October 25th, 2024 — Japanese-American singer-songwriter and global fashion icon, mikah, has released his his new song, “CHASING PARADISE”, today, via Avex. A vibrant, up-tempo pop track with a catchy chorus, this release further builds on his momentum as a rising pop sensation. Written from mikah’s perspective as a native of Hawaii, it explores the gap between idealised fantasies and the realities of life, capturing the tension between striving for the perfect paradise and embracing the reality of life’s imperfections. Fans can stream the track HERE.
“CHASING PARADISE” was born out of an exciting collaboration with some of music industry’s finest hitmakers. In addition to Will Jay – who previously worked with mikah on his hit single “so I don’t forget” –the track also features contributions from renowned producers and songwriters Wesley Singerman and Taylor Dexter, whose credits include working with artists such as Joji (on “Die For You” – one of mikah’s favourites), Keshi, and Jon Batiste.
“This song is about life, comparing the life I imagined as a child with the life I have today, and
— mikah
reflecting on the path I have taken so far in my own life. Being from Hawaii, I am often thought of
as having grown up in paradise, and I am not wrong, but even in a paradise like Hawaii, it rains.
And even when you are happy that you have succeeded and have paradise, you are still chasing
after the next paradise. This song deals with such a big theme. It seems to suggest my own future.”
At its core, “CHASING PARADISE” is a reflection on the realities of pursuing life’s ideals and the importance of enjoying the present amidst that pursuit. The song delivers a poignant message about not losing oneself in the pursuit of the ‘perfect paradise’. With its pop-forward melody, the track expresses the internal conflict between ideals and reality, striking an emotional chord with listeners and inviting them to reflect on their own journeys.
While “CHASING PARADISE” brings a brighter, more upbeat energy compared to his previous release, “MAYBE IT’S ME“, it showcases mikah’s musical diversity, blending infectious pop hooks with emotionally layered storytelling. With its festival-ready rhythm and uplifting chorus, “CHASING PARADISE” is poised to become the feel-good anthem for large crowds at music festivals and live shows, setting the tone for his appeal on the global stage. mikah has won the hearts of fans across Asia as he continues to evolve as both an artist and a global figure. His highly-anticipated second EP, ‘PRETTY LIES‘, is set to drop November 22nd and is primed to resonate with audiences worldwide.
About mikah
Japanese-American pop singer-songwriter Mika Hashizume, known as mikah, launched his music career in 2016 with the Japanese boy band INTERSECTION. The band debuted in 2018, releasing their first self-titled album in 2019, blending Western and Eastern pop influences.
mikah gained widespread recognition in the Chinese music scene after competing on CHUANG 2021, where his performances of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick”, Eric Chou’s “永不失联的爱”, and “输入法打可爱按第五” garnered over 880 million views and dominated Chinese charts. Following the show, mikah debuted in the group INTO1, releasing four albums in both Chinese and English. During INTO1’s two-year run, mikah also topped multiple charts with his singles and covers, such as “Beautiful”.
After five years of international success and collaborative endeavours, mikah made his solo debut in 2023, embarking on a fresh chapter in his musical career.
