Bedroom Pop from Fukuoka, Japan | A Happypills Interview

Last Updated on 2026-03-28 by a-indie

The Meaning Behind 『happypills (dream)』

－Maririn： This is your first EP release in five years. What meaning did you put into the title 『happypills (dream)』?
Once I started performing live, I was surrounded by people who were just incredibly cool, and there were moments where I felt I could not match their skill or experience. But when I thought about what Happypills means to me as an identity, I felt more strongly than ever that the home-recording quality is something I want to hold onto. So with this release, I tried to express the best bedroom dream pop I am capable of right now. There is a self-titled quality to it as well, but I am also hoping I can change the word inside the parentheses for future releases and turn it into a series.

Everything Starts at Home

－Maririn： What kind of environment was this EP recorded in? Was it a studio, home recording, or some combination of both?
Everything was recorded at home. Back when I was making my first album, I produced most of the tracks using GarageBand on iOS. Now I use Logic Pro on a MacBook. I am interested in studio recording and would like to try it sometime, but for now it is all done at home.

The World of the Lyrics and That Floating Feeling

－Maririn： Throughout the record, I get a sense of looking up at the sky and drifting — a kind of distance that feels like sky but not quite space. There is also a narrative quality, almost like a film protagonist’s perspective. I felt that 「7」 from your previous release 『Rain Baum』 was inspired by the anime 『Eureka Seven』. What kinds of things inspire your lyrics?
Thank you so much. I am really glad you described it as “sky but not quite space.” It might be similar to what I said before, but I think what happens is that I am drawing visible scenes and mixing in these unresolved, floating feelings — so it ends up feeling like somewhere between the ground and outer space. And I am so happy you noticed the Eureka Seven reference! 「7」 was unusual in that I decided on the theme very firmly from the start before writing the lyrics. I said earlier that I do not have specific influences, but I really love the atmosphere of things like Eureka Seven and, more recently, Stranger Things. I would love recommendations if you have any.

Bandcamp and the DIY Spirit

－Maririn： This release includes a bonus track exclusive to Bandcamp. In an era where streaming is the norm, why do you still prioritize Bandcamp as a platform?
Bandcamp has a large international user base, and from very early on there were people who found my music through the site and occasionally reviewed it, or paid to download it as a tip. That history means it holds a special place for me. The fact that I was able to release my first album on cassette tape through Citrus City Records, a US indie label, also came about because they found me on Bandcamp and reached out. I also just like how easy it is to upload things. That said, I do plan to distribute on streaming platforms eventually — I just have not decided on a timeline yet.