FROM CULTURAL FUSION TO MUSICAL EVOLUTION | Ena Mori’s ‘Trust Me’ marks a new creative chapter
by John Eiron R. Francisco, https://www.facebook.com/, https://www.facebook.com/BusinessMirror/ · BusinessMirror- John Eiron R. Francisco
- September 22, 2024
- 4 minute read
Each note Ena Mori crafts tells the story of diverse influences, shaped by the sounds and rhythms of different lands. As a Filipino-Japanese artist, she constantly navigates between these realms, drawing inspiration from the unique flavors of both.
“I’m proud of my heritage because I get to explore experiences from both countries. The things I’ve been listening to in each country are different, and how I experience both is different,” Ena told Soundstrip.
For her, this fusion of experiences is not just a background but a crucial element of her artistry. She believes it is in this blend of influences that she discovers her unique artistic advantage.
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Known for her experimental indie pop style, Ena’s influences span from art pop and electronic music to ’80s club beats and hyperpop. Her music often explores introspection, emotional depth, and existential reflection, with poetic and thought-provoking lyrics.
However, with her latest track, “Trust Me,” she ventures into new territory. This song marks a departure from her usual style, incorporating more organic elements and a raw, unadorned sound.
“Trust Me” emerged from her reflections on friendship. While her previous songs often delved into abstract themes, this one is grounded in the tangible reality of human connections.
“Even in a casual friendship, it’s really nice to have someone’s trust,” she explained.
For her, trust is more precious than love or interest—it’s a profound honor that she longs to earn.
In writing the song, she tapped into a realm of vulnerability and self-doubt. “I would rather have someone’s trust than love or interest,” she noted, sharing that the song is a reflection of her own personal struggles with trust and consistency in friendships.
“I don’t really have people’s trust, and I’m not always consistent in friendships,” she admitted.
Challenging herself to step away from her usual use of flowery, and elaborate language, she embraced a more straightforward approach for “Trust Me.”
“I wanted to write something where the lyrics are straightforward—nothing flowery, just simple,” she said.
While simple might seem easy, she found the process far from effortless.
“Simple is not always easy, and it was a challenging process for me, but I had so much fun writing that song,” she added.
ENA MATSURI 2.0
This experimental indie pop star reveals that “Trust Me” is inspired by the second edition of Ena Matsuri, set to take place on September 21 at the Justine Bella Alonte Photography Studio in Makati City. The event, which started last year, will also serve as a birthday gig.
“I’ve always wanted to make a show. I’ve always loved performing in shows that I had in my head,” she said.
Last year marked her debut as a co-producer for Ena Matsuri, with assistance from Offshore Music and GNN Entertainment Productions, where she brought together a group of friends to perform.
“It’s really just about creating spaces for artists to have fun, express their music, and showcase their talent,” she added.
For this year’s Ena Matsuri, Ena decided to take a new direction. Her recent fascination with electronic music inspired her to curate a lineup featuring some of her favorite electronic artists.
She immersed herself in her Spotify playlists and record collection, selecting acts like UDD, Kindred, t33g33, CRWN, and Hideki Ito, who will bring fresh setups and innovative sounds to the stage.
“I’m doing a long set as well, so it’s kind of like my excuse to perform a new song or maybe include some of the songs that I don’t usually play in the usual sets,” Ena shared.
THE RISE OF ENA MORI
She began sharing music on her YouTube channel in 2018, and her debut album, DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE!, received widespread acclaim, being named Best Asian Album of 2022 by the international music publication NME. The album was celebrated as a “triumphant rallying cry for the dejected,” with pop hooks that “reach for the stars,” earning a five-star rating.
This award-winning indie pop star’s dynamic performances have also graced several prominent international music festivals, including SXSW Sydney, So Far Sounds UK, Asian Pop Festival, and Jakarta Music Co., among others. Just recently, she opened for OPM icon Ely Buendia during the latter’s solo concert at Newport World Resorts.
ENA MORI GEARS UP FOR INTERNATIONAL STAGE
This award-winning artist is set to perform at a series of international shows, starting with South by Southwest in Sydney. Having previously performed at the festival in Austin, she is excited about the opportunity to take the stage in Sydney for the first time.
Ena looks forward to experiencing the music scene there and is eager to explore a collaboration with a Sydney artist, though she remains tight-lipped about the details.
The festival, which begins on October 15 and runs for a week, represents a significant opportunity for artists to connect and showcase their work, and she is thrilled to bring Filipino music to this global stage.
The festival, which begins on October 15 and runs for a week, represents a significant opportunity for artists to connect and showcase their work, and she is thrilled to bring Filipino music to this global stage. Following the Sydney festival, Ena will head to Japan to perform.
Additionally, Ena is in the midst of writing and recording an album, with plans to release new songs leading up to her next album in the coming year.
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Image credits: John Eiron R. Francisco
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