Nao Yoshioka to release new single 'Shadow' on April 17, featuring Grammy-winning neo-soul legend Bilal

Soul singer Nao Yoshioka, who is gaining international attention, has announced the release of "Shadow feat. Bilal," the third single from her upcoming album 'self' (scheduled for release in the summer of 2026).

Taking over radio stations in the UK and beyond, and featured on playlists across Asia, the US, and Europe

Her first single, "In the Rain feat. MXXWLL," and second single, "You Got to Feel It feat. Bnnyhunna & Braxton Cook," received high acclaim for their international collaborations with artists from Australia, the Netherlands, and the US, leading to significant airplay on radio stations across the UK and Europe. Furthermore, "You Got to Feel It" was selected for "New Music Friday" in the Netherlands and eight Asian countries, generating widespread buzz. Following this growing international attention, "Shadow," which connects directly to the core theme of the album, is finally set for release.

A session born in New York with neo-soul legend Bilal

"Shadow" features Philadelphia-based neo-soul artist Bilal. Bilal remains at the forefront of the scene, having recently received a Grammy nomination.

This track was born from a writing session held at a studio in Manhattan, New York, and developed into a recording based on the message and melody Nao brought to the table. It is co-produced by Corey Bernhard, an up-and-coming Philadelphia producer who has long teamed up with Nao on tracks like "Tokyo 2020" and "Celebrate," and Naoki Yamauchi of SWEET SOUL RECORDS. Randy Runion, a band member for both Bilal and BIGYUKI, participated on guitar, anchoring the track in the Philadelphia-based neo-soul sound.