AMIN is proud to bring you an exclusive interview with one of Japan’s most skilled guitarist MIYAVI!
Here is the audio for the interview.
Jessica: Hi guys! This is Jessica Dawson from May Pang’s AMIN and I am here with Japanese Rock sensation MIYAVI. He is known for his unique style and amazing guitar skills. Now, MIYAVI has just finished the Japan leg of his tour and is hard at work in the studio bringing us a new album and in fact he will be bringing his NEO TOKYO SAMURAI BLACK tour to the USA. It’s a pleasure have you with us MIYAVI. Thank you very much. So let’s get started.
Jessica: You are about to go on tour in the USA soon. What are you most looking forward to?
MIYAVI: Just seeing my fans in America. Because, we had to cancel the tour last year. I was really disappointed. But this time, I’m trying to break new ground as a song writer and guitarist. There is only a drummer and me on stage and then it’s an absolutely new experience for me so I’m really looking forward to seeing my brand new style to people on this tour. And also, there are so many cities I can go. It’s fun so I’m really looking forward to seeing my people.
Jessica: So, what are your favorite countries to visit?
MIYAVI: Of course I love America but I like visiting Sweden. Especially Northern Europe area. It’s really clear air and the clouds are really near so I love them.
Jessica: Where in America would you say is one of your favorite cities for visit?
MIYAVI: Actually, I used to live in LA before for a half year to study English because three years ago I couldn’t speak English at all. It was a really great experience to be there.
Jessica: How are your international fans different from your Japanese fans?
MIYAVI: First there are differences between international fans and Japanese fans the way of expressing, you know, feelings. But I think, they’re all the same. Same enthusiasm towards my song and my music. But I really have a good time with people overseas
Jessica: What are your favorite songs to perform?
MIYAVI: There’s a song called “Selfish Love.” I play only with my guitar. I can be true to myself, to get out and express how I feel from the heart.
Jessica: Would you say that’s one of the songs that is most meaning to you when you perform?
MIYAVI: Yeah.
Jessica: How has being a father changed your life?
MIYAVI: I haven’t changed by experience but, it’s also meaningful to have a kid. It was a really great moment when she was born, when she was coming into this world. That experience gave me the opportunity to think about life and death. And so it effects my music life in some way. Sorry sometimes my English messes up.
Jessica: Oh no, your English is really good! You have worked with several producers such as Joey Carbone, is there a certain song writing process you go through?
MIYAVI: Yeah. We work together some days before and I can learn a lot of things from him. He’s a really good producer. I hopefully someday will release some song that I worked with him in the future.
Jessica: How do you think your music has changed over the years?
MIYAVI: Actually just when I started singing after the band I used to be in broke up, I had no experience singing but, over the years I had so many things. I don’t think I’ve been changing but, I just try to evolve my music, to deliver my message to people.
Jessica: When did you start playing guitar?
MIYAVI: When I was 15 years old after I gave up my dream to become a professional soccer player.
Jessica: What do you think was the most challenging part of your career so far?
MIYAVI: When I moved to LA, I stopped my career. After I major debut I signed with major record company but I stopped everything to learn something in America. It was a big challenge for me.
Jessica: Do you still see your self making music in your 50′s?
MIYAVI: Of course yeah. I would like to keep making music even when I get old.
Jessica: What are your favorite bands or musicians to listen to?
MIYAVI: Hm… Currently I have not been listening to music but I used to, Keziah Jones hes a really crazy guitarist and Ani DiFranco, Raul Mildon, I love guitarists. It’s like Samurai. I feel like they are Samurai too even though they are not from Japan.
Jessica: There are many musicians who have turned to acting, would you ever consider pursuing an acting career ?
MIYAVI: Not really. If there is some opportunity I would love to try but after I achieve something as a musicians. If I have time. I did some movie before but I had nothing as a musician. I think I wouldn’t do it for a while.
Jessica: You recently started a new company called J-Glam. What is J’Glam’s mission and how is it different from other companies?
MIYAVI: Just my personal management office that’s it. But at 1st I want to manage Miyavi, myself and after someday in the future I want to produce some artist and introduce the people overseas from here Tokyo.
Jessica: We have been reading your recent tweets on Twitter. What can we expect from this upcoming album?
MIYAVI: It was totally crazy while we had the recording at the studio and this time I just played with a drummer. Guitar and drummer that’s it so it’s really simplified music and its really solid. I released the album which is called Dokusou Miyaviuta, which is like just strumming just the acoustic guitar. It sounds like that but more rock so you know it’s a really new experience for me.
Jessica: What advice would you give to people who are trying to pursue a career in music?
MIYAVI: Just don’t give up and keep it up. Because I had so many time where is like I have almost given up my dream but I didn’t but that is why I am able to sing now. So just keep it up and be original.
Jessica: Okay, random question of the day: What was the last thing you dreamt about?
MIYAVI: I went to some store and I bought a mattress.
Jessica: Awesome.
MIYAVI: Yeah sometimes I dream, I think before we went to the recording session I dreamt that I’m going to America to have a show. Sometimes dreams about a show maybe coming soon.
Jessica: Is there anything you want to say to you fans?
MIYAVI: I really really appreciate everyone out there. I was really disappointed and I was really sad when the tour had been canceled last year but this time I can come back to rock out people so I really really appreciate your support. I’m really looking forward to seeing you guys there.
Check out the dates for MIYAVI’s NEO TOKYO SAMURAI BLACK TOUR on his MYSPACE http://www.myspace.com/miyavi
Here is his twitter! http://twitter.com/MIYAVI_OFFICIAL
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