In March of this year, singer-songwriter Shetona Yui released a five-track EP titled TINY LAND. Now, she’s back with a new single, “Massugu.” Unlike her previous works, this song features raw, candid lyrics, as Shetona humorously contrasts her straightforward nature with the more calculating demeanor of others.
Having spent her high school years in an all-girls school, Shetona navigated the challenges of adjusting to co-ed university life and rebuilt her communication skills. She shares how these experiences, including misunderstandings and gaps between the sexes, have influenced her music, along with her views on love and life.
INDEX
How the Song “Massugu” Transformed My Music Career
According to the materials, the new song “Massugu” was actually completed about three years ago. Can you tell us about the process of how this song came to be at that time?
Shetona: This song was created during a music competition at Osaka University of Music, where I was studying at the time. As I mentioned in a previous interview, we often received assignments in class, such as “writing a song for an idol,” and had to create music based on those themes. For this particular competition, the keyword was “Pure Love Cider.” I thought to myself, “What a strange theme,” and that’s how the first version of the song came about [laughs].
How did you develop the concept from the theme “Pure Love Cider” into the lyrics?
Shetona: In a competition, there’s always pressure to approach the song from a different angle. While “Pure Love Cider” might naturally evoke images of a typical summer youth setting, I decided to go in the opposite direction with dance music. Influenced by Tom Misch, whom I admired at the time, I chose to focus on themes of “refreshing youth” and “adorable boldness.”
Being in a competition might have made it easier to come up with a unique idea.
Shetona: I believe so. I had a strong desire not to create something similar to what everyone else was doing. Originally, I entered university to make film music, so this competition was my first attempt at writing a vocal song. Receiving praise from my teachers for my voice gave me confidence, and sending that tape to my current agency opened the door for my career as an artist. Without this experience, I might never have developed an interest in vocal music, so it’s not an exaggeration to say that this song changed my musical journey.
Yui Shetona graduated at the top of her class from Osaka University of Music with a major in Music Creation. She began ballet in childhood and has explored various genres of music, including violin and street dance, leading to her current career. Before her debut, she gained attention by being featured by DJ HASEBE and securing collaborations with NHK Radio. Her 2023 release, “MUSEUM EP,” was highlighted by producer Hyadain, and her latest work, “Groovin’ Weekend,” has performed well, reaching a peak position of 15th on FM NORTH WAVE. She continues to be an artist to watch closely.
