Aili, Japanese-Belgian duo consisting of Aili Maruyama and Orson Wouters, has dropped their debut album, "Nandakke?" via Eskimo Recordings, delivering a refreshing blend of electro-pop, funk rhythms, and ‘homemade’ Japanese storytelling.

Born out of Maruyama's multicultural upbringing, "Nandakke?" explores themes of identity, belonging, and linguistic creativity. Maruyama's unique journey, leaving Tokyo for Europe at a young age and inventing a language with her father to stay connected, serves as the inspiration behind much of the album's lyrical content.

Recorded over six months in Wouters' studio, "Nandakke?" captures the energy and collaborative spirit of Aili's creative process. From electro-pop anthems to playful electronica and house-inspired tracks, the album showcases the duo's versatility and love for experimentation.

This versatility can be heard in songs like “Nandakke?”, the intimate “Babychan”, and “Takoyaki”, where the father of singer Maruyama makes a guest appearance listing the ingredients for the legendary dish.

The album title, "Nandakke?", reflects the journey of connecting with Maruyama’s Japanese heritage. In her own words: “In many ways I'm an outsider, I left Tokyo aged 7, so there's a lot I notice as someone who is not a native speaker and it doesn't always make sense, there’s a lot of mistakes in it. But in a way that sums up the whole philosophy of the album and how Orson and I work together.”

Translating to “well, what was it”, “Nandakke?” embraces the journey as an outsider longing for a sense of belonging. “It's something you say when you're looking for a word, like you know it but have forgotten how to say it. That's literally how I communicate with my dad the whole time. All the lyrics come from that place, that seven-year old trying to speak Japanese."

Aili Nandakke? album — ‘Nandakke?’ artwork by Kanta Mochida

With its vibrant electro-pop beats and heartfelt storytelling, Aili’s debut album, “Nandakke?”, promises to make you dance while taking you on a journey of cultural discovery, exploring themes of identity and belonging.

If you would love to catch Aili live, be sure to check out their tour dates below