ASHN's Serenade to Death in “Serene”

Manila, Philippines — The shoegaze/alternative rock unit hailing from Bandung, ASHN (pronounced “ash·en”) consists of Bryan Arkan (guitar), Bryan “Popon” Pongtiku (guitar, vocals), Nafisa Almira (vocals), Rafi Azani (bass), and Irfan Al Hafizh (drums). Following the release of their maxi-single, “Falling, Fading / In Circles”, the independently released “Serene” on August 8, 2025 is a bridge to the debut album from ASHN.

The process of making this single can be drawn before ASHN's hiatus in 2021. The making of this single was inspired by Elliot Smith and “Lost Stars” by Adam Levine. The song written by Bryan Arkan with the help of Irfan Al Hafizh on drums and arrangements was finally released in 2025 as a warm-up single to the album. With a new formation, the song was reworked, adding the vocals of Nafisa Almira and Bryan “Popon” Pongtiku and wrapped in a heavy bass sound from Rafi Azani which was combined beautifully. “Serene” was written by Bryan Arkan, produced by Irfan Al Hafizh, recorded by Bryan Arkan at Deadscream Studio, and mastered by Naufal “Pale” Ikhsan. The artwork for this single was designed by Fakhrezykim.

ASHN's latest upcoming single, “Serene”, offers an exquisite exploration of death, turning it into a gentle and intimate experience. The song depicts death not as something to be feared, but as a peaceful release and an embrace that invites quiet reflection. With raw and sensual lyrics that blend vulnerability and longing, “Serene” romanticizes the inevitable end of life, inviting listeners to reconsider death through a deeply personal and emotional lens.

Following the release of the single “Serene”, ASHN will release its debut album in late 2025. ASHN alsohopes to release a music video with this song. “Serene” can already be enjoyed on various music streaming services starting August 8, 2025.