Mina Okabe releases “Always Hurts,” a heartfelt track about love, loss, and the beauty of connection, out now via Capitol Records.
With deeply personal lyrics and a sound that blends folk, dream-pop, and indie influences, Mina Okabe shares her latest single, “Always Hurts”, via Capitol Records. This introspective track, co-produced with Leroy Clampitt, reflects on the difficulty of saying goodbye to the people who truly matter.
Opening with soft acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals, the song gradually builds, introducing delicate piano and harmonies that heighten its emotional intensity. As Okabe sings, “It always hurts when I let go, but I don’t let them see me cry,” the song conveys the complexity of love and departure.
Speaking on the song’s meaning, Okabe explains:
“I grew up with a Danish dad and a Japanese mom and in different cities. I’ve lived in London, New York, and Manila but now live in Copenhagen. Although I’m very grateful for the experiences it has brought me, and I somewhat got used to leaving places and people behind, there are some people in my life I never want to leave and never would be able to say goodbye to. This song is for and about them.” – Mina Okabe
Named a Spotify Borderless Artist for 2025, Okabe continues to reach international audiences. Following the success of Better Days, which is certified four-times platinum in Korea, and hits like “Every Second”, which has over 58 million Spotify streams, Okabe’s growing fanbase spans continents.
After a sold-out Japan tour and a 2025 Music Moves Europe Awards nomination, Okabe has taken her music to Eurosonic Festival, SXSW, Roskilde Festival, Seoul Jazz Festival, and Summer Sonic. With her sophomore album arriving this spring, “Always Hurts” is a stunning glimpse into what’s next.
