Kyra Machida Dazzles with Sensual Dance Pop on ‘Control’

Control Album Cover

L.A.-based future pop artist Kyra Machida has it all—showstopping visuals, brain-rattling beats, intensely sharp dance choreo—and everything’s dialed up to 100 in her new EP Control. 

Grungy, seductive visualizers appear as important as the bumping sonic landscape itself, with the release of “Humiliation Ritual,” “Want Your Body,” and “Control” rolling out with elaborate, flashy dance numbers that make it hard to tear your eyes away from the screen.

“Control” is Kyra’s confessional, where she admits her need to push herself to the absolute limit, singing “I gotta go too hard / Gotta strip my body to the bone / Only way I know how to get control.” She depicts herself in a horse’s stable in the music video until she conquers her own boundaries, evolving into the role of horse jockey. Kyra’s obsession with discipline transformed her into someone who “holds my own reins asking for more."

Watch the official “Control” music video here:

The Japanese artist leans into clubby, bassy dark pop in “Humiliation Ritual,” incorporating hypnotic, blasty synths and taking clear inspiration from EDM beats and phrasing. The music video shows Kyra dripping in confidence from head to toe, whether it’s her killer facecard, the all-black no-nonsense outfit, or the heels she’s expertly spinning around in. Flashing lights accentuate a dissonance between darkness and light.

Watch the official “Humiliation Ritual” music video here:

“Want Your Body” is straight to the point and full of sass. Kyra knows she has the it factor and reinforces that sentiment with the help of robotic vocal harmonies throughout the song. In the dance-forward music video, Kyra seduces the man she’s sharing a hospital room with, and she’s in full control of the situation from start to finish. Her magnetic, inviting expressions create a charismatic, intimately charged moment. 

Watch the official “Want Your Body” music video here:

Kyra wasn’t always so steadfastly self-assured, recalling how her younger self was an outcast and how unwelcoming her community used to be. Long hours of extremely rigorous training in Japan and Korea taught her discipline and crafted a strong foundation for her Western debut in 2024. Now, she’s resolutely carved out her niche, which features R&B melodies and lush vocals over drum-heavy electronic production.

While the EP’s earlier tracks are more narrative-based, “Disco” and “Persona” relinquish the need for a fully dissected lyric interpretation. These tracks are pure adrenaline, a perfect addition to any rave setlist with a deliciously electric dance floor. 

Catch Kyra live at Tokyo’s KYUNDESU x CELESTIA music collective on August 1st at ZEROTOKYO as an international headliner alongside France’s Cannelle. The event will focus on the electronic, techno, rave, and hyperpop genres, featuring local stars like f5ve, ecec, and OKAMOTO REIJI. 

Image Courtesy of Resident Advisor

Kyra Machida has fully embraced her transition into the limelight, radiating main character energy and embodying creative conviction. As she situates herself in the scene and unveils more of her identity, it’s clear that the uncertain, doubt-filled version of Kyra is fading from view. At the forefront of new wave music and fashion, if you’re looking for the next big pop star, she isn’t too far away.

Which songs will you be adding to your playlist? Will you be attending Kyra’s set in Tokyo? Let us know in the comments below or connect with us over X  or Instagram.

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Edited by: Martina Yee