By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) In what way has your music changed from the last time we talked to you for the release of your song “Sell Me Your Love?”
A) Back then, my focus was more on the communities I was part of and the systems around me. Recently, I’ve been more influenced by my daily life and what my friends are going through. I think my music now feels more relatable compared to my earlier work.
Q) Your album Tokyo Stories is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?
A) I wrote this album during the pandemic, when I finally had time to look deeper into myself. That led me to create an album with very personal themes such as relationships, my background and also some of the fun parts of my life in Tokyo.
Q) What was it about Tokyo that you found so inspirational for the album?
A) I named the album Tokyo Stories because Tokyo is where I live and it’s one of my roots. I was in my room in Tokyo writing, recording and planning the album. Everything happened here, so the name just felt natural.
Q) For the song “Unsent “you team up with rising Mainland rap phenom AK Liu Zhang (AK 刘彰). How did the two of you come to connect for the song?
A) During my first Asia tour, one of my team members invited AK’s label manager and that’s when we first connected. After I finished writing “Unsent,” I was looking for someone who could really vibe with me. When I asked her, she introduced me to AK. I already knew his voice would sound amazing on the track, but when he brought both Chinese and English verses, it went beyond my expectations. The flow was so smooth and unique, I love both versions.
Q) The single has already inspired millions of fan-made “unsent confession” clips on TikTok and Douyin. What does this accomplishment mean to you?
A) “Unsent” was inspired by my friend who was stuck in a toxic relationship. I think it’s relatable for anyone who has thought too much about someone, including me. I hope the song can be a turning point for people to express their true feelings instead of keeping them swallowed inside.
Q) Talk about working with producers Zak Leever, DJ Shiftee and Masaaki Saitō.
A) Most of the songs, except “Unsent,” were made with my friends Zak and Shiftee. We had hours-long Zoom sessions, and it was inspiring because through writing I was also digging deeper into myself. It was also fun to record vocals in real time. I’d share my Logic project screen with them and we would produce the vocal parts together.
For “Unsent,” I wanted to challenge myself to create a Japanese song as MIREI. Masa and I are friends in Tokyo and we’ve worked on Japanese songs together before, so it felt natural to ask him. When we work together, the ideas flow easily. We can chat and brainstorm freely, and then when it’s time to finalize, we both get really professional. I love that balance between us.
Q) Is the song “Papa Won’t Preach” a nod to the Madonna single “Papa Don’t Preach?”
A) Yes, it is. Madonna sang about being scared of her father preaching to her, but my dad never had time to preach to me. Growing up he felt mysterious because we barely communicated. We were both so busy with our own lives. Now things have changed: I have more space in my life and he’s in a more relaxed environment. We’ve built a really good relationship. I felt like I was finally ready to look back and write a song about it and I did.
Q) My personal favorite tracks on the album are “Split Personas,” “iDol” and “Cinderella.” What song or songs hold a special place in your heart and what makes them stand out to you?
A) I also love “Split Personas” because every time I sing it, I remember how I accepted the truth that I’m not perfect, but I can keep moving forward step by step.
Another very special song for me is “Touyama.” It’s named after my family name and I wrote it with huge support from Zak and Shiftee. It’s the most personal and important track for me, and I’m so grateful to have such good friends to create it with.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from exploring Tokyo Stories—either as an emotion or message?
A) To me, this album feels like introducing myself, but also showing listeners that no matter where we are born, raised or living, we’re not so different. We’re already amazing and perfect as we are. Even if you don’t believe it right now I understand, because I feel that way sometimes, too. You’re not alone because this album, and I, will always be with you.
Q) The last time we talked to you about touring, you mentioned how shocked you were by fans when you played in Sacramento and Houston. Has there been a city you performed at more shocking than those two?
A) Recently, I toured in Asia and I was so surprised by how perfectly the audience could sing my songs in Japanese. Especially in Guangzhou, China, most people didn’t speak Japanese or English but they sang along so well. That really made me believe that music can go beyond language and culture.
Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with in the future?
A) Lady Gaga and Charli XCX have been my favorites for a long time. If I could collaborate with them, I would be beyond excited.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters?
A) Thank you Starry Constellation Magazine for having me and thank you to my fans for always being with me. I hope you enjoy my new album and that this interview makes listening to it even more fun. I can’t wait to see you in your city. Love you!