Amid the global rise of C-pop, a new voice from Guangzhou, China, is ready to make her mark. Her name is nonope, and her debut single, 'ANSWER', is a force of nature. A heartfelt tribute to friendship, change, and the bittersweet nature of moving forward, 'ANSWER' is a sparkling reflection of nonope’s distinct musical world, where transparent, soft frequencies meet an infectious C-pop sound.
Born and raised in a small suburban area in Guangzhou, nonope’s musical odyssey began as a 12-year-old during a school holiday when she dove deep into music production. She started composing music at 14 and got involved in album production at 15. Her dedication led to a place at a prestigious music conservatory, where she graduated top of her class in 2020.
“I have been influenced by many incredible artists and mentors who have shaped my artistic journey. I was listening to S.H.E and BIGBANG when I was younger. As I grew older, the likes of OFFONOFF inspired me greatly. Now, the artists who have influenced me the most are FKA Twigs and The Marías. They continue to be an endless source of inspiration and creative energy for me,” nonope says.
Describing her music as “vacuum glass bottle music”, her intimate, bedroom-studio production style is as charming as it is authentic, shaping an airy, soft, and undeniably fresh sound. “My music often evokes the sensation of floating effortlessly in space, yet not difficult to grasp. It is light, accessible, and easy for anyone to enjoy”, she explains.
With 'ANSWER', nonope explores themes of time, separation, and self-reflection. Written during a period of transition in her life, the song serves as an intimate message to friends who have been like family, supporting her through both triumphs and struggles. “I knew we would inevitably drift apart as we each moved forward. This song is my quiet way of saying I miss them all, and no matter where I am, I will always be watching over them and cheering them on,” nonope reveals.
'ANSWER' stands out not only for its emotional depth but also for its creative fusion of cultures. The single was arranged and produced by Japanese artist Rikuto Nagira from R&B/soul duo lo-key design, who carefully crafted a sound that complements nonope’s distinct lyrical storytelling. While the song retains the signature melodic phrasing of modern Chinese music, it is infused with unmistakable J-pop sensibilities, resulting in a fresh and intriguing blend of influences.
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