Latest news with #debutsingle
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
YURIYAN RETRIEVER In Conversation With Producer yonkey: Inside the Creative Process of Her Debut Single
Prize-winning Japanese comedian, Netflix star and all-around entertainer YURIYAN RETRIEVER can now add major-label solo artist to her illustrious list of titles, dropping her debut single 'YURIYAN TIME' on Wednesday (July 16). The versatile funny woman, now based in the U.S., worked with sought-after music producer yonkey — producer of ATARASHII GAKKO! — on the new song, an earwormy number that naturally inspires courage after repeated listening despite its comical nature. YURIYAN, whose stage name as a singer is stylized in all caps, says that's the core of what she aimed to convey through the track that showcases yonkey's expertise. The 34-year-old multi-hyphenate and 28-year-old music producer opened up about the creative process of 'YURIYAN TIME' in this conversation for Billboard Japan. More from Billboard YURIYAN RETRIEVER Talks Debut Solo Single & Ambition to Become a Genre of Her Own Djo Scores First Airplay Chart No. 1 With 'Basic Being Basic' Druski Announces Coulda Fest Tour Featuring BigXthaPlug, Young M.A & Soulja Boy: See the Dates Tell us about your first impressions of each other. yonkey: We met in a sort of conference room and talked about a lot of things. She said, 'Could you listen to this song I wrote?' This often happens whenever I'm meeting with other musicians I produce, but they usually just play it on their iPhone. But YURIYAN was like, 'I don't have a recording, so do you mind if I do it here?' and performed it for me right there in full with just the beat. I was floored. My first impression of her was that she was more enthusiastic than any other artist. YURIYAN: He says I was enthusiastic, but I just didn't have the skills to make sounds or to record them, so I had to do it directly. yonkey: I mean, usually it's embarrassing to sing in front of someone at a distance of a table between you. But I had this gut feeling that if she could perform even under such circumstances, the project would definitely work out. It was such an electrifying moment. YURIYAN: He asked me, 'What kind of vibes do you like in a song?' I often think songs that have catchy intros are cool, so I told him, 'I like songs that start off in a unique way.' And when I told him that I often put my thoughts and feelings into my comedy routines, he said… was it a scribble? A scrawl? 'Itemize them,' maybe? YURIYAN: Yes! 'An itemized list is fine, so write your thoughts down.' Did you have an idea of what you wanted it to sound like? yonkey: I was invited to go see YURIYAN's comedy show once, and one of her segments had a kind of horror story feel to it. I wanted to add some scary sounds reminiscent of Japan and Japanese children's songs. I thought I could reproduce that horror-tinged flavor that YURIYAN had written into her comedy routine by using delay on crows cawing in the intro to evoke the image of dusk. YURIYAN: I heard from yonkey that he added that Japanese flavor to the track to suggest I was going global from Japan. You know what, though, a fortune teller once told me long ago that my guardian spirit is a crow. A yatagarasu, the three-legged crow used as the symbol of the Japanese national soccer team, is apparently watching over me. Also, my hometown is NYC… Oh, Nara Yoshino-cho, I mean. I thought maybe my guardian yatagarasu possessed yonkey and made him add those caws. How did you two work out the lyrics? yonkey: I only knew YURIYAN from what I'd seen in the media, so I wanted to know what she usually thinks about. She wrote about her love life and about the pent-up resentment she feels from daily life in the notebook she used to list her ideas, so I took her words and designed them into music. YURIYAN inspired the basic ideas and words of the lyrics, while I did the designing to make them sound pleasing. YURIYAN: I sent him the list I jotted down, and he wrote lyrics about the core part of me that I hadn't even realized I had, and it made me really happy. It was also catchy and cute on top of that, so I was impressed. Could you elaborate on that 'core part' that you didn't realize you had? YURIYAN: At first I wrote about feeling disappointed because my love life wasn't working out, but when you read yonkey's lyrics, you can see that it's not just limited to romantic relationships. It's about not catering to anyone and being like, I'm fine the way I am, you know? It's basically about finding value in who you are and saying, 'I'm OK with this!' yonkey: But she also has sensitive and vulnerable sides to her, and I was really impressed by the way she's like, 'I'm the best' even though she has such traits. In the first verse, YURIYAN intentionally says she feels faint-hearted sometimes, but follows up immediately, 'No I don't, dumbass!' and flexes her strong self. I wanted to express that duality in the song. There are plenty of other key words pulled from your list in the lyrics. YURIYAN: Stuff about my comedy routines and personal life. And about playing the role of (professional wrestler) Dump Matsumoto in Netflix's The Queen of Villains, and about my fitness coach Tomo Okabe, who I've been training with for a long time. yonkey: All the parts that show her daily life I took from her notes. In hip-hop, it's sometimes hard to get a message across when the lyrics only cover universal topics. I think it's best to honestly express that person's lifestyle, so I was confident that it would work out if she told me about such things. And now YURIYAN has made her debut as a solo artist with the song. yonkey: I always had the idea of making it an introduction to YURIYAN since this is her debut number. And since she's based in the U.S., I was meticulous about the track, aiming to make music that could be included in Spotify playlists all over the world. I also wanted to make sure to include Japanese identity in the music, so I asked her to sing the song in Japanese. I produce ATARASHII GAKKO! and I'm particular about using the Japanese language with them as well. You know how Japanese people have a hard time pronouncing English? I've been told by producers from other countries that they find our pronunciation to be distinctive, and I think that's something we can use as a weapon. Translation features are available everywhere nowadays and we can understand what people are saying, so I figured Japanese was the only language that could draw out YURIYAN's uniqueness even more. That's another thing I focused on when I wrote this song. YURIYAN: I talk about this as if it were normal, like, 'Yeah I got to make my debut,' but I'm actually like, 'Can this really be happening?' and still find it hard to believe. I really want to do what I can to make it a hit. I started TikTok a few days ago in a hurry because I want 'YURIYAN TIME' to create a buzz. [Laughs] It's a song that introduces me, and I want people to get to know me, but I think it's also a song that will boost the energy of anyone who listens to it. So I hope people will enjoy it by replacing it with their own names, like 'AKIKO TIME' or whatever. I want people from all over the world to listen to it, grown-ups and kids alike. This interview by Atsuo Nagahori first appeared on Billboard Japan. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
New Music Alert Cactus from British artist Dazzlla
Track Title: Cactus Genre: Pop Launch Date: Out Now ISRC Code: TCAIL2485722 UNITED KINGDOM, July 9, 2025 / / -- Dazzlla Unveils Debut Single 'Cactus' – A Decade-Long Journey of Raw Emotion and Cinematic Artistry. British filmmaker, actress, and children's book author Dazzlla steps into the music spotlight with her debut and likely final single, Cactus. A deeply personal creation, this genre-blending track fuses pop, dance, and R&B, showcasing Dazzlla's eclectic musical influences and creative vision. Written and performed by Dazzlla, Cactus began a decade ago with original vocals recorded in 2014, later enriched with additional layers in 2024. The result is a hauntingly introspective song that explores the inner voice of doubt—described by Dazzlla as the 'Cactus' that grows within, silently causing harm. While open to interpretation, the track's emotional depth resonates universally. Accompanying the single is a stunning music video, shot, directed, and edited by Dazzlla herself. Noted for its cinematic depth and raw emotion, the video has captivated global audiences, cementing Dazzlla's reputation as a multifaceted artist. Originally envisioned as a trance song, Cactus evolved over time, reflecting Dazzlla's diverse musical palette. This release marks a singular moment in her career, as she has indicated it may be her only musical venture. Dazzlla is the alter ego of a British filmmaker, actress, and children's book author. Known for her storytelling across mediums, she brings her signature emotional and creative depth to Cactus, her first and potentially only musical release. Contact Dazzlla at [email protected] or [email protected] for press enquiries, and please mention Radio Pluggers! David Wiltsher Radio Pluggers + +44 7552 531612 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Newcomer Jenn Smith Makes Bold Entrance with Empowering Track 'Mirror Mirror'
Jenn Smith breaks onto the scene with 'Mirror Mirror,' a sonically captivating and emotionally-driven debut that's catching early industry buzz. 'This song is for anyone who's ever been made to feel small by someone who needed to shine at their expense. It's about recognizing the game—and choosing to walk away.'— Jenn Smith MCKINNEY, TX, UNITED STATES, June 30, 2025 / / -- New Artist Jenn Smith Makes Bold Entrance with Emotionally-Charged Single 'Mirror Mirror' Rising singer-songwriter Jenn Smith breaks onto the music scene with the release of her debut single 'Mirror Mirror,' a genre-blending pop track that fuses raw emotion with commercial polish. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms. With haunting lyrics and a driving beat, Mirror Mirror peels back the layers of toxic charm, manipulation, and emotional survival. Inspired by personal experiences, Smith confronts narcissism head-on, reclaiming her voice in a powerful narrative of self-liberation. With vivid lyrics like 'Mirror mirror, who's the fake in the glass / A kingdom built on fiction can never last,' Smith delivers a powerful anthem that speaks directly to a generation navigating toxic relationships, public personas, and personal growth. 'This song is for anyone who's ever been made to feel small by someone who needed to shine at their expense,' says Smith. 'It's about recognizing the game—and choosing to walk away.' The single marks a pivotal moment in Smith's artistic journey, showcasing her as both a powerful vocalist and a fearless storyteller. With production rooted in moody pop and cinematic undertones, Mirror Mirror is already gaining traction across streaming platforms and social media. 'Mirror Mirror' highlights Jenn Smith's vocal strength and lyrical maturity, setting the tone for what promises to be an impactful music career. Early reactions from tastemakers and playlist curators suggest Smith's debut is already making waves among fans of emotionally-driven pop and singer-songwriter genres. Making a compelling entrance with 'Mirror Mirror,' the single showcases commercial potential, lyrical depth, and mainstream appeal. With a unique blend of vulnerability and grit, Jenn Smith positions herself as a fresh voice in modern pop—one with the authenticity and talent to leave a lasting mark. Listen to 'Mirror Mirror' now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms. For press inquiries, interviews, or promotional materials, contact: Jennifer Smith Jenn Smith Music email us here Visit us on social media: TikTok Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eason Chan's daughter Constance admits being nervous about first MV
30 June - Now that her first ever music video is released to the world, Constance Chan admitted that she was actually nervous about filming it earlier. The young singer, who is the daughter of Eason Chan and Hilary Tsui, said that she got more and more anxious as each day went by before she had to film the music video for her debut single, "doll", which she was also the co-writer. "I kept worrying about whether I could perform well and whether I would disappoint everyone. After watching the MV, I realised that I still have a lot of room for improvement. However, I always told myself that this is only my first MV, and I believe that there will be more opportunities for me to grow and try in the future!" she said. Constance also admitted that she became more familiar with the production team, which helped her to integrate into the role quickly. "I also had to shoot some long shots with larger movements repeatedly, which required a high degree of concentration and energy. It was quite challenging!" she enthused. However, Constance was in good hands, being directed by Mo Lyu, a young director who is also a good friend of hers, known for her many works with international brands such as Chanel, Tom Ford, Nike and PlayStation. "I am so grateful to be able to work with such an excellent team to produce my first MV! They gave me a lot of support and encouragement during the process. If it weren't for them, I really don't know what I should do! It really means a lot to me to have so many good friends participate in this MV!" said Constance. Meanwhile, Eason took to the comments on Constance's post about her song and wrote, "Mad respect for everyone who took part in creating this beautiful piece together!! You guys are soooooo dope. PERIOD." The MV has now reached more than 100,000 views since its release on 27 June. (Photo Source: Constance IG, Mo Lyu IG)
BBC News
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC Introducing: Reading's Jessy Blakemore on her debut single
"When I was co-producing these tracks I really wanted it to feel as if you were in the room with me as I was writing." Jessy Blakemore hopes her newly-released music has captured the intimacy of the songs she first composed in her bedroom in debut single burna is the first sign that she has captured the realness she was aiming for, something "super stripped-back, super honest, and super raw".The up and coming alt-pop artist is signed to record label Black Butter Records, who helped bring artists like Rudimental, Gorgon City, and J Hus to public awareness. Blakemore first drew attention to her own talent via TikTok and Instagram clips of her typically stripped-down performances - her Kendrick Lamar and Shiloh Dynasty covers have so far been viewed more than a million times each. She recently took her own songs to a larger stage, such as supporting SZA at BST Hyde Park, and appearing at The Great Escape and Cross The Tracks experiences have stacked up as the momentum has ramped up - after one gig actor and musician Idris Elba said her performance was like "watching magic", and her face has appeared on digital billboards in London."I could not believe it - like wow, what a compliment, it was insane," Blakemore says of Elba's declaration, while the billboard was "so bizarre" but made her feel "super proud".She adds: "I'm trying to turn my nerves into excitement... it's a super scary thing. "I've never released music before. I'm just trying to roll with it, take it all in my stride." Blakemore counts Frank Ocean, Amy Winehouse, and Bon Iver among her loves Lauryn Hill too, particularly her 2001 MTV Unplugged performance, divisive upon release but largely since re-appraised as intimately capturing an artist baring her soul."I've honestly watched and listened to that Unplugged so many times," Blakemore says."I just think it's really nice to invite people into your world, into your space, into your mind."How does she find that process herself?"It's something I've had to learn to do, especially with performing. "It's very easy to be vulnerable in your own space, when you write a song in your own room, but taking it to a stage and performing it is so different." Blakemore's single burna explores infidelity from a male perspective, a songwriting decision she says "opened up this whole new world", but she constantly draws inspiration from those around her."I love whenever I'm on the train or on the bus. I'm always so nosey, listening to other people, because people sometimes say the most poetic and profound things in their daily lives," she explains."So I'm just trying to pay attention to how my friends talk, asking loads of questions, kind of collecting data!"Jessy Blakemore releases her debut EP in September. burna is out now. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
