They say you can’t run away from your problems, but sometimes, getting away can help you get some perspective on those problems.
After going through a breakup, travel-loving songwriter Saya Gray decided to go on a road trip in Japan. It was on that trip that she began writing the songs that became her debut, full-length album, SAYA. (And one of NPR’s most-anticipated albums of 2025.)
In this session, the Japanese Canadian musician talks about why traveling is so important to her creative process. She also talks about her own personal journey growing up as the daughter of two very musical parents, her stint as a music director for Willow Smith, and her ever-evolving sonic ambitions.
You’ll be able to hear some of that evolution, too, as Gray performs songs from her new album live in the World Cafe studio.
This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez. Our senior producer is Kimberly Junod and our engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.