Erika Ikuta's 2nd EP "bitter candy" will be released! Latest art photo & jacket photo released

■Contains songs written and composed by Erika Ikuta, cover songs, etc.

Erika Ikuta will release her 2nd EP “bitter candy” on March 5th.

This is the first work in about a year since the previous EP “capriccioso”. It includes songs written and composed by Erika Ikuta herself, as well as cover songs.

This album, “Bitter Candy,” is close to the listener’s daily life, but it also provides a glimpse of Erika Ikuta in her current life-size form, even more so than in her previous album, making it a piece that allows you to enjoy her multi-faceted expressiveness.

The title, “bitter candy,” is a combination of the contradictory words “bitter” and “candy.” Erika Ikuta says, “As we survive each day, there are times when we face not only the fun and happy things, but also the painful things, and sometimes the reality that is difficult to accept.I wish we could look at and experience such bitterness in a slightly pop way.” The title was chosen from this idea.

The two songs included in this release, “Jadeki” and “Ignore,” whose lyrics and music were written and composed by Erika Ikuta, are especially must-listens. “Jadeki” is a song that uses the word “Jadeki” to encourage people to move forward with their feelings of vacillating between their ideal self and a self who is not satisfied with their current situation. An addictive number with a jazzy and gorgeous sound and a catchy chorus.

“Ignore” is a refreshing song that relieves the loneliness and frustration that arises from misunderstandings with other people. Contrary to the thrilling title, this number shines with a pop melody and gentle singing voice.

In addition, there is a wide variety of songs, including his first winter song “Mont Blanc” released in 2024 and the song “Kakurenbo” from NHK’s “Minna no Uta” October/November 2024. Details of the other songs included in this album, which demonstrate his talent while making a leap from his previous musicality, will be announced at a later date.

The accompanying BD for the first press limited edition A of this product includes “Erika Ikuta Premium Billboard Live 2025” which was held at Billboard Live Yokohama on January 7th, and the attached BD for the first press limited edition B includes 2024. Live footage from the “Erika Ikuta Tour 2024 ‘capriccioso’ FINAL” held at Pacifico Yokohama National Hall on September 20th will be specially edited and recorded.