Japanese-British singer and producer Miso Extra returns with her first release of the year – and her first new music since the critically acclaimed debut album Earcandy. “Right Here” is a razor-sharp slice of alt-pop, pairing glitch-flecked production with an irresistibly catchy hook, sung in both English and Japanese. Produced by harrry and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Ricky Damian (Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith, Sampha), the track is out now via Transgressive Records.
Written by Miso Extra in Paris, “Right Here” arrives alongside an official music video directed by Victor Ivanov, shot in Tokyo following her first-ever performances in Japan last year. Speaking about it, she says “this song is a reminder to approach life with a ‘glass half full’ mindset. I drew significant inspiration from Wim Wenders’ film Perfect Days while writing it, which later shaped the concept for the music video.
I wanted to capture a side of the city that reflected my personal connection to it almost like a shojo manga brought to life. Beyond Perfect Days, my other inspirations were Whisper of the Heart and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, films I grew up watching. One tells the story of a young girl discovering her potential and pursuing her dreams, while the other explores accepting life’s imperfections and taking responsibility for one’s choices. Both of these themes are ideas I also tried to convey through the song, creating a visual and emotional world that mirrors the optimism and introspection at the heart of the music.
Following the release of her eagerly anticipated debut album Earcandy last year, Miso Extra recently teamed up with Irish hip-hop trailblazer Rejjie Snow on his latest single, “Hypnotic Pickpocket”. The collaboration was born from their connection on Rejjie’s most recent tour, where Miso supported him to rave reviews. On Earcandy, Miso Extra delivers a sophisticated, self-aware pop record that traces a journey through lovelorn vulnerability, personal growth, and self-empowerment. Blending genres like K-Pop, UK Garage, 80s sonics, and R&B, the record showcases her genre-defying style.
Recorded in the summer of 2024 at Damon Albarn’s Studio 13 with Ricky Damian, the album was co-produced by Miso herself and features the standout singles: “Slow Down”, produced with DJ Boring; “Good Kisses” featuring Metronomy; “Ghostly”, made with A. K. Paul; and “Certified” and “POP”, both produced by members of indie-pop collective MICHELLE.
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