Pop-Culturalist.com

MIREI is an international pop star who’s using her platform and music to bring attention and awareness to important issues and movements like Time’s Up, Me Too, and Black Lives Matter. Her powerful message and alluring vocals have earned her over five million streams around the world. This June, she released a cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love” and is donating a portion of the proceeds to the NAACP, a nonprofit organization that MIREI aligns with not only in their actions towards Asian Americans responding to COVID-19 but in their #WeAreDoneDying campaign.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
MIREI: I remember being three years old and singing everywhere. I grew up in a house where there was always music playing, and whenever we were driving anywhere we would play the radio loudly. My favorite thing to do was karaoke with my parents, twice a week even. Music was always with me, so it was natural for me to find an interest in dancing and singing. Then I started dance lessons in the second grade. My parents’ love for music and their support for my interest in music is really what got me here. I’m so thankful for it.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
MIREI: Right now, I’d say Lady Gaga. She made me want to start composing and writing my own songs. I’ve loved her since her debut, and it was around the time I started to learn English. I used to translate all my favorite song lyrics. When she put out Born This Way, it hit me so hard. It sent such a strong message, and I knew she was going to change the world and was inspiring others to do the same. I was impressed by her ability to intelligently share her emotions while making a call to action. She gave me the key to the door that is expressing my opinion through music.

PC: You’ve had tremendous success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
MIREI: When I started out, I didn’t really have a lot of fans. They came little by little, and when I released my song “Negai” in Japan, I was able to see that I got new fans by continuing to perform. After releasing my album Answer, my fans really started to sing along with me, and that’s the most amazing moment. Of course, the views on YouTube also increased like I never even imagined, but to me, the moment that was most memorable and fulfilling is seeing the fans be present and engaged with me in concert, singing along together.

PC: You’re an artist who has used her platform to champion causes and initiatives that you’re passionate about. Have you always known you wanted to use your voice to bring awareness and for social good?
MIREI: The women in Japan are facing so many injustices because of gender, their looks, their age. I felt like giving up but knew I had to endure as much as I could. I thought I couldn’t change myself. The media and the industry was really getting to me. And I knew so many people who were failed by the system here. But my perspective changed when I saw the impact of the Me Too, Time’s Up, and Black Lives Matter movements for example. And to see it all worldwide through social media was eye-opening for me. I was watching it all on my screen, and I knew I had to join in this fight—that I had to voice my opinions and stand up for what’s right. I’m really glad I can do that through my music and through my socials.

PC: Tell us about your release of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love.” What inspired you and spoke to you about this song?
MIREI: I was stuck at home and had some time to dig into some really great music over the previous years. I started doing my livestreams and performing songs that I was discovering or that inspired me. When I did “No Ordinary Love,” the fans really loved it, and it took on a new meaning with COVID-19. The song is about one-way love and not getting what you deserve from your partner. But in 2020, it kind of represents no ordinary life in these unusual circumstances. All over the world, everyone is calling out and trying to give their love in unprecedented ways, but this virus has taken everything we love away from us for no rhyme or reason. I can say the same thing for all the racial injustices we’ve seen around the world in history. The system is taking our love away. But this is no ordinary love, right? That’s why I decided to release this song as a cover, as an homage to an icon, but also to dedicate it to the frontline workers for COVID-19 and people who are fighting against racial injustices day in and out. I’m so glad that I was able to release it and donate.

PC: If you had to choose one of your songs that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
MIREI: “Let Me Be,” for sure. It’s a song about letting me be who I am, which isn’t somebody who’s trying to be kawaii, cute, easy, or serve someone else. I’m not the kind of person who wants fabricated or forced love. I want to grow and be in a relationship that is respectful. I don’t wanna eat something I don’t really like. I don’t wanna go somewhere I really don’t go. You get the idea.

PC: We’re living in really unprecedented times, and it’s forced all of us to find new ways to connect. One way that you’ve done that is by starting MIREI TV. How did you come up with that concept and the show’s unique format?
MIREI: Livestreaming was almost a natural thing to do since my tour was canceled due to COVID-19. I just missed engaging with my fans! Then it changed shape: almost a talk show format where I was talking about the news, what’s going on, and wanted to chat with my fans in the comments. There are two segments called “Something Made Me Whoa” and “Talk of the Week.” We talk about love, human rights, and simple things like our favorite Starbucks beverages. It’s inspiration, it’s fun, and it’s a community. I’m thankful I have fans I can do this with every week!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
MIREI: Ryuichi Sakamoto. I listen to his songs when resting in bed.

PC: First album you bought?
MIREI: Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad

PC: First concert you attended?
MIREI: Christina Aguilera’s Back To Basics tour in Osaka!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
MIREI: Born This Way by Lady Gaga because it inspired me to sing my heart out and stand up for something!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
MIREI: Madison Square Garden!

PC: A must-have on the road?
MIREI: My phone and earphones, for sure. For the music to unplug though. I feel so restless without them.

To keep up with MIREI, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “No Ordinary Love” today.