Michelle Zauner, the indie-rock sensation behind Japanese Breakfast, is making headlines again—and this time, it’s personal. Fresh off her Grammy-nominated high and the viral success of her memoir Crying in H Mart, Zauner is back with a new album that’s already being called “a raw, radiant triumph.” But in a recent tell-all interview, she revealed the bittersweet inspiration behind the project: “Melancholy isn’t my enemy anymore. It’s my muse.”
Fans know Zauner’s music often dances between heartbreak and hope, but her upcoming album, Jubilee, takes a daring turn. “I wanted to explore joy without ignoring the ache that makes it meaningful,” she confessed. The lead single, “Be Sweet,” blends synth-pop euphoria with lyrics about rebuilding trust, while the haunting ballad “Savage Good Boy” tackles greed and vulnerability. But it’s Track 3, “Tactics,” that’s sparking frenzy—a stripped-down ode to her late mother that reduced early listeners to tears.
“Writing this album felt like digging up buried treasure,” Zauner shared. “After Crying in H Mart, I thought I’d said everything. Then I realized grief isn’t a closed book. It’s a conversation.” She credits her Korean heritage and late-night kimchi-making sessions for grounding her during the creative process. “Food, music, love—they’re all lifelines when the world feels heavy.”
Critics are raving that Jubilee is Zauner’s boldest work yet, blending 80s-inspired beats with lyrics that cut deep. But the singer admits she’s nervous. “Joy is scarier than sadness sometimes. You’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Spoiler: It doesn’t. Instead, the album soars, proving Zauner’s genius for turning pain into power.
Want more? The album drops June 10th, and rumor has it her upcoming tour will feature a surprise tribute to her mom. One thing’s clear: Michelle Zauner isn’t just surviving her story—she’s rewriting it.