Mundane is delighted to premiere Bebi Monsuta’s brand new single “RäkStär” and celebrate one of the most exciting music realities we came across in a while.
Bebi Monsuta makes music for the outcasts, and the societal villains, the nerds, the condemned, and the abandoned ones. And it does it in the most confident way possible!
RäkStär is no exception. The track is as fierce as the duo that crafted it!
Rockstars from New York City, Manami was born in the Bronx, and Akira in Manhattan. Their unique brew of influences is only comparable to the diversity of their heritage. Their Afro-American and Caribbean roots and Japanese and Portuguese-Brazilian heritage bring their creative identity and artistic project to a whole new level.
Inspired by a melange of genres, and roused from the music of Gwen Stefani, Vanity 6, Brazilian Funk and alternative R&B, Bebi Monsuta is a force of sounds from the fringe to be reckoned with — and in their own words, “unapologetically us.”
“RäkStär” is an empowering, bad-girl anthem showcasing the Monsuta side of the sister duo and is the second offering from their forthcoming debut EP after “808.“
Here’s what they told Mundane about all of this and their previous single ‘808.’
official video directed by Purty Pat.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
Manami: My sister and I have been writing songs together for years. We have always had a clear idea of our image from clothing to hair and makeup, visuals, photoshoots, production, etc. We have waited for the right team to believe in the project. We started as our own A&Rs. The project began long ago. Now we can execute the goals in our mind with a budget and team of genuine, good people who see the vision and want to help us share it with the world.
What does music and being an artist mean to you?
Akira: Music means so much to us. Music is my medicine, my food, my air, it’s everything. It’s healing and takes me to another dimension and helps me escape.
Manami: Good music is like a good J. It’s really a drug with the right words vibrating from the right person’s tongue. When you use words wisely and with intention, you can really do wonders to the soul. The word artist is can be used vaguely but I feel that art is very intentional. I’m a digital artist who loves to draw. My father and sister love to draw as well. As intentional as elements are in a painting, music should be too. Real artists create with intention.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
Manami & Akira: Our personal lives, family and friends inspire us. The state and climate of the world do too. We cover all topics in our lyrics. Music allows us to tell stories. We are the news, reporting through our vocal strings.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
Manami & Akira: We look up to ourselves because we are a mosaic of all the faces and voices in our past and present. We compete with ourselves to become better, and try to uplift ourselves in a world that can push you down. Many artists have inspired us but we think people should look within themselves. Honestly the inspiration truly happens within.
All time favorite record?
Manami & Akira: A-Ha Take On Me is a song that gets us happy and going, but honestly we could give a list… Hahha
Tell us about ‘808′ and how the song came about?
Akira: I was high and freestyling. Freestyling is how most of our records come about. We just sit and free style. And this one was inspired by fitness and wanting to make other women and people feel confident and hopefully in our video we can teach them how to twerk.
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
Manami & Akira: Our goal for the Bebi Monsuta project is to be free of genre labels. We want to be known for making good music. Most music comes from “the blues,” the genre that birthed everything from r&b to rock n roll. So what is a genre anyway? Especially when soul, funk, and dance music these days are also defined as pop. Genres are constructs that divide artists and hopefully they fade out.
Our sound is inspired by everything. Our Afro roots which makes its way down to the dirty south, to our Caribbean roots and Japan, Northern Portugal and Brazil. Which of course confuses people, because people do not think one person can have so many cultures at one time? Yet the America’s exist.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
Akira: I set a ritual for myself to unwind and clear my head. It can be as simple as going to dinner, running a hot bath, and other things that are self care, and I also like to journal. I also like to watch or do something that inspires me. That usually does it.
Manami: I’m extremely introverted. I need time to reboot after social interactions, so I stay in my room, light candles, turn on my galaxy projector, change my room lights and put on some lofi. My room is very much a mini fairy kingdom. Haha. I also do some other secret things hehe.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Manami & Akira: Everywhere! In a lot of places.
Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?
Akira: It manifests when we shop. It’s easy to get excited and start to dip into fashions that you know are not for you. It’s good to remain in your aesthetic and be yourself. In this Instagram age everyone wants to be steampunk, boho, gothic, Kawaii, etc. Just be you. Don’t wear it because your friend is wearing it. Find your own unique aesthetic.
Manami: And that’s how we remain ourselves. We are old souls. We love ancient/renaissance culture, 50s on up to the 90s and everything in between. We keep to our roots and culture. We are from New York. Our parents are fashion designers and innovators. We don’t do this for fun, fashion is us. Genetically.
What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?
Manami: Until you are done selling yourself as a new artist, you constantly have to prove yourself and that moment lasts up until people start to know and respect your craft and work ethic. We cannot wait until that stage is over. Hahaha.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Akira: Some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten has come from my sister Manami. Like when we perform she always tells me, ‘everyone is just humans in a room and they want to relate to us.’ And plenty of other industry advice for more confidence.
Manami: I also feel Akira gives me some darn good advice and our parents advice is gold. But Beyoncé’s Bigger is some amazing advice too!
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
Manami & Akira: We think before the world knows, you know. We can tell when an artist is going to blow up. We could be A&Rs lol. We were internet kids that followed Doja Cat when she had 10,000 followers on IG. We saw Nicki Minaj in her super come up phase and the list continues. So you just know, when someone has skills or a crazy work ethic. We say get ready for some killer performances and live vocals. If that answers the question.
