HALCALI Talk ‘Otsukare SUMMER’ Going Viral & Returning to Music after a 14-Year ‘Career Gap’: Billboard Japan Women in Music Interview

Billboard Japan interviewed HALCALI, YUCALI and HALCA, about their recent music comeback. The duo released the track "Otsukare SUMMER" on their 2003 album in 2003, which has now gone viral overseas after 22 years. They both became mothers during a 14-year gap in their careers. The pair discussed the immense satisfaction of seeing their song gain international popularity without their knowledge.

They also shared that "Otsukare SUMMER" was just one track from their debut album, but they continued to include it in their live performances every summer. YUCALI said that the song holds up well even after all these years because it represents the quality of their music. Now, the two have reunited with O.T.F, who are also new fathers, to record their new song "Guin Guin Guin" for the TV show Synapshooo's September "Song of the Month."

HALCA mentioned that the recording process was rushed, with them wrapping up takes quickly to pick up their children. They reflected on the gender dynamics in the hip-hop scene during their debut, acknowledging that being two teenage girls in a male-dominated industry felt normal at the time. However, they also noted that the "female rapper" label didn't bother them much then, but it reveals the societal norms that still treat women as exceptions in male-dominated roles.