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“The Depths” explores the theme of introspection and uncovering quiet truths. Can you share the personal journey or inspiration behind this album?

“The Depths” was born from my own journey of seeking peace and meaning in life’s quieter spaces. Having lived across continents—Africa, the U.S., India, and now Europe—I’ve learned that external movement often mirrors an internal quest. In a world filled with noise, I wanted to create a space where listeners can pause, reflect, and reconnect with their own truths. This album feels like an invitation to dive deep into one’s self, embracing both the beauty and challenges of introspection.

Your music blends classical and world influences, reflecting your multicultural identity. How do your cultural roots shape your compositions, particularly on “The Depths”?

My multicultural identity is at the heart of my music. Growing up in the U.S. with roots in India, being born in Africa, and now living in Spain, I’ve absorbed a rich tapestry of sounds and traditions. Indian classical music taught me to appreciate depth, patience, and improvisation. Western classical influences brought structure and harmony. Living in Spain introduced me to the passion of Flamenco and the understated elegance of European minimalism. On The Depths, these worlds come together naturally. It’s less about representing any single tradition and more about honoring how these influences have shaped who I am and how I hear music.

You’ve described “The Depths” as both a sanctuary and a guide. What role do you think instrumental music plays in healing and offering clarity in today’s fast-paced world?

Instrumental music has a unique power to heal because it transcends language and speaks directly to the soul. In today’s hyper-connected and overstimulated world, we often neglect moments of stillness. The Depths offers that stillness—a sanctuary where listeners can step away from the chaos and find clarity. Without words, the music allows each person to project their own emotions and experiences onto it. It becomes both a personal retreat and a guide, helping them navigate their inner worlds.

Your previous albums, “Secret Garden” and “The Long Road,” were met with critical acclaim. How has your creative process evolved from those works to “The Depths”?

Each album represents a distinct chapter in my life. Secret Garden was about uncovering hidden beauty through music, a journey of quiet discovery. The Long Road became an outward expression of love, grief, and connection—raw emotions translated into sound. With The Depths, my creative process has matured and become more intentional. I’ve learned to trust the music, allowing it to flow intuitively rather than overthinking. I leaned deeper into minimalism, letting each note breathe and finding power in the spaces between them. It’s a deeper exploration of simplicity and emotional clarity.

“The Depths” flows seamlessly from one piece to the next, creating a meditative experience. How do you approach crafting such cohesion within an album?

Cohesion comes from listening to the music as a whole, rather than as individual pieces. I approach each composition as part of a broader emotional arc, ensuring that one piece naturally leads into the next. Working closely with my producer, we carefully sequenced the tracks to balance their energy and transitions. For The Depths, I envisioned the album as a single narrative—an immersive journey that unfolds gradually, inviting the listener to explore deeper emotional and introspective layers with each piece.

The album is arranged in three distinct phases, each representing a stage in the transformative journey:

The Opening Tracks: Pieces like Dreams of Zagyva and Stars set the tone through a classical lens, telling stories that evoke memory and introspection.

The Middle Section: This phase blends instrumental pieces with piano solos, delving deeper into personal emotions and meditative states.

 The Final Phase: Beginning with Diamond Gaze, the music ascends into spirituality, capturing the essence of offering, transformation, and eternal truths.

Each phase takes the listener on a transformative experience—from quiet reflection to deeper introspection, and ultimately, to a sense of spiritual awakening.

Many listeners connect with your music on an emotional level. How do you translate vulnerability and personal experiences into your compositions?

For me, composing music is an act of vulnerability in itself. I approach the piano with honesty, letting it reflect what I feel in the moment—be it joy, longing, or uncertainty. I believe that authenticity in expressing my emotions allows the music to resonate deeply with others. Rather than telling a specific story, I aim to craft an emotional language that invites listeners to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the music.

Your music has been featured on SiriusXM’s Spa channel and resonates across 86 countries. What does it mean to you to have your work touch such a global audience?

It’s incredibly humbling. Growing up across cultures, I’ve always felt like a citizen of the world, and it’s beautiful to see that reflected in how my music resonates globally. Knowing that a composition created in my quiet moments can bring peace to someone on the other side of the world feels like a shared human connection—one that transcends borders, languages, and backgrounds.

With “The Depths” releasing in January 2025, what are your hopes for how this album will be received and the impact it will have on listeners?

My hope is that The Depths offers listeners a sense of peace and perspective—especially in moments when they need it most. I want it to feel like a trusted companion, whether someone is reflecting, healing, or simply seeking stillness. If it helps even one person reconnect with themselves or find clarity, then it has fulfilled its purpose.

Your work is reminiscent of the golden era of New Age piano. Which artists or movements have inspired your approach to composing and performing?

I’m deeply inspired by artists like George Winston, Yiruma, and Yanni, who masterfully blend simplicity with profound emotional depth. The New Age movement, with its focus on music as a source of healing, introspection, and mindfulness, has significantly influenced my approach. At the same time, my exposure to Indian classical ragas has taught me the power of improvisation and the importance of emotional nuance. Minimalism and world music traditions have also enriched my compositions, allowing me to explore diverse textures and moods. Together, these influences have shaped a style that is deeply personal yet universally resonant.

Looking ahead, do you see yourself exploring new themes or genres in your music, or continuing to deepen the introspective and emotional journey you’ve begun with “The Depths”?

I believe there’s always more to explore. While I’m drawn to introspection and emotional storytelling, I’m curious about blending new sounds and themes into future work. I’d love to collaborate with musicians from different traditions, bringing in instruments and influences that push my creative boundaries. But no matter the genre, my focus will always be on creating music that feels authentic, meaningful, and deeply human.

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Can you share the story behind “Into The Dark”? What inspired you to explore  themes of rejection and abandonment in this track? 

‘Into The Dark’ is about the experience of realising that someone you’ve been seeing was  never as invested as they led you to believe. It’s that moment when you’re swept up in the  idea of something special, only to have the rug pulled out from under you with no  explanation. The abandonment comes in the aftermath, when you’re left questioning  everything – the moments you shared, the connection you thought you had – and you’re  haunted by the uncertainty of whether it ever meant anything to them. It’s a deep  emotional spiral, wondering how someone could so easily walk away if they truly cared. 

The music and lyrics became my way of channeling that hurt and turning it into something  more than just a painful memory. Instead of letting the experience feel tragic, I wanted to  create something powerful and cathartic. 

The song evokes a dystopian and cinematic soundscape. How did you approach  creating this atmosphere in your music? 

Heartbreak, especially when it’s paired with so many unanswered questions, can feel  apocalyptic. When I think back to that overwhelming sense of confusion and hurt, it felt like  the world was crashing down around me. I wanted ‘Into The Dark’ to capture that “end of  times” feeling. I layered synths and textures to simulate that intense emotional  overstimulation – like when everything is building up inside you, just on the verge of  exploding. 

In my mind, the soundscape had to feel futuristic, alien – like a chaotic sci-fi world where  nothing is familiar or comforting. This led me to approach the song as a synthwave track,  creating a sonic environment that matched the sense of isolation and turmoil in the story. 

You mentioned that you self-wrote, recorded, and produced “Into The Dark.” Can  you walk us through your creative process for this single? 

The process for ‘Into The Dark’ wasn’t overly planned or structured. It all started when an  arpeggiated synth melody popped into my head one day, and I immediately began laying it  down in my DAW before I could forget it. From there, the song almost wrote itself. I had a  clear vision of the sound and structure, so I just went with it – building the instrumental,  developing the lyrics, and finding vocal melodies as I went along. 

At the time, I’d been listening to a lot of The Midnight, so I wanted to incorporate a  saxophone solo, something I’d been wanting to do for a while. I grew up playing alto sax,  so it felt natural to bring that into my music. Once the song was structured, I refined the  production the next day, cleaning up the track and adding some extra touches like  background vocals and vocoder effects. I think it was completely done – minus mixing and  mastering – in 2 days. 

For the visual concept of ‘Into The Dark’, I wanted to symbolize the journey described in  the song – how the protagonist is pulled from the light, corrupted by their lover, and  ultimately left in darkness. It evokes the image of an angel who has fallen from grace,  tainted by the darkness (the partner) and left alone, reaching desperately for the light. And  so, the cover artwork for the single was created.

You’ve drawn comparisons to the sounds of “Stranger Things.” Which artists or  genres influenced your sound in this track? 

The ‘Stranger Things’ score by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein is definitely a big influence  for me. I also draw inspiration from artists like The Midnight, FM-84, Timecop1983, and  CHVRCHES.  

When I wrote ‘Into The Dark’, it was around when The Weeknd released ‘Blinding Lights’,  which also tapped into that ‘80s synth-pop vibe. That song really pushed me to explore  how I could merge synthwave with pop elements and vocals, and ‘Into The Dark’ became  the result of that exploration. 

The song delves into profound emotional themes. How do you balance personal  vulnerability with the broader themes of heartbreak and isolation in your music? 

In ‘Into The Dark’, I wanted to express my personal vulnerability while making the themes  of heartbreak and isolation feel universal. While the song draws from my own experience, I  focused on the emotional journey – feelings of doubt, confusion, and being left in the dark –  that anyone can relate to. I aimed to tell the story in a way that allowed listeners to find  themselves in it, even if their situation is different. 

By embracing vulnerability, the song becomes a catharsis, not just for me, but for anyone  going through similar emotions. Heartbreak can be isolating, but it’s also an opportunity for  growth, and I hope listeners can find strength in that transformation. 

The inclusion of vibrant saxophone and lush synths adds a unique layer to the  track. How did you decide on the instrumentation, and what do these elements  represent in the song? 

The saxophone was essential for me – it’s such an iconic instrument in ‘80s music, and it  has this power to grab attention in a way that no other instrument can. Growing up playing  alto sax, it was always going to make an appearance in one of my tracks. In ‘Into The  Dark’, the sax solo acts as the emotional climax, lifting the track just as the tension and  emotion reach their peak. It’s symbolic of that emotional eruption – the point where all the  pent-up feelings explode. 

The synths and other textures were chosen to add a sense of mystery and depth to the  song. I wanted to create an atmosphere that felt “chilling,” something that would leave  listeners wanting more – just like the protagonist in the song, who’s desperately searching  for answers that never come. 

What do you hope listeners take away from “Into The Dark”? How do you want them  to feel when they hear it? 

I want listeners to know that it’s okay to feel your heartbreak, to go through the emotional  rollercoaster without rushing to brush it off. ‘Into The Dark’ is about letting yourself go  through the process and purging those feelings rather than burying them until they  overwhelm you. But beyond that, I want people to take away a sense of empowerment.  Heartbreak doesn’t have to define you – it can become something you transform into  something epic. Use it to fuel your growth, and don’t let it defeat you.

How does this single compare to your debut release? In what ways do you feel  you’ve grown or evolved as an artist since then? 

My debut single, ‘Yearn’, introduced a confident, playful side of KYARA. It was bold,  cheeky, and fun – a perfect introduction to my music. ‘Into The Dark’ marks a shift, though.  It reveals a more vulnerable side, while still maintaining that confidence. Sonically, it’s  darker and more cinematic, with a depth that wasn’t as present in my debut. 

Thematically, ‘Into The Dark’ shows growth. While ‘Yearn’ was about desire and control –  inspired by a deep fantasy, ‘Into The Dark’, explores a reality in some relationships –  processing pain and vulnerability. It’s about embracing all sides of ourselves – the strong,  the confident, the vulnerable. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be both, and that embracing the  darker, more complicated parts of yourself can lead to growth and strength. 

Can you give us a glimpse into what’s next for you after “Into The Dark”? Are there  any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about? 

There’s a lot in the works. I’m continuing to explore the themes ‘Into The Dark’ introduced,  diving deeper into stories of relationships, both romantic and personal, and exploring them  from different angles. You can expect more dark, cinematic electronica fused with pop, but  there’s definitely a shift coming. At some point, I’ll be telling these stories through a  

sweeter, more romantic lens, and I’m really excited to see where that takes me. 

I also hope to experiment with different sounds within electronic music to see how they can  complement and enhance my existing sonic aesthetic. 

How important is it for you to engage with your audience on platforms like  Instagram and TikTok? What role do you think social media plays in the music  industry today? 

Social media is crucial, especially for independent artists like me. It’s not just about  marketing – it’s about building a community and connecting with people who resonate with  my music. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok give us the opportunity to share our work  and stories with a broader audience, and they’re invaluable in creating genuine  connections with listeners. For me, it’s less about just promoting my music and more about  fostering a sense of belonging, where fans can connect with each other and with me. It’s  how you can share the real side of being an artist, beyond just the music. 

Additionally, social media is a valuable tool for receiving feedback from listeners. It allows  you to consider different ideas and perspectives, helping you grow as an artist and better  connect with your audience by understanding what they want to hear.

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‘7 Seconds’ is such a compelling track. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how Clive Wearing’s story shaped its themes?

Thank you for the kind words! A few months ago, AKINAT sent me the documentary about Clive Wearing’s heartbreaking story, and it had a profound impact on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Clive Wearing was a fascinating British classical musician who lost his memory and now experiences life in brief, seven-second intervals. His story made me think long and hard about the fragility of life. The fact that his wife, Deborah, remains a constant as his condition deteriorates only further proves that love truly transcends time. Drawing from both his story and our own life experiences, we wrote 7 Seconds.

How did the collaboration between the two of you come about, and what was the creative process like working together?

We’ve been collaborating for many years… honestly, the process is always seamless. AKINAT is an exceptionally talented producer, and I always love what we create together. Our history and deep understanding of each other really helps the process—plus, we know when to push one another creatively, which I personally sometimes need! When you’re creating music, it’s easy to get stuck on an idea, so sometimes you need to throw a musical spanner in the works or try something completely out of left field. That’s more often than not where the magic has been hiding.

You’ve mentioned that the track draws influence from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams.’ How did that iconic sound inspire your approach to production and songwriting?

Yes!! Initially, we set out to write a song inspired by Dreams! It’s funny telling people that the Fleetwood Mac classic was an influence for us, as I feel that connection might be a bit difficult to make now. The track went through many iterations before reaching its final version, and I’m really curious to see if people can hear the little nods to that track throughout 7 Seconds.

Your music blends influences from artists like Jamie xx, Sabrina Claudio, and now Fleetwood Mac. How do you balance such diverse inspirations in your work?

Brilliant question! I love the depth and emotional range Sabrina Claudio consistently achieves through her music, the production and artistry of Jamie xx, and the unparalleled creative songwriting that forms the backbone of all Fleetwood Mac songs. I try to weave those influences together naturally—to be honest finding that  balance feels almost effortless because I draw inspiration from each artist in very different ways!

AKINAT, your production style is influenced by electronic greats like Four Tet and Jon Hopkins. How do you incorporate those elements while maintaining Joey’s vocal-driven sound?

I’m in consistent awe of artists like these guys – they’re particularly their ability to create a rolling, driving texture, with each element findings its pocket. It’s in that sense that i was inspired – not through genre but an appreciation of each and every sound arriving in its own time. 

Joey, living in Tokyo has clearly influenced your artistry. How has your time in Japan shaped your sound and opened up new creative opportunities?

For those who haven’t been: Japan, particularly Tokyo, is a living, breathing Blade Runner dreamscape—bustling streets, neon lights, and creativity everywhere you look! Living here and being consistently immersed in this culture has shaped me as an artist, giving me the freedom to explore and experiment, not just in music but beyond. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and I love blending it with my artistry —the fashion scene in Tokyo is truly unparalleled!

What’s the music scene like in Tokyo compared to Sydney, and how does it influence the way you approach your work?

Live music is everywhere!! That has been the biggest difference I’ve observed between the two. Everyone loves live music here & makes sure there are ample opportunities to both perform and attend, across all genres. Musicians are championed for expressing themselves through their art, particularly Jazz musicians. If and when you visit Tokyo I highly recommend dipping into one of the moody Jazz bars like ‘Blue Note’ in Aoyama, having a cheeky cocktail & seeing where the night takes you! Living here has pushed me to search for live performance opportunities much more than I did previously, there is nothing quite as special as connecting with a person via music.

The themes in ‘7 Seconds’ touch on profound connections and love that transcends memory and time. How do you hope listeners interpret or connect with the story you’re telling?

Oh, I love this question! The beauty of music lies in how uniquely it can be interpreted by each listener. One of the most rewarding aspects of creating music is seeing how people connect with the tracks and relate them to their own life experiences. We also hoped that featuring samples of Clive Wearing himself might encourage listeners to explore his story, if they haven’t already. He captures the essence of life and love in the most profoundly beautiful way.

Since releasing your first single in 2021, your career has gained momentum. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist, and what’s next on the horizon for you?

I am feeling immensely grateful as we wrap up 2024. The New Year always feels incredibly cathartic—a chance to reflect and recognize how much I’ve grown over the past year. Heading into 2025, I already have four new songs ready to go. I’ve had the privilege of working with some sensational producers, and I can’t wait to share everything we’ve been creating!

Do you have plans to continue experimenting with different styles and textures in your music, and are there any collaborations or projects in the pipeline we can look forward to?

Absolutely! I will be hitting the ground running in 2025 with a few collaborations I secured at the end of this year. I couldn’t be more excited about the songs we’ve created—they definitely explore different textures/styles, and I’ve really pushed myself out of my comfort zone with songwriting! Keep your eyes peeled!

‘7 Seconds’ is out Now
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“Tonight” is a beautiful blend of 80s-inspired R&B and retro funk. What inspired you to explore this nostalgic yet modern sound, and how did the collaboration with Carlinhos come about?

For some reason, ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been drawn to nostalgic sounds. Not just in music, but to the very concept of nostalgia itself. For example, I remember feeling warm waves of emotion when I was 6 or 7, triggered by certain scents that reminded me of my even earlier childhood, like when I was 3 or 4. I think many of us have experienced something similar. This innate attraction to nostalgia naturally extended into other aspects of my life—art, music, literature, paintings, and more. As an artist, though, you don’t just want to recreate what’s been done before; you also want to leave your imprint and make it clear that this is “now.”

Carlinhos and I met in 2022 when I was sending out my demo songs to labels. We instantly connected over our mutual love for nostalgic, retro music. “Tonight” is our second collaborative effort, and it’s significant because our creative partnership has evolved. Carlinhos, an ex-member of Papanegro—a popular Chilean funk band—brings deep musical insights and a unique transcontinental approach to the creative process. I’m immensely thankful for our collaboration.

The concept of “New Retro” is central to “Tonight.” Can you explain what this term means to you and how it influenced the song and its visual storytelling?

Great question. I touched on this earlier, and it’s a central theme for me. Nostalgia often comes from a longing for the past, but it’s a romanticized version of the past, stripped of its unwanted or negative aspects. Importantly, this reflection on the past happens in the present. To me, the concept of “New Retro” acts as a conduit that brings the past into the present and reinvents it. It transcends time and gives the art a timeless, universal quality.

The cinematic romance depicted in “Tonight” feels timeless. How did you approach writing the lyrics to convey such vivid imagery and emotional depth?

Storytelling is a key theme in my songwriting. I want my songs to tell a story, even if each listener interprets it differently or applies it to their own experiences in their own way. That said, storytelling through songwriting is easier said than done, especially when writing lyrics in English. Unlike Japanese, where the phonetics allow for a broader range of words to complement the music, English often prioritizes phonetic congruence. This can create a tension between the melody, rhythm, and narrative.

When writing the lyrics for “Tonight,” I first had to feel and understand what the music was telling me. Once I grasped the sentiment embedded in the music—including life’s complexities and love stories—I worked to create lines that were vivid, visual, and metaphorical, all while staying true to the melody and rhythm. It took a long time to finesse the lyrics. I also drew inspiration from retro slow jams and R&B love songs, incorporating elements of their lyrical style.

I admire Rupert Holmes as a master storyteller in music, not surprising, as Holmes eventually became a playwright. His ability to craft a short story within a song, has been a huge influence on me. His storytelling inspires me to push the boundaries of narrative within the confines of melody and rhythm.

Collaborating with Carlinhos and chao! brought international influences to “Tonight.” How did this fusion of Japanese, Chilean, and Australian creativity shape the final track and video?

Beyond transcending time, I wanted to transcend national borders, languages, and cultures. For this reason, it was essential that this song involved collaborations across three continents. This universality added a unique timelessness to both the track and the video. That was my hope, and I believe we achieved it.

Your music video for “Tonight” was directed by Taisei Sanada and features actress Sakura Ariana. How did you work with the team to bring your vision of a glamorous yet bittersweet Showa-era vibe to life?

The biggest credit goes to Mr. Sanada for bringing the song to life visually. Communication and a shared understanding of the vision were key. We spent hours over coffee discussing and refining this shared vision. It also helped that Mr. Sanada had experience working with retro music and aesthetics in his previous short films.

For the casting, we chose Sakura Ariana from a shortlist of actresses who fit the role perfectly. Her part-European ancestry aligned with my vision of cultural transcendence, complementing both the aesthetics and the concept of the video.

City Pop has a massive following in Japan. How do you see “Tonight” fitting into this genre, and what sets your take on City Pop apart from others?

City Pop, by definition, embodies an urban, sleek quality, with 1980s Tokyo as its central figure. This aesthetic arose during the growth of Tokyo as a global urban centre in the 60s and 70s, attracting young rural Japanese chasing the “Tokyo dream.”

I’m in a unique position, writing this “city” style music from rural Australia. Portland, Victoria, where I’m based, is over 350 kilometres from a major urban centre and couldn’t be further from Tokyo’s urban landscape. Yet, subtle traces of my surroundings sneak into my music. For example, the line “sprinting through the meadow” in “Tonight” is not an urban scene. Even the artwork by chao! features green, undeveloped hills rather than a bustling cityscape. In this way, I’m tacitly stating that City Pop isn’t just about the city—it transcends different types of human settlements.

What have been some of the highlights of your recent live shows in Japan, from performing at the Tanzaku CD Festival to the Yokosuka Jazz Rock Festival?

Performing in my home region of Japan was incredibly special. For these occasions, I brought band members from Australia to join my Japanese bandmates, creating an international band for the performances. It became a celebration of international friendship and collaboration, so a huge thank-you to Doug, Saori, Atchan, V, and Dennis. I’m also grateful to my friends and family who supported this journey, and most importantly, to my mother. Though she intended to be there but couldn’t be there—and never will be again—she still heard from me that everything went well. Thank you.

The retro resurgence offers people a nostalgic escape. Why do you think audiences today are so drawn to the sounds and aesthetics of the past?

Memories grow sweeter over time. Nostalgia offers a romanticized version of the past, an idealized escape from reality. But this isn’t about running away—it’s about drawing strength and resolve through reflection. Nostalgia reminds us of simpler, better times, even if those memories are tinged with illusion.

As a Japanese-Australian artist, how has your multicultural background influenced your music, and how do you navigate blending these cultures in your creative process?

Thank you for this question. Growing up across two cultures has strengthened my conviction that what I uniquely bring to the world is the ability to unite Japan and Australia through music and other creative endeavours. If I can serve as a bridge between these two cultures, my mission will be complete.

Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you next? Do you plan to further explore retro-inspired music, or are there other styles and projects you’re excited to dive into?

I’m always up for new challenges, so expect something slightly different in the future. That said, my music will always explore key themes like nostalgia, timelessness, cultural transcendence, and storytelling. Regardless of the style, there will always be something uniquely “Jun Parker” in my work. I’m currently working on a full album, planned for release in early 2025, so please stay tuned!