Buttery neo soul in Nao Yoshioka’s single ‘In The Rain feat. MXXWLL’
In 2026 New York-based Japanese artist Nao Yoshioka steps into a new phase of her artistic journey. The first single to open that chapter is “In the Rain”, a song that asserts itself neither through power or volume. Instead, what reaches you first is the deep, steady breath that lingers in the spaces between the sounds.
Turning the Forest and Rain into Sound: The song was created in Australia at producer and artist MXXWLL’s studio on the outskirts of Sydney. Located beside a national park, stepping into the garden feels like stepping directly into the forest. On the day of recording, rain fell. The humid air, the scent of soil and trees, and the quiet rhythm of nature breathing became the foundation of the song itself. The title “In the Rain” was not chosen as a metaphor or symbol. It is simply a name that accepts and reflects the moment that existed there that day.
Recovery as Another Form of Creation: Nao Yoshioka has faced panic attacks in the past. In her recovery, spending time in nature became essential. By stepping away from constant information and stimulation, she was able to reconnect with her own senses. What emerged was a simple yet easily forgotten truth: the importance of caring for oneself. That realization is gently embedded in this song, without explanation or insistence.
Soul as a Living Form: The sound carries the warmth of 1970s soul, yet it never feels nostalgic. By stripping away excess and focusing on the relationship between voice and groove, the song reaffirms Nao Yoshioka’s identity as a soul singer while clearly expressing her present moment in 2026. This is not soul as memory, but soul as a living, physical sensation.
A New Chapter Begins Without Raising the Voice: “In the Rain” does not demand attention, but it stays with you quietly and deeply. After traveling the world and experiencing so much, Nao Yoshioka turned inward once more, found her breath in nature, and allowed that moment to become sound. This song is the first record of that place.
Nao explains: “I’m truly happy that my first single of 2026 is ‘In the Rain.’ This song reflects the process of slowly finding myself again by entrusting myself to the ocean and to nature when I feel lost in everyday life. In nature, the voice I couldn’t hear amid the busyness, and the true feelings I had tucked away deep inside, gently begin to loosen. And then, I can clearly hear my inner voice once more. I really treasured that feeling while making this song. I hope people listen to it whenever they want to return to themselves, whether they’re in the city or anywhere else.”
“In The Rain” out via digital download on Feb. 27th 2026 on Sweet Soul Records
