by martina rexrode
photo courtesy of anna aya
With dozens of global artists and groups breaking into the Western music scene as well as the charts, it seems fitting to usher in an artist who has the potential to become the next big thing. Anna Aya is a multilingual singer, model, and actor who just dropped her second bilingual single “Hit Me With Your Love,” an electric pop song with a fusion of English and Japanese lyrics. Based on the success of her debut single “Someone Else,” it looks as though Aya is gearing up to be a breakout star for Japanese Pop (J-pop).
Congratulations on your latest single “Hit Me With Your Love!” How does it feel to have this in the hands of fans?
Anna: “Thank you! I feel so excited ‘Hit Me With Your Love’ is finally out and I hope everyone is singing along and dancing already.”
This is your second bilingual single after the success you had with your debut “Someone Else.” Does this release feel different from the last in any way?
Anna: “Yes! ‘Hit Me With Your Love’ is more upbeat compared to ‘Someone Else’ and definitely more of a classic pop song that you can dance to. It’s really fun to have a song everyone can sing along to easily.”
Which themes does this single tap into?
Anna: “‘Hit Me With Your Love’ is a sassy diva song, with a little bit of an attitude. I think it’s a fun pop song with some Japanese lyrics I wrote to make it a unique J-pop anthem.”
I noticed some early 2000s energy when listening, but I liked how fresh it sounded in the bilingual mix with lyrics in both English and Japanese. What led you to lean into this specific sound? Are there any artists that inspired your musical style?
Anna: “I definitely try to channel some early 2000s vibes with my music, because I love the aesthetic and music scene of that era. Ariana Grande has always been my biggest inspiration, as well as Britney Spears. I try to make my music my own with the bilingual aspect, being half Japanese myself, while incorporating the influences from these icons.”
Have you noticed any hints of your background in dance sneaking into your music, especially in performances? Are there any plans to incorporate these dance styles into future aspects of your career?
Anna: “I definitely feel like my background in dance has helped me grasp how to express myself vocally, which leads to the combination of dancing and singing for my performances being really exciting for me. I will always want to dance for my live performances, and imagine having so much fun with many dancers for my tour one day.”
What was it like to record the performance for the Grammys Recording Academy with Global Spin?
Anna: “It was an honor to perform for the Grammys Global Spin, especially having my video produced by Shannon McIntosh, who produced Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I had an amazing time performing wearing an all pink outfit!”
From your perspective, what does the future of J-pop look like?
Anna: “J-pop will be the next big thing globally in my opinion. I hope to contribute to this and make the world love J-pop, and the beautiful Japanese culture.”
What is next for you? Is there anything else you want to let our readers and your fans know or anything you can tease?
Anna: “I am actually performing live for the first time ever on July 2nd, at Dodgers Stadium for Japanese Heritage Night, and I can’t wait. I’m always working on new music and might tease an unreleased song during my performance!”