Watch: Aili drop quirky music video for title track ‘Nandakke?’

Having dropped their debut album ‘Nandakke?’ in late February and pleasing our ears with a kaleidoscope of surreal electro-pop, joyful electronica, house music and more, Aili are back to delight our eyes with the music video for the titular track.

The word "nandakke?" (which roughly translates to "Well, what was it?") holds significant meaning for Aili Maruyama, reflecting her unique linguistic journey with her father, which is a mix of French and Japanese that they developed over years of communication.

It's a word that embodies the struggle to find the right expression, particularly when bridging the gap between different cultures and languages.

In the music video, the themes of miscommunication and searching for connection are vividly portrayed.

The duo are seen navigating through Mini-Europe in Brussels, symbolising the diverse cultural landscapes they traverse. Despite their efforts, they fail to connect, echoing the challenges of communication across languages and distances.

Read this next: Justice share robot sex tape visual for new single 'Generator'

As they navigate this whimsical landscape, the mantra of "just not" echoes their almost-encounters, echoing Aili's struggle to articulate her thoughts in Japanese.

Read this next: Mixmag Asia’s mind-blowing music videos from 2022

The album 'Nandakke?' itself embodies this spirit of exploration, with tracks that range from pulsing electro-pop to high-energy workouts. Aili's unique blend of Japanese and French adds layers of depth to the lyrics, reflecting her experience as an outsider navigating multiple worlds.

Watch the full video below and purchase the full ‘Nandakke?’ album here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.