If you like Jhené Aiko

Hey everyone! Building on my last post, I wanted to dive deeper into my musical world and share what truly inspires me. It’s funny, because like many of you, my journey started with simple dreams and a deep love for music. You might not believe it, but I actually started learning the piano first! I remember going to Guitar Center as a kid, picking up Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift piano books, and just losing myself in the melodies. That’s where I first discovered the magic of creating music with just me and the keys. It taught me so much, and honestly, it's still at the core of everything I do musically today. When I started creating my song 'No One Else,' it was truly born from those intimate piano sessions. I love starting songs that way – just me, the keyboard, letting the emotions flow. It feels so raw and personal, and I think that's what makes the song connect with people. It’s an emerging vocalist's way of sharing a piece of their soul, almost like a diary entry set to music. This process of working intimately with just the keys is what allows me to pour so much authentic feeling into my tracks. Many of you who appreciate artists like Jhené Aiko often tell me my sound has that same soulful, introspective vibe. I draw a lot from classic R&B, but being Black and Japanese, I also find myself weaving in unique cultural influences into my melodies and storytelling. It’s about creating a sound that feels distinctly 'me' but resonates universally. I often think about how this blend could lead to exciting collaborations, perhaps with other emerging vocalists, or even fit perfectly into a meaningful soundtrack for a film or a commercial, bringing a unique sonic landscape to visual stories. The possibilities are endless when you let your unique background shine through your art. I'm really excited because I'll actually be performing 'No One Else' acoustically very soon – bringing it back to its roots, just me and the keys, just like when I first wrote it. It’s wild to think about how far I’ve come from those childhood piano lessons, dreaming of playing drums or just making music. If you have a dream, or want to start something new, I highly recommend just going for it. You never know where that initial spark of passion will lead you. Maybe one day, my music will be part of a major soundtrack, a unique collaboration, or even a campaign – something that inspires others across genres and cultures. That’s the dream for this emerging vocalist, to keep creating and connecting through music. What music influenced you growing up? Let me know in the comments!