Introducing International R&B-Pop Songstress MIREI
MIREI is going international with her brand new album ‘Take Me Away.’ Hailing from Tokyo, the rising songstress first fell in love with music at a young age. Taking dances lessons as a child soon introduced MIREI to the pop genre and it’s reigning divas – learning from the likes of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and more. After years of engrossing herself in music, she decided to take the next step and pursue singing at the young age of 12. It took only a year – using Garageband and writing her own material – before she caught the eyes of a record label.
Since being discovered in her early teens, MIREI has sung with the Gospel For Teens choir, won the main prize for Amateur Night at the Apollo, and released a plethora of tracks in Japan. With her new album making the rounds and hopes to perform her English music around the world, MIREI’s rising star shows no signs of dimming.
We got to chat with the songstress about everything from her upbringing in Osaka/Tokyo, her album ‘Take Me Away,’ and so much more.
Let’s start from the beginning – when did you first realize you wanted to pursue music?
I don’t remember the exact moment, but I just had no doubt I’d be a singer since I was very young. I was always going to karaoke with my parents since I was around three years old, and I started to learn dancing and singing in second grade. I always believed I should be on the stage, and I was always focused on studying music. I don’t have any other thoughts, to be honest.
What was your favorite genre to listen to growing up?
I grew up listening to R&B, hip hop, and pop in my parent’s car while we were driving. I was always singing along to the 90s and 00s compilation albums with Britney Spears, Usher, and more. At the same time, I was so into the game ‘Dance Dance Revolution,’ and that was my very first encounter with electro/electronic music.
Has your upbringing in Osaka / Tokyo inspired you and your music?
Yes, a lot. I grew up in a small town in Osaka, and I experienced how difficult it was to live in a small community. That pushed me to leave my hometown when I was really young. That’s when I knew I’m not the type who can express my feelings through just words but with music, coming from a place where I felt so alone. As I got older living in Tokyo, I started to realize how I’m seen and treated as a girl. Selling “girl” is what can earn a decent amount of money, that’s what my friends and acquaintances and other idols were doing. I never did that but I’ve asked them about it, I just always had so many questions. That’s why I’m talking about these issues and things that are happening in underground Tokyo.
Is there an artist that you would love to collaborate with?
I love Charli XCX so much. The way she expresses her true self through music, her videos, and with fashion is like a special fusion of culture. I’m so glad to see there’s some Japanese culture in it, and one day I want to be a part of her work for sure!
Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
I’ll choose loving, dreamy, sad, and hopeful.
Your brand-new album ‘Take Me Away’ is such a fantastic body of work! What was your creative process when making the record?
Thank you so much<3 I had so much fun while making this album with Zak Leever and DJ Shiftee. We got together at Zak’s house and just talked about real life, things we wanted to say. It always starts from a conversation, then we piece the ideas and lyrics together. After that we start to make melodies, start off with something simple like humming. Every song on the album was written in just a few days, but we didn’t feel rushed at all. We were having fun but got some amazing songs out of it.
‘Let Me Be’, ‘My Only’, and ‘Feel Brand New’ are currently my favorites. Which track on the album is your absolute favorite and why?
Wow, thank you so much! Actually, my favorite now is also “My Only.” It’s been a little over a month since I released the album, and my favorite is always changing based on my mood. In Tokyo, the season is changing from winter to spring and the sound really fits with the vibe in the air. Flowers are blooming here, and it reminds me of the beginning of a love story, just like I’m singing on “My Only.”
What do you want fans to take away after listening to the record? What type of impact do you want it to have?
I want you to just enjoy my record for the music first for sure, but I also want you to get the two messages… First, there are some Japanese girls who are not just “kawaii.” We’re not as easy or controlled as you think. We know how we’re treated, and sometimes girls use that position to their advantage. Second, there are serious problems with casting couches and sugar daddies in Japan. Sometimes we lose our opportunities to move forward in life or in a career just by saying no to these evil invitations from men, and it’s not only about the entertainment business. I sing in English because I want to change this reality and I need your help. I see the #metoo movement on social media, and I knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it. I see how important it is to reveal this very real reality to the world. The world is changing, and I want to change Tokyo too.
You’ve released ‘Take Me Away’, three fantastic music videos, what’s next for Mirei this year?
I want to do a live concert in English across the world. I’ve been performing on Instagram Live, and I really enjoy communicating with my fans online. Not only did I sing songs from my English album, but I performed covers and did a very interactive Q&A. I was so happy to see the sweet messages and talking with them heart to hear, but I also want to say thank you face to face when I tour. Since I have fans around the world, I’m not sure where I’ll go first, but I’m sure I’ll go to meet every single fan of mine!
Make sure to check out MIREI international debut album ‘Take Me Away’ here and watch her video for her single ‘Lonely in Tokyo’ below…
