Loren Heat Collaborates with Japanese Artist Momoko on New Track ‘In Time’

When Generator's Northern Music Export Office (NMEO) led its first music export mission to Japan earlier this year, the ambition was clear: create meaningful opportunities for Northern artists to build international relationships, collaborate creatively and unlock new global markets.

Just a few months later, those ambitions have already resulted in the release of In Time – a new collaboration between Tees Valley artist Loren Heat and acclaimed Japanese singer-songwriter Iwasaki Momoko.

Released via Interval Records, In Time is the product of a three-day songwriting collaboration that took place during the Fukuoka Music City Summit in February 2026. Bringing together Loren Heat, Iwasaki Momoko and producer Chad Rodgers, the session saw the trio write and record the track before premiering it live during the summit.

The collaboration is a direct outcome of Generator's export mission, delivered through the Northern Music Export Office, a pan-regional music export initiative designed to accelerate the global reach of talent from the North of England. Alongside performing in Japan, Loren also took part in a panel discussion with radio DJ Nick Luscombe at the UK Music Summit, while Generator introduced Northern talent to senior executives from major music labels.

But In Time represents far more than a successful songwriting camp. It is one of the first creative outcomes of a growing long-term partnership between the North of England and Japan.

Last month, Generator signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Music City Council Fukuoka, establishing a long-term programme of artist exchanges, songwriting camps, showcase opportunities and industry collaboration. The agreement forms part of Generator's wider ambition to create sustainable international pathways for Northern artists, businesses and music professionals.

The relationship has continued to flourish since the initial mission. In May, Loren Heat and Iwasaki Momoko reunited in Newcastle for the Japan x NMEO Showcase & Mixer at The Cluny. Bringing together artists, music industry professionals, Japanese businesses and regional stakeholders, the event celebrated the growing partnership between the North East and Japan through live performance, networking and cultural exchange. As a special highlight, Loren and Momoko performed the song they had written together during the Fukuoka songwriting camp, giving UK audiences an early glimpse of the collaboration that would become In Time.

Just weeks later, the pair travelled back to Japan after receiving an invitation from the British Embassy Tokyo to perform together at the King's Birthday Celebration. Attended by more than 550 guests, the event celebrated the enduring friendship between the UK and Japan through culture, business and music, providing another milestone moment in the collaboration's journey.

For Generator, In Time demonstrates what a successful music export can achieve. Rather than ending when the mission finishes, the Northern Music Export Office is focused on creating lasting relationships that continue to generate creative, cultural and commercial opportunities long after artists return home.

Beyond the songwriting collaboration, the mission has already led to radio promotion with FM802, invitations to Tokyo International Music Market (TIMM), new industry relationships across Japan's major music companies, and international performance opportunities that continue to build Loren Heat's profile overseas.

Speaking about the track, Loren said: This song to me is about struggling with patience, that all good things come in good time. I was working away in Japan and I was away from my partner, and I wanted nothing more than her by my side. The chorus is the battle between the knowledge that I’m happy and doing what I love but having to wait to be back with them. The feeling of knowing you’ll get it but you have to let time pass and be patient.

Speaking about the songwriting camp, Momoko said: I was deeply struck by something a monk once said: “The quality of our work and our relationships are merely decorations attached to the act of eating and sleeping.” Even so, I still find that everyday life is filled with constant choices, challenges, and inner struggles.The day Lauren and I came together to write this song was probably the coldest day of the year. I was wrapped up in a thick puffy down jacket, while Lauren and everyone else was wearing short sleeves - a moment I’ll never forget. I’m genuinely grateful that we were able to create something together while embracing and appreciating our differences.

As the Northern Music Export Office continues to develop international partnerships, In Time stands as a powerful example of what can happen when artists are given the opportunity to connect across borders. More than just a single release, it is the soundtrack to a growing cultural relationship between the North of England and Japan - one built on collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of Northern music talent.