Salasa Releases New R&B Track “Sobaniite” Following Major-Label Debut With Live Bluesy

Japanese singer-songwriter Salasa has released her new track “Sobaniite” on October 14, 2026, following her major-label debut with the mixtape EP Live Bluesy in August. The new single combines soulful R&B influences with understated jazzy melodies and wistful vocals, creating a sound suited to the reflective mood of autumn.

The release marks Salasa’s latest step as her music reaches a growing international audience. Her previous track, “Kaze ni Naru,” the lead song from Live Bluesy, gained traction on Japan’s music charts and earned wider attention through radio and podcast features. Salasa was also selected as an official ambassador for Japan’s Record Day 2026.

With “Sobaniite,” the artist continues to develop the personal musical identity behind her work, drawing on soul, R&B, and rock while using melancholy and vulnerability as sources of creative expression.

“Sobaniite” Brings a Melancholic R&B Sound to Salasa’s Discography

“Sobaniite,” written in Japanese as “そばにいて,” pairs a gentle groove with jazzy melodies and Salasa’s characteristically melancholic vocals. Its restrained arrangement and bittersweet atmosphere give the single a reflective quality, matching the seasonal mood highlighted in the release announcement. The track is available to stream through Sony Music’s official release link.

The song also reflects the creative approach behind Salasa’s music. Rather than treating sadness and vulnerability as emotions to avoid, she uses them as material for songwriting. Her sound draws from several genres, including soul, R&B, and rock, allowing her to explore different moods without being confined to a single style.

Released on August 5, 2026, Live Bluesy marked Salasa’s major-label debut. The eight-track EP includes “Kaze ni Naru,” “KAMINARI,” “Thinking of You,” “YOU,” and “Aoi taiyou,” alongside remixes of “Thinking of You” and “YOU.”

“Kaze ni Naru” became a notable release in her growing career, reaching No. 2 on the SAISON CARD TOKIO HOT 100, according to the supplied artist biography. Salasa was also named an ambassador for Japan’s Record Day 2026, with a vinyl edition of Live Bluesy scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Salasa’s international presence has expanded alongside her Japanese releases. In 2025, she toured Japan with the Thinking of You TOUR 2025. The song “Thinking of You” subsequently surpassed 2.1 million YouTube views from audiences outside Japan, while a solo performance in Taipei in 2026 marked another step in her overseas activities.

The phrase “Live Bluesy” captures the artistic philosophy that connects Salasa’s releases. Inspired by the blues and its roots in sadness and struggle, the concept encourages her to turn difficult emotions into creative expression. Her music reflects that perspective through wistful vocals, understated melodies, and a willingness to embrace emotional complexity.

With “Sobaniite,” Salasa continues this approach while introducing another soulful R&B release for listeners discovering her music in Japan and overseas.