Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama (リナ・サワヤマ, born 16 August 1990) is a Japanese-born British[1] singer-songwriter and model based in London. In 2017, she self-released her debut extended play, Rina. After signing to Dirty Hit in 2020, she released her debut studio album, Sawayama to widespread critical acclaim.

Rina Sawayama
Sawayama performing in 2018
Born (1990-08-16) 16 August 1990
Niigata, Japan[1]
Alma materMagdalene College, Cambridge
Occupation
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • model
Musical career
OriginLondon, England
Genres
Years active2013–present
Labels
Associated actsClarence Clarity

Early life

Sawayama was born on 16 August 1990[13] in Niigata, Japan.[2] Sawayama lived there until the age of five, when her family decided to move to London, England, where she was raised and currently resides.[14] She holds an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) visa in the UK.[1]

While studying politics, psychology and sociology at Magdalene College, Cambridge,[15] Sawayama decided to pursue music and modelling. During her time at university, she performed in a hip-hop group called Lazy Lion with Theo Ellis from the indie rock band Wolf Alice.[2] She graduated from the university with a degree in political science. In May 2020, Sawayama said that she was doing an online course at the University of Oxford.[16]

Career

2013–2017: Early career

Sawayama began her solo career in 2013, with the single "Sleeping in Waking". In June 2015, she released a music video, directed by Arvida Byström, to her track "Tunnel Vision". In 2016, she released the single "Where U Are", with an accompanying music video co-directed by Alessandra Kurr.[17] The single explored human interaction with digital media, with Sawayama explaining: "Online, you can present your best edited self [and] your overheating phone substitutes human warmth. Weirdest of all – you're together, but also very alone."[18] The song has been described as "nostalgic greatness… ultra-sweet and shimmering pop",[19] and "90s R&B pop perfection".[20]

2017–2019: Rina and touring

Sawayama at Heaven nightclub in 2018

In March 2017, her single "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome" premiered on The Fader.[21] Sawayama described the genesis of the themes of the track as: "the digital world can offer vital support networks, voices of solidarity, refuge, escape. That's what 'Cyber Stockholm Syndrome' is about: pessimism, optimism, anxiety, and freedom."[21]

In 2017, the singles "Alterlife" and "Tunnel Vision", a duet with Shamir, were released, followed by her debut EP Rina.[22][23] Sawayama was then an unsigned artist, and Rina was released independently; she confirmed on Twitter that she worked for two to three years to save money to release the EP.[24] The Guardian deemed the EP "bracing and modern", stating that Sawayama had proven "she can shepherd pop into the future, too".[25] Pitchfork ranked Rina in its list of best pop and R&B albums of the year.[26] In 2018, Sawayama released the single "Valentine" on Valentine's Day.[11] The music video for album track "Ordinary Superstar" was released in June 2018.[27] In August 2018, Sawayama released the track "Cherry", in which she explores her sexual identity.[28] Sawayama embarked on her Ordinary Superstar Tour across the UK, the US and Canada in late 2018.[29] In 2019, she performed as the supporting act for Charli XCX's tour across the UK.[30]

2020–present: Sawayama and the Dynasty Tour

In 2020, after signing to Dirty Hit records, Sawayama released the singles "STFU!", a nu-metal, heavy metal, pop and avant-pop song, and "Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys)", a "homage to early 2000s dance tracks", both from her then-upcoming debut album.[31] A third single, the rock and 2000s R&B-inspired "XS", was released on 2 March.[32] The following month, Sawayama released another single from the album titled "Chosen Family".[33] Her debut album, Sawayama, was released on the 17th of April to widespread critical acclaim.[34][35] On 29 June 2020, she released a cover of the Grammy-nominated Lady Gaga song, "Dance in the Dark" (2009) as part of Spotify's Singles series. The song was recorded in Sawayama's home studio and is an electropop composition with production handled by Clarence Clarity, her version replacing the Europop sound of the original song with nu-metal-influenced electropop.[36]

In late July 2020, Sawayama made a public tweet about her ineligibility to be nominated for major British music awards, such as the Mercury Prize and BRIT Awards, due to the fact that she does not hold British citizenship.[1][37][38][39] The hashtag "#SawayamaIsBritish" became trending on Twitter in the UK shortly after.[40] Sawayama's movement gained major support from Sir Elton John online,[41] who wrote that he was "happy to hear that the [BPI] are reviewing the rules that led to Rina Sawayama's well-deserved album being snubbed from this year's [Mercury Prize] list of nominees."[42]

On 26 October 2020, Sawayama made her television debut performing the song "XS" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[43] On 23 November 2020, Sawayama announced her new single "Lucid", produced by BloodPop, would be released later that week on 25 November.[44]

On December 4th 2020, the deluxe version of SAWAYAMA was released featuring 'LUCID'; bonus tracks 'We Out Here' and 'Bees & Honey'; a cover of The 1975's 'Love It If We Made It'; the live version of 'XS'; acoustic versions of 'STFU!', 'Bad Friend' and 'Chosen Family'; and the 'Comme Des Garcons' remix featuring Pabllo Vittar.

Other ventures

Modelling career

Sawayama has been signed to Anti-Agency and Elite Model Management. In 2017, she was chosen for Versus x Versace's fall winter campaign.[45] She has also starred in campaigns for Jourdan Dunn's Missguided,[46] and wrote and performed an original track titled "Play on Me" for Nicola Formichetti's MAC x Nicopanda.[47]

Collaborations

In 2016, Sawayama collaborated with Taiwanese visual artist, John Yuyi, on a visual series critiquing Asian, including Japanese, beauty standards. Subsequently, she was profiled in Vogue. In the interview, Sawayama described the genesis of the idea and collaboration: "For a lot of women in Japan, these are the expectations people put on them, from anime culture, kawaii culture… that can really put women at a disadvantage, objectifying and infantilising them."[14] Sawayama has worked with Nicola Formichetti for MAC x Nicopanda. Formichetti also directed the music video for Sawayama's track "Ordinary Superstar". The genesis of the partnership was outlined in i-D.[48]

Artistry and public image

Her main influences came from '90s and '00s acts such as Christina Aguilera,[49] Lady Gaga,[50][51][52] Avril Lavigne,[53] Hikaru Utada,[54] Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, JoJo, Gwen Stefani, Evanescence and Limp Bizkit among others.[55][56][57] In 2017, Sawayama was ranked in The Guardian's 18 for '18 list as well as Dazed's 100 list.[58][59] She has used Lady Gaga's vocal training method, bel canto, an Italian operatic exercise, to gain more treble and make her voice breathy.[50]

Personal life

In August 2018, Sawayama came out during an interview with Broadly, declaring: "I've always written songs about girls. I don't think I've ever mentioned a guy in my songs, and that's why I wanted to talk about it." She identified as both bisexual and pansexual.[60]

In July 2020, she signed an open letter to the UK Equalities minister Liz Truss calling for a ban on all forms of LGBT+ conversion therapy.[61]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2019 Turn Up Charlie Layla Valentine Recurring role; 2 episodes

Discography

Studio albums

List of albums, with selected details, chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
JPN
Dig.

[62]
SCO
[63]
UK
Down.

[64]
UK
Indie

[65]
US
Current

[66]
US
Heat

[67]
US
Indie

[68]
Sawayama 656030882643

Extended-plays

List of extended-plays, with selected details, chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
JPN
Dig.

[62]
Rina
  • Released: 27 October 2017
  • Label: Self-released/Dirty Hit
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming, 12″ vinyl
40
Sawayama Remixed

Singles

Title Year Album
"Sleeping in Waking"[8] 2013 Non-album singles
"Who?"
"Where U Are"[17] 2016
"This Time Last Year"[69]
"Cyber Stockholm Syndrome"[9] 2017 Rina
"Alterlife"[22]
"Tunnel Vision"[23]
(featuring Shamir)
"Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)"[11] 2018 Non-album singles
"Cherry"
"Flicker"
"STFU!"[70] 2019 Sawayama
"Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys)"
(solo or Brabo Remix featuring Pabllo Vittar)
2020
"XS"
(solo or remix featuring Bree Runway)
"Chosen Family"
"Bad Friend"
"Dance in the Dark"
(Spotify Singles)
Sawayama Remixed
"Lucid"[71] Sawayama

Tours

Headlining

  • Ordinary Superstar Tour (2018)
  • The Dynasty Tour (2021)

Supporting

Awards and nominations

Year Award/Organization(s) Category Work Results Ref.
2019 Vogue Japan Women of The Year Herself Included [72]
2020 Attitude Awards Breakthrough Award Herself Won [73]
Golden Indie Music Awards Asian Songwriter Award Herself Nominated [74]
Independent Music Companies Association European Independent Album of the Year Sawayama Pending [75]
2021 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Breakthrough Artist Pending [76]

References

  1. Tsjeng, Zing (29 July 2020). "'It's Othering' – British-Japanese Artist Rina Sawayama Can't Enter British Awards". Vice. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  2. "Introducing: Rina Sawayama". Vibes of Silence. 4 November 2017. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  3. Daw, Stephen (21 February 2020). "Rina Sawayama Recruits Pabllo Vittar For Infectious Brabo Remix of 'Comme Des Garçons': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  4. Piccirillo, Angie (13 April 2020). "Artist of the Month Rina Sawayama on Aughts Pop, Fan Projects, and Having the Hottest Record on BBC 1". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  5. Jenkins, Craig (24 April 2020). "Rina Sawayama's Debut Album Might Make You See the 2000s Much Differently". Vulture. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  6. Harding, Charlie (21 July 2020). "The Women Reclaiming Nu-Metal ft. Rina Sawayama". switchedonpop. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  7. Deville, Chris (20 April 2020). "Rina Sawayama Is A British-Japanese Nu-Metal Pop Star In The Making". Stereogum. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  8. "Sleeping in Waking - Single by Rina Sawayama". Apple Music. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  9. "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome – Single by Rina Sawayama on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  10. "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome (Nite Jewel Remix) - Single by Rina Sawayama". Apple Music. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  11. "Valentine (What's It Gonna Be) – Single by Rina Sawayama on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  12. "Cherry - Single by Rina Sawayama". Apple Music. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  13. "Rina Sawayama's Twitter profile". Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  14. Kim, Monica (17 October 2016). "Meet the Tangerine-Haired Model and Singer Who's Taking On Asian Beauty Standards". Vogue. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  15. "Pixelated People: Rina Sawayama Interviewed". 8 February 2018. Archived from the original on 9 May 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  16. "Welcome to Rina's world: Rina Sawayama on Charli XCX, Cambridge and her pop icons". LOVE. 20 May 2020. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
  17. "Where U Are – Single by Rina Sawayama on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  18. "Rina Sawayama streams smooth new track "Where U Are" – C-Heads Magazine". C-Heads Magazine. 1 February 2016. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  19. http://thefourohfive.com. "Rina Sawayama's 'Where U Are' is ultra-sweet". The 405. Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  20. "Fall for the Smooth Curves of Rina Sawayama's "Where U Are"". Noisey. 28 January 2016. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  21. "Rina Sawayama's Glitchy R&B Captures The Realities Of Living & Loving Online". The FADER. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  22. "Afterlife – Single by Rina Sawayama on Apple Music". iTunes. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  23. "Tunnel Vision (feat. Shamir) – Single by Rina Sawayama on Apple Music". iTunes. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  24. Sayayama, Rina [@rinasawayama] (16 August 2019). "I felt the pressure to lie about my age in this industry but that would disrespect my journey !! read PPS at Cambridge age 19–22, then dealt with crippling mental health issues for years into my mid 20s, worked 2–3 jobs at a time for years until I could save up for the RINA EP" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  25. Aroesti, Rachel (21 December 2017). "Rina Sawayama: Rina review – R&B-fuelled peek into the pop future". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  26. "The 20 Best Pop and R&B Albums of 2017". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 10 September 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  27. "Ordinary Superstar". Video. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  28. "Singer Rina Sawayama Is Ready to Rep Her Pansexuality". Broadly. 14 August 2018. Archived from the original on 14 August 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  29. "Watch Rina Sawayama's new video for "Ordinary Superstar"". The Fader. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  30. "Charli XCX Teaming Up With Tove Lo, Rina Sawayama and More For Second Week of Livestreams". Billboard. 30 March 2020. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  31. "Rina Sawayama Announces Tour and Debut Album, Shares New Song: Listen". Pitchfork. 17 January 2020. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  32. "Rina Sawayama "mocks capitalism" on new track 'XS'". DIY. 3 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  33. Bloom, Madison; Monroe, Jazz (3 April 2020). "Rina Sawayama Shares New Song "Chosen Family": Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  34. Hilton, Robin; Powers, Ann; Thompson, Stephen; Huizenga, Tom; Fernández, Stefanie (17 April 2020). "New Music Friday: The Top 7 Albums Out On April 17". NPR. Archived from the original on 28 May 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  35. Maitland, Hayley (30 April 2020). "Tramp Stamps, "Sapiens" & Tinned Mackerel: Inside The Mind Of Rina Sawayama". British Vogue. Archived from the original on 10 June 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  36. "Rina Sawayama, Orville Peck and Joesef unveil three new covers for Spotify Singles x Pride". diymag.com. Archived from the original on 25 July 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  37. Lewis, Isobel (29 July 2020). "Rina Sawayama 'heartbroken' at being ineligible for Mercury Prize and Brit Awards". The Independent. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  38. Moore, Sam (29 July 2020). "Rina Sawayama criticises eligibility rules of Mercury Prize and the BRITs: "I fundamentally don't agree with this definition of Britishness"". NME. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  39. Murray, Robin (29 July 2020). "Rina Sawayama Deemed 'Not British Enough' For Mercury Prize, BRIT Awards". Clash. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  40. RINA SAWAYAMA [@rinasawayama] (29 July 2020). "we're trending #SAWAYAMAISBRITISH ! @MercuryPrize @BRITAwards @bpi_music revise your eligibility criteria to include immigrants !" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  41. Matozzo, Marissa (29 July 2020). "How Is Rina Sawayama Not 'British Enough' for the British Awards?". Paper. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  42. John, Elton (1 August 2020). "@eltonjohn on Instagram: " I'm happy to hear that the @bpi are reviewing the rules that led to Rina Sawayama's well-deserved..."". Instagram. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  43. Renshaw, David (27 October 2020). "Watch Rina Sawayama make her debut TV performance on Fallon". Fader. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  44. Kenneally, Cerys (23 November 2020). "Rina Sawayama announces BloodPop-produced new single "Lucid"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  45. Whiteman, Hilary; Bateman, Kristen (17 April 2020). "Pop singer Rina Sawayama says 'STFU!' to stereotypes". CNN. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
  46. Holt, Bethan (10 March 2017). "Jourdan Dunn on her empowering new collection – and what a supermodel really wears on the school run". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  47. Moran, Justin (28 February 2018). "MAC Collabs with Nicola Formichetti on Nicopanda Makeup". PAPER. Retrieved 9 December 2020.
  48. "read rina sawayama and nicola formichetti's texts to each other". I-d. 5 June 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  49. Sawayama, Rina [@rinasawayama] (23 October 2020). "this album was so important to me omg" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 October 2020 via Twitter.
  50. Min, Lio. "Rina Sawayama Breaks Through The Simulation". Nylon. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  51. "Welcome to Rina's world: Rina Sawayama on Charli XCX, Cambridge and her pop icons". LOVE. 20 May 2020. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  52. "Rina Sawayama's Album Is a Hit With Critics, But It Wasn't Eligible for the Mercury Prize: What's the Problem?". Billboard. 29 July 2020. Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  53. Barreto, Clyde (2013). "Rising Japanese London-based Artist Rina Sawayma Discusses Her Song Writing Influences". prefix. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020. It actually all started with Avril Lavigne. I was 12 when I saw her on TV and begged my dad for a guitar. He caved, and I taught myself chords and begun writing that way. It was then that I actually started looking for music myself, and all my pocket money went into buying CDs.
  54. "Rina Sawayamaさん、デビュー・アルバム『SAWAYAMA』制作秘話". J-Wave. 5 June 2020. Archived from the original on 6 July 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  55. Russell, Erica (April 2018). "Karaoke With Pop's Next Big Star: Rina Sawayama". Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020. Sawayama is an unapologetic fan of her genre. As she gushes over Avril Lavigne ("I love her so much"), Mariah Carey ("'Emotions' is a perfect ballad") Minogue ("Her discography is bangers!"), and Beyoncé ("I'm a Beyoncé stan, I've seen her live DVD about 20 times"), I also learn that she is, much like myself, fascinated by the way "pop music reflects politics."
  56. Escalante, Shanti (17 April 2020). "RINA SAWAYAMA FINDS HER CHOSEN FAMILY". Interview Magazine. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020. I definitely want people to feel nostalgic. Maybe it's just hindsight, but I just feel like chart music back then was crazy diverse. There was obviously a huge thing of R&B that was going on. Then rock like No Doubt and then Limp Bizkit being number one for weeks in the UK. I remember that Evanescence was number one for weeks. Avril Lavigne, all these random people and then it was R&B and there was Justin Timberlake, Pharrell and Beyoncé and stuff. I just hope that people don't feel like it's being too referential. That's something I always want to try and stay away from. I always want to add something a bit new to the equation. Music from the 2000s was also the soundtrack to all this drama that I'm talking about the lyrics. I really wanted this record to sound like it was housed in the time when the things I'm talking about were happening.
  57. "Rising Star Rina Sawayama's Music & Style Make Major Waves". The Cool Hour. 2019. Archived from the original on 12 July 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2020. She admits to falling in love with turn-of-the-century sensations like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, and Pink, all who have had a positive influence on her own work
  58. Williams, Holly; Brinkhurst-Cuff, Charlie; Fox, Killian; Snapes, Laura; Joshi, Tara; Cumming, Laura; Hans, Simran; Empire, Kitty; Devlin, Hannah (31 December 2017). "18 for '18: the talent and trends tipped for the top in 2018". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  59. "100 people shaping culture in 2017". Dazed. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  60. Tsjeng, Zing. "Singer Rina Sawayama Is Ready to Rep Her Pansexuality". Broadly. Archived from the original on 14 August 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  61. "Ban Conversion Therapy on Instagram". Instagram. 10 July 2020. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020. Our letter to government urging for a ban of conversion therapy has complete backing from some incredible #LGBTQ+ public figures and allies. It's supported by every leading UK #LGBT charity and human rights organisation. And now we need you're help. Use our resources, educate yourselves, write to your MP, chat to your families and SPREAD 👏🏻 THE 👏🏻 WORD. #BanConversionTherapy #ConversionTherapy #ShitYouShouldCareAbout
  62. Peaks on the Billboard Japan Download Albums chart:
  63. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100: 24 April 2020". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  64. "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100: 24 April 2020". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  65. "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50: 24 April 2020". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  66. "Top Current Albums: 2 May 2020". Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  67. "Heatseekers Albums: 2 May 2020". Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  68. "Independent Albums: 2 May 2020". Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  69. "This Time Last Year – Single by Rina Sawayama on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  70. "STFU! – Single by Rina Sawayama". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  71. @rinasawayama (23 November 2020). "💗💗💗LUCID💗💗💗 BRAND NEW SINGLE prod @bloodpop WEDNESDAY 11.25 PIXELS LETS GOOOOOO #RinaLucid #RinaLucid #RinaLucid" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  72. Ronald. "Vogue Japan Names Its "VOGUE JAPAN WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2019"". Arama Japan. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  73. Edmonds, Lizzie (1 December 2020). "Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and Paloma Faith among winners at 2020 Attitude Awards". Evening Standard. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  74. Singh, Surej (21 September 2020). "Rich Brian, Rina Sawayama, ena mori and more nominated for Taiwan's Golden Indie Music Awards". NME. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  75. "25 nominees shortlisted for IMPALA's European Independent Album of the Year Award". Independent Music Companies Association. 20 January 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  76. Ramos, Dino-Ray (28 January 2021). "GLAAD Unveils Nominees For 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards; Deadline's New Hollywood Podcast Honored With Special Recognition Award". Deadline. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.