'I get asked, 'How can you make it as a musician?' and I really think it's all about mental strength," says Kinuko Hiramatsu, who produces music under the name Sapphire Slows.

In the past two years the 25-year-old electronic-music artist has released a full-length album, toured the United States and Europe, all while completing a masters in musicology — which is no easy feat. Now Hiramatsu is ready to take on another challenge by joining this year's Red Bull Music Academy in Paris.

"I've always been a bedroom producer because that's the most relaxing environment for me, but it's not like I was proud of how my music sounds all lo-fi," says Hiramatsu, explaining why she applied to the academy. "I'd like people to hear the best music I can possibly make."