Mixture rock is a huge thing in Japan with bands taking cues from a wide range of genres, blending them and coming up with something fresh, something they can rightfully call their own. And that is just what up-and-coming girl duo EMNW does, reaching back to the golden age of nu-metal and rap rock and combine the music of that era with their uniquely Japanese pop-rock sensibilities and powerful feminine energy. We started to arrange this email interview back in May, when saw their show in Kyoto, during their domestic tour that lasted till mid-June and we talked about their influences, their recent UK tour, how their sound and musical direction changed over time and also, the rather impressive team of musicians that helped them make their first album one of the most impressive releases of 2026.

EMNW is a new band on Japan’s vast mixture rock scene and

When and how was the band formed? And also, could you explain the meaning of the band name?

Emma: We were each doing music separately, but our producer, Kuboty, had an idea to create a band with “two girls doing rock music.” So, we formed the band around March 2024. Since I already knew Kuboty, we looked for a partner to work with, and Menu joined us.

Menu: I was invited by a Sony staff member to audition after I uploaded a cover video on social media. I didn’t hesitate and went for the audition. As for our band name, we combined our names—Emma and Menu—to create EMNW, reflecting our ambition to make a big impact in the mixture rock scene as a duo.

Could you tell us about your musical backgrounds? Which artists did you like while you were growing up, and why did you want to become singers?

Emma: I grew up exposed to classical music, gospel, and musicals. Over time, I was influenced by various genres including pop, rock, R&B, soul, and jazz. One artist I loved as a child was Michael Jackson — his songs, performance, and expressiveness fascinated me. I’ve always loved expressing myself through music, and that early feeling still drives my desire to communicate something through singing.

Menu: I’ve also always loved singing and have written lyrics and composed music. Growing up, I listened to Beyoncé, from whom I learned that “strength” comes not just from boldness, but from having sensitivity and vulnerability. That inspired me to become a singer who could connect with people’s emotions and give them courage.

Your producer, Kuboty, is known in the Japanese rock scene as a former member of TOTALFAT, with a strong pop-punk image. Why did EMNW adopt a rap-rock / nu-metal sound instead?

Emma: Initially, EMNW wasn’t focused on mixture rock, but over time our musical style began to take shape. We decided to try mixture rock because a more intense musical style makes it easier to convey our feelings live. I suggested to Kuboty that we go in this direction. We’ve always listened to various genres, but as EMNW, we wanted to emphasize the unique fun that the two of us can create.

Menu: We’re not the typical “metal background, good at shouting” type. But talking with Kuboty, we realized our generation naturally absorbs rap and rhythm-based singing. So, we thought we could incorporate the groove and energy of rap-rock and nu-metal in our own way.

Now that you’ve become more familiar with mixture rock and rap-rock, which bands do you like? Both old and recent bands that have influenced EMNW’s growth.

Emma: Watching various artists live and listening to their music gives us constant inspiration. Some of the biggest influences are SiM, RIZE, The BONEZ, and Dragon Ash.

Menu: I’ve also been inspired by many artists through live shows. SiM, Dragon Ash, RIZE, and CVLTE have especially influenced me, helping me understand mixture and rap-rock and contributing to my growth as a musician.

Beyond influences like Limp Bizkit, are there Japanese bands that had a major impact on EMNW’s music?

Emma: The music and live performances of the artists I mentioned earlier continue to influence us. Seeing JESSE (RIZE, The BONEZ) perform live for the first time left a strong impression — the freedom and energy in his stage performance inspired how I express myself now.

Menu: At first, I didn’t even know what mixture rock was. Through research, I discovered Dragon Ash and realized, “Ah, this is mixture rock.” From there, we learned about the Japanese mixture scene, and for Headbang Baby, we collaborated with KOJIMA and SATOSHI from Yamaarashi for lyrics, with Kuboty coordinating the creation of EMNW’s music.

In Japan, many famous female duos have emerged since the 1960s, like The Peanuts, Pink Lady, Wink, PUFFY, HALCALI. Do you like these artists, and do you see yourselves as part of this lineage?

Emma: Of course we respect them and are aware of the balance that comes from being a duo. But we want to create our own style rather than just follow that lineage. We value being unique — that’s our strength.

Menu: I also deeply respect the pioneers who paved the way for female duos. But rather than imitate them, we want to push the limits of what two people can express — creating music that is edgy, addictive, and memorable.

You recently performed at The Great Escape Festival and had a UK tour. Was this your first overseas performance? How were you selected, and what was the experience like?

Emma: This wasn’t our first overseas show — we’ve performed in Taipei, Thailand, Jakarta, etc. But the UK tour was a major challenge for us. Including solo shows in London, Leeds, and Brighton, the audiences were warmer than we expected. Performing at The Great Escape was thrilling, and it motivated us to bring our music to more places.

Menu: We were thrilled to play at The Great Escape and saw it as a chance for more people overseas to know EMNW. Despite language differences, the energy and groove of our music connected with the audience. This experience strengthened our desire to perform more internationally.

Do you plan to continue overseas activities?

Emma: We want EMNW to be known by more people in Japan and abroad, keeping both in mind as we continue. We’re encouraged by fans asking for us in other countries and want to expand our reach.

Menu: Experiencing overseas shows was inspiring. We want to perform in more countries and feel the music’s connection, growing stronger through these experiences.

You released your first album in March. How did the recording go, and what musical growth did you experience from your debut to the album’s completion?

Emma: From starting the band to releasing the album, we gradually clarified EMNW’s direction and identity through live shows. We hope our range of expression has expanded, and the album reflects what EMNW is now.

Menu: The 1st album includes 12 tracks from our 1st single Choushi Doudai to the latest Good Vibes Only. Listening to the finished album made me think, “I want people around the world to hear this,” and it’s a meaningful reflection of EMNW’s past and future.

Which composers were involved in the album, and did you participate in songwriting?

Emma: The album summarizes the last 1–2 years of EMNW and also serves as an introduction for new listeners. We wrote lyrics for Get it, Get it, creating a track within two hours of receiving the track from Kuboty.

Menu: Many people contributed, especially for the re-recording, including live drums by Gaku Taura (Crystal Lake) and Tatsuya Amano (Crossfaith), plus BOTS’ scratching. We created an album we couldn’t have made alone.

Which are your favorite tracks from the album?

Emma: My Right Time — an early song we’d held back, revisited lyrics and arrangements for release. It has nostalgic yet fresh appeal.

Menu: Good Vibes Only. Choosing a favorite is hard because each track resonates differently. We picked this because it’s the title track of our first nationwide tour, “EMNW To KAMASU – GOOD VIBES ONLY JAPAN TOUR 2026,” and reflects our current mindset.

What themes do your lyrics usually cover? If EMNW could be expressed in one word, what would it be?

Emma: There isn’t a strict theme; some songs focus on ourselves, some on strong resolve, and some raise voices on social issues. The commonality is the energy that drives action. One word: “KAMASU.”

Menu: Themes include human edginess and a “follow us if you want fun” message. Music encourages listeners to take steps forward. One word: “KAMASU.”

You worked with members of Crystal Lake, Crossfaith, Yamaarashi, Dragon Ash, and others on your album and tour. How do you select support musicians?

Emma: Support members vary per show. We’re fortunate to work with talented musicians who bring good vibes and inspiration.

Menu: Whether domestic or overseas, we’re happy to perform with amazing artists. We value every encounter and experience, connecting it to future activities.

How has your first nationwide tour been so far, and how does it compare to expectations?

Emma: The tour had ups and downs, but meeting fans energized us. Thanks to other bands and our team, the tour had great groove, exceeding my expectations.

Menu: Beyond expectations, performing and connecting with fans reminded me of true excitement, which we aim to share with more people. The tour isn’t over yet, and we’ll finish with GOOD VIBES ONLY.

EMNW describes itself as part of Japan’s mixture rock scene. Why do you think this genre is so popular in Japan?

Emma: People seem to receive songs and artists’ appeal directly, rather than focusing on genres. That’s why genre-blending music is accepted. I want to expand my range, so having freedom from genre constraints is appreciated.

Menu: Rap is familiar to our generation, and genre-crossing music feels natural. Mixture rock suits the current era, and EMNW wants to create a new mixture by blending various music and cultures.

What’s next for EMNW after the current tour?

Emma: We gained a lot of experience and growth through this tour. We want more people to know EMNW and continue evolving with fans.

Menu: Overseas experiences inspired us, and we aim to perform abroad more, continuing to surprise people with what two girls can do, becoming edgier and more memorable.

EMNW: EMNW album review / EMNW @ Kyoto Gattaca live gallery