Flame-haired angel Rina Sawayama shared her well-timed new single Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be) this morning. Produced by Clarence Clarity and out now on 88rising, it’s classic Rina — sugary, harmony-laden 90s pop that’s never-not crying out for a dance routine. The London-based Japanese popstar describes the tune as “an anti-Valentine song for those who want a little no strings attached action on a day that perpetuates the boring age old narrative of heterosexual monogamy”. Ideal.
Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be) marks the first new music we’ve heard from her post- RINA, the video game/culture clash/anxiety-influenced debut album which came out back in October. Feeling an overwhelming urge to experience all of this live? If you’re already seeing Kelela at The Roundhouse on 22 February, you’ll be doubly pleased to hear that Miss Sawayama will be opening for her. If not, that sucks, but you can catch her at The Garage in May. Until then, this on repeat should do it.