Billboard JAPAN’s latest “MONTHLY FEATURE” shines a light on the influential artist LiSA, who is set to mark her 14th year since debuting in the music industry.

New Music and Collaboration

In January, LiSA debuted her latest track, “ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids),” serving as the opening theme for the much-anticipated anime, *Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow*. The collaboration with Felix, a member of the globally recognized group Stray Kids, highlights the growing synergy between anime culture and contemporary music. The single was crafted by Hiroyuki SAWANO, a prominent figure known for creating memorable soundtracks for beloved anime series such as *Attack on Titan* and *Mobile Suit Gundam UC*.

“ReawakeR” has gained international recognition, climbing to the top of the “Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan” chart, marking its dominance for seven consecutive weeks. In March, the song was made available as a CD single, further solidifying LiSA’s impact on the music landscape.

Insights from LiSA

In a recent interview, LiSA shared her excitement about the anime tie-in, reflecting on her first exposure to the *Solo Leveling* manhwa. She expressed, “It was before Season 1 had even started airing. The anime brought the characters and story to life in ways that provided deeper insights into their personalities.”

LiSA connected with the main character’s struggles and determination, stating, “His journey from weakness to strength echoes my resolve in pursuing music.”

Discussing her collaboration with Felix, she noted the matching of their vocal styles: “My upper register vocals and Felix’s deep bass vocals created a wonderful contrast.” She praised the innovative direction Hiroyuki SAWANO has taken, combining traditional rock elements with contemporary sounds that resonate with modern audiences.

Exploring New Directions

LiSA’s latest single marks a significant shift in her musical style. While rooted in rock, she has incorporated a more danceable beat into “ReawakeR,” demonstrating her adaptability and willingness to experiment with genres. “I’ve been creating rock music for 13 years. Now, I want to channel that spirit into something fresh,” she explained.

This single also features two B-sides, including “RED ZONE,” a collaboration with TOMOKO IDA and TSUGUMI, emphasizing themes of female empowerment. Reflecting on her artistic journey, LiSA stated: “I aim to embrace and express the power of women in my music.”

Looking Forward

Looking ahead, LiSA revealed her plans for the upcoming year, which will mark her 15th anniversary. She plans to embrace new collaborations and experiences under the theme “PATCHWORK.” “As I approach this milestone, I want to continue stitching together new influences and challenges,” she noted, affirming her commitment to growth and evolution as an artist.