Discovering new artists is the reason I started running Music For The Misfits, and with the blessing that is the internet, that is without any borders. Tokyo-based singer-songwriter Sarina released a double single and gets her inspiration from bands such as Sleep Token and Brakence, about the right time for us to discuss music and life with her!
Hi Sarina! Could you introduce yourself, your genre, and your musical influences?
“I’m Sarina, a singer-songwriter based in Tokyo! I find inspiration everywhere, but I’d say artists I look up to and aspire to be in the same circles as would be Sleep Token and Brakence, and more generally I’m very influenced by my musical theatre roots.”
What inspired you to start making music and what inspires you to keep going?
“I always grew up surrounded by artistry and creativity, I started as a theatre kid doing musicals from 12 years old, and it sort of snowballed into me writing songs and then me falling in love with focusing on music. Ultimately, I love making music and I love building a community of people who relate to it.”
Where did you get inspiration for your new songs ‘Hell has frozen over’ and ‘Obsession’?
“‘Hell has frozen over’ is about a relationship dynamic where you oftentimes find yourself holding the bruises and broken bones close to your chest because it’s easier than trying to explain why they hurt. It’s really difficult to be in a position where you are in pain and want to make it better but no matter how many times you try to do the right thing or communicate the right way, it always ends in empty apologies and meaningless promises.”
‘Obsession’ is a little more focused on me and my behaviour. I’m sure many people can relate to the awkward shame a person feels when they look back to a lover they regret or a hyper fixation you let treat you way worse then you deserve. I’ve been running through that pattern for so long it became second nature. It wasn’t until recently that I was able to take a step back and really correct that behaviour. Things like telling myself it’s love when all it is is a chemical release that helps me run away from whatever is going on in my head. Intimacy becomes a mask you wear to hide the memories that haunt you all while making more you want to forget. I’ve been very happily single since the experience that inspired this particular song and am feeling so much more free and in control. An obsession doesn’t have to rule you, you just sometimes need to take a step back.”
Who would you like to work with in the near future and where would you like to perform in the next three years?
“Brakence for sure, his most recent two albums are on repeat and I think I have most of the Hypochondriac album memorized. Not going to lie, he had a song coming out the same day as me and I was more excited for his then I was mine!”
Which musical achievements are you most proud of?
“I recently performed at Music Matters Live in Singapore and it was absolutely amazing!!! What an awesome crowd, they made the atomically crushing humidity so worth it.”
What do you hope to achieve with your new music with followers old and new?
“I just hope people vibe with me :3 I genuinely just love making music and as much as the data matters I try to look at it a little more personally. When I read about people getting excited or enjoying the music that’s all that really matters in the end!”
What are your plans through the new year? What are some of your goals and dreams?
“I’m honestly just focused on Halloween right now, It’s my favourite holiday and I need to make sure it goes super well before I can look at any other end or year planning. All I know is there’s going to be an album next year!”
Aside from music, what are some of your hobbies and interests, we’d love to know more about you as a person!
“I’m a huge gamer and play League of Legends pretty much every day! I also love reading and working out but in terms of hobbies I’d say gaming and reading are my two biggest loves after music.”
