Shake My Days
Kyoto indie-pop duo Shake My Days discuss the inspiration behind their heartfelt new single “Someday, Be Mine,” exploring first love, musical influences, songwriting, and their growing connection with listeners worldwide.
1. “Someday, Be Mine” focuses on first love and its mix of excitement and insecurity. What specific moment or feeling sparked the idea for the song? Also, how did the idea evolve during the writing process?
I started writing the song after realizing how strongly I felt about an actor I admired on television. It was a feeling directed toward someone far away and unattainable, and writing the song became a way of sorting through those emotions and understanding them better. As I continued working on it, the song naturally grew into a story about wanting someone to stay just a little longer.
(Mitsuki)
2. The track has a brighter, more immediate energy compared to some of your more nostalgic or cinematic releases. Was that shift intentional?
We’ve always had some bright and upbeat songs on our albums, but this one was special because it was the first song Mitsuki wrote entirely on her own. What fascinated me was how naturally it combined youthful charm and optimism with a subtle bluesy feeling underneath. I felt that unique balance deserved to be highlighted as a single.
(Showky Saezawa)
3. This song blends Japanese indie-pop sensibilities with classic guitar-pop influences. Which artists, bands, or musical eras had the biggest influence on its sound?
I usually listen to simple Japanese bands from my own generation, especially three-piece rock bands. While writing the song, I wanted to express the feeling of an unreachable crush, but I was careful not to make the melody sound too sad.
(Mitsuki)
Mitsuki originally imagined the song with a slightly more alternative-rock feel. When arranging it, I felt the song suited a brighter and more energetic approach, so I added guitar parts inspired by the Rolling Stones during their energetic late-1970s and early-1980s period.
(Showky Saezawa)
4. The lyrics express a very simple but universal desire—to keep someone close just a little longer. Why do you think that feeling resonates across cultures and generations?
No matter where we live or what language we speak, most people have experienced wanting a special moment to last a little longer. I think emotions like love, longing, and hope are shared by everyone, regardless of culture, age, or gender. That’s why simple feelings can often connect people the most deeply.
(Mitsuki)
5. As a Kyoto-based indie duo, how does Kyoto influence your songwriting, creativity, and overall artistic identity?
Honestly, I’ve never really thought about Kyoto that way! (laughs) For me, it’s simply the city where I grew up and spent my school years.
(Mitsuki)
When it comes to Mitsuki’s songwriting, I don’t think there’s a strong sense of “Kyoto” yet. Since it’s the place she’s always known, it’s probably just part of her everyday life. Maybe after experiencing more cities and countries in the future, she’ll begin to recognize what Kyoto has given her artistically.
(Showky Saezawa)
6. Your music has begun reaching international audiences through blogs and listeners around the world. How do you feel about connecting with people globally, and what are your hopes for the future after “Someday, Be Mine”?
I’m very happy that so many people are listening to our music. It’s especially exciting when listeners enjoy the songs even if they don’t understand the Japanese lyrics. It reminds me that music can communicate emotions beyond language.
As for the future, my dream is actually very simple. I want to keep singing, keep discovering music made by other people, and continue living a life surrounded by music every day.
(Mitsuki)
Mitsuki has always been a very natural and unpretentious person. She’s never been driven by fame or ambition. What makes her special is her genuine sensitivity to music, art, and everyday emotions. I hope we can continue nurturing that creativity and sharing it with more people around the world.
(Showky Saezawa)