Sasami has unveiled her latest single, “In Love With A Memory,” featuring Clairo. Co-produced by Rostam, the wistful track offers a captivating blend of acoustic guitar, shimmering synths, and tender vocals. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese pop ballads, the song merges timeless sounds with a modern, experimental approach. The production, described by Sasami as “a cinematic duet with a ghost,” showcases her classical music background and fearless embrace of pop’s emotionality.

The accompanying music video, directed by Jay Swuen, amplifies the song’s nostalgic and otherworldly vibe. Set against a dreamy, surreal backdrop, it captures a visual narrative that reflects the song’s themes of longing and timeless love. Sasami explains that the song was inspired by memories of her mother singing Japanese and Korean folk songs during karaoke sessions, likening her mother’s haunting vibrato to a scene from a David Lynch movie. “There’s a very timeless but relevant crooning feeling imbued in the song that Rostam and I orchestrated together,” Sasami shared.

Clairo’s ethereal vocals perfectly complement Sasami’s emotional delivery, adding depth and vulnerability to the track. As longtime friends and collaborators, their musical chemistry shines throughout the song, making it a standout from Sasami’s upcoming album, Blood On the Silver Screen, due March 7th via Domino. The album, which Sasami describes as her “all-out pop record,” marks a significant creative shift for the polymath musician. Known for her fearless experimentation, Sasami taps into influences ranging from Britney Spears and Lady Gaga to Japanese city pop and Bruce Springsteen, crafting an ambitious and deeply personal body of work.

In an interview, Sasami opened up about how Blood On the Silver Screen serves as a reclamation of joy and embodiment. “I wanted to go all out with this album,” she said. “In my tenderness and emotionality, I had the bravery to undertake something as epic as making a pop record about love.” The album explores themes of love, power, and identity, challenging traditional notions and embracing a more liberated perspective on relationships and self-expression.

Fans can watch the “In Love With A Memory” video below:

Photo Credit: Mehreen Rizvi