Miso Extra - Space Junk (Official Video) + 10 Questions
The revolutionary London-based, mixed heritage singer, rapper and producer Miso Extra has announced the release of her second EP ‘MSG’, which will come via her new label home, Transgressive Records in August.
Alongside the news, she’s shared the first taster from the release; the 90’s R&B infused pop sounding ‘Space Junk’, which sees Miso’s trademark playful, deliciously wonky beats and instrumentation out in full force and marks a glorious return for the artist who turned many heads upon the release of her debut ‘Great Taste’ EP last year.
The single is accompanied by an official video, self-directed by Miso Extra and Ali Raymond (Beatnik), which sees Miso candidly performing to her webcam. “‘Space Junk’”, she says, “is an “I’ve moved on and so should you” kind of breakup song. Whether you like to hear it or not, sometimes the no contact rule is best for everyone involved and often the most respectful approach.”
With the release of her 2022 ‘Great Taste’ EP, which included the lauded introductory singles ‘1013’, ‘Adventures of Tricky ‘n’ Duke’ and ‘Deep Fried’, the Japanese-English artist quickly became hotly tipped as an artist to watch. Singing and rapping in both her native languages, combined with the unique production in her material which references pop culture from both countries, Miso Extra coined the idiom “Umami for the ears” in describing her sound. She was soon being championed by tastemakers as wide-reaching as FADER, NME, Vogue, Clash, DIY, The Line of Best Fit, Notion, BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC 6 Music and Apple Music 1, as well as adorning stages at Pitchfork Festival, BBC Introducing at Reading & Leeds Festivals, Primavera Weekender, The Great Escape and as support to Thundercat at O2 Brixton Academy, London and Marc Rebillet on his UK tour.
Since then, Miso Extra has been busy in the studio writing and recording with her producers TrickyNDuke and her forthcoming ‘MSG’ EP release marks the start of much more groundbreaking new music to come.
Miso Extra sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when it started as I have always had a great love for music but my early memories are filled with my mum taking me along to karaoke bars with her so perhaps this planted a seed.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
People who influence me would have to be J Dilla, Gorillaz, MIA, Aaliyah, Jai Paul & Solange.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I’m going to be releasing my second EP titled “MSG” which was Co produced with TrickyNDuke and this will be my first time releasing with my new label home Transgressive.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Umami for the ears! It’s a rich broth of sound taking influence from hip hop, RnB, indie and electro.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Honestly, just being able to say I’m an artist blows my mind and brings joy to my heart. I just know that the younger version of me would be so proud.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Trust your gut and develop your own taste. Be open to new sights and sounds then use this to inform your own taste and style. Follow your instincts even if there are moments that might prompt you to second guess yourself.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Notably I have to shout out Harve who is in my opinion an incredible artist/producer who I’ve recently collaborated with on a song for their latest project called “2:29”. Aside from that I would suggest checking out my monthly playlist on Spotify called “Miso Mix” where I share what I’ve been listening to.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Currently my rotation consists of “When I get home” by Solange, “Tasty” by Kelis, “Mama’s Gun” Erykah Badu, “Doomsday” by MF Doom and “Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)” by Jai Paul.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I LOVE to cook and eat. I’m always on the look out for good things/places to eat especially noodles.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
A table to put my tea and snacks on that is just the right height for when I do vocal takes, a blanket (I’m always cold) and my Op-1.
Connect with Miso Extra on Instagram here.