Making it as a music artist is hard enough. Throw a foreign market into the equation and even more obstacles arise. International pop artist Sena Kana pushed past these hurdles though, making a name for herself on the whole other side of the world from her home country of Japan.
After becoming the first solo female Japanese pop artist to hit gold status in the United States, Sena Kana is back with her latest single. Titled “Show Me,” she collaborates with mega-producer Poo Bear to create an emotional and refreshing blend of pop, R&B, and electronic. Additionally, Ty Dolla $ign taps in with complimenting vocals, proving the chemistry between the two wildly different artists.
Beyond the serene instrumentals and classical sonics, the lyrics hold a deep meaning. Sena Kena and Ty Dolla $ign both get vulnerable on “Show Me.” With lyrics about intentions and commitment, this track truly puts into words emotions that are typically hard to express. For this reason, “Show Me” has proven to capture the hearts of fans all over the world, nearing one million streams on Spotify.
STREAM “Show Me” by Sena Kana, Ty Dolla $ign, and Poo Bear
“In the creation process, I’d consider a convincing, authentic message in the song to be the most important thing. Instead of only focusing on my own personal experiences and emotions, I try to include universal feelings that everyone has in common as the center of the message.”
Sena Kana
Respect My Region had the opportunity to chat with Sena Kana about her latest single, collaborating with Poo Bear and Ty Dolla $ign, her global success, and much more. Continue reading for the full interview!
Sena Kana x Respect My Region Exclusive Interview
RMR: How does it feel to be the first solo female Japanese pop artist to hit gold in the US and to find so much success in a different place than your home country?
Sena Kana: I feel honored. I would like to continue to bring my music to the people of America and the world. I also feel like I have given some courage not only to myself, but also to other Japanese artists who dream of going global.
RMR: How do you feel living in Japan has shaped your sound and/or career?
Sena Kana: I am proud to have been born and raised in Japan, and I think it is important for me to incorporate my roots and my worldview in my output. At the same time, I want my message and music to be universal, so that any person in the world, from any walk of life can relate to it when they hear it.
RMR: Your latest single “Show Me” and really all of your music is full of emotions. What helps you express your emotions and translate them into lyrics that are relatable and inspiring?
Sena Kana: In the creation process, I’d consider a convincing, authentic message in the song to be
the most important thing. Instead of only focusing on my own personal experiences and emotions, I try to include universal feelings that everyone has in common as the center of the message.
Photo Credit: Shuya Nakano
RMR: What was your experience like working with Poo Bear and Ty Dolla $ign on “Show Me”?
Sena Kana: The collaboration with Ty came naturally through the introduction of one of my close friends, Poo Bear. Poo Bear and I started “Show Me” while we were both working on my debut EP, Serenity.” Poo Bear played the demo of “Show Me” to one of his best friends, who just so happened to be Ty Dolla $ign. He liked the song and immediately sent back a verse. We knew right away that he was the perfect feature for the song!
RMR: We saw you ask this question on Instagram so we wanted to ask it back. What things inspire you the most?
Sena Kana: I am constantly inspired by so many different things that I am exposed to on a daily basis, so it is hard to narrow it down to something in particular. But if I had to say, the support from my fans is a huge inspiration for me.
RMR: What artists would you like to work with in the future? Any specific genres you’d like to try to blend with your style?
Sena Kana: To be honest, I don’t have any specific genre that I would like to work in, but among the many talented artists, I would like to work with The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, and Justin Bieber.
RMR: Who are your biggest supporters?
Sena Kana: My family and team who always support me, and above all, my fans who always give me strength.
RMR: If you’re hanging with your friends and they hand you the aux cord, what is the first song or artist you are putting on?
Sena Kana: In that situation, I probably would be singing instead of playing the song, so I may not need the aux cord at all!
RMR: If you could be reincarnated into any animal, what would it be and why?
Sena Kana: Dolphins. It’s weird, but when I see dolphins, I feel calm. I’ve also heard that dolphins use ultrasonic waves to communicate and find each other at great distances. I’d like to do the same and communicate with dolphins all over the world!
Connect with Sena Kana
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