This year, Spotify RADAR Philippines is spotlighting 10 rising artists poised to be the next global sensations—one of them is ena mori, a Japanese-Filipino singer-songwriter and musician known for her innovative, electronic-infused pop sound. Beyond her bold, creative direction and infectious sound lies a story that started with piano keys and a dream of composing her own music.
MEGA sat down with the rising artist, who opened up about discovering her sound, the challenges of navigating the Filipino music scene as a young female artist, and leaving behind a legacy through timeless music.
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From Classical Roots to Hyperpop Heights
ena mori began her musical journey as a classical pianist, trained in traditional compositions. Training in classical music at a young age, she felt it was disrespectful to change up the pieces, but as she grew older, she wanted to be among those who explored different genres—pop, punk rock, and R&B, not just classical.
Though she respected classical music, she longed for the freedom to compose her own songs. By age 10 or 11, she was more interested in composing than performing existing pieces. As the artist grew older, she began to see the piano as a medium, a tool to create, not just to echo others.
“Most of my artistic decisions are rooted in what I’ve learned so far in classical. So I feel like there’s a lot of influences that I use from what I learned in classical into my pop music,” the artist shared. Over time, she embraced synth-pop, art pop, and alternative pop, merging classical influences with a fresh, innovative sound.
“There was always this kind of yearning of making my own sound, so I think that was the switch where I expanded from classical.”
– ena mori, hyperpop artist
Innovative Influence
As a composer, the pop artist was inspired by artists that constantly pushed the boundaries of music and storytelling: Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell, BRK, and Imogen Heap were the artists that were huge inspirations to ena mori and the key influences that shape her sound and lyrics today. They helped her find her own innovative sound, encouraged her to not follow a formula, and to explore the sonic landscape.
“Listening to them always inspires me to try different things and see if they stick or not. It’s because of those artists that I get to have just a little bit more confidence to try new things.”
– ena mori on her musical inspirations
Navigating the Filipino Music Scene
Breaking into the music scene is complex and uncertain, and it’s something that most, if not all, artists go through. “It’s a very complicated world,” the pop artist shared. “Ultimately, it should be coming from your heart and artistry.” She observed that more people around the world are starting to pay attention to Asian music. Original Pilipino Music (or OPM), especially, is constantly growing, but more work needs to be done to expand its reach.
“I came to a point where not knowing what’s going to happen is okay. It’s normal to not have a certain direction,” ena mori said gratefully. As a female artist, she acknowledged the female trailblazers that helped shape Filipino music—Kitchie Nadal, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, BINI—which enabled her to express herself without constraints.
“I’m really grateful to be able to do music, to freely speak my mind without thinking about my gender.”
– ena mori acknowledging the women that pushed the boundaries in the music industry
A Community of Support
With the complexity of the rapidly growing music scene, ena mori stays motivated by her supporters. Whether at live shows or through messages on social media, her fans’ stories and connections to her music inspire her to keep creating.
She never anticipates the impact her songs will have, but knowing they hold a special place in someone’s heart keeps her inspired. “Whenever I hear that from my fans, it really motivates me. It gives me so much energy and is just another reason to move forward and create more,” ena mori shared fondly.
Creating a Legacy Through Timeless Music
As an artist, creative slumps are inevitable, but ena mori considers herself lucky to be inspired most of the time. “But when I can’t translate what I’m trying to do, that’s when I get so frustrated,” she admitted with a chuckle. “Not putting too much pressure on yourself and letting the process unfold is the best way to deal with inspiration slumps.”
“I want my works to be remembered more than me. If my songs can live 100 or 200 years, that’s what I wanted as an artist.”
– ena mori on leaving a legacy through her music
“I don’t really mind not being remembered as an artist,” ena mori said honestly. To her, her work and music is more important than personal recognition. “That’s the goal for most artists, to grow your songs into something that people can hold dearly.” To many, music has been a bridge of between artist and audience, creating music that endures, comforts, and resonates. For her music to be held dearly by the audience is not only her goal but her life’s mission, hoping her music lives on for generations.
In Full Color
ena mori’s journey from classical pianist to hyper-pop musician highlights her fearless approach to music and self-expression. Influenced by legendary artists and a desire to push creative boundaries, she has carved out a unique space in the Filipino music scene. Despite the challenges of navigating the industry, she remains grateful for the freedom to create and speak her mind—something she acknowledges was made possible by the trailblazing women before her. With the platform provided by Spotify RADAR, she hopes to reach a wider audience and to make music that will resonate and inspire for years to come.
A fan of electrifying pop sounds? Give ena mori’s songs a listen on the Spotify RADAR playlist.
Featured Image and Photos: SPOTIFY, ENA MORI (via Instagram)
