RIE (Rei Kuromiya) and REI (Rie Kaneko) are two rising stars in the Japanese music industry, known for their unique blend of pop and rock music. The two talented artists recently sat down with Billboard Japan to discuss their highly anticipated first major-label EP and the inspiration behind each track.
The EP, titled “RIE & REI,” marks a new chapter in the careers of these two young musicians. RIE, who gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the rock band BRATS, and REI, who made her debut as a solo artist in 2018, have joined forces to create a powerful and dynamic musical duo.
In the interview, RIE and REI shared their excitement about releasing their first major-label EP and the creative process behind each track. They also opened up about their personal experiences and how they have influenced their music.
The EP consists of five tracks, each showcasing the unique talents of RIE and REI. The first track, “Scream,” is a high-energy rock anthem that sets the tone for the entire EP. RIE explained that the song is about finding the strength to speak up and fight for what you believe in, even when others may try to silence you.
“REI wrote the lyrics for this song, and I think she perfectly captured the message we wanted to convey,” RIE said. “We want our listeners to feel empowered and inspired when they hear this song.”
The second track, “Lost in Paradise,” has a more pop-influenced sound and features a catchy chorus that will have listeners singing along in no time. REI shared that the song is about the feeling of being lost and searching for a place where you belong.
“We wanted to create a song that people could relate to, especially those who may feel lost or unsure about their path in life,” REI said. “We hope this song will give them comfort and remind them that they are not alone.”
The third track, “Shout,” is another high-energy rock song that encourages listeners to let go of their fears and insecurities and embrace their true selves. RIE explained that the song was inspired by her own struggles with self-doubt and learning to love herself.
“I hope this song will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in or are not good enough,” RIE said. “We want to spread the message that it’s okay to be different and to embrace your uniqueness.”
The fourth track, “Dream On,” is a heartfelt ballad that showcases the vocal abilities of both RIE and REI. The song is about holding onto your dreams and never giving up, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
“We both have had our share of struggles and obstacles in our careers, but we never gave up on our dreams,” REI said. “We want to encourage our listeners to do the same and keep chasing their dreams, no matter what.”
The final track, “The End,” is a powerful and emotional song that showcases the raw and vulnerable side of RIE and REI. The song is about the pain of saying goodbye and moving on from a toxic relationship.
“This song was difficult for us to write and record because it brought up a lot of painful memories,” RIE shared. “But we wanted to share our experiences and hopefully help others who may be going through something similar.”
As the interview came to an end, RIE and REI expressed their gratitude to their fans for their unwavering support and encouragement. They also shared their hopes for the EP and their future as a duo.
“We are so grateful for this opportunity to release our first major-label EP and to share our music with the world,” REI said. “We hope our fans will enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed creating it.”
The EP “RIE & REI” is set to be released on June 23rd, and fans can expect a powerful and dynamic musical journey from start to finish. With their unique blend of pop and rock, RIE and REI are sure to make a lasting impression on the Japanese music scene and beyond.
