Sarina is a Tokyo, Japan-based alternative pop artist who has just caught my attention thanks to her enchanting new track and video Yu-Utsu na Michi (Melancholy Roads).

By Graeme Smith

Sarina’s take on pop is quite unlike anything I’ve heard before. Opening quiet and reflective, with tinkling percussion and ambient street sounds, it slowly builds. Despite its title, it feel quite whimsical rather than melancholic. Yet, Sarina’s vocals are beautifully emotive, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her stop-motion style video.

Born in Hawaii to a Japanese father and Lebanese mother, Sarina has always had an aptitude for music, and it took her to Berklee College of Music in Boston and UCLA in California.

You can watch the video for Melancholy Roads below.