November, 2024 | Tokyo, Japan | Interview by ATTANGO
Photographs: ©NENE — All rights reserved / Original Publication: RJHH MAGAZINE – realjapanesehiphop.com — Nov. 2024
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NENE has established herself as a rising figure in Japan’s R&B and Neo-Soul scene. With a rich journey and a constantly evolving musical style, she blends diverse influences, ranging from Lauryn Hill to Erykah Badu, while collaborating with artists from the Japanese hip-hop scene. Her authenticity and ability to convey deep emotions through her lyrics and compositions make her a unique presence in music. In this interview, NENE reflects on her early days in music, the influence of Osaka’s scene, the transition between her albums Room 25 and DROWN IN MY KARMA, and her recent collaborations with artists like Warushi and 1LAW. She also shares insights about her upcoming projects and creative process. Dive into NENE’s universe and discover the soul of an artist for whom music is more than just a passion—it’s a true way of life.
Can you tell me about your beginnings in music and the Osaka music scene that influenced you?
NENE: When I was about eighteen, I started singing while accompanying myself on the guitar, often performing “Just Friends (Sunny)” by Musiq Soulchild. I would loop four chords on the guitar at that time, creating and performing my compositions. Although I don’t plan to release those songs today, I could still sing them if I tried. The music scene in Osaka deepened my love for R&B, and it’s also where I felt the potential of music in Japanese—a feeling that hasn’t changed. At the same time, I must admit I went through a period of inner struggle as I tried to adapt to the artists around me. But it’s thanks to that struggle that I can now truly enjoy creating the music I love and have come to accept myself for who I am.
How did you experience the transition between your first album, Room 25, and your second, DROWN IN MY KARMA? What are the main themes explored in this project?
NENE: I made both albums with Osaka-based producer 4410-san. When we created Room 25, I was experimenting. The title reflects the idea of writing about everything that had happened to me before I turned 20, as if I were leaving behind certain emotions before stepping into the “room” of my twenties. In the song “myvogue“? there’s a line that says, “Cause I know the story has just begun” — I genuinely felt that it was just the beginning of the journey.
DROWN IN MY KARMA was released about two years after Room 25. Those two years were challenging, to the point where life sometimes felt burdensome, and I struggled to make progress in creating music. However, my desire to live through music never wavered, and I wanted this album to mark a turning point. As the title suggests, it reflects how I was drowning in my struggles, but I aimed to accept everything and live with music. That’s why the album contains quite a few melancholic songs. I wanted to write as honestly as possible, and those raw emotions make this album deeply significant to me.
“DROWN IN MY KARMA reflects how I was drowning in my struggles, but I aimed to accept everything and live with music.”
You recently collaborated with rapper Warushi on the album COMMON GROUND. How did this collaboration come about?
NENE: About ten years ago, not long after I started singing with my guitar, I met an Osaka rapper, and it was at one of his events that I got to know Warushi-kun. That said, we weren’t close throughout all those years. But just before he released his album “For as Long as I’ve been alive“, he sent me some of his songs, which reignited our connection. He proposed collaborating, and when he sent me a beat, that became the starting point for the album. From the first listen, I loved the production, and it didn’t take me long to write the songs. The creative process was natural: Warushi-kun would send me tracks, I’d write and record my parts, and he would add his rap. Everything flowed seamlessly, and we completed the album effortlessly. Our styles complemented each other perfectly, and I love every song on the album. I hope more people get to hear it.
Can you explain the message behind your single with Warushi, “I wanna get to know you”?
NENE: In my opinion, listeners can interpret songs as they wish, but when I first heard this beat, I wanted to write about the moment I was first blown away by an artist or a song. It’s like “it stole my heart for a second”. Music lovers might relate to this feeling—staying up all night listening to a song or losing track of time pondering the meaning of the lyrics. Music has the power to evoke memories and emotions, and I wrote this song out of respect for artists who have that impact. Someone once told me, “You have to surpass your idols”, which stuck with me deeply. I wanted to include that sentiment in the lyrics.
Your collaborative EP Invisible, created with 1LAW, was released in July 2024. What makes it unique, and what message do you hope listeners take from this collaboration?
NENE: There’s so much to say about this EP that it’s hard to summarize. I guess this collaboration with 1LAW was something no one expected, but I vividly remember the sense of a chemical reaction when we created our first track. The entire process, including production by DJ A.K., was memorable. Each month, I’d travel from Tokyo to Osaka to work at Bonsai Record, choosing beats and writing and recording songs on the spot. Many of the songs were inspired by our conversations on the way to the studio, so the EP is full of fresh energy. I hope listeners can feel that energy.
“The unexpected results from collaborations are always exciting, and that’s part of the fun.”
How would you describe the evolution of your musical style from your beginnings to today?
NENE: At first, I started singing with a guitar. I admired Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu and did everything possible to create music like theirs. I sang in a gospel choir, performed live with a backing band, and sought my own style and path as an artist. Around 2019, after meeting producer 4410 and collaborating on a few songs with Blackstone Village, my style began to evolve, and I started releasing music. Over the past year, I’ve collaborated more with hip-hop producers and rappers on albums and EPs. I’m confident that good changes will continue through meeting new people and unexpected events.
Are there specific artists you would like to work with in the future?
NENE: There are some. If I had to name one of them, I’d love to work with a producer named “Caius” from Denmark. I discovered him through his song “Stay,” which features Neigh’s vocals. When I first heard it, it was so beautiful that it made me cry. The song feels like lying on a cloud, basking in the sunlight, with rain falling underneath. I would love to make that collaboration happen someday. I enjoy creating collaborative works, so I actively seek them out. The unexpected results from these collaborations are always exciting, and that’s part of the fun.
NENE and Warushi
How do you find inspiration to write your songs, and what are your main musical influences?
NENE: I mostly turn my life experiences and thoughts into music. The most important thing is that when I hear a beat for the first time, I can write fast if I can picture a scene. Conversely, overthinking makes it harder to write songs. My main influences are artists I’ve admired, like Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, and Erykah Badu. Their style, vocal delivery, and flowing melodies have a profound emotional impact without being overly forceful. This emotional connection forms the foundation of my music. No one in my family was into music, so discovering and listening to different genres felt like diving into the deep sea alone. I have always sought music that resonates with my often overthinking nature, which has shaped my music. In terms of style, contemporary stars like Sabrina Claudio and Jorja Smith have definitely influenced me with their unique aesthetics.
What are your future projects after the release of “Invisible”, and how do you see your career evolving in the coming years?
NENE: Regarding “Invisible“, we’re working on several music videos, so I hope you’re looking forward to them. I believe this EP deserves much more attention. Personally, I’m in the process of creating music with various artists and producers from around the world. Although I’ve been focusing on collaborative albums and EPs, I’m considering releasing a solo album either later this year or early next year. Honestly, I have no idea how my career will unfold, but right now, I’m thoroughly enjoying the process of making music. I aim to expand my activities not just in Japan but internationally as well. My attitude remains the same: to give my all to my music at all times. While I can’t control the outcome, I strive to express my genuine feelings through my music as authentically as possible and to continue making music with those I want to work with. And I want to create an album that only features Neo-soul tracks during my lifetime — because I have to surpass my idols, right?
Interview by ATTANGO
