Japanese-American singer-songwriter and global fashion icon, mikah, has unveiled his long-anticipated sophomore EP, ‘PRETTY LIES’, today, via Avex. Following a breakout year marked by a standout debut at Summer Sonic Tokyo 2024, mikah now offers a five-song collection that fuses emotionally resonant storytelling with cutting-edge pop production.
As encapsulated by the phrase, “even in paradise it rains”, ‘PRETTY LIES’ delves into the tension between idealism and reality. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in Hawaii—often viewed as a paradise—mikah explores the shadows that exist beneath the surface of perfection. The EP reflects his journey of discovering that the pursuit of the ideal is often a “beautiful lie”, capturing the bittersweet beauty in the cracks of what seems flawless, revealing that paradise isn’t always perfect.
A bold reinvention of his sound, ‘PRETTY LIES’ marks a departure from mikah’s R&B solo debut, as he fully embraces a pop sensibility and pushes the boundaries of his musical identity with a captivating blend of genre-defying tracks. The EP also features powerhouse collaborators known for shaping global chart-toppers, like Grant Boutin (Tate McRae’s “Greedy”, TXT/JoBros’ “Do It Like That”) and Will Jay (mikah’s own “so I don’t forget”), alongside talents like Wesley Singerman and Taylor Dexter, celebrated for their work with Joji (“Die For You”), Keshi, and Grammy-winner Jon Batiste.
The EP’s focus track, “TOO HARD TO”, strips back to reveal mikah’s raw emotional side. Produced in collaboration with Dave Marcus (Blxst’s “Rewind”), uv killin em (Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy”), and Alexander David, mikah channels unfiltered emotion into every note. By layering choral-style vocals, the song achieves the resonant, immersive effect of a choir, amplifying mikah’s voice and highlighting the depth of his earnest expression. The production weaves a profound melody with textured soundscapes, seamlessly complementing mikah’s emotive delivery to create a compelling blend of pop sensibilities and alt-rock elements that draw listeners into his evocative new sonic world.
To mark the release, mikah will host an exclusive Instagram live stream, giving fans an intimate glimpse into the heart of ‘PRETTY LIES’ — a journey through vulnerability, perception, and the pursuit of authenticity. This special session offers a rare opportunity for fans to hear mikah unpack his creative process, share personal insights behind the music, and connect directly with his audience in a raw, real-time exchange.
‘PRETTY LIES’ is now available on all streaming platforms.
