I’ve always believed in the magic of music—how it erases language barriers, crosses borders, and unites people in ways few other shared passions can.
Case in point: Sabi. As the owner of Dumpling Box, she and I first connected over our mutual love of STARTO artists like Travis Japan and Ae! group. Two years later, that spark has grown into one of my closest friendships. She’s been a huge supporter of me personally and has been instrumental in the release and promotion of My Super Fiancé.
But Sabi isn’t just a friend or fellow fan—she’s an artist in her own right. I had the privilege of interviewing the week before she took the stage at the J-Pop Up event in Västervik, Sweden, as a part of the Open Stage activity before MAD JAMIE from Japan ignited the evening with her Swedish stop of the Europe tour to perform some of her favorite covers as well as her own original material.
1.) Why do you make music?
Because I can’t not make it. Music is where I throw all my energy, frustration, and love. It’s how I figure myself out and how I connect with people.
Music has always been a part of my childhood, and always been a source of inspiration, so it became a given that I continued with it myself.
It gives you a canvas of your own to paint, regardless of who you are.
Even if my words can’t reach everyone, the sound, the feeling—it still does.
2.) What got you into music?
Honestly? Being an idol otaku LOL.
No, I guess that’s only true for the current music I listen to and am inspired by.
I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest, participated in a nationwide orchestra and marching band, and I’ve been doing covers on YouTube for over 17 years too.
It just became a part of me.
Going to various shows of the artists that I love and feeling the energy of the crowd and the performers, and thinking, “I want to give someone else that same spark one day.” That, and I was always hiding in the basement doing covers.
3.) What do you think pop music is so transcendent of language and location?
Because emotions don’t need subtitles. A beat, a melody, the way someone sings—you feel it before you even understand it. Pop especially carries this universal energy. You don’t have to know the lyrics to scream the chorus.
It also sparks such joy to listen to, and you don’t throw that away. You treasure it, no matter if you understand it or not.
4.) If you could work with anyone person or group who would it be?
Ae! group, no hesitation. They’re chaotic, extremely musical, and always pushing their own limits.
That balance between band sound and idol performance is something I look up to a lot.
So being able to take part in just a tiny bit of that passion they have would be a dream come true, and singing along with them? Not sure if my vocal chords would survive, but hey, I’ll take it!
5.) How do you feel social media / digital distribution has helped you (and all) Independent artists?
It’s like a double-edged sword, but one I’m thankful for. Without it, I wouldn’t even be here talking about my music. Social media gives you the chance to find your people—your listeners—even if they’re halfway across the world. It evens the playing field a little for independent artists.
It’s easier now than ever to distribute your music on your own without being signed to a label, and I think that’s a great thing to be able to do. Anything is just a click away to share and like, and in the palm of your hand, and you never know who’s going to find it or when.
On the other hand, it’s also easy to just get swept away and blend into the crowd, so it does require you to keep yourself constantly updated and active if you want to build a community and following.
6.) What’s your most favorite track you’ve recorded and why?
Right now, it has to be my newest release「のFILTER」. It’s raw and messy in the best way. It’s about stripping away the filters people put on you—or you put on yourself—and just screaming out what’s real. It’s the closest to my heart, because it feels like me, unpolished and loud.
「のFILTER」 is a punk-charged battle cry born out of frustration, resistance, and reclaiming power. It tears through the polished veneer expected of idols, artists, and anyone forced to wear a socially acceptable mask.
The title plays on the English pronunciation of “no filter,” twisted with the Japanese particle 「の」—a nod to how we’re constantly asked to apply the “right” filter: the right behavior, the right face, the right version of ourselves. Especially in performance, but also in life.
This song rejects all of that. It turns vulnerability into strength and scars into spotlight. It’s not about being edgy for the sake of it—it’s about being honest when the world keeps asking for pretend.
Whether you’re on a stage, online, or just trying to survive in a world full of expectations, 「のFILTER」 says this: You don’t owe anyone perfection. And you never needed a filter to shine.
An avid fan of Travis Japan, Sabi also recorded a special birthday song for Genta!
Her third song for the Sexy Tiger she smiles happily when asked about him. “The idols of STARTO inspire me to make my own music. They’re so talented and so inspiring, of course it also helps when they have a smile as sexy as Genta’s.”
J-Pop Up is Swedish-Japanese Performers Association’s newest sparkly brainchild, designed to pull Japanese music, dance, idols, and pop culture right into the heart of Sweden. Instead of just being another concert, the debut edition felt like stepping through a glittery portal—an all-day celebration where fans could dance, sing, and connect directly with the magic of Japan. From interactive activities to artist encounters, it wasn’t just a show, it was an experience—one that built a living, breathing bridge between Sweden and J-pop culture.
Sabi is one of my favorite (and most adorable) human beings I know. You can follow her socials below:
YouTube : @sabimiens
Instagram : / chinenist
Official Site : https://www.dumplingbox.com
Artist Page : https://dumplingbox.org/sabi/
photographer: chrysalis.cos
I am looking forward to sharing more about her creative endeavors soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 