Meet PAiDA: Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with PAiDA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi PAiDA, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think I’ve always been a very creative person. When I was younger I leaned more towards drawing and painting and my artistic interests have evolved over time. I never really occurred to me to attempt to pursue anything seriously until I did some self-reflecting and realized I wouldn’t be happy with myself unless I put focus in my art as an outlet for my thoughts. At that time I felt that, at the very least for peoples entertainment, putting my heart into music and sharing that with people could become something that is mutually beneficial for myself and the listeners.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If you’re into Japanese, alternative music, and black girls wriggling away from stereotypes, you might be interested in me! I’m definitely like other girls, and I’m not afraid to express the normalcy of the insane thoughts that pass through my brain daily. Humanity is to be frank, kind of crappy. A lot of people think that way, so I’m proud of myself for trying to be a voice to those dark thoughts we have about our own impact on the world. My journey into the music world was born from my genuine passion for J-pop and my absolute disappointment in the human race. I’ve realized that I want to blend my love for all the things that make the world so wonderful into a warning message that we need to do take a bigger stance in protecting those things. It hasn’t been the easiest task, as I tackle simply learning the basics of music production and figuring out what words to put together to convey my thoughts properly. I’m happy that I haven’t met too much backlash on being a black woman singing in Japanese, but I mentally prepare myself everyday to face that hatred when it makes it rounds. I’ve learned to be more patient with the process, take one day at a time, and truly be proud of every hill I cross no matter the size. I want people to know that I am ordinary, and yet, unique. Flawed, but sculpted perfectly. I have a big vision for the world and it will be heard, and when they listen to it I know they will be hurt, but warmed to it in a life-changing, Earth-saving moment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food is a big thing here! The real question is where wouldn’t I take them. I’m big on ramen, so Tatsuya is a no-brainer– it stacks up very well against the places I’ve eaten even in Japan! I would also recommend Tiger’s Den and for the vegans, Jinya is a real treat! When it isn’t 300 degrees outside, Discovery Green and Hermann Park areas are amazing places to walk around, relax and have picnics. If you’re lucky you might even stumble upon a cultural festival in the park or a free concert happening at Miller! I’m not a big drinker at all, but I’m big on some Taro! Bellaire is home to so many boba cafe and private karaoke rooms. If you aren’t afraid to sing in front of strangers unlike me(haha), Neil’s Bar is very quaint and has weekly karaoke nights, so you can watch your drunk friends belt their hearts out as you huddle up to the arcade in the corner!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been pursuing this weird little dream of mine since 2014 and I really wouldn’t have felt comfortable enough to keep going and keep being risky without my fans turned friends gassing me up since the start. Most noticeably miss Nyaru, thanks for being so crazy and giving me so many opportunities to shine since day one! The Overseas Idol community, the Chocolate Idol Network, have always continued to be supportive of my endeavors even when I felt like I shouldn’t continue. My loved ones who don’t really grasp what I’m doing haha, they still continue to support me and await my inevitable music releases. Thank you everyone so much, let’s keep it up!

Website: www.paida.space

Instagram: @galaxygirlpaida.official

Twitter: @gingagirlpaida

Facebook: GalaxyGirl Paida

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GalaxyGirlPaida

Image Credits
Art: Julie.Egg First contact Album Art: PAiDA, CraftyPanda Stage shot edit: Melancholiaah!