KANTUSFIRMUS, the new solo project of Reza Ryan, has officially released its debut single, “Bintang Magnolia,” through Anikonik Records on July 5, 2026.
Reza Ryan spent years performing as the guitarist of Efek Rumah Kaca.
He also developed his musical identity through projects including I Know You Well Miss Clara, Tiktaalik, and Theory of Nothing.
Now, he begins a new creative chapter.
He wrote, arranged, recorded, produced, sang, mixed, and mastered “Bintang Magnolia” entirely on his own.
The release serves as listeners’ first introduction to the musical world of Kantusfirmus.
Rather than distancing himself from his previous work, Reza created the solo project as a space to explore new possibilities within pop music.
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KANTUSFIRMUS Blends Pop With Experimental Composition
“Bintang Magnolia” combines accessible pop melodies with the compositional approach that has shaped Reza’s musical journey.
The result is a song that pairs memorable melodies with dark, dense, and tension-filled soundscapes.
Reza explained that he has always been interested in combining different musical formulas to create new aesthetic possibilities.
That interest dates back to 2010 when he co-founded I Know You Well Miss Clara with fellow students at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta.
At the time, he blended his classical music education with influences from jazz, progressive rock, and experimental music.
He now applies a similar mindset through KANTUSFIRMUS.
According to Reza, the project serves as his personal outlet for exploring pop music.
He believes pop is fluid and flexible rather than limited by fixed musical formulas.
He also pointed to avant-pop as an example of how pop music continues to evolve, even though the style remains relatively unfamiliar to many Indonesian listeners.
The name Kantusfirmus comes from the Latin term cantus firmus.
During the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, the term referred to the principal melody that formed the foundation of polyphonic compositions.
Reza replaced the letter “C” with “K” to create a distinct identity for the project.
He explained that the name reflects his belief that melody should remain the foundation of every composition.
No matter how complex the arrangement becomes, the melody should always hold everything together.
Reflecting on Contemporary Social Issues
While the music focuses on experimentation, “Bintang Magnolia” addresses social realities.
The song was inspired by Reza’s concern for the struggles faced by civil society groups, indigenous communities, and workers confronting powerful institutions.
He said many communities continue to experience land disputes, labor conflicts, and pressure from authorities.
Those concerns eventually expanded into a broader reflection on Indonesia’s current social conditions.
According to Reza, issues such as land seizures, development projects, and the loss of living spaces have become increasingly common.
He believes humanity, human rights, safety, and dignity should always remain the highest priorities.
Although “Bintang Magnolia” marks the beginning of Kantusfirmus, Reza confirmed that the project will continue beyond its debut release.
He has already started planning a full-length album, although no release date has been announced.
“Bintang Magnolia” is now available on major digital streaming platforms.
