Yayoi Daimon's on a mission to change up the hip-hop scene. Armed with a wide musical range – from dancehall beats to sultry R&B melodies, the Japanese act is determined to empower her fans, one song at a time. 

From proudly claiming to be a 'First Class Bitch' to encouraging girls to be confident and comfortable in their own skin, Yayoi wants to show everyone that they can be a 'Top Gyal'. 

"I want to motivate girls and empower my fans. I wasn't a strong girl initially, there are many people out there struggling or suffering from the same problems. Just like the girl I used to be, I want to show that there is a better, more powerful way to live," Yayoi tells Bandwagon. 

Hailing from Osaka, Yayoi Daimon's musical journey started in high school where she found her passion for singing and performing. Since then, she's been relentlessly chasing her dream, first joining a girl group and now, pursuing a career as an independent artist. 

Weaving through the genres of R&B, dancehall, and hip-hop and reiterating messages of empowerment and strength, the eccentric 'EGO' hitmaker wants to break the boundaries of genres and challenge traditional Japanese values and stereotypes – all while being unapologetically herself. 

Bandwagon caught up with Yayoi Daimon to talk about her creative process, her upcoming EP, and the story behind her newest track 'Chill Like A Midnight' featuring Reddy. 

Hi Yayoi, what have you been up to lately? 

Making songs and I'm very busy with a lot of projects! This July, I left the company that raised me and started working in a new way. When I started connecting with my clients directly, I realized how I can work better now as an independent artist. I’m opening my mind to new things and new ideas. 

What drew you into music and what motivated you to pursue it as a career? 

I fell in love with performing when I was a kid. When I was 12, I saw a concert in the dance and vocal club in junior high school and decided to become a singer. 

You work on a lot of your own music and performances, from the lyrics to the choreography. What does your creative process usually look like? 

Humans are not perfect, everyone grows and develops over time. Now, I make songs that reflect how I feel and how I think today. I choose a producer that suits the image and the vibe of the work I want to make, we will have a session on the spot and create it.

What is one core philosophy you’d say drives your process? 

Be independent, make your own choices, live freely and happily. I'm always been an addict -addicted to love and work and have had a difficult time in both. In fact, I am still on the road to finding independence and success. I want to share that path with everyone. 

Congratulations on the release of ‘Chill Like A Midnight’! Tell us more about the song and what it’s like working with Reddy. 

Thank you! I met Reddy during our shoot for a Red Bull campaign. I showed him some of my music and we talked about collaborations at the time. It's been over a year since then, and it's finally a collaboration. I wanted to make a song with him that everyone would want to repeat over and over again. 

The track comes from your upcoming EP. What stories can we expect from the record?

People need to be themselves. I need to be me, you need to be you. 

In the next five years, where can we see Yayoi Daimon? 

After COVID, I would love to tour! I love crossing borders. I want to do a lot of live concerts so that I can connect with my fans from different countries, and of course, make new ones too. 

Outside of music, what do you enjoy doing?

Be in nature. Read books. I like to meditate. 

Share with us any upcoming plans you have, in terms of music. 

I will release my new babies for my EP later in the year. Currently, I’m doing some collaborative projects so be ready when those come out!

Listen to Yayoi Daimon's 'Chill Like A Midnight' featuring Reddy here!