January 3rd, 2016
This series of features highlights the 2015 NewSong Music finalists. Each artist is invited to Lincoln Center on January 7th for the opportunity to win the #NSM Grand Prize. We sat down with each finalist to learn more about their music and background. Hope you enjoy! #wheregreatartistsarediscovered #newsongmusic
BIO
I am a Japanese Gypsy Rockstar!
My songwriting reflects my life as an immigrant with some musical influences from different cultures which I have absorbed while living in cosmopolitan cities like London and New York City…
Q: What is your songwriting process?
A: It’s about trying to give a shape to something that doesn’t have a shape. And there is always a gap between that indescribable something and what you created. The smaller the gap is the better you feel. I’m a 99% melody guy. I’m come up with melodies first then lyrics. So often, I go “does this need lyrics?”. So I’m open to write in any languages as long as I pick the right sound for the melody. But the most exciting part of songwriting is when you first grab it out of nowhere, then you put it down on a piece of paper or on tape. That moment, nothing else really matters…
Q:What does it mean to you to be selected as a NewSong finalist, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?
A: What? Really? Wow!
It means a lot that one of my latest songs made it into the top 10 after many years of songwriting. That means my songwriting is still improving and contemporary and I’m happy to be able to contribute something to this celebration of new American music, from which I hope I will get even more inspirations.
Q: How did you hear about New Song Music?
A: I entered the contest back in 2008 and I’ve known it ever since.
Q: What is currently happening with your music?
A: Playing at Lincoln Center is the biggest news from me for the coming new year so far.
