Sarina – If you need me to be a villain (then maybe I am)
Alt-rock artist Sarina releases the music video for her single, “If you need me to be a villain (then maybe I am).”
The music video, produced by Dani Doucette and edited by Kazumi Watanabe, features a complex mixture of cool power and intense emotional vulnerability brought together by Sarina’s strong performance and captivating visuals.
“In the video, I sit down across a fortune teller of sorts who shuffles a deck of tarot cards. The one she pulls is the major arcana “The Fool,” which is the very first card and often considered the most powerful. In this case, it has layered meaning, on one hand it’s mocking, I’m the fool for allowing myself to be cast as this role I despise, but it also signifies power. It signifies new beginnings and intuition. Taking a risk but trusting your gut.” – Sarina explains the meaning behind the video.
A song that outlines the remorseful, contrite feelings an abundance of women undergo, particularly in relationships. Between passionately compelling lyrics and prominent outlooks, Sarina displays wicked, encapsulating themes of surrendering as well as rallying cries. Sarina is also announcing her long-awaited EP, The Fool, out on September 12th. “If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)” marks the first single from the upcoming EP.
Produced by Kevin Thrasher (Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), the tune promotes confidence and tenacity, setting the scene for a ferocious and unapologetic vindication. Sarina explores relationship conflicts alongside internal dilemmas and adversities, highlighting emotional health. “‘If you need me to be the villain (Then maybe I am)’ is about an experience so many women have, especially in relationships, where we are made to feel like everything is ours to take responsibility for,” she explains. “No matter the issue, we feel like we have to apologize regardless of who was in the wrong. We reassure and apologize despite being the ones hurt.” At the heart of the track is Sarina’s acceptance of the villain role being cast upon her. This is exhibited throughout the bridge and chorus, coming to the revelation that it’s alright to claim your authority and own your strength. “The song is a surrender just as much as it is a battle cry. In the same breath, I embrace my role as villain in your story, I question whether or not I’m the villain in my own story,” Sarina confesses. The eloquent and high-powered energy fills up every melody, leaving audiences wanting more. With thunderous instrumentation and roaring vocals, Sarina creates the ultimate feminist anthem, grabbing the attention of those who have been equally cast as the bad guy in their own lives. The single was mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Maor Appelbaum, known for his work with metal icons like Faith No More, Dream Theater, Sepultura, Rob Halford, and more.
Sarina is a rising alt-rock sensation from Tokyo, Japan, blending the raw energy of early 2010s pop-punk with her own unapologetic, edgy rock style. A bilingual artist born in Hawaii to a Lebanese mother and Japanese father, Sarina’s international upbringing in Tokyo has deeply influenced her music, resonating with fans of The Pretty Reckless, YUNGBLUD, and Paramore.
From a young age, Sarina was absorbed in a world of music and creativity, beginning with classical piano lessons at just two years old. Her journey soon expanded to include guitar and ukulele, instruments she continues to cherish for their versatility. With a profound respect for both the dark and light aspects of life, influenced by her artistically gifted parents, Sarina’s music explores themes of mental health and personal struggle, creating a sound that is both deeply relatable and emotionally powerful.
Sarina’s debut single, “Identity,” released under the Sony RED label, showcased her multi-instrumental talents, as she played drums, guitar, bass, and piano on the track. With Sony Red, she released five more singles, an EP titled Foreword, and six music videos, which she story-boarded and headed with her original concepts and detail-oriented symbolism, before launching SyrenSong in May of 2024, a label spearheaded alongside her mother, who is one of Japan’s successful music business entrepreneurs. Filled with thought-provoking lyrics and catchy melodies, her songs have earned her coveted playlist spots on Spotify’s “New Music Friday,” Ones to Watch’s “Now Watching,” Apple Music’s “New in Rock” and “New in Alternative.”
In addition to her solo work, Sarina lent her voice to the main vocal trio for the video game company Square Enix’s JRPG Triangle Strategy, collaborating with renowned composer Senju Akira. With the release of her Break Out!! EP, and new singles on the horizon, produced in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Erik Ron (I Prevail, Staind, Bush) and platinum record producer and Escape the Fate guitarist Kevin Thrasher (Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), Sarina is ready to take the Western music scene by storm.
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