Japanese-British singer and producer Miso Extra today releases her eagerly awaited debut album Earcandy – a sophisticated and self-aware pop record that takes listeners on a journey through lovelorn vulnerability, growth, and self-empowerment. Blending genres like K-Pop, UK Garage, 80s sonics, and R&B, Earcandy showcases Miso Extra’s genre-defying style.

Recorded in the summer of 2024 at Damon Albarn’s Studio 13 with Grammy-winning engineer Ricky Damian (Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith, Sampha), the album was co-produced by Miso herself and features the standout singles: ‘Slow Down’, produced with DJ Boring; ‘Good Kisses’ featuring Metronomy; ‘Ghostly’, made with A. K. Paul; and ‘Certified’ and ‘POP’, both produced by members of indie-pop collective MICHELLE. Also featured on the record – out via her label home, Transgressive – is the focus track ‘Done.’, a sleek fusion of futuristic R&B, tight harmonies, crisp beats, and a minimalist, synth-driven groove. 

Speaking about the album, Miso shares “It’s about growing through your mistakes and not being afraid to get things wrong. There are some deep messages in there but it’s surrounded by sweet earcandy – that spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down.””

Having been championed by Fabiana Palladino and Thundercat, as well as being hailed ‘One To Watch’ by titles including THE FACE, The FADER, NME, Vogue, Dazed, MusicWeek, The Guardian and Observer, Miso Extra is well on her way to becoming the diverse musical role model she so desperately lacked when she was growing up. If anything, Earcandy is just a tantalising taste of what’s to come – the delicious evolution of Miso Extra’s instinctual sound that is poised to keep us coming back for more.

Speaking about working with Ricky Damian, she expands “he was my Mr Miyagi, I learned so much from him during the whole process. Plus working in Studio 13 was so inspiring since I’m such a Gorillaz fan and you can channel their energy there, as well as feel the influence of other people who have used the space from Erykah Badu to Paul McCartney.”

Having previously toured with Rejjie Snow and Yannis & The Yaw, and delivering a standout performance alongside Tierra Whack at Pitchfork London, Miso Extra recently wrapped up a tour supporting Kelly Lee Owens – making a special stop in Paris to perform with Toro y Moi. Now, she sets her sights on her debut headline tour across Europe this June, culminating in a special performance at the iconic Village Underground in London.