Japanese-American singer-songwriter Mikah has just released his ‘Homesick’ trilogy, a three-part project that includes ‘Escape,’ ‘In Between’ and ‘Dream,’ reflecting his experiences growing up across cultures and countries.
Before pursuing a solo career, he debuted in the Japanese-based group Intersection in 2018 and the Chinese-based group Into1 in 2021. Afterward, he launched his solo career in 2023 with the EP “Bleached,” followed by several singles leading up to his “Homesick” trilogy.
In an interview with Music Geek, Mikah shared he listens to a variety of genres, from pop to R&B to electronic music. Ultimately, he defined his sound as a fusion of pop and alternative R&B, aiming to form a connection with his listeners and provide a therapeutic experience through his music.
Growing up in the 2000s, he was heavily influenced by R&B and hip-hop, citing artists such as Ne-Yo and Bruno Mars. In particular, he shared how he looked up to Bruno Mars, who also grew up in Hawaii, and named Nami, Daniel Caesar, Frank Ocean, Dominic Fike, Sondae, and Merges as musicians who recently inspired him.
“All these artists are revolutionary artists that are doing something new and are doing their own sound that is really different from others,” he noted.
His music journey began when his mom urged him to audition at a Japanese-based entertainment company. After passing the audition, he moved to Tokyo, where music became both his passion and his means of self-expression, which he eventually pursued as a profession.
He recalled the youthful, carefree moments he shared with his group members, navigating his formative years with Intersection and later reliving that sense of youth with Into1, where he lived with his bandmates. He described the bonds he formed with both groups as familial rather than purely professional.
As a soloist, Mikah strived to challenge himself and explore his sound further. “I can write my own music, express myself both musically and visually the way that I personally want to, and I’m able to be experimental and challenge myself as a solo artist.”
After finding his identity as a soloist, he also learned how to command the stage as a solo performer.
The artist described his typical routine preparing new music, revealing he often meets up with his friends in Los Angeles. “I listen to music that I want to emulate,” he stated. Moreover, Mikah usually starts with the chord progression and instruments before building melodies through humming, which eventually leads to the lyrics.
When asked about his favorite part of the production process, he chose crafting the topline and seeing the song’s potential, regarding it as the most thrilling and least stressful phase of music creation. On the other hand, he found shaping the demo to a specific sound a challenge. “I will continue to edit the production until it reaches that image that I have.”
Having lived in multiple countries, he shared that learning languages expanded his vision. “It also teaches me about the elements that intersect when it comes to pop around the world,” he added. Mikah noted that English is the language in which he can authentically express himself, while he is also improving his Chinese fluency.
On what inspired his Homesick trilogy, he explained, “I’ve lived in so many different places, and I’ve experienced that homesick feeling in such different ways all these years of my life.”
When asked which part resonated most with him, he selected “In Between” as the track he connected with lyrically, and “Dream” as the one that stood out sonically.
He also named “Dream,” “Escape,” and “Maybe It’s Me” as the tracks he felt thrilled to complete, as they were all unfamiliar and fresh for the artist during their initial releases.
Meanwhile, Mikah considered “So I Don’t Forget,” including its live version, a profoundly fulfilling project and a milestone, as it unexpectedly garnered attention. He’s grateful that the song resonated with audiences and revealed that he enjoys performing it on every stage.
Through his solo work, Mikah has grown more confident in shaping both his sound and artistic identity, which has opened new creative opportunities. The soloist announced he’s preparing new music, teasing that fans could expect the continuation of “Homesick” or possibly a separate single.
“Hopefully, some performances also, so I could see my fans because I haven’t seen them for a very long time. I miss everybody,” he ended.