webmagazine kimbou:Emi Meyer

• Emi Meyer : Interview of 10th　August :English
  [ 2010-08-06 00:50 ]

1:Why did you choose PASSPORT as your album title?
Emi Meyer :
I wrote this album while touring and traveling. Also, even if you can't speak the language of a place,
you can communicate with people through music, so it is like a passport. That was a fundamental
concept during the creation of this album.


2:Please tell us about the album PASSPORT. How would you describe it?
Emi Meyer :
It was important to have a story within each song. We recoeded it over a couple sessions,
with local musicians in different countries, so I think each song has a unique feel.


3:What did you use to produce the sound?
Emi Meyer :
The songs started with voice and piano, and then we arranged them with a band as we rehearsed. "Yakusoku"
was special, because it began with voice and guitar, and then we had the Zion Hill reggae band arrange it.



4:Do you like traveling?
Emi Meyer :イエ〜ス！Sukidesu!


5:Which place did you enjoy the most?
Emi Meyer :
Every place is special so it's hard to decide. I really like Italy. The sense of history about the place is very inspiring.


6:What is your hometown like?
Emi Meyer :I was born in Kyoto, but raised in Seattle, so both are my hometown.Seattle is diverse and good for music!


7:I heard you have updated your song貝殻 on your site.
Do you like a sea?What does this music mean to you in your life?
Emi Meyer :I love the ocean. Looking at the horizon is very calming.


8:What does beauty means to you?
Emi Meyer :It's important for there to be an element of mystery.


9:Would you consider that jazz in your core foundation?
Emi Meyer :My chord voicings and compositional skills probably come from jazz.


10:Who do you respect the most?
Emi Meyer :
I really respect my parents-- they are open and curious, and have cool friends. I am lucky to have such role-models.


11:Do you feel Japanese culture had an influence on you?
Emi Meyer :
I've spoken Japanese with my mom since I was born, and during the summers I would visit family or school classes
in Japan. My mom also researches Buddhist and modern Japanese paintings, so I have been inspired by the art too.
Elements of the Japanese culture were naturally incorporated alongside the American culture in my identity.


12:When do you feel happy?
Emi Meyer :
I am happy when I am surrounded by family, friends, nature and music, and also when I make a discovery or am able to do someting I couldn't do before. Both can lead to the birth of a song, which makes me even happier.


13:What does silence means to you?
Emi Meyer :
I think silence is powerful. It can be as impressive as sound.


14:When you sing in different languages, is there any change in your state of mind?
Emi Meyer :
In both cases, the emotion is most important.


15:What do you do for a change in your life?
Emi Meyer : Explore!


16:How do you see your musical journey in the future?
Emi Meyer :
I would love to continue collaborating with musicians around the world, and challenging myself musically.


17:What message do you have for fans?
Emi Meyer :Looking forward to meeting you at a show!


(This email's interview is current as of July.2010)
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The Credit will read:
Posted with permission from Emi Meyer .
All rights reserved by Emi Meyer .

Emi Meyer's Profile :
Emi Meyer is a bilingual singer-songwriter and pianist known for her poetic lyrics and voice. Born in Kyoto, Japan, she moved to Seattle before the age of one. Her first self-released album, Curious Creature(2007) garnered much attention and was used in several film soundtracks in the US. She received Best New Jazz Artist on iTunes Japan for 2009. Her latest release, Passport(2010) is entirely in Japanese and was recorded with musicians in US, Japan, and Brazil. Emi will release her new English album in 2011.

Emi Meyer　related website LINK:emimeyer
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Questioner:Yukiko Yamaguchi
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