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Atsuno's latest single "merry go round" is a refreshing neo city pop tune inspired by seaside sunsets and neon-lit city nights.
Driven by breezy rhythms, shimmering saxophone sounds, and nostalgic melodies, the track naturally fits late-night drives and warm summer evenings.
The lyrics portray an imperfect yet deeply human love story, two people drawn to each other while struggling to fully align.
Through words that sway like ocean waves, the song captures the feeling that "it's because we're imperfect that we become lovable."
Lines such as "More than bouquets, with words / More than words, with your eyes" express a form of love that lives not in dramatic gestures, but in subtle looks, quiet emotions, and fleeting moments of connection.
Musically, the song draws inspiration from Japanese 80's city pop while blending modern R&B and Neo Soul influences, resulting in a sophisticated interpretation of "today's city pop."
Sparkling night views, ocean breeze, orange-colored skies, and the uplifting urge to drive a little faster, "merry go round" is designed to evoke personal summer memories and cinematic moments for every listener.
The track was co-written with singer-songwriter and track maker Ariji Joe, known for works featured on numerous playlists.
Having collaborated with artists such as Ed Black from the UK Neo Soul scene and Neggy from the Japanese city pop act Chapman, Ariji Joe brings his signature jazzy and floating groove into the production. Combined with Atsuno's transparent vocals, the result is a song that feels both retro and unmistakably modern.
A perfect soundtrack for night drives, walks by the sea, and sentimental late-night hours,
"merry go round" is a light, romantic track you'll find yourself humming without even realizing it.
Atsuno is a Japanese singer and songwriter. She moved to Tokyo to pursue music and studied at a vocational college, where she was deeply inspired by gospel and Black music. This passion eventually led her to perform as a lead vocalist in ensemble groups at churches in Los Angeles. After gaining experience as a back-up vocalist and recording with major artists such as Masayuki Suzuki and Yuzu, she began her solo career. In 2017 she formed the piano and vocal unit The Mode and released three albums titled Heaven, Drown and Geometry. Her 2020 single I wanna be your home was featured on the Tower Records media platform TOWER DOORS and reached second place in the weekly ranking. In 2021 she released Sight under her own name, handling both vocals and lyrics. The song was selected for official playlists on Spotify and Apple Music and surpassed one hundred thousand streams. Atsuno continues to grow as an artist, performing with internationally acclaimed musicians such as Judith Hill and Rob Bacon. In November 2023 she appeared at Japan Culture Con in Dubai, where she received strong media attention, including coverage in Gulf News, one of the largest outlets in the Middle East. She is widely regarded as a rising vocalist with the potential to thrive both in Japan and abroad.