Japanese-Filipino indie pop sensation, ena mori, unveils her latest single, “Funny,” a powerful anthem capturing female rage and celebrating the strength of girlhood friendships.
While “Funny” officially launched on March 21st, dedicated fans at Ena Matsuri (a vibrant gig hosted by ena mori’s record label, Offshore Music) were treated to an exclusive preview in 2024. Later that year, the “Vivid” singer brought the track to the international stage at the Clockenflap music festival, where it resonated deeply with a diverse crowd, many of whom were discovering her unique sound for the first time.
In discussing the inspiration behind “Funny,” ena revealed that a news report concerning the ban of ponytails in Japan, based on seemingly “odd” reasoning, sparked the creation of this sarcastically charged, almost rage-fueled track. “I want the listener to feel empowered, like they can conquer anything,” ena shared. “I want them to feel energized and ready to take action, filled with excitement.”
“Funny” shines a light on the formidable power of female solidarity. ena mori illustrates how mutual support against oppressive, biased societal norms can drive significant change. She further explained that the song’s instrumentation, featuring a distinct grungy, punk beat and synths, amplifies the song’s assertive message. “There’s a sense of aggression too — not in a negative way, but in the drive to push forward,” ena elaborated.
The release of “Funny” marks ena mori’s first musical offering of 2025.
Stream “Funny” now, available on all digital streaming platforms.
About ENA MORI
Drawing inspiration from the dreamy soundscapes of Dream Pop and the avant-garde spirit of Art Pop from the late 80s and early 90s, ena mori has established herself as a sonic innovator, captivating audiences across Asia with her uniquely compelling sound. Her music, a captivating blend of classical influences and contemporary flair, reflects her diverse artistic inspirations.
Her career reached a significant milestone with the release of her debut album, “DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE!” The album not only topped NME Asia’s Best Album of the Year 2022 list, earning a coveted No.1 spot, but also received a perfect 5-star rating. A review aptly described it as “a triumphant rallying cry for the dejected, filled with pop hooks that reach for the stars.”
ena mori’s international recognition was further cemented by her performance at SXSW Texas in 2023, where she captivated audiences with her dynamic stage presence, marking another significant achievement in her rising career.
ena mori’s artistic journey is defined by her unwavering commitment to innovation, seamlessly blending the timeless elegance of her classical roots with the progressive spirit of her influences.
Adreena is a writer from Nagano, Japan, but is now residing in Singapore. She mostly writes music news and reviews, but in her spare time, she likes writing fiction and poems.