting memory that remains even after someone has left.
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Creative Process from Aruma
She wrote “Cendana” in just one night, a burst of inspiration that came naturally to her.
However, turning that initial idea into a finished song took much longer.
The creative journey unfolded over a year and a half, filled with workshops, revisions, and fine-tuning every detail.
Throughout the process, she worked closely with Sony Music’s A&R team to shape the song into its final, heartfelt form.
She explained that the long process wasn’t due to technical issues, but rather the time gap between writing, workshops, and release.
To achieve the sound she envisioned, the singer worked closely with Petra Sihombing in Bali.
Together, they crafted an arrangement that felt more polished and emotionally fluid.
She shared that Petra guided her in shaping the story and structure, resulting in a song that felt more cohesive and heartfelt.
Musically, “Cendana” highlights Aruma’s evolving sound.
After experimenting with pop-rock tones in “Berbunga-Bunga Sendiri,” she now leans toward a softer and more atmospheric approach.
She described it as a bridge between her past and present artistic selves, gentle but emotionally resonant.
Through “Cendana,” she hopes to comfort listeners who are stuck in a phase of uncertainty in their relationships.
She wants them to know that it’s okay to feel confused and not ready to let go.
Every emotional process, she believes, takes time, and eventually, the heaviness will fade.
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Future Plans
As 2025 draws to a close, the singer aims to strengthen her identity not just as a singer but also as a songwriter.
She expressed her desire to perform more often and create events with Arumanis, her loyal fanbase, to build a closer connection with them.
While she still has many dreams to achieve, she remains grateful for the new experiences and growth she’s had this year, both in her music and mindset.
She shared that her only wish is to keep evolving and never stop learning.
Aruma’s new single “Cendana” is now available on all digital music platforms.
