Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama makes '90s pop for the present (see her in NYC & LA)

Japan-born and London-based pop singer Rina Sawayama has been making music since college, when she was in the hip hop group Lazy Lion (with Theo Ellis of Wolf Alice). She started releasing solo singles soon after that, and put out her first proper EP, Rina, late last year. Her music is nostalgic for all kinds of ’90s pop — you can hear hints of Mariah, Britney, Aaliyah, The Cardigans, and more — and there’s a little modern alt-R&B in the mix too, like on “Tunnel Vision,” which features a duet with Shamir. If you grew up around all those sounds in the ’90s and you’re into modern indie/alternative now, Rina is gonna feel fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

After picking up buzz for that EP, she signed to 88rising (home of Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, and more), and her first release for the label is this year’s “Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be)” single (another one with Mariah vibes). Watch the video for that one and a bunch of her other videos below.

Rina is coming to the US this April to play NYC and LA. Her NYC shows are on April 24 & 25 at Mercury Lounge (night one is sold out, tickets for night 2 are on Citi presale and the public on-sale begins 3/23 at noon) and her LA show is on April 30 at School Night @ Bardot (it’s free and a sign-up link will go live on 3/30).

In addition to those shows, she’s also playing World Island in Leeds, Radar Festival in Milan, and a couple London shows. All dates are listed below.

Rina Sawayama — 2018 Tour Dates
3/28 Borderline London, UK
4/24 Mercury Lounge New York, NY
4/25 Mercury Lounge New York, NY
4/30 School Night @ Bardot Los Angeles, LA
5/25 The Garage London, UK
5/26 World Island Leeds, UK
6/8-9 Radar Festival Milan