lulu + Mikeneko Homeless Release Latest Single “Karagenki”

Japanese electronic duo Mikeneko Homeless’ influence can be heard all over modern J-pop and the nation’s club community. After two years, the project has shared its first new song, “Karagenki,” featuring vocals from longtime collaborator Lulu. It’s the trio working together at their best, creating a summer-ready melody concealing more complex feelings beneath the bright surface.

Guided by a sunny guitar line and a beat built for a sunny holiday, “Karagenki” delivers a particularly upbeat variation on Mikeneko Homeless’ jazzier side. Lulu hops alongside the music, singing in a husky delivery that has made her one of the freshest voices in Japanese electronic music in recent years. Yet the cheery mood and upbeat structure of “Karagenki” conceals more emotionally twisty words, with Lulu trying to savor a good time while fully aware that it happening again isn’t a guarantee.

Mikeneko Homeless, consisting of members hironica and mochilon, started working together in the late 2000s. They became staples of Japan’s burgeoning netlabel community, releasing music through Maltine Records and eventually writing for artists such as J-pop chart-toppers Sexy Zone, rising rap unit chelmico, and many more.

Lulu started sharing original music recorded entirely on her iPhone to SoundCloud in the early part of the 2010s. Her distinct voice and unique perspective to lyric writing made her stand out, and she began collaborating with artists such as Mikeneko Homeless in the years after, along with rising acts like Shin Sakiura and Afro Parker.

Available for streaming now on all major platforms, you can check out Mikeneko Homeless’ latest here.