MARiMARi makes music for the eyeliner emo kids with a sugary pop addiction. Growing up Japanese-British and on a diet of Kesha, Paramore & Charli XCX, MARiMARi’s music showcases a vulnerable boldness with reflections on teen-hood, femininity & self expression. With the release of her second EP 'Make Out City' her cult-like online fanbase has been rapidly growing, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the UK’s North West’s queer and alternative music scene.
Picture: Christina Sylvester
26th August 2025
Your track of the day
Fuck My Computer - Ninajirachi (or if we need to keep it PG we can change it to It’s you - Ninajirachi) haha! Just obsessed with her recent album atm.
What time of day do you feel most inspired?
Cliché but early hours of the morning like 1/2AM. I’m not a crazy party girl anymore, more a solo bedroom raver lol, so I love putting my headphones on, and dance around my room with my hairbrush as a mic and blast + write music.
What do you daily to get into your creative mindset?
I've been a Pinterest warrior since day 1 so I think making mood boards and watching trashy 2000s music videos helps me be creative.
Tell us a bit about your self-care routine
I’m trying to get better at this! Self care to me is making sure I’m seeing a friend everyday - as that makes me the happiest! But on a side note I’m super into Japanese skincare and haircare at the moment and I’ve stocked up after my last visit!
Where's your favourite space to experience music?
I love doing a 10 min ‘show and tell’ time before writing sessions, where me and whoever I’m working with (most likely my co-writer Harry lol) share our top songs we’ve been enjoying that week. It helps me feel excited to create, and studio speakers make everything sound so crisp!!
Favourite song you've released to date?
Me & The Mirror, probably. Or HOT TOPiC
You’re about to go on your first UK tour, what can we expect from these?
It’s kinda like my mini era’s tour - 2 EP’s back to back, a secret cover song, a first look into new music….also even though these are small 150 cap rooms, I’m gonna be styling them with lace, leopard print, hot pink, the whole lot! I want it to feel like a show! All the support acts are phenomenal and are really good friends of mine so it’s just gonna be a huge hangout :)
You seamlessly blend English and Japanese across your music. Tell us a bit about your multi-cultural influences and how they’ve shaped your work?
Growing up mixed Japanese-British, I’ve always gravitated towards a mixture of Harajuku maximalist Kawaii styles, and western emo/alternative styles, both aesthetically and sonically. I think intertwining both in my lyrics is often the icing on the cake to writing a MARiMARi song, a little sprinkle to make the tune a special nod to my heritage, and to my lovely mum who never gave up on teaching me our native language. (thank you mum!).
You have 24 hours to make a track from scratch, what is your process?
First is always producing a super rough loop - usually a big distorted synth bass and a kick to establish the vibe of the song. Then I’m getting the voice memo app up and recording any vocal melodies I hear with gibberish. I have a song inspo notes app, which is filled with concepts that I’m always scribbling down, and song titles, so I usually turn to that before lyrics. Then once I’ve filled in the melody with lyrics for each section, I hit record! I love writing with other people and bouncing back ideas togetherrrr
You have 24 hours to master a musical skill, what are you choosing?
If I quit acrylic nails, I’d love to learn to shred on the guitar!
You have 24 hours, which musician/industry person are you spending it with?
Anyone that knows me, knows I’m gonna say Hayley Williams in a heartbeat. I was raised by Paramore ever since I was 11, (i ran a very committed fan page but I’m not gonna expose the username lol) and I was so convinced up until I was 18 that I was gonna start an emo band. Obviously things took a turn but Hayley 100% lives on as mother in my heart - and I try and learn from her to push to be an unapologetic, fierce woman in the industry.
If you could go back and give advice to your younger self just starting in music, what would it be?
To be cringe is to be free! Post that cover of beabadoobee, post that thirst trap, & post that makeup tutorial - sure, people may judge but who cares when you have the power to make your dreams come true
What's next for you?
You’ll be the first to hear upcoming music at the Make Out City Tour in London, Manchester, Nottingham and Liverpool this September <3 c u thereeee