From her bedroom in Copenhagen, 21-year-old Mina Okabe writes the most blissful, dreamy pop songs. They shimmer of optimism–almost like a musical reassurance of something better on the horizon during the mad times we live in–while her diary-like song writing is an honest look inside the head and thoughts of a young woman.

Last year saw the release of her debut single, ‘I’m Done’ and soon the shimmery pop song and the name of a new talented songwriter hit numerous international blogs and music sites.In Denmark, the two biggest music magazines –GAFFA and Soundvenue –named Mina Okabe “One To Watch”for 2021 and eventually, ‘I’m Done’ was “Track of the Week”on national Danish radio P3!Mina Okabe is a citizen of theWorld. 

She was born and raised in London –her mom is Japanese and her father is Danish –and despite her young age, Minahasa Travelled and lived across the entire globe in big cities such as New York and Manila. Shegrewup with multiple different cultures,languages, sounds and voices and Mina has added flavours of where she’s been to her song as well as she’s got both jazz and soul in her soft voice

Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

I have always wanted to become a singer. I have written songs now and then since I was very young – but started taking songwriting more seriously when I was about 16. I then posted some of my songs on SoundCloud, and soon after my A&R found my songs and reached out. It took some time for me to really figure out my own style and the kind of artist I wanted to be. In October 2020 I released my first single I’m Done and now my debut album is out!

What does music and being an artist mean to you?

Music is always on my mind and means everything to me. It is a way for me to reflect over things and express what I think and feel. Being an artist allows me to do what I love the most- spend all my time creating and playing music.

What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?

My songs are for the most part very personal and are about things that have happened in my life, thoughts or feelings that I have, and situations that I need to talk about. I write lyrics like I am writing in a diary and my lyrics are therefore often written the way I speak. Even though it can sometimes be a little scary to release something so personal, it means much more to me when songs are honest and from the heart. I feel I can hear when other artists sing about something personal – those are my favorite songs to listen to.

Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?

As so many others, I have always looked up to Amy Winehouse as an artist. Her songwriting seems so honest and to the point, and I admire the fact that she stood by her unique style – both musically and visually.

All time favorite record?

I like so many artists, music genres and styles and cannot think of an all time favourite band or record. I guess it would also depend on the mood I am in and where I am when I listen.

Tell us about your latest release and how it came about

My latest single is called Miss Those Days and is about looking back at old memories. One of my best friends was going to move away and we therefore promised each other to keep in touch, but soon after she had left our friendship started to fade.

You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?

I have lived in many different countries where I have been exposed to many different kinds of music genres and styles, making my music taste pretty broad. This has probably had an influence on my songwriting style.

What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?

When making songs I never try to force anything. Sometimes I write several songs in a day and sometimes there are many days in between. If I get stuck, I usually just take a break. I mostly write songs on my guitar – so if I need inspiration sometimes I also just try to start with piano or a beat instead.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to be able to live from making music – and I hope my audience has grown. It would be great if people wanted to hear me play live in different places around the world. Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics? I just make music that is true to me. I am a songwriter and have a very specific idea and taste when it comes to making melodies and writing lyrics, which I try to stand by.

What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?

When I started posting songs on SoundCloud, I kept it to myself. I only told my family and closest friends. But I realised that if I wanted to become a singer I would have to share my songs with others. It took some time for me to get enough confidence to do that – but in my last year of high school I decided to post a link to my songs on Facebook. It was very scary because basically everyone I knew I was friends with on Facebook. Now I am very happy I did it, because it helped me gain confidence in myself and my song writing.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

A great piece of advice has been not to be too afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes the fear of making one can hold you back from doing what you want to do.

Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment

scene?

It is so hard to say because it almost feels like the world is getting smaller and better connected. The fact that language is no longer a limitation to how popular a song can become is amazing! Today, sometimes songs in Korean and Spanish get global attention. I love that people are opening up to different kinds of music and sounds.