[Cover photo credit to Tubagus Rizky]

Bali, Indonesia-based Alternative Pop/Rock band Manja have shared their an “introspective, healing” track titled “Wax & Feathers”, along with its accompanying video. With this track, the band confronts “their own mental health struggles” and discovers “true self-acceptance and resilience.”

“Wax & Feathers” was written during an important moment in frontman James Sukadana’s life. Facing a mental breakdown, he found himself on the edge of a cliff in Australia and at an emotional crossroads. The song’s title and lyrics come from a note the musician wrote to his sister during this dark time, a metaphor for the fragility of his state: “My wax has melted, my feather is coming off, and it’s my time to fall.”

The track chronicles Sukadana’s “journey of self-discovery and healing,” which began in Australia, where he “sought purpose and a sense of belonging.” He later returned to Bali for a fresh start.

Sukadana reflects:

All that falling is part of the journey. It’s not a failure as long as you can pick yourself up from it and dust yourself off.

Sukadana is also currently sidelined by vocal cord nodules. As a result, Manja is presently in a state of flux.

Sukadana adds:

We have been through a lot as individuals and as a band. We know how it feels to fall on our knees. At the same time, we also know how to get back up again. We need to keep the fire burning.

Guitarist Nick Pratama shares about making the track’s video:

I believe the most enjoyable shoot was at Mount Papandayan. The view from there was extraordinary, and with the temperature around 12°C (53°F), we could jump around and have fun without breaking a sweat (well, some of us). After the shoot, we decided to hike down and admire the beautiful scenery of the active volcano. We saw wild boars roaming around, eagles, and, fortunately, no wild leopards appeared.