Spindle Radar: MIREI Gets Nostalgic With New Single ‘1998’

MIREI discusses the difficulties of being a millennial and Gen-Zer on ‘1998’. 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 its 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. In 2020, she began her ascent into the US music scene with her first english-language album Take Me Away. The album, which featured an array of collaborators like Dai Burger and DJ Sliink, showcased MIREI’s versatility both lyrically and sonically. Her new single ‘1998’ continues this trend with its jazz laced production and honest lyrics about belonging. We were able to chat with the songstress about everything from her new release, her evolution as an artist and so much more.

MIREI! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. How’s October treating you so far?

Long time no see Spindle! Thanks for having me again. This October I’m preparing for online live sessions, getting interviews done, posting on socials… I feel like so many new releases are coming again luckily and I’m super excited about it.

Congratulations on your new single ‘1998’! What inspired the creation of this record?

Thank you very much! This song is about me feeling stuck in the two generations: Millennials and Gen Z. Not only am I stuck in this generation, but I’ve been stuck in my home because of quarantine for so long now. While all by myself, the thoughts just came to me like “am I too young?” or “am I too old to say this?” So I started writing this song as if it was a journal entry. It’s actually not the song that I wanted to release at first, however, when I looked back at the demos I felt like it was the most personal song I’ve written about this feeling being stuck in between. I’m pretty sure there’s someone like me, especially my fans, who feel this way so I decided to release it and share my thoughts.

As someone on the cusp of two influential generations, what’s the most Millennial and most Gen Z thing about you?

For Millennial, I would say I really love pink stuff and platform shoes. My obsession with those things very obviously came from my Millennial idols, like Britney and Christina. But my overall personality, behaviour, and outlook on life make me a very Gen Z person. I support all diversity and inclusivity, am open about mental health, and I’ve had a cell phone since I was in like the 2nd grade.

On your new single, you deliver a creative jazz-laced production. Is there a meaning or theme the sonics represent?

I love how jazzy the production is, especially the chord progression that creates an almost floating, sentimental feeling to the song. When I hear this track, I get emotional but it also makes me wanna dance at the same time.  

We need to discuss the lush visual for the single! It’s giving a ‘Take On Me’ from a-ha vibe with its artistic style. Can you take us through the creative process for the visual?

Wow, I haven’t watched this music video since I was super young so I actually didn’t realize the similarities during the creation of 1998! It’s really close though, I might have been unconsciously inspired by it. I wanted to express how I process these thoughts and invite listeners and viewers into my head. My video director, Nomura-san, turned my imagination into this video so beautifully. 

Last year you dropped your English-language debut album Take Me Away. How have you evolved as an artist since its release? A lot has happened…

When I was making the album and getting ready to release it, I thought I could just go to the states and wherever I wanted to if I had the time and budget. However, right after I released the album, the situation flipped so hard, for all of us. At first, I was so confused and stuck, but that made me launch MIREI TV, which is my weekly live stream with my fans, and it gave me the courage and motivation to keep singing. Also, I feel so honoured that every time I sign on for MIREI TV my fans are gathering together from all over the world. It gave me confidence that my music is delivered in the right places and reaches so many people. I learned how to drop my music without seeing anybody or leaving Japan, I learned how to be more personal with my music and building connections with my fans, and I learned how to record my own songs or produce songs virtually with friends anywhere around the world. Actually, the songs that’ll be on my next album are all recorded by me in my home. 2020 taught me so much and I’m proud I survived it together with my fans.

Is the release of ‘1998’ a sneak peek into a new album or EP possibly?

Oops, I just talked about the next album in the last question and gave it away but yes, it is! I’m definitely ready to release the next album, and it will be a close up look at myself. Since I wrote and recorded it all through this pandemic, the next album will be more personal. I hope you’ll love it.

With 2021 slowly coming to a close, what can fans expect from MIREI in the coming months?

I’m getting ready for some online live sessions which is like clips of me singing on stage. It’s a little different from MIREI TV because it will be nicely produced and give more insight into all my tracks so far. I’m really sure you’ll love it. If you’re interested, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and wait for it! Don’t forget to follow my socials, especially Instagram! 🙂

Make sure to listen to MIREI’s brand new single ‘1998’ here or below.