When legendary composer and rock visionary YOSHIKI sets his sights on something new, the world takes notice. His latest project, the vocal group 美麗-Bi-ray-, is already turning heads internationally, from their US debut singing the national anthem at Dodgers Stadium to the release of their emotionally charged debut single ‘Butterfly’. Blending cinematic grandeur with delicate balladry, the track showcases the unique vocal character of each member — Emi, Hinata, Cocomi, and Michelle — while hinting at a broader mission: redefining what J-pop can be on the world stage.
Released through YOSHIKI’s new label Melodee and distributed globally via Virgin Music Group, ‘Butterfly’ arrives alongside a striking music video shot in Los Angeles and a placement on the soundtrack for the upcoming Hollywood film Bride Hard, starring Rebel Wilson. As YOSHIKI puts it, these are “vocalists who can take on the world.”
So with the new single available now, we sit down with the members of 美麗-Bi-ray- to talk about their formation, their debut single, and what it means to carry the torch of J-pop into a bold new future.
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Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
Emi: Ever since I was in kindergarten, I loved overseas audition shows and watched them every day with my mom. The first time I ever stood on stage was on the Russian show The Voice. Although I was not able to win, I’ve never forgotten the view from the stage. That experience made me feel strongly that “I want to stand on stage more!” and led me to dream of becoming a singer.
Cocomi: My mother loves music, and I used to see her singing since I was little. So for me, singing naturally became part of my everyday life — and that’s what got me started.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
Cocomi: Lady Gaga. Her expressiveness and performance skills are incredible, but what excites me even more is that her staging is different every time. Also, her comment at the 91st Academy Awards — “If you have a dream, never give up” — gave me so much confidence.
Michelle: My biggest musical influence was Rihanna and Beyoncé. This was because I always dreamed of becoming a powerful woman as well as a powerful singer, just like them, when I was younger. Now, I look up to Billie Eilish. This is because she is able to make an audience emotional with just one note.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
Emi: Michael Jackson. I really respect how he delivered messages to the world through music and had the power to move people’s hearts. Songs like Man in the Mirror and Heal the World especially remain deeply in my heart. I hope to become someone who can create change through music, just like he did.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
Emi: The first time I stood on stage was when I appeared on The Voice Kids in Russia. I hadn’t taken any singing lessons, so I was really filled with anxiety, but I still can’t forget the happiness I felt when I managed to finish the performance. I believe that moment is what led me to want to pursue a path in music.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
Emi: I think my music carries the feelings that I felt at times when I almost gave up and the frustrations that I experienced in the past. Whenever I felt insecure or couldn’t find confidence, I would let those emotions out through singing. Because music has supported me so many times, I now want to become someone who can encourage others through music as well.
Cocomi: From various experiences since I was little, I’ve come to express uncontrollable emotions through singing, and I feel that being a singer who can move people through music is a core part of my identity.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
Cocomi: I’ve never really thought of it in terms of being a female musician, but I have a strong desire to express the meaning of the lyrics and the story of a song through my voice. So when that expression doesn’t quite click, I do feel like I hit a wall. In those moments, I try to overcome it by listening to a lot of different singers and challenge myself to try new ways of singing.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Hinata: “To believe in yourself and keep chasing your dreams.” I’m generally super positive, but when I occasionally feel anxious or lose confidence, I turn to singing and dancing — they help me remember, “This is who I am, and this is what I truly want to do.” That reminder gives me the strength to keep moving forward. Because I know how amazing music and dance can be, I now want to become someone who can encourage others through my music and dance, and remind them to “never forget to express your true self.”
Cocomi: I want to share that music and singing aren’t something special or distant — they’re a wonderful part of everyday life that can express our emotions and moments of inspiration, bringing comfort and giving people courage.
Michelle: I want people to be able to get emotional while listening to my singing and I want to remind them of their good memories.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
Cocomi: I want to tell other women who share the same dream that “singing is something that is freeing and fun.” I also want to become an artist who can give people power, courage, and energy.
Michelle: If possible, I want the audience that’s listening to my voice to be able to think about what happened with their past and to also think about their futures. I want to be able to hit them in the heart with my signing.
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Listen to Bi-Ray’s debut dingle ‘Butterfly’ below.