In terms of island nations, Japan and Mauritius make quite a contrasting pair. The latter, a tiny landmass located off the southeast coast of Africa, is known primarily for being the only home of the now-extinct dodo. Japan, of course, needs no introduction: the country has stood near the pinnacle of technology, entertainment, and pop culture for decades.

For rising musician CJ Li, however, the two islands both represent critical aspects of her budding musical career, and essential components to the organic development of her style and tastes. Together they help frame her past and pave the way for what is sure to be a thrilling future.

As CJ Li navigates the unpredictable realm of instant celebrity and the ailing record industry, in Japan and elsewhere, her journey will undoubtedly reflect upon the growing interconnectedness of a world increasingly united through the Internet and music. Indeed, CJ's popularity on the YouTube - where millions have watched and subscribed to her video performances- pays testament to her considerable appeal, which crosses oceans and islands alike.

Her website, which boasts a wealth of pictures, blog posts, and song snippets, is just one component of her burgeoning online network, which should expand even more upon her arrival in Japan. Meanwhile, Li's present has been entrenched in Vancouver for several years now, with her having garnered an undergraduate degree from UBC as well as a Jazz Vocal major from Capilano University. Still, despite her undeniable Canadian identity, she was born and raised for much of her life in Mauritius. As such, her experiences there did play a role in forming the musician she is today.

"Subconsciously, I'm sure living in Mauritius and hearing Sega (Mauritian music) all day had an effect on me," she replies, after I fired a barrage of interview questions to her. I suggested to CJ that having a diverse background like hers is an important part of developing a unique and rich musical style for any artist, but she was quick to note that being simply exposed mainstream is fine as well.

Still, she admits that she definitely benefited from having an open mind and exposure from a variety of genres. "Staying open to other genres and giving other styles a listen can only give you other ideas you otherwise might not have thought of."

Apart from instilling a sense of worldliness, growing up in Mauritius also meant CJ became fluent in French, as well as the local dialect of Creole. With her rapidly improving familiarity with Japanese, CJ Li has mastered nearly four languages, and has already made use of her linguistic skills by writing several Japanese songs, adding a unique flair to her typical English repertoire. Her new album, Music in my Soul, includes a Japanese version of the title track.

"Right now I'm really passionate about learning Japanese language and listening to J-pop, so writing those kinds of tunes and mimicking that style comes easily. Even though I speak French better than Japanese, I find Japanese songs much easier to write!"

J-Pop, which swept the world a few years ago and is still a strong force in the global music industry, seems to be a genre that CJ Li could really run with. More so, she seems to be quite well equipped with her background to deal with the challenges that come with relocating to a foreign market: "Maybe one day I'll come out with a full Japanese album," CJ muses. "That'd be pretty awesome. We'll see."

When I asked CJ what she felt about the trend of Canadian and American-born Asian artists moving back and finding success in Asia, such as the rapper Jin and the Chinese singer Justin Lo, she responded with an astute observation.

CJ Li and her band recently released their second album, Music In My Soul, in June of 2010. Regarding the album, CJ had this to say: "I think there's a little bit of music in everyone which is why it's so captivating. This album was made while I was attending music school, so I was able to better express myself musically this time around."

CJ's boisterous and bold approach to the album seemingly busts through the seams of the song titles. Tracks such as "Fall But We Flourish," "Powertrippin In Your Underwear," and "Pizza In Your Belly" are some of the more innovative names to her band's poppy melodies.

But while many artists use unusual song titles to draw attention to otherwise banal songs, CJ's album from top to bottom seems to be wholly genuine and up front, not trying to be anything but itself.

It's important to CJ that her band mates get their due credit for the album's work; while CJ's instantly recognizable vocals and impassioned singing stand out in each track, the contributions from drummer Mili Hong and bassist Patrick Lee make their presence felt as well.

"Mili Hong and Patrick Lee are two of my best friends and we were actually friends in Music School before we became band members. We're really in tune with each others lives and as a result, they understand how my style and life translates into my music.

Given CJ's imminent relocation to Japan, of course, her band will likely have to go their separate ways. A band breaking up isn't an anomaly by any stretch, but given the close relationships of CJ and her band, it might have seemed to be a dilemma. Yet CJ and her mates have dealt with it in stride, abounding with optimism and mutual respect.

"We realize that lots of bands break up," says CJ, "but since all of our dreams are music-related, our band could never "break up". We support each others' goals and promised to help bring each other to the top. Now we're just betting on who can do it first. Gotta work harder so I can win!"

With that kind of attitude, CJ Li is sure to win over fans from islands the world over.