This one is for obscure music and JPOP fans.
The January issue of "Rockin On Japan" contains a 22 page layout on Ringo Shiina and her upcoming solo album, set for a February release. Yeah, so? "What makes her special?," you ask. Unlike a lot of the saccharine, cutesy, uncreative and/or idol-type singers that are prevalent in the Japanese music industry, Shiina is always thinking of ways to reinvent herself and produce a sound with integrity.
Ringo is the lead singer/songwriter for her band, Tokyo Jihen. Originally starting her career as a solo artist, she is known for producing complex lyrics and fusing together musical styles/genres to create a very unique sound. She has written songs influenced by blues, jazz, and classical but mostly rock, in all its forms. Already under her belt are four solo albums, two albums as Tokyo Jihen, and a number of singles and videos.
Her latest solo album comes after a three year solo hiatus (though all the while she has played and created with Tokyo Jihen) and is a result of Shiina's work on the upcoming manga based movie, Sakuran, where she worked as music director. "Rockin On" reveals that Ringo-chan had always wanted to make music for films. "The thing I really wanted to do most was create music for pre-existing pictures. I wanted to consider the mood, what type of music the scene calls for. I've had my music made into videos but I've never had to actually think about the visuals before I created the sound." Commenting on her work she claims, "I am happy when someone tells me that they either truly hate or love my music. That's the type of stuff you need to keep producing, at least for JPOP."
Her latest single was only released for purchase on the Internet. However, you can check out her latest sound on youtube. The song is titled, Kono Yo No Kagiri and has her collaborating with Neko Saito and her brother, Junpei Shiina. Ringo is also assuring fans of Tokyo Jihen not to worry. We haven't seen the end of them.
To learn more about Ringo Shiina and her band click on the links below.
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