Tokyo-based alternative rock artist sammy. /REVERSIES has released their powerful new single called “Full of Lies.” This DIY project combines the raw energy of grunge and emo music with the catchy elements of Japanese rock. As a solo artist, sammy. handles all aspects of their music, including writing, singing, and producing. Their songs explore personal topics like identity struggles, mental health challenges, and the difficulties of modern life, creating music that feels both deeply personal and easy for listeners to connect with.
“Full of Lies” opens with a strong chorus that captures feelings of regret and frustration. The song expresses the desire to speak truth in a world filled with dishonesty. The track features multiple guitar layers, strong drumming, and shifts between quiet, vulnerable moments and powerful, emotional peaks. This combination creates music that is both intense and genuinely human.
The single uses both English and Japanese lyrics with clever wordplay. The sound mixes Western alternative rock style with Japanese pop influences, making it feel like an important step forward for sammy. while still keeping the emo-grunge foundation that defines their music.
This release represents growth for sammy. /REVERSIES as they continue to develop their unique approach to being a one-person alternative rock band. The artist is working to redefine what solo rock projects can achieve, creating music that stands out in both the Japanese and international music scenes.
We spoke with sammy. /REVERSIES about the meaning behind “Full of Lies,” how they create their music, and their plans for future releases as this rising solo artist continues to build their career.
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“Full of Lies” is a striking title. Can you walk us through what inspired this track emotionally or conceptually?
I started creating this song from the chorus. For some reason, the phrase ‘I don’t know why. That was full of lies.’ naturally came to me as I was finishing it..
I guess the chaotic city of Tokyo, where I was born and raised, and the people I’ve encountered have shaped this song. The overwhelming noise of today’s social media-driven world also had a strong influence on it.
Is “Full of Lies” based on a personal experience, or does it reflect more of a fictional or universal narrative?
It’s probably a reflection of both.
Maybe I’m singing about a world full of lies—one where it’s easy to lose your way—and how, just trying to survive in it, I ended up caught in those same lies myself.
While some parts are fictional, the emotions behind it are very real.
The production on this track feels layered and intense—what was the creative process like in the studio? Did it start with lyrics, a beat, or something else entirely?
I usually start by humming melodies while playing acoustic guitar, and that’s how this song began as well.
The lyrics came to me pretty naturally from the start.
I wanted to blend Japanese-style wordplay with a pop sensibility, catchiness, and a cool, Western-inspired vibe.
First, I recorded a rough take of the main acoustic guitar and vocals. Then I layered in the drums, bass, and electric guitars, before finally re-recording the final vocals.
I focused a lot on the sound design and arrangement—carefully building the track layer by layer.
You perform under the name sammy. /REVERSIES. What’s the story or meaning behind that name, and how does it reflect your identity as an artist?
I originally started out by posting acoustic cover songs on YouTube under the hiragana spelling of “sammy.”
When I decided to write original music and take my project more seriously, I switched to the English spelling so it would be easier to understand internationally.
“REVERSIES” was the name of a band I was in back in my student days—a name I came up with on a whim in high school.
It was inspired by the game Reversi, based on the idea of flipping over all the limitations around me and eventually turning things into my own color.
Even though I’m now active as a solo artist rather than a band, I didn’t want to let go of the name “REVERSIES.” It also fits the concept of being a “one-person alternative rock band.”
And, to be honest… I also figured that “sammy.” on its own would be way too hard to search online. Haha
Lyrically, “Full of Lies” touches on themes of deception and truth. How do you personally navigate those ideas in your own life or relationships?
I guess I wrote a song like this precisely because I’m not very good at dealing with those kinds of things. haha
But the things I still want to believe in—and the people I care about—mean a lot to me. They’re what keep me going every day.
Were there any unexpected influences—musical or otherwise—that shaped the direction of this single?
I wanted to incorporate a more contemporary sound than usual and capture the sense of chaos described in the lyrics.
So I experimented with looped samples to fill the gaps in my own playing.
It was a new challenge for my project. While I struggled to find the right textures, I had fun discovering sounds I never would have imagined using before.
How does this single differ from your previous work? Would you say it’s a departure or a natural evolution of your sound?
While staying true to my core musical roots—like grunge and punk—I always want to keep evolving and challenging myself to bring new emotions to both my listeners and myself.
As part of that, I naturally felt drawn to experimenting with new sample sounds and incorporating the catchiness and pop sensibility of Japanese rock into my music.
That’s how this track came to be.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away after hearing “Full of Lies”?
In the midst of our complicated daily lives, I hope this song can sit beside the feelings that are hard to put into words—or too heavy to share—and help release them, even just a little.
It might not fix messy emotions or situations, but I believe it accepts them as they are.
I’d be so happy if people could sing and scream along with me—and afterward, if it brings even a bit of comfort to someone, that would mean everything to me.
The emotional energy in the track is palpable—did you find it cathartic to write and perform, or was it more challenging to confront those feelings?
Yes. For me, making music is like a form of self-counselling—where I face myself and my emotions, and try to transform even the painful ones into something meaningful.
Sometimes it’s hard to confront those feelings, but as I spend time writing, I often discover deeper emotions and realize that my anger or suffering has started to ease.
This song is definitely one of those moments.
What’s next after this release? Can fans expect more singles soon, an EP, or perhaps even a full-length project?
I’m planning to digitally release a new song next month, in August.
I’m also hoping to put out a new album later this year—I’m currently working on the concept.
Until then, I’d be happy if you could check out my past songs and wait just a little longer.
