House of Holy Banana

Maika Loubté

聖なるバナナが住んでる家

I'm Not Going Anywhere

**Maika Loubté Releases Cover EP *Dream, Neo, Atmo*, Reimagining Classic J-Pop with Her Unique Vision**  

Singer-songwriter/producer Maika Loubté has released her new cover EP, *Dream, Neo, Atmo*, today-an imaginative reinterpretation of beloved J-Pop classics through her distinct musical lens.  

Having spent her childhood in Japan and her teenage years abroad, Maika revisits the J-Pop songs that left a deep imprint on her heart. The EP features covers of *Robinson* by Spitz, *Asia no Junshin* by PUFFY, and *Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi* by Cocco. With utmost respect for the originals, Maika weaves three new narratives, each told in her signature style.  

The lead single, *Robinson*, was an anthem that carried Maika through much of her adolescence. While working on the track, she was particularly drawn to the lyrics, *"If I could float it in the air with a great force."* This inspired an arrangement featuring a cappella harmonies, choral elements, and the grand scale of a cathedral. As Maika herself puts it, *"This song saved my life."* Her version is imbued with a deep sense of reverence and the transformative power of music.  

For her take on *Asia no Junshin*, Maika reimagines the song through the lens of the 2020s, a time shaped by social media and AI. As a child during the dawn of the internet, this song was the first pop track to truly captivate her. Now, she fuses the original's lyrical charm with a modern depth, offering a fresh perspective that bridges the past and future.  

Meanwhile, *Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi* is reinterpreted as *Neo-Reggae*, reflecting the song's ethereal yet paradoxical world. Staying true to the essence of the original, Maika transforms it into a new sonic landscape while preserving its delicate transparency and raw intensity.  

**~Maika's Comment~**  
*"In 2023, I had the opportunity to sing this song for a commercial. But even before that, I had been deeply drawn to Cocco's music-so much so that I couldn't listen to it without emotional preparation. This song, in particular, is a timeless masterpiece. When I recorded the commercial version, I was once again overwhelmed by its power, and I decided to create a full-length cover outside of that project. While reinterpreting it, I arrived at what I call 'Neo-Reggae.' I took great care to retain the song's unique world-its clarity, its contradictions, and its haunting beauty."*  

The EP's artwork also reflects Maika's deep respect for the original works. Each piece incorporates motifs and imagery from the lyrics, personally envisioned by Maika and refined by renowned designer SHINJI ItoU, resulting in a solemn yet striking visual aesthetic.  

A dazzling collection of covers where Maika Loubté's sonic universe intertwines with the brilliance of these iconic songs-*Dream, Neo, Atmo* is a must-listen.

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