Danish-Japanese singer-songwriter Mina Okabe has unveiled her deeply personal new single, “Always Hurts”, offering a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the emotional toll of leaving people behind. This latest release marks the fourth track from her highly anticipated sophomore album, set to arrive this spring via Capitol Records.
With an intimate blend of diary-like songwriting and ethereal melodies, “Always Hurts” captures the heartbreak of impermanence, a theme that resonates with Okabe’s nomadic upbringing. Produced by Leroy Clampitt (Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter), the track combines hushed vocals, delicate acoustic guitar, and layered harmonies to create a mesmerizing, bittersweet soundscape.
A Story of Connection and Letting Go
Okabe, who has lived in London, New York, Manila, and now Copenhagen, reveals that her experiences of constantly moving shaped her perspective on relationships. Despite her gratitude for a multicultural upbringing, she acknowledges the pain of saying goodbye.
“Although I’ve gotten used to leaving places and people behind, there are some I never want to leave and never would be able to say goodbye to. This song is for and about them,” says Okabe.
The song’s lyrics paint a vulnerable portrait of masking pain, as she softly sings, “It always hurts when I let go, but I don’t let them see me cry.” As the track progresses, its understated arrangement swells with layered harmonies, soft piano, and fluttering textures, building into an emotional crescendo that captures the beauty and sadness of true connection.
A Rising Star on the Global Stage
Okabe’s 2021 debut album Better Days—which went four-times platinum in Korea—firmly established her as a global artist-to-watch. Her upcoming album will also feature previously released singles like “Making Plans” and “Strong”, showcasing her signature dreamy, introspective sound.
Named a Spotify Borderless Artist for 2025, Okabe continues her meteoric rise with a 2025 Music Moves Europe Award nomination and an electrifying performance at Eurosonic Festival in the Netherlands. Fresh off a sold-out tour of Japan, she has amassed over 500 million streams, with festival appearances at SXSW, Roskilde, Seoul Jazz Festival, and Summer Sonic Festival.