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International J-Pop singer/songwriter Shihori has had success in a variety of different musical formats. Now she has put out the powerful new single “Lunar Flower” as a theme song to the audio book titled Annuna and the Lunar Flower by Marcio Catalano, which is scheduled for a future release.
The single incorporates Shihori’s classical style with the likes of Japanese anime music and beats that could be akin to American pop music. “Lunar Flower” begins with delicate, ethereal piano that complements Shihori’s vocals.
It then drives into an up-tempo section and Shihori finishes with a soaring feeling and a triumphant finale that will captivate listeners. The song will not only pull the heart strings, but will leave the listener ready to take on the world, fueled by Shihori’s beautiful voice and orchestral arrangement.
“Lunar Flower” was arranged by Takayuki Negishi, known for his music on the anime show One Piece. Mixing Engineer Alvin Wee and Mastering Engineer Oscar Zambrano have both won Grammys for their work. The cover art for the track is by Eddie Smith, who was a chief art director for the game Halo.
“This track is really my style,” she said. “I grew up with classical music and anime songs, and it has both elements.”
Shihori, who moved from Japan to the U.S. in 2018 and currently resides in Los Angeles, loved the story written by Catalano and felt compelled to write the theme song.
Shihori has Asperger’s Syndrome, and said this has caused for some difficulties in feeling like she couldn’t be her true self in the past. She found many similarities of that past self in the main character Annuna, which helped contribute toward the track. The music came naturally to Shihori, as she said it is not only the theme song to the upcoming audiobook, but also heavily related to her as a person.
“I was so inspired by this story,” Shihori said. “I could put so much real emotion into this song.”
Shihori has had plenty of success in Japan, as many of her releases have made the Oricon Chart and received Gold Disc certification. She debuted in 2007, and her single titled “Never End Wonderland” under the pseudonym “Sena” was ranked No. 5 and No. 8 on the Oricon Singles Daily and Weekly Charts in 2009. She has also composed more than 130 songs for popular Japanese artists, and shows like My Little Pony and Fairy Tail.
Since coming to the U.S., Shihori has been acclaimed for her music in video games like League of Legends; Mobile Legends: Bang Bang; and Omega Strikers.
Asperger’s Syndrome can be a struggle as it makes it difficult to communicate, but it also brings about a uniqueness and strength for Shihori. Being half-deaf as well, she serves as an ambassador and inspiration for those with disabilities. Shihori wants those who have a similar struggle to know that they should “believe in themselves and be proud of themselves.”
“There is a bright future at the end of a lot of struggles,” she said.
Be sure to keep up to Shihori and check out the new single “Lunar Flower,” available on all platforms April 12. Its music video, directed by Chris Cole/Dynamic Motion Pictures, is also available on YouTube.
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Sienna-Rose Jerak has a voice well beyond her years, and is a name in the pop music industry you’ll want to watch out for.
The 14-year-old singer from Australia released a pair of singles called “You Got Me” and “To Fly,” which showcases her vast range and ability to fill the air with her powerful vocals.
“You Got Me” is a love song about liking someone so much, and not being sure if they like you back. She said it can be super confusing and drive you crazy with the hot and cold, and Jerak brings this out in the music.
“You feel like you’re wrapped up in their games and you don’t know how to get out,” Jerak said. “And you keep going back to them. It’s basically about not having that experience or insight to work out if you like them as much as they like you.”
In the song, “You Got Me,” Jerak said she feels lucky because the way the vocals were recorded gives a “very live feel.” She works with a song writing and production team that includes Grammy winners Jordan Omley and Michael Man, who have been mentors to her in the process.
“They’ve really inspired me to be my best self,” Jerak said. “They are really kind, so it’s great to work in that kind of environment.”
Jerak is a fan of music that came out even before she was born, saying that she listens to the likes of Brandy, Carrie Underwood, Jessica Simpson and Monica. This inspiration bleeds into “You Got Me,” as well.
“I love old ‘90s music,” she said. “It’s got a lot of soul to it compared to music now. I take from a lot of life experiences, as well, when I sing. I try to make my music relatable.”
While “You Got Me” shows off her skills as an Pop/R&B singer, “To Fly” is much more of a ballad. Releasing both ends of the spectrum was intentional, as listeners will be able to get some variety of where her talents lie.
“In a pop song, they can’t really hear too much of the runs,” she said. “For a ballad you can be free and express yourself.”
Jerak has been involved in acting, singing and dancing since she was six-years-old. She attended performing arts school three times a week, where she would work on musical theater, jazz singing and more.
From 2022 to 2024 she trained at Margie Haber Studio in Los Angeles, and has since been cast as a lead in TVCs for “Earth Choice” and “IGA Ritchie’s.” She has also played the role of Sophie in the Paul Hogan film, “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee.”
Now Jerak mainly plays pop and R&B music, saying that this is something she truly loves. She has always wanted to perform, and when she is on stage she feels so free.
“I really want to continue to grow as an artist, and grow with my music as I get older,” she said.
Jerak’s focus with music is in the way it connects with people. She said she is just an ordinary girl from Melbourne who is trying to do something big with her life. It is all about creating art, which she called a beautiful process.
“I just want to inspire people to be who they want to be without the pressure to cover up their true selves,” she said.
Jerak is a huge fan of LA, saying that someday she wants to live there full time because it is so supportive of the arts. She’ll be back in the city this summer to record more songs, saying that she really enjoys being in the studio putting together a track.
“Just singing all day and working on a song is such a beautiful vibe,” she said. “It’s what I love to do.”
Jerak will be out promoting these two singles, but she plans to record plenty more music in the future. Her goal is to get signed onto a record label, so she can show the world what she’s got on a grand scale.
Be sure to check out Sienna-Rose Jerak’s music available all on all major platforms.
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