Sapsei – What’s The Difference Between This Fish And That Fish? (2026)
Hailing from Guangdong, China, but now based in Tokyo, Japan, musician, producer and storyteller Sapsei draws together two cultures in their sphere of multi-layered alternative pop. Entwining the energy of Japanese pop with the soulfulness of Cantonese lyricism, Sapsei’s single, ‘What’s The Difference Between This Fish And That Fish?’ is a track that saunters through the pop realms with lush, vibrant, and profound attitudes. This is our introduction to the artist, so come with us as we delve headfirst into their tune, ‘What’s The Difference Between This Fish And That Fish?’
Following their single, ‘I want to jump into the sea of people and swim’, ‘What’s The Difference Between This Fish And That Fish?’ retains the high-energy enthusiasm of ‘I want to jump into the sea of people and swim’, yet, for me, it veils the track with a jazzy vibe making it more soulful than the quintessential J-pop melody. Melodically, there is almost a disconnect between synths and piano as if two songs were playing alongside each other – almost touching, but not quite.
While you find yourself lulled into the silky smoothness of the jazz-tinged song, the electronic beats that originally pulsated in the background kick to the fore with a great swoosh. Wing Chan’s soft vocals continue to breathe life into Cantonese lyrics; however, the rush of electronica captures you, tosses you about, and hits you between the eyes before the track’s abrupt ending.
One aspect I find interesting in the melody is how it expresses the theme of ‘What’s The Difference Between This Fish And That Fish?’ – the soul melody is one fish, and the other a second fish swimming atop. Yet, we question, what is the great difference between that one and this one – aren’t they both harmonious and emotional pushing us on a sonic journey between one state and another. Sapsei explains: “…this song is a journey toward freedom – an internal escape from the mundane.”
Overall, my thoughts on ‘What’s The Difference Between This Fish And That Fish?’ is… in a word, odd. Chilled and hyped; coarse and smooth; a little dicey but also really comforting. Given this track, I’m intrigued to hear what else Sapsei has in their discography.
In addition to the single, Sapsei released an official music video for ‘What’s The Difference Between This Fish And That Fish?’. The video can be viewed below and/or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about Sapsei on YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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