REVERB’s Post

New Post: YU-KA Discusses ‘Sunshade’ EP, An Authentic Expression of Her True Self Made Possible by Her World Travels - https://lnkd.in/g-7Fh5uD - Born in Okinawa, Japan, in the year 2000, singer-songwriter YU-KA spent her early years in America and Switzerland. At age 15, she took up the acoustic guitar, and she started writing her own songs at age 17. She began truly throwing herself into music upon winning a special award in a movie theme song-writing audition. “Hoshizukiyo,” which she released in February 2023, took the No. 1 spot on Billboard JAPAN’s “Download Songs” chart, making it her biggest hit.  The title track of her latest EP, Sunshade, was produced by ONE OK ROCK’s Toru and is the theme song of the TV series Smiling Matryoshka. The 24-year-old musician is equally focused on both her musical activities in Japan and overseas, bringing a separate mentality to each. Billboard Japan recently had the opportunity to talk to her about her latest release, an encapsulation of where she is now.  What’s the concept behind the Sunshade EP?  YU-KA: When I wrote my first album, Brighter, a lot of the lyrics I wrote were really grand in scale. The most popular song on the album, “Hoshizukiyo,” was a soaring love song. With the new album, I wanted to make something more personal. I wanted to write lyrics about love at a one-to-one level — the level of “me and you.” The artwork reflects that, too. I’m not wearing some sort of gorgeous costume, just a T-shirt. It’s made up of natural photographs taken in everyday settings, cut and pasted together like a patchwork. I wanted to give it that handmade, unadorned feel.  I just followed my heart wherever it led in writing “forget-me-not,” and I think it brings me back to my natural roots. The lyrics to “Clouds” are all in English, and I feel like that song ties in to my indie days. At the time, I was doing a lot of live shows, trying a lot of new things, like using a looper and matching English lyrics with simple chord progressions. I think the song’s sound is connected with that point of my life. On the flip side, I was re-examining J-pop when I wrote “Sunshade”, “Tsuraikurai,” and “One more time.” I like both Western music and J-pop, and I wanted to write music that lies somewhere in-between, but I also took on new challenges by working in the vein of J-pop.  Do you have different aims when you’re singing in English than when you’re singing in Japanese?  YU-KA: I rely a lot on whatever words the melody and the music bring out of me. Especially when I’m co-writing overseas, I tend to write the lyrics using words that I’m drawn to, or words I want to sing because of how they sound. With English, I find that very easy. In “Clouds,” I wanted to use a lot of words, like writing in a diary. You can fit in more words with English than with Japa

learn more TaylorSwift: “Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music,” a book: that will focus on the “Cruel Summer” singer and her far-reaching impact. Here’s what we know about “Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How #TaylorSwift: Reinvented Pop: Music.” When does the book come out? It goes on sale Nov. 12, 2024. https://lnkd.in/dGuYnvz8

We end a chapter in music history. The last album from legendary musician Childish Gambino has been released and has received critical acclaim from the masses. He leaves a legacy that many have built upon, inspiring many to start their own musical journeys and transform their musical styles. An authentic talent from a person that has many talents to speak of, whether it be directing and acting or being a producer and artist, Childish Gambino is in a league with the likes of Pharrell and many others, rising above the majority of talents with his cultural impact and prowess. I think this record emulates his last thoughts being in the music industry this long, the trials and errors, the lessons, and then realisations that happened through out his career, from songs like In the Night to No Excuses (this song being reminiscent of his ep Summer Pack) really tying to his music legacy track by track with meticulously placed features that make this record what it is. Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) spoke about his departure from music, saying, “There’s nothing worse than like a third sequel, like a third movie, and we’re like, ‘again?’” from his interview with Revolt Magazine, referring to his music becoming "expected" and dragged out when that's not his true intention. I think musicians can learn from this and really reflect, knowing when to stop. As in, talent and creativity will always be there, but when the feeling and authenticity leave, you should follow them and not force your art, because forceful art is the downfall of any great artist. #musiclegacy #unmatchedtalent #culturalicon #endofanera #youngtalent #creativeways #musicanmindset #knowingwhentostepback

The Beatles, heralded as music pioneers, transformed the musical landscape through their innovative sound and prolific songwriting, captivating audiences globally. Their enduring melodies, poignant lyrics, and experimental ethos serve as enduring wellsprings of inspiration for successive generations of musicians. Albums such as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road" stand as testament to their audacious boundary-pushing in the realms of rock and pop, seamlessly melding disparate genres. Their on-stage charisma and profound chemistry seamlessly translated into their recordings, solidifying their status as unmatched musical luminaries. Yet, their impact transcended mere music, elevating them to the status of cultural icons, shaping fashion, art, and societal conventions, thereby etching an indelible imprint upon history. #beatles #thebeatles #music #band

Check out this insightful blog post on the New Statesman, where the author delves into the power of music to evoke memories and create new connections. The post discusses the rejuvenating experience of revisiting an old album and attending a Pet Shop Boys gig. For a thought-provoking read, click here: https://ift.tt/gdoLSB4

Seeking a touch of serenity and positivity for your projects? "Serene Resonance" will fill your audience with uplifting emotions and inner peace. Explore it today!

One of the great things about music is the way a song, likely written about a totally different topic, can speak to where you are. A Grace Potter ballad did that for me during Mom's journey with Alzheimer's. My latest blogpost is up on WRAL's Family section. #endalz #release #thepowerofmusic

Ok, non work or agenda related question: What is in your opinion the greatest music album ever put out in the 20th century, and why? My vote is Ill Communication by #BeastieBoys and can explain why if this post generates any interest. Happy Caturday!

The great producer, aptly named Bob Rock has had mega-success with a diversity of bands including Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, the Cult, 311, Our Lady Peace, Bryan Adams, the Offspring, and yes, even Michael Bublé. I was reading an interview in a music trade mag when I found this great take on getting great vocal tracks from bands in the studio: "Make sure you're comfortable and that you are not trying to do something unnatural. Be sure you can hear well and don't be afraid to say so if you're having difficulty. Don't be afraid of the sound of your own voice and try not to get frustrated. Most of all, remember that recording is work. No vocalist does it in one take. Almost all good recordings are built from the best parts of many performances. Getting better is simply a matter of hard work." Wow, sounds simplistic, but how often do we overlook these basic things? Apply it to your working team, is everyone comfortable in their seat? Is everyone hearing the same thing, is there an apparatus to call timeout if they're not? Is everyone's unique contribution valued or are they frustrated? Are you making hits from the best parts of many performances? FunFact: When Bob Rock was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame his speech gave some insight into his leadership style by giving credit to all those he collaborated with, saying- "to be recognized, means that I had to have worked with truly great artists. I thank them for their confidence and inspiration." #leadership #authenticity #teambuilding #highperformance #powerofmusic

Check out this compelling blog post about how Dusty Springfield reshaped the 1960s with her powerful music. The article explores the impact of her debut solo album and the lasting influence of her iconic song "You Don't Own Me." Dive into the story here: https://ift.tt/WkvMBy3