We had the opportunity to interview Mori Calliope following the release of her latest album PHANTOMIME, released on August 16. Mori is one of the biggest English-speaking VTubers with over 2 million YouTube subscribers. She is affiliated with the Hololive agency and in addition to streaming various video games, she is known for her rap skills and a broad repertoire of songs.
Q: Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview, Mori-san. It’s been almost a year since our first interview with you regarding your EP “JIGOKU 6.” Congratulations on the release of “PHANTOMIME”! What would you say makes “PHANTOMIME” different from your previous releases?
Mori: Thank you! ‘PHANTOMIME’ stands apart because it’s a deeply personal reflection on authenticity and breaking free from societal roles. It’s about reclaiming your own stage and living for yourself rather than constantly trying to please others. I think it’s more introspective compared to my previous releases.
Q: How long have you been working on “PHANTOMIME”? What was your vision for the album when you first started working on it? Did that vision change in the final version?
Mori: I’ve been working on it for about a year. Initially, the vision was simple—life as a grand stage play where we perform different roles depending on the audience. But as I progressed, it evolved into a message about shedding those roles and embracing who you truly are. The final version captures that sense of liberation I hoped for.”
Q: This may be a tricky question for an artist, but among the tracks on “PHANTOMIME,” which one would you want to highlight and are the most proud of?
Mori: ‘Choosing just one song is very difficult, but ‘DONMAI’ is particularly special to me. Working with Jean-Ken Johnny from MAN WITH A MISSION was a unique experience as he’s fluent in English, allowing us to have deeper discussions about the track. It was my first time working that way, and his input brought new insights into the creative process, helping me grow as an artist.”
Q: What was it like working on “Go-Getters,” considering it was the ending theme for the “Suicide Squad ISEKAI” anime? Was there anything you would say was a challenge?
Mori: It took a lot of time to craft lyrics that accurately portrayed the image of ‘Suicide Squad ISEKAI’ while staying true to myself. I wanted the lyrics to be fun and not too deep, so listeners wouldn’t feel pressured to search for hidden meanings. It’s about creating depth in layers and deciding how far to let listeners go. For this track, I wanted it to be casual, so people could enjoy the music and pick up on surface-level references.”
Q: You released an MV for “Go-Getters” animated by WIT Studio. How does it feel having such a well-known anime studio work with you?
Mori: It’s absolutely surreal! WIT Studio is legendary, and seeing them bring my vision to life feels like a dream come true. It’s one of those moments where I feel like all my hard work is paying off. The MV even surpassed my expectations, so if you haven’t seen it yet, please check it out!”
Q: “Cult Following” stands out musically in “PHANTOMIME,” as it is perhaps the most “metal” song you released so far. How did the partnership with WARGASM come about? Could we see more of this heavier sound in your future work?
Mori: I connected with WARGASM through mutual industry friends. I’ve always wanted to experiment with a heavier sound, and they seemed like the perfect fit for this track. I loved the intensity they brought to the collaboration. As for the future, I’m open to more heavy sounds—if the right inspiration strikes!”
Q: “SNEAKING” got a dramatic rock makeover with Lotus Juice for the release of the new album. Can you talk about the creative choices behind this and your thoughts on the final product?
Mori: I always felt ‘Sneaking’ had potential for a powerful duet, and working with Lotus Juice was a dream come true. He was one of my first exposures to Japanese rap, and his energy perfectly matched what I envisioned. The final product brought the track to life in a way that exceeded my expectations.”
Q: You collaborated with STAYC’s Yoon on a remix of “Go-Getters.” How did this partnership happen and how do you feel about your music becoming a sort of bridge to the K-pop world?
Mori: My producer introduced me to STAYC’s work, and I was already a bit familiar with them through TikTok. When Yoon agreed to the collaboration, I was so excited! It’s amazing to see my music connecting with K-pop artists and audiences—it feels like we’re building bridges across different worlds, and I’d love to do more of it.”
Q: You had an appearance on the Trash Taste podcast where you described your streaming setup during your debut, sitting on the floor and using the desktop tower as a mousepad. Reflecting on your evolution since that point, how do you feel about your accomplishments since then?
Mori: It’s incredible to look back and see how much has changed. From such a simple setup, I’ve been able to grow and accomplish so much. It’s a reminder of where I started and how far I’ve come, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.”
Q: Is there anything you wish you could tell your debut self?
Mori: I’d tell myself to focus on my own path and not get caught up in trying to please everyone. It’s important to stay true to yourself and remember that growth takes time—trust the process and keep going.”
About Mori Calliope
Mori Calliope debuted as part of Hololive English’s first generation “Myth” in September 2020 alongside fellow members Ninomae Ina’nis, Takanashi Kiara, Watson Amelia, and Gawr Gura. Before signing with Universal Music Group (UMG), she released two EPs titled Dead Beats and Your Mori and the album UnAlive. She signed as an artist with UMG in April 2022, kicking off with the EP SHINIGAMI NOTE. Her first major label album, titled SINDERELLA, came out in December 2022. Mori Calliope released her second major album PHANTOMIME in August 2024.
© 2016 COVER Corp.
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