Keisya Levronka’s rise in the Indonesian entertainment industry has been shaped by unexpected turns, viral success and personal growth. In an interview with Top 10 of Asia, Keisya shares her journey from an unplanned start on Indonesian Idol to becoming a rising voice in pop music, reflecting on how resilience, authenticity and an adventurous spirit continue to guide her path. She also offers a glimpse into her aspirations ahead, as she continues to push boundaries and evolve both as a musician and actress.
Keisya Levronka was born and raised in Malang, a small city in East Java. Looking back, she admits that a life in entertainment was never part of her early imagination. “Little Keisya would laugh if I told her that her older self is now a singer and actress in Jakarta,” she says.
Her life took an unexpected turn during high school when her mother signed her up for Indonesian Idol without her knowledge. “I remember feeling extremely nervous because I had zero preparation and experience,” she recalls. “But I kept passing each round. Before I knew it, I was performing on a big stage. It felt surreal, like I was living someone else’s life,” she adds.
Keisya also credits her upbringing for shaping her personality. “My family members are huge animal lovers and we were always out exploring,” she shares. “Growing up in that environment made me quite adventurous. My parents always encouraged us to express ourselves and speak our minds, so I developed a strong sense of self and firm personal beliefs,” she says.
“Because I was used to exploring and being vocal as a kid, I’m not afraid to take risks with my music, keep evolving as an artist or stay true to my own colours, even when the industry tries to push me in a different direction.”
However, her journey has not been without challenges. One of the most difficult moments came with her fourth single, ‘Tak Ingin Usai’, which went viral both locally and internationally. “Everyone was listening to it, and I felt a lot of pressure because of the song’s iconic high note,” she says.
“I started doubting myself. I was scared. I missed the note several times during a live performance, and it went viral for the wrong reasons. It was a really tough time, but also a moment of deep reflection,” she shares.
Instead of letting the experience define her, she chose to grow from it. “I used that moment as fuel to become better—as a person and as a performer. I decided to face my fears head-on. I took more vocal lessons, focused on my mental health and most importantly, I learned to forgive myself.”
“After everything I’ve been through, I’ve realised that music isn’t just about being perfect; it’s about being authentic. Knowing that my music can help someone through their day is the best motivation I could ever ask for,” says Keisya.
Speaking about her latest work, she adds, “I just released my latest album titled ‘Rombak’, which truly reveals a different side of me. This is a pop-rock album, and through the whole creative process, I felt like I finally got to know myself on a deeper level,” she explains.
“The ‘Rombak’ album was heavily inspired by the sound of 2000s bands. I grew up listening to music during that era and I wanted to capture that same spirit—that edgy, guitar-driven sound and blend it with my own personal stories. It feels nostalgic, but at the same time, it feels like the most ‘me’ I’ve ever been.”
Keisya shares that she is still driven by new dreams and possibilities. “One dream I’m still chasing is to perform my music on a global stage. Hopefully, I will get the chance to hold my own concerts and go on my own tours,” she says. “I also have a dream of collaborating with some of the artists who inspired my new sound in ‘Rombak’.”
Keisya’s journey isn’t just about music. “I’m also an actress, and I’m really eager to explore more diverse roles. I’ve always been drawn to the intensity of action films—I want to push my physical limits and show a tougher, more gritty side of myself on screen,” she shares.
“Beyond these career milestones, my personal goal is simply to stay consistent in unveiling different sides of myself. I want to keep pushing my boundaries and never settle in one comfort zone.”
“My biggest advice for those who are starting out in this industry would be to embrace your own journey, including the mistakes,” says Keisya. “It’s so easy to get lost in what people expect of you, but the most important thing is to stay authentic to who you are. Don’t be afraid to fail, because those failures are actually your best teachers—they help you rebuild into a stronger version of yourself and sometimes they even help you find yourself.”
“Also, keep that adventurous spirit alive. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ to start, because I certainly wasn’t ready when I started! Just show up. If you’re feeling nervous or unprepared, just do it scared.”
“Sometimes the best things happen when we’re at our most vulnerable. Your uniqueness is your greatest strength, so own it,” she adds.