After 42 years of technical dissatisfaction, musician Addie MS has officially released a remastered version of the song "Alone," a classic track originally performed by the late Indonesian music icon Chrisye. Addie MS, who played piano on the original recording, spent decades concerned that the piano arrangement overshadowed Chrisye’s vocals, according to sources.
The project was realized during the "A Day to Remember: Tribute to Chrisye" event held in South Jakarta on September 29, 2026. Musica Studios, which holds the rights to Chrisye’s catalog, authorized the remastering and commissioned a new music video to accompany the updated audio.
Addressing a Decades-Old Technical Regret
As he deepened his knowledge of sound engineering, he became increasingly convinced that the piano track was mixed too loudly, masking the nuance of Chrisye’s voice. Sources reported that Addie MS viewed the correction of this mix as a professional obligation to his own legacy, noting that he did not want to leave behind work he considered fundamentally flawed.
The remastering process sought to achieve a more balanced soundscape between the instrumental arrangement and the vocal performance. Sources noted that the original recording occurred before Addie MS had fully mastered the complexities of professional sound engineering, a gap in his technical expertise that he has spent years refining.
Returning to the Original Studio
The production of the new music video became an emotional experience for the composer. Addie MS revealed that the video was filmed in the same studio where he and Chrisye recorded the original track four decades ago.
The new music video features footage of Addie MS playing the piano interspersed with iconic clips of Chrisye walking along a beach, mirroring elements of the original aesthetic. The release comes during a period of personal mourning for Addie MS, who was close to both Chrisye and the legendary composer Guruh Soekarnoputra, the latter of whom passed away on September 26, 2026, as reported by sources.
Insights into Chrisye’s Recording Habits
Beyond the technical updates to "Alone," the tribute event provided a glimpse into the personality of the late singer. Indrawati Widjaja, director of Musica Studios, shared that Chrisye was known for his professional but playful nature in the studio. Sources noted that Chrisye often preferred to record with the lights turned off and rarely used lyric sheets, as he meticulously memorized his songs to ensure the "soul" of the performance remained intact.
Addie MS Remasters Alone After 42 Years
Where can listeners find the remastered version of "Alone"?
The updated track and its accompanying music video are available now on various digital music streaming platforms.
Why did Addie MS wait 42 years to remaster the song?
Addie MS explained that the desire to fix the mix was a personal goal he held for decades, driven by his evolving understanding of sound engineering. He stated his motivation was to ensure the legacy of the song was corrected before the end of his career, as reported by sources.
What was the significance of the recording location?
The new music video was filmed in the exact studio where the original recording took place 42 years ago, a setting that Addie MS described as deeply nostalgic and emotional.
"I hope that with the remake of the ‘Sendiri’ music video, it will provide an opportunity for the current generation to know and love this song just as much as they did when it was so popular in its time," said Addie MS.
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