Introducing Indonesia’s Rising Voice: Lauren Karina aka notyourwife
From language educator to emerging music sensation, Jakarta-born Lauren Karina is carving her own lane in the music industry under the striking moniker “Notyourwife”. Her journey into music wasn’t a carefully laid plan but a passionate leap of faith, ignited in February 2025 with the release of her debut single “Scene Stealer.”
Prior to pursuing music, Lauren built a strong reputation as a content creator and founder of @indonesianwithlauren, an educational platform teaching Indonesian to foreigners. Despite the success of that venture, she admits her heart has always belonged to music—and 2025 became the year she decided to fully embrace it.
Music Inspired by the Sea & the Soul
Deeply connected to her roots in Indonesia’s vast archipelago, Lauren draws inspiration from the ocean—its depth, calm, and endless horizons. Her upcoming debut EP, “Aphrodite Blues” (releasing September 30, 2025), promises to capture this essence while showcasing her lyrical and emotional depth.
Her latest single, “Pretend We’re Fine,” released August 31, 2025, is a haunting yet beautiful reflection of holding on to a fading relationship. Produced by Clemens Goldan Divembryan of the duo Biru Baru, the track blends a nostalgic and cinematic soundscape with Lauren’s introspective writing. Citing influences like The Cranberries, Wolf Alice, Jesus and the Mary Chain, and films like Lost in Translation, the song creates a bittersweet atmosphere that lingers with listeners.
The Accidental Musician
Lauren’s path to music stardom was anything but traditional. What started as a personal song (“Scene Stealer”) shared with her brother, fellow musician Theodore Galih, turned into a chain of unexpected opportunities. Local producers were captivated by her sound, one even “begging” to produce her track. Soon after, her artistry caught the attention of industry players, landing her meetings with Sony Music, The Orchard, and ultimately a signing with indie label After School.
Since then, the ride has been fast and thrilling. In less than a year, she’s gone from teaching Indonesian online to gracing playlists and even serving as the cover of Indonesia’s Fresh Finds.
Motivation, Goals & Defining Success
For Lauren, the motivation is simple: “Music makes me happy.”
But she doesn’t stop there. With her sights set on collaborating with her favorite musicians and casting her dream actors in future music videos, her ambitions reveal both a playful boldness and a sharp sense of where she wants her artistry to go. When asked to define success, she admits candidly: “I want to tour the world, and be able to do music full time.”
It’s this mix of honesty, humor, and raw creative drive that makes notyourwife a refreshing and compelling new artist to watch.
What’s Next?
With “Aphrodite Blues” set to drop later this month and her catalog steadily growing, notyourwife is positioning herself as one of Indonesia’s breakout voices with global potential.
She’s not just another artist chasing the spotlight—she’s writing her own script, unafraid of where it leads. And judging by her start, the world might want to pay close attention.
Follow & Stream Notyourwife
Instagram: @notyourwifemusic
Spotify: Listen Here