ART LIVES TORIDE Where Art Is Born

Suzuki ： I use this studio for teaching karaoke and voice training and for songwriting activities. I moved here from Chiba seven years ago because they had many students in Toride. After meeting a person who runs an event called “Yumeakari 3.11,” an event to support the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, I made music for a commercial for Toride City, performed at music events, and gradually made more acquaintances in Toride.

Because I am from Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, I have appeared at events as a Fukushima Attaka Exchange Ambassador and Aizuwakamatsu City Tourism Ambassador. I promote the good points of Fukushima by singing “Akabeko no Uta” and other “Hometown Song Series”.

Kato ： I am from Kumamoto Prefecture. When my father became ill and the whole family was in a kind of somber mood, there was an NHK singing contest in Kumamoto　I participated in it to cheer up my father, who loved to sing, and I became a champion.
As it was, I was invited to perform at the Grand Champion Competition, where champions from all over the country gather, and I was able to become the 2018 Grand Champion. While attending various competitions, I met Michi, who was a judge.

She asked me to join her , and I came to Toride. She taught me how to write lyrics, and finally I was able to write my own songs. I never thought I could become a singer, but now I am able to do so. Recently, we have been doing YouTube videos every day in order to create a place where we can sing even in this situation. I’ve just started making videos, but I’m just trying to keep updating it every day.

Kato ： Our specialty is enka, jazz, and pop music. I don’t think barriers exist between musical genres.There is something between enka and pop music, and there are many artists these days who are creating works by fusing various genres. We both are learning so that we can create music that does not stick to any genre.

Suzuki ： I want to be an artist who can create music not only as a singer but also as a form of self-expression. If I am going to do it, I want to express my own work with my own songs. That is why I have been learning about songwriting and composition.

When I wanted to write and compose a song about Yae Niijima, a woman from Aizu who was also the main character in a historical drama, I started by researching her personality and what kind of person she was. I wondered what kind of feeling I could express through the sound, and came up with the lyrics and the sound. I also wanted to add the atmosphere of the era, so I changed the word “red” to “scarlet,” and used a Japanese scale for the tune. It’s like creating a piece of work that fits the character.

Kato ： I wrote a poem to preserve her memories of her deceased husband in song, and I was once asked if I could add a melody to it. I was happy when she was pleased with the sound I added.

What is important to me is to create music that conveys the words properly. Some people enjoy music just for its sound and rhythm, but I think that a work that people can relate to when they hear the lyrics will be more memorable. Melody lines are important, but I would like to create works that emphasize the delivery of words.

Suzuki ： Many people think that voice training is just about being able to produce a voice, but I try to go one step beyond that and give lectures on expressions that can be conveyed and communicated. I think it would be great if there were more singers who could express their emotions freely.

We are now focusing on vocal lessons, event appearances, and volunteer concerts for the elderly in Toride. In the future, we would like to make various proposals to increase local activities, such as producing theme songs for local stores and businesses, and projects where music can be enjoyed with children.