Mina Okabe was born and raised in London to a Japanese mother and a Danish father. Having lived in big cities such as New York and Manila, she grew up with multiple different cultures, languages, sounds and voices. This background heavily inspired her song-writing. Where others keep their diary under lock and key, 21-year-old Mina is an open book. Her lyrics give an honest look inside the head and thoughts of a young woman.

Now Copenhagen-based, she writes blissful, dreamy pop songs that shimmer of optimism, which she delivers with a soft voice. Her just-released debut album Better Days holds ten fine examples. The fact that half of these have been released as singles over the last year, proves the strength of this bunch of songs. And there’s more where this came from.

Miss Those Days is Mina’s new single. “It’s about friendship – about a close friend of mine. We used to be together all the time but one day she had to move far away. Even though we promised to stay in touch, everything we had just faded out and disappeared. Miss Those Days is about everything you take for granted and the wonder of sudden change”, Mina Okabe says.

Recommended as well:
Mina Okabe – Walk Away

Follow Mina Okabe on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

If you’re a regular follower of Carte Blanche Music, you know Denmark bursts with musical talents. Copenhagen, especially, is fertile ground in this respect. Just like recent recommendations RoseeLu, Mina Okabe, School Of X, mags and Dopha, newcomer siné is based there as well.

That hasn’t always been the case, by the way. At a very early age already, she left Denmark (including all worries, expectations and future plans) behind. She started to travel the world as a backpacker. However, upon return siné discovered nothing had changed, really. That may sound as a disillusion, but the experience was priceless. Playing street corners, bars and clubs, she made new friends around the globe. And equally important: she developed her own musical style, inspired by ‘90s R&B and hip hop, the legendary Motown-feel and carefree sunshine pop.

2Good2U, only siné’s second single, is a great example. It’s playful and full of funky chord changes, spacey horn sections and break beats. Throughout, it’s held together by her incredibly soulful voice.

Siné says about the song: “It was really meant to be the ultimate break-up song. But while I was going all Girl Power and feeling free, I was hit by the insecurity that always haunts you when you’re trying to leave someone for good. And so instead, I ended up feeling totally miserable about myself. 2Good2U is about the inner fight that comes with not being able to stand up for your ridiculous self when life needs to change. It’s a reminder that you are the one in your life who can make the chance to move forward from what might seem like a catch-22.”

Follow siné on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.