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Embracing the Unheard: Connecting with the Sounds That Only Reveal Themselves When You Listen Intentionally
During a previous appearance on Able Asia, you mentioned that you often start with the melody when creating songs and then add the lyrics later. What kind of impact do you think adding feelings of childhood anxiety and current fears to a pop melody has on your music?
ena mori： Personally, I love songs that have a gap between a happy-sounding melody and deeply sad lyrics; those are the songs that resonate with me the most. By making it pop, there’s an aspect where it doesn’t need to be taken too seriously, but at the same time, I believe that talking about deep things in a pop format allows me to convey my message to others in the most direct way. I hope that by reaching people with a catchy pop melody, some of them will take the time to read the lyrics—it would mean a lot to me.
On Able Asia, you mentioned that you keep a daily journal and sometimes draw inspiration for lyrics from it. Where do you find your melodies and sounds?
ena mori： For example, with “SOS,” I was inspired by the sound of sirens used in 1960s movies. I also resonate with the unnatural, forced smiles in 1960s TV shows and commercials. I interpret it as an attempt to create happiness in a society that was growing and recovering after the war. That feeling of forced positivity really inspired me.
Additionally, I record and collect sounds that catch my attention in daily life. I enjoy listening to the sound of ice before bed on YouTube. Did you know that if you press your ear to the ice at an ice skating rink, you can hear sounds? I know it’s strange, but I really love that sound and listen to it from time to time [laughs].
Ice sounds! That’s interesting. I was in Yamagata until a few days ago, and I was thinking about how each place has its own unique sound. I believe that listening to these sounds can bring back memories of the scenery, smells, and sensations of being there. Are there any “important sounds” like that for you?
ena mori： I’m really drawn to sounds that you don’t notice in daily life or that you only hear if you consciously listen for them. I feel like I can relate to those kinds of sounds. I think there are many voices that go unheard—whether from people with diverse identities or those who feel the need to hide who they are. Those voices and presences are fascinating to me, and it applies to sounds as well.
That’s wonderful. For me, that’s the main focus in my work. Voices from marginalized communities are often overlooked or dismissed in our current society and systems. But those voices and their existence are real, and my motto is to uplift and share those voices. It’s very reassuring to hear that we share this perspective.
ena mori： Hearing you say that makes me feel we’re living in a better time. Of course, there are still areas where progress is lacking, but I think back to when we were younger, and voices like that were even more silenced. Thanks to the continuous efforts of the community, we can now meet and work with others who share these sentiments.
I think it’s because of the people who continued to speak up despite being silenced that we’re here today. Your recent performance at WALL&WALL was particularly memorable for me. It was full of joy and seemed to lift us up, expressing the anxieties and hopes we all share. How do you feel about the power of live performances?
ena mori： I love creating music, but for me, it’s an inner process. Live performances, on the other hand, are where I can truly connect with people for the first time, and it’s like a reward for an artist. Being able to share the work I’ve spent years creating is such an important activity. While listening to a recording can be moving, there’s a unique kind of emotion that only a live show can bring. Looking into someone’s eyes and singing to them is an experience I can’t have in everyday life. I believe this kind of communication is only possible through music, so I hold it dear. There’s a connection that happens with the person in front of me, even without words, and I’m able to share my message. When I see someone moved by my performance, it energizes me too—it’s a great ecosystem (laughs). That’s the power of music, in my opinion.
You used to release many songs with English lyrics, but recently, you’ve also been releasing songs with Japanese lyrics. I think this has expanded the range of people you can communicate with. Was there a particular reason you started creating songs with Japanese lyrics?
ena mori： When I went to the Philippines in my second year of junior high school, I had a limited repertoire in Japanese, so I was never very proactive about writing lyrics. However, I thought that this challenge could add new material to my music, so I wanted to try writing lyrics in Japanese with a positive mindset.
The first song I wrote in Japanese was “Ichigo Milk,” a song provided by Tomggg. When I first heard it, I thought, “I want young people in Japan to hear this.” I wrote the song with the intention of encouraging others to be confident enough to be themselves and not overly worry about what others think. When I actually started writing, I found that writing lyrics in Japanese wasn’t so different from writing in English—it was just as enjoyable and natural. From there, I started wanting to create more songs in Japanese.
Both “Ichigo Milk” and “Nante Ne,” which was also used in a Pocari Sweat commercial, have a strong “I don’t care” vibe. They showcase a confident, powerful female attitude.
ena mori： I felt that was necessary. When I go overseas, I sometimes experience being underestimated just because I’m Asian. There’s this stereotype that “all Asians are kind and gentle,” but it varies from person to person, and I’m not exactly gentle. I wanted people living in Japan to hear that, so I wrote the songs with the image of a strong person in mind.
I’d like to let my past self hear this. Lastly, could you share what challenges you’d like to pursue in the future and the message you want to convey through your music?
ena mori： I want to be more active in Japan. My family lives here, so it would be nice to have more opportunities to see them. The biggest career challenge I’d like to take on is working in Europe. I really love European music, and I’d like to experience the local dance music culture.
That would also help elevate you as an artist, right?
ena mori： Yes! Europe is an area I’ve barely explored; I’ve only been to London once. But I fell in love with London, and usually, when I travel abroad, I want to come back home quickly, but with London, I thought, “I don’t want to go back!” [laughs]. I now love Japan too, and every time I return, I appreciate its beauty more. But I really love the open, artistic, and historical vibe of London and the sound of music playing on the street corners!
For my music, I’ve always valued creating songs that don’t lie. I want to express my honest thoughts and feelings. Even if I’m wrong, it’s still my true emotion at that moment. I want to create music that reflects my true self, rather than focusing on what’s considered “right.” I aim to be an artist who can inspire hope and empower those who want to challenge themselves with music and art like this.
ena mori“Trust Me”
