Anna Aya, a multifaceted talent graced with the gifts of song, dance, modeling, and acting, emerges as a catalyst in this transformative era of the music industry. As a multilingual international pop star fluent in both Japanese and English, she embarks on a blazing trail in the captivating realm of Japanese pop, known as J-Pop, while leaving an indelible mark on the broader pop genre. Nourished by her diverse heritage she weaves an exquisite tapestry of artistry that will finally bring J-pop to the global stage. Through her craft, Anna melds English and Japanese verses, paying homage to the facets of her identity as a Japanese Armenian residing between Tokyo and LA. Her new music video, "Someone Else," emerges as an ethereal symphony destined for adoration, stirring hearts, empowering listeners, and cultivating anticipation for prospective projects from this rising creative. Anna's effortless magnetism is a testament to her luminous abilities. It comes as no surprise that Handcraft Entertainment and the illustrious Virgin Records support the emerging artist.
She creates alongside musicians like Grammy™ nominated, multi-platinum writer/producer Louis Bell, who collaborates with the world's biggest names (Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello, and more) and multi-platinum, 6x Japan Gold Disc winner Michael Africk who has written for and produced some of the biggest names in J-pop and pop music (Mai Kuraki, Zard, Jordan Knight and more). With the unique cadence of J-Pop, Anna is diving into a mesmerizing soundscape. She now reveals her truest potential and generously shares the newest pop-song sensation, "Someone Else," with the world.
The captivating song and glamorous music video for “Someone Else” (shot in partnership with iconic fashion brands Fendi and Christian Louboutin) unfolds a tale of romance gone astray. Containing all of the delightful ingredients of a pop music video, Anna compliments the aesthetic visual with her mesmerizing vocals. A catchy melody chronicles the tumultuous journey of self-discovery amidst heartache. She will only emerge stronger and wiser as she loses herself in an unfulfilling love. The song implores listeners to recognize their worth, learn from the past, and look forward to a brighter future in the arms of "Someone Else."
The track's infectious beats beautifully pair with the vibrant hues and glamorous garments adorning the visual. Anna, an unmistakable trendsetter in her own right, embraces her self-worth, determined to no longer remain idly anticipating the treatment she rightfully deserves.
Check out our exclusive interview, and get to know more about the J-Pop Princess below
First and foremost, thank you for taking a moment to talk with us and share your story with our readers, today.
Awe, thank you for having me, I’m excited!
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Anna Aya. I am half-Japanese and half-Armenian. My song Someone Else, which is in Japanese and English just released a couple of months ago. I speak Japanese, English and Armenian all fluently. I am based in LA, and I go back and forth to Tokyo, too.
While some might be meeting you for the first time, today, what they might not realize is that they have likely seen you before in commercials and even viral clips from Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots.” Do you have a favorite moment from doing those things?
Yes. I think my favorite moment was my first time on Little Big Shots, which was with Ryusei who was like the little Bruce Lee, and he was so adorable and so fun to work with. Steve was just like saying English to him, but he was like trying to understand, and it was really fun to work with them. Then whenever he said, “Arigatou,”—which means thank you – when Steve said, “I love you,” and the crowd was going crazy. And that’s the clip that’s going viral after five years.
Yes, and seeing it resurface – I remember watching that when it first aired.
No way~~!
And now here we are getting the chance to talk, so it’s become a full circle.
Very, very
You’ve been in the public eye since you were a kid, and you’re just now starting your music career. Did you always know that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Not really. I’ve always been a lover for music, like I listen to all types of music. I’ve been a dancer, I do so many different genres, and I started ballet when I was three, so music has always been a big part of my life. And I’ve always loved singing, like whenever I would go to Japan, I would always go to karaoke and just sing with my friends. But until a year ago, I did not know that I was going to be a singer.
Do you have any aspirations to continue acting? If so, do you have a dream role?
Absolutely! I would love to be in any type of Disney feel movie. I think it would be cool to be a Disney princess -- if they make one that’s Japanese or Armenian. I have a song that’s not out yet, that is a very Disney sounding song, so it would be cool to do that.
Like you, “Someone Else” is bilingual. Was it written that way originally, or did it start in English, or Japanese, first?
So, the song was originally in all English, and I hadn’t written it. Michael and Lewis wrote it – my producers, as well. They wrote the song in English, and I recorded the song in English first, but then we decided for me to translate and rewrite the whole song in Japanese. So, we decided to record a full Japanese version, and then decided to mix the two and make it a bilingual song.
How important was it for you to incorporate Japanese into your song?
it was really important for me to express myself in Japanese because it’s been just a big part of my life going to Japan so many times a year – ever since I was a baby. And my mom is Japanese, so I speak the language every day, so it was important me to have it because it is like my identity.
Is there a message that you would like to convey with “Someone Else?”
The fact that it’s a J-Pop song means a lot to me. So, I just hope that it can give a message that J-Pop is really cool, and Japanese music is really underrated – and I hope that that can be cool to some people. Also, the fact that the song, and the message itself is that you need to know your worth, and you can’t let things get you down. It’s also meant to be a message of empowering yourself and loving yourself.
We loved the Barbie theme that you went along with, and just in time for the release of the Barbie movie too! What was the creative process behind the M/V like?
Originally, we filmed the video in February, or the end of February – and the Barbie movie hadn’t even been announced yet. So, we just wanted to go with a Barbie theme because I love pink, I’m obsessed with fashion, and the aesthetic was perfect. So, we filmed the music video, and right before it came out, the Barbie movie came out, and we thought that was a crazy and cool coincidence.
Was this music video your first experience? What was your most memorable moment from that experience?
Yes, it was funny seeing the Ken doll get created because they spray painted the model for almost two hours, and sculpted everything, and it was such a crazy process to witness because I have never seen anything like that.
If you can give any spoilers, do you have plans for an album, soon?
No spoilers, yet. But I am working on a song in the studio in LA before I leave for Japan. So, I am definitely working on one. I am pretty sure it’s going to be J-Pop, so look out for that.
Do you have any recommendations for anyone who is just discovering J-Pop?
Yeah. My favorite J-Pop artist is Hikaru Utada and her song, “First Love.” It was just on a Netflix show called, “First Love,” which I believe she directed. So, if you want to go check it out on Netflix, because it’s the OST title track. Also, XG is great. Even though they don’t have Japanese lyrics, all of them are Japanese, and they do throw in some Japanese – so if you’re looking to warm up to it.
Do you have any goals for the New Year?
I want to work on creating more music, and exploring myself in the fashion area because I am going to Japan to attend a couple of fashion events; Which has been fun for me. So, I just want to find myself and my style even more.
Is there a message that you would like to leave for our readers, and your fans?
I just want to say thank you to anyone who has supported me, or has had any interest in my music, modeling, or acting. I definitely plan on doing all of what I have been doing, but more elevated from now on, so I hope that everyone loves it. I also just want to say that I am very grateful.
Thank you, Anna, it was so nice to talk to you!
Thank you, Tiffany, you too!
Thank you Anna for taking time to share your story with your fans and our readers!
Interview conducted by Tiffany S.
Photo Credit: Brian Ziff
Edited by K Fuse -- Answers have been edited for cohesiveness and clarity.