Pop singer and songwriter Mika Hashizume is stepping into the spotlight with the debut of his solo career, unveiling the much-anticipated EP, ‘bleached.’ The soulful lead track, titled “So I Don’t Forget,” is characterized by R&B flavors and alternative elements, produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Patrick “J.Que” Smith, known for co-writing Joji’s “Die For You.”
“So I Don’t Forget” carries a drifting atmosphere, imbued with a sense of nostalgia, and its fleeting worldview captures a feeling of transience. The track appeals not only to listeners with a high sensitivity to music but also resonates with those immersed in Western music culture.
During the initial stages of creating the EP, Mika didn’t have a fixed concept but aimed to represent styles and genres he fell in love with during his songwriting journey. The EP, comprising five songs, took shape with the title and theme ‘bleached,’ symbolizing the transformative moments in Mika’s career.
Reflecting on the creative process, MIKA shares, “Though the process, one of the best moments of my life, came with difficulties, like everything else. The one aspect that could visually capture this beautiful yet painful period of my life was ‘bleached.'”
RELATED: Indie Artist seora Releases “KILITI”
MIKA’s international appeal is well-established, evident in his performances on “Drama’s Catchy Songs 2023” on Youku, a top Chinese online video and streaming service. The performances ranked on major music charts, showcasing MIKA’s global influence.
In 2023, MIKA headlined the TMEA Music Festival, sharing the stage with acclaimed artists like Taeyang and Le Sserafim. Beyond his musical talents, MIKA’s distinct fashion sense has landed him on the covers of prestigious publications like GQ and L’OFFICIEL HOMMES. His style has also led to notable brand partnerships with names like Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co, Tom Ford, YSL, and more.
The new EP, ‘bleached,’ draws inspiration from MIKA’s diverse upbringing in Hawaii, Tokyo, and Beijing, marking a significant chapter in his solo journey. Having made waves in the Chinese music scene and Southeast Asia, MIKA has garnered a substantial following across Asia, with streaming markets in Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines placing him in the global Top 10.
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.