Kunto Aji

In 2008, Aji began his musical career after finishing in fourth place in the fifth season of Indonesian Idol. Fifteen years later, he revealed in an interview that he got chosen to audition by the producers through a "special track" because he had previously served as the vocalist of his high school band.{{cite web|url=https://www.medcom.id/hiburan/musik/VNnMVLEK-kunto-aji-keceplosan-bongkar-dapur-indonesian-idol-ada-jalur-khusus|title=Kunto Aji Keceplosan Bongkar 'Dapur' Indonesian Idol, Ada Jalur Khusus|work=Medcom|date=8 February 2023|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Raja Alif Adhi|last=Budoyo|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004071629/https://www.medcom.id/hiburan/musik/VNnMVLEK-kunto-aji-keceplosan-bongkar-dapur-indonesian-idol-ada-jalur-khusus|url-status=live}} In 2010, he formed a boy band BoyzIIIBoys with fellow vocalists Teddy Adhitya, Adera, and Beboy.{{cite web|url=https://pophariini.com/tulus-dan-gelombang-baru-penyanyi-solo-pria-muda-di-indonesia/|title=Tulus Dan Gelombang Baru Penyanyi Solo Pria Muda Di Indonesia|work=Pophariini|date=27 November 2018|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Fari|last=Etona|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004071732/https://pophariini.com/tulus-dan-gelombang-baru-penyanyi-solo-pria-muda-di-indonesia/|url-status=live}} They gained recognition on YouTube after uploading videos of them singing covers.{{cite web|url=https://jogja.idntimes.com/hype/entertainment/dyar-ayu-1/menilik-karya-teddy-adhitya-penyanyi-langit-favoritku-asal-jogja?page=all|title=Menilik Karya Teddy Adhitya, Penyanyi Langit Favoritku Asal Jogja|work=IDN Times|date=19 September 2022|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Dyar|last=Ayu|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004071628/https://jogja.idntimes.com/hype/entertainment/dyar-ayu-1/menilik-karya-teddy-adhitya-penyanyi-langit-favoritku-asal-jogja?page=all|url-status=live}}

Aji independently released his debut single, "Terlalu Lama Sendiri" in 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.hipwee.com/opini/ini-dia-pesan-tersembunyi-dari-lagu-terlalu-lama-sendiri/|title=Ini Dia Pesan Tersembunyi dari Lagu "Terlalu Lama Sendiri"|work=Hipwee|date=27 June 2015|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Fauzan|last=Fadli|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184209/https://www.hipwee.com/opini/ini-dia-pesan-tersembunyi-dari-lagu-terlalu-lama-sendiri/|url-status=live}} The single garnered regional recognition as it won Best Song – Indonesia at the 14th Anugerah Planet Muzik and Aji himself won the award for Best New Male Artist.{{cite web|url=https://www.jawapos.com/music-movie/01195883/musisi-indonesia-berjaya-di-anugerah-planet-muzik-2015-ini-daftar-lengkap-pemenangnya|title=Musisi Indonesia Berjaya di Anugerah Planet Muzik 2015, Ini Daftar Lengkap Pemenangnya|work=Jawa Pos|date=11 October 2015|accessdate=5 April 2024|author=Wawan}} He was also nominated for the Best New Artist at the 18th Annual Anugerah Musik Indonesia, but lost to Isyana Sarasvati.{{cite web|url=https://celebrity.okezone.com/read/2015/09/22/205/1218880/jadi-nomine-ami-awards-kunto-aji-akan-buktikan-lewat-album|title=Jadi Nomine AMI Awards, Kunto Aji akan Buktikan Lewat Album|work=Okezone|date=22 September 2015|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Raynaldi|last=Wahyu|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004071629/https://celebrity.okezone.com/read/2015/09/22/205/1218880/jadi-nomine-ami-awards-kunto-aji-akan-buktikan-lewat-album|url-status=live}} In April 2015, he released a second single "Pengingat", co-written by jazz musician Barry Likumahuwa.{{cite web|url=https://iradiofm.com/kunto-aji-bahas-passion-generasi-muda-di-lagu-barunya/|title=Kunto Aji bahas passion generasi muda di lagu barunya|work=I-Radio|date=12 May 2015|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Esthia|last=Prameswari|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184208/https://iradiofm.com/kunto-aji-bahas-passion-generasi-muda-di-lagu-barunya/|url-status=live}} In November 2015, he released a third single titled "Ekspektasi" alongside a music video starring model Ayu Gani.{{cite web|url=https://hai.grid.id/read/07566373/ekspektasi-kunto-aji|title=Ekspektasi Kunto Aji|work=Hai|date=2 December 2015|accessdate=5 April 2024|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004071733/https://hai.grid.id/read/07566373/ekspektasi-kunto-aji|url-status=live}} His debut studio album Generation Y was released on 17 November 2015, which encapsulates the daily life of millennials and quarter-life crisis.{{cite web|url=https://www.medcom.id/hiburan/musik/dN6p000k-akhirnya-kunto-aji-lepas-album-generation-y|title=Akhirnya, Kunto Aji Lepas Album Generation Y|work=Medcom|date=17 November 2015|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Agustinus Shindu|last=Alpito|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004071734/https://www.medcom.id/hiburan/musik/dN6p000k-akhirnya-kunto-aji-lepas-album-generation-y|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Aji released the lead single of his upcoming studio album, "Konon Katanya", which explores the theme of choosing the right path in life.{{cite web|url=https://www.antaranews.com/berita/666736/konon-katanya-single-terbaru-kunto-aji-dari-album-kedua-video|title=Konon Katanya, single terbaru Kunto Aji dari album kedua|work=Antara|date=23 November 2017|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Nanien|last=Yuniar|editor=Monalisa|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184208/https://www.antaranews.com/berita/666736/konon-katanya-single-terbaru-kunto-aji-dari-album-kedua-video|url-status=live}} It marks his first release after signing a record contract with Juni Records which was co-founded by Raisa.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/world/indonesia/172222-kunto-aji-bergabung-manajemen-raisa-juni-records/|title=Ini alasan Kunto Aji bergabung ke manajemen Raisa|work=Rappler|date=7 June 2017|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Sakinah Ummu|last=Haniy|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004071631/https://www.rappler.com/world/indonesia/172222-kunto-aji-bergabung-manajemen-raisa-juni-records/|url-status=live}} On 14 September 2018, he released his sophomore album, Mantra Mantra, which delves into mental health issues, particularly focusing on overthinking, alongside "Topik Semalam" as its second single.{{cite web|url=https://www.liputan6.com/showbiz/read/3643915/bareng-empat-produser-kunto-aji-luncurkan-album-mantra-mantra|title=Bareng Empat Produser, Kunto Aji Luncurkan Album Mantra-Mantra|work=Liputan 6|date=14 September 2018|accessdate=6 April 2024|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220142202/https://www.liputan6.com/showbiz/read/3643915/bareng-empat-produser-kunto-aji-luncurkan-album-mantra-mantra|url-status=live}} The album was met with critical acclaim and accolades. It won the Album of the Year at the 2019 Anugerah Musik Indonesia.{{cite web|url=https://www.kompas.com/hype/read/2019/11/28/112400366/mantra-mantra-kunto-aji-dinobatkan-sebagai-album-terbaik-ami-awards-2019|title=Mantra Mantra Kunto Aji Dinobatkan sebagai Album Terbaik AMI Awards 2019|work=Kompas|date=28 November 2019|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Baharudin|last=Al Farisi|editor-first=Andi Muttya Keteng|editor-last=Pangerang|archive-date=10 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310162547/https://www.kompas.com/hype/read/2019/11/28/112400366/mantra-mantra-kunto-aji-dinobatkan-sebagai-album-terbaik-ami-awards-2019|url-status=live}} Fellow Indonesian singer Hindia cited the album as an inspiration for him to start working on his debut solo studio album, Menari dengan Bayangan which was released a year later.{{cite web|url=https://www.kompas.com/hype/read/2020/07/15/230105466/ada-suara-kunto-aji-di-lagu-setengah-tahun-ini-hindia-sangat-terbantu|title=Ada Suara Kunto Aji di Lagu Setengah Tahun Ini, Hindia Sangat Terbantu|work=Kompas|date=15 July 2020|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Melvina|last=Tionardus|editor-first=Tri Susanto|editor-last=Setiawan|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184214/https://www.kompas.com/hype/read/2020/07/15/230105466/ada-suara-kunto-aji-di-lagu-setengah-tahun-ini-hindia-sangat-terbantu|url-status=live}} On 5 February 2019, "Rehat" was picked as the album's third single, alongside a compilation music video featuring fan submissions.{{cite web|url=https://ussfeed.com/istirahatkan-badan-dan-pikiran-melalui-video-klip-terbaru-kunto-aji-rehat/music/|title=Istirahatkan Badan dan Pikiran Melalui Video Klip Terbaru Kunto Aji "Rehat"|work=USS Feed|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Ghesa|last=Gafara|date=6 February 2019|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184210/https://ussfeed.com/istirahatkan-badan-dan-pikiran-melalui-video-klip-terbaru-kunto-aji-rehat/music/|url-status=live}} "Pilu Membiru", a track which addressed about loss and grief, was picked as the album's final single on 13 November 2019. The music video, titled Pilu Membiru Experience, featured mindfulness practicioner Adjie Santosoputro and three fans who shared their tales of grief. The three stories were narrated by Najwa Shihab, Nadin Amizah, and Iqbaal Ramadhan.{{cite web|url=https://www.whiteboardjournal.com/ideas/music/lewat-video-klip-pilu-membiru-kunto-aji-ajak-penggemarnya-berbagi-kisah-mendalam/|title=Lewat Video Klip "Pilu Membiru", Kunto Aji Ajak Penggemarnya Berbagi Kisah Mendalam|date=21 November 2019|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Muhammad Agung|last=Kurniawan|work=Whiteboard Journal|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184211/https://www.whiteboardjournal.com/ideas/music/lewat-video-klip-pilu-membiru-kunto-aji-ajak-penggemarnya-berbagi-kisah-mendalam/|url-status=live}} Pilu Membiru Experience was also released as an extended play on the same day.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/hiburan/20191114123052-227-448267/review-album-kunto-aji-pilu-membiru-experience|title=Review Album: Kunto Aji - 'Pilu Membiru Experience'|work=CNN Indonesia|date=14 November 2019|accessdate=6 April 2024|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184232/https://www.cnnindonesia.com/hiburan/20191114123052-227-448267/review-album-kunto-aji-pilu-membiru-experience|url-status=live}}

Aji released a single in 2020, "Selaras" with singer Nadin Amizah as a partnership with IM3 Ooredoo.{{cite web|url=https://www.idntimes.com/hype/entertainment/indosat-ooredoo/kunto-aji-dan-nadin-amizah-rilis-lagu-selaras-csc|title=IM3 Ooredoo Bersama Kunto Aji & Nadin Amizah Rilis "Kado" Akhir Tahun|work=IDN Times|date=4 December 2020|accessdate=6 April 2024|editor-first=Anindya Roswita|editor-last=Putri|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184214/https://www.idntimes.com/hype/entertainment/indosat-ooredoo/kunto-aji-dan-nadin-amizah-rilis-lagu-selaras-csc|url-status=live}} In 2022, he released a single titled "Salam Pada Rindu".{{cite web|url=https://kumparan.com/playstoprewatch/salam-pada-rindu-cara-manis-kunto-aji-mengenang-momen-bersama-keluarga-1yRuZ2CAiWb/4|title='Salam Pada Rindu', Cara Manis Kunto Aji Mengenang Momen Bersama Keluarga|work=Kumparan|date=12 July 2022|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Rakha Syahid|last=Yundhika|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004072233/https://kumparan.com/playstoprewatch/salam-pada-rindu-cara-manis-kunto-aji-mengenang-momen-bersama-keluarga-1yRuZ2CAiWb|url-status=live}} On 31 August and 1 September 2023, Aji held intimate shows, Sowan Album III, to showcase his upcoming third studio albums.{{cite web|url=https://pophariini.com/kunto-aji-sambut-album-ketiga-dengan-showcase-intim/|title=Kunto Aji Sambut Album Ketiga dengan Showcase Intim|work=Pophariini|date=14 August 2023|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Raka|last=Dewangkara|archive-date=6 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406032848/https://pophariini.com/kunto-aji-sambut-album-ketiga-dengan-showcase-intim/|url-status=live}} On 14 September 2023, he released his third studio album titled Pengantar Purifikasi Pikir.{{cite web|url=https://pophariini.com/bertumbuh-jadi-tema-besar-album-ketiga-kunto-aji/|title=Bertumbuh Jadi Tema Besar Album Ketiga Kunto Aji|work=Pophariini|date=14 September 2023|accessdate=6 April 2024|first=Raka|last=Dewangkara|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004072131/https://pophariini.com/bertumbuh-jadi-tema-besar-album-ketiga-kunto-aji/|url-status=live}} Aji held an early morning concert, URUP 2024, on 1 January 2024 at the Asram Edupark, Yogyakarta.{{cite web|url=https://pophariini.com/matahari-pertama-2024-bersama-kunto-aji-di-yogyakarta/|title=Matahari Pertama 2024 bersama Kunto Aji di Yogyakarta|first=Gerald|last=Manuel|work=Pophariini|date=5 January 2024|accessdate=6 April 2024|archive-date=6 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406032850/https://pophariini.com/matahari-pertama-2024-bersama-kunto-aji-di-yogyakarta/|url-status=live}}

Aji married his girlfriend Dewi Syariati on 6 December 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.suara.com/entertainment/2015/12/09/135318/kunto-aji-dan-dewi-syariati-telah-menikah|title=Kunto Aji dan Dewi Syariati Telah Menikah|work=Suara|date=9 December 2015|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Tomi|last=Tresnady|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184208/https://www.suara.com/entertainment/2015/12/09/135318/kunto-aji-dan-dewi-syariati-telah-menikah|url-status=live}} Dewi gave birth to their son, Badha, in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://entertainment.kompas.com/read/2016/12/22/192047310/kunto.aji.butuh.bantuan.mertua|title=Kunto Aji Butuh Bantuan Mertua|date=22 December 2016|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Tri Susanto|last=Setiawan|work=Kompas|archive-date=5 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405184210/https://entertainment.kompas.com/read/2016/12/22/192047310/kunto.aji.butuh.bantuan.mertua|url-status=live}} In 2023, the couple welcomed their second child, Migunani.{{cite web|url=https://voi.id/lifestyle/254212/2-minggu-lahir-kunto-aji-umumkan-nama-anak-kedua|title=2 Minggu Lahir, Kunto Aji Umumkan Nama Anak Kedua|work=VOI|date=14 February 2023|accessdate=5 April 2024|first=Tarida|last=Angelina|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004072133/https://voi.id/lifestyle/254212/2-minggu-lahir-kunto-aji-umumkan-nama-anak-kedua|url-status=live}}

• Generation Y (2015)
• Mantra Mantra (2018)
• Pengantar Purifikasi Pikir (2023)

• Pilu Membiru Experience (2019)

{{reflist}}

• {{MusicBrainz artist|id=ec4df9bb-7fd5-4bc3-94ec-6dc6fc7bc13b|name=Kunto Aji}}
• {{Discogs artist|Kunto Aji|name=Kunto Aji}}

{{Indonesian Idol}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aji, Kunto}}

Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

Category:Indonesian singer-songwriters

Category:Indonesian pop singers

Category:21st-century Indonesian male singers

Category:Indonesian Idol participants