Maika Loubté

Maika Loubté's album "mani mani" was released on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. This mini-album contains seven tracks, including the previously released singles "Ice Age," "Rainbow Light Eyes," "Inner Child," and "A+B=C."

The album's title, "mani mani," is inspired by the ancient Japanese word  which means "as it comes" or "in accordance with." This term is drawn from the phrase "Kami no mani mani" in the famous collection of classical Japanese poetry, *Hyakunin Isshu*, and carries a positive connotation of accepting the natural course of events, particularly those beyond one's control.

In this rapidly changing and uncertain era, the album encourages listeners to trust in their own lives and to find joy and fulfillment in living each moment as it comes, embracing the process with confidence.

mani mani

Ice Age

Melody Of Your Heart

Ah-Uh

Inner Child

Rainbow Light Eyes

A+B=C

眠mania

**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.

Dream, Neo, Atmo

Singer-songwriter and producer Maika Loubté covers PUFFY's TRUE ASIA!

TRUE ASIA was the first pop song that captivated Maika as a child during the early days of the internet. Now, as an artist in the 2020s-an era shaped by social media and AI-she has reimagined the track with a fresh perspective that bridges the past and future. This new rendition blends the original song's catchy rhythm with modern depth, delivering a unique and vibrant reinterpretation.

TRUE ASIA (Cover)

Maika Loubté to Release Cover EP "Dream, Neo, Atmo" on April 23, with Spitz's "Robinson" as the First Pre-release Single on March 26.

Singer-songwriter and producer Maika Loubté has announced the release of her cover EP *Dream, Neo, Atmo* on Wednesday, April 23. This project reimagines classic J-POP songs through her unique artistic vision. As the first pre-release single, Maika will unveil her cover of Spitz's "Robinson" on Wednesday, March 26.  

The EP *Dream, Neo, Atmo* features three songs that left a lasting imprint on Maika's heart, influenced by her upbringing in Japan and adolescence spent abroad. The tracklist includes *Spitz's "Robinson"*, *Cocco's "Tsuyoku Hakanai Monotachi"*, and *PUFFY's "Asia no Junshin"*. With deep respect for the original songs, Maika adds her distinctive arrangements to bring them into a new sonic realm.  

For **"Robinson"**, Maika has meticulously crafted the **choral a cappella sections**, maintaining the emotional depth of the original while weaving in a futuristic and fantastical **soundscape** that is uniquely hers.  

The **cover artwork** features Maika's personal interpretation of the motifs and imagery found in **"Robinson"**'s lyrics, which were then further refined by **renowned designer SHINJI ItoU**.  

By reimagining this iconic **'90s J-POP classic**, Maika Loubté invites listeners to experience it through the lens of her **new sonic universe**.  

### **Artist's Comment:**  
*"'Robinson' is a very special song for me. It holds a deep connection to my teenage memories. When arranging this cover, I worked with the themes of 'a cappella,' 'choral harmony,' and 'cathedral.' The lyrics, especially the phrase 'If I could float it in the sky with great power,' inspired me to create a world where a cathedral floats like a castle in the sky. I put great effort into the choral parts, hoping that listeners will discover a fresh charm in this new rendition of 'Robinson'."*  

Additionally, Maika has announced a **one-man live show** at **CIRCUS TOKYO on Friday, June 6**, marking her first solo performance in about a year and a half. Be sure not to miss it!

ROBINSON (Cover)

Maika Loubté Releases "Ice Age - Remix," Heralding the Arrival of Spring!

Singer-songwriter/producer Maika Loubté has just dropped her latest remix, "Ice Age - Remix." The original track, "Ice Age," gained renewed attention when videos featuring it surpassed one million total plays on TikTok in under a week. About a year and a half after its release, the song was also picked up for a perfume brand commercial.

This remix envisions a world following the original story, which depicted the end of an ice age, and transforms it into a brisk techno track at 131 BPM-perfectly capturing the energy of spring's arrival. Maika had been playing this version during her DJ sets, and the enthusiastic fan response led to this official release.

The memorable pink creature from the original jacket and music video returns in an even more striking form on the new cover, promising to whisk listeners away to a futuristic, fantastical realm. "Ice Age - Remix" brims with lively rhythms and vibrant sounds, mirroring the transition from winter to spring. Don't miss the chance to experience this fresh sonic landscape crafted by Maika Loubté!

Ice Age (Remix)

On Wednesday, 4 December 2024, Maika Loubté will release their first live sound recording 'Live at WWW X - art of mani mani' to celebrate their 10th anniversary.
The soundtrack is a live recording of the one-man live 'art of mani mani at WWW X', which took place at Shibuya WWW X last November to celebrate the release of Maika's mini-album 'mani mani'.
mani mani' is an EP of seven tracks that freely move between synthpop, EDM, breakbeats and ambient, etc. The title "mani mani" is an ancient Japanese word meaning "as it happens" or "as it goes". It is inspired by the ancient Japanese phrase 'mani mani', which means 'as it comes, as it goes', and is taken from a line in the Hyakunin Isshu poem '~Kami no mani mani', which means 'when you are faced with events in life that you cannot control, affirm what comes to you'.
Supporting musicians include sound designers Sountrive and So Kanno (BREIMEN), and the album also includes the tracks 'It's So Natural feat. AAAMYYYY', which was released in the Corona disaster, and 'Hana Flame feat. .Chinza DOPENESS' were also performed for the first time in front of the audience with the artists themselves as guests.
The mixing for this album was also handled by Micah himself, and the tranquillity and frenzy of the day was packed into a single piece of work. He says: 'It's more than the original song. I'd like you to enjoy it while listening to it and comparing it with the original. The cover photo was taken by photographer Hayato Watanabe.
Maika is also currently working on a completely new album.

mani mani

Song List

mani mani

More from Maika Loubté