INDEX
Musical Reflections of a Dreamlike Reality
Takano: Do you still think back to those days?
Aile The Shota: Yes, I do. I was with my best friend most of the time during that period, cycling because I had nothing to do, and I was still with him yesterday. My best friend hasn’t changed in a long time, so I feel like I’m reminded of him every time I see him. It keeps me fresh all the time.
Takano: It’s a really precious time, isn’t it? Now, we asked Shota to choose a song of his own that he would like to give to himself these days. What song would it be?
Aile The Shota: I would like to present a song called “J-POPSTAR,” which is a realistic description of the dreams I have fulfilled since I became Aile The Shota.
Takano：When we listen to the song together with this letter, it will be very touching for us.
Celeina: Do you feel encouraged when you listen to “J-POPSTAR” yourself?
Aile The Shota: Yes, I do. I wrote the song as my reality, which is like a dream from when I was struggling. When I listen to this song while remembering my best friends and the past, I feel confident that Aile The Shota is really great now, and it makes me want to work even harder.
Celeina：It ‘s an important feeling. Lastly, do you have a message for those who are at a crossroads in their career and life, just like you were back then?
Aile The Shota： I think the feeling of liking something is very strong, so even if you don’t have any dreams or don’t have any likes, I think it is one key to find something you like or to face the feeling of liking within yourself.
#WordsToMyYoungerSelf presented by FRISK
FRISK is championing positive strides and ventures with its “#WordsIWantToSendToMyselfFromBackThen” campaign. Here, 11 artists, talents, and creators have penned letters to their former selves, encouraging them to embark on new paths and embrace challenges. Expect interviews and discussions on the letter contents across platforms like CINRA, J-WAVE, me and you, Natalie, NiEW, and QJWeb. The handwritten letters in full will be showcased at the FRISK exhibition titled “Words I Want to Send to Myself from Back Then,” commencing April 11th (Thursday) at BONUS TRACK in Shimokitazawa. (Details here).
#WordsIWantToSendToMyself
Eleven groups of leading artists will present “Words I Wish I Could Deliver to Myself Back Then”. The exhibition features handwritten letters written to their former selves who were once troubled by problems. This exhibition is a gift to all those who will start a new life this spring.
Venue: BONUS TRACK GALLERY, Shimokitazawa (2-36-12 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
Dates: April 11 (Thu) – 17 (Wed), 2024, 11:00 – 20:00 (common for all days) *Opening hours are subject to change.
Participating artists: Sekai Kan Ozaki (Creep Hype), Ayuni D, Boru Juku (Tomoka Tanabe, Hope Sakayori, Anri, Haruka Kiriya), SIRUP, imase, Megane, Ameko Kodama, TENDRE, Kento Nagatsuka (WONK), Aile The Shota, Masaya Mifune (ROTH BART BARON)
Organized by NiEW Supported by FRISK
A special talk show featuring Ayuni D. and Ameiko Kodama x Megane will also be held!
In addition to the exhibition, we will hold a special talk show featuring Ms. Ayuni D., Ms. Ameko Kodama, and Mr. Megane, who have contributed messages to this project, on the stage. Talk show will be held.
Location: BONUS TRACK LOUNGE (2F BONUS TRACK central building tenant 2-36-15 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
Date & Time:
Talk show by Ameiko Kodama and Megane-san” April 11 (Thu) 19:30-20:30 (doors open at 19:00)
Talk show by Ayuni D.” April 14 (Sun.) 14:00-15:00 (doors open at 13:30)
Seating at the venue is limited, so if you wish to attend, please register via the link below. Only winners will be notified after a drawing will be held. (Please set “@niew.jp” as a designated domain to receive emails.)
→Please check the NiEW special page for details.
Aile The Shota
Debuted under the BMSG label in January 2022 with “AURORA TOKIO”. Songs produced with Shin Sakiura, A.G.O, tofubeats, Soulflex, Ryosuke “Dr.R” Sakai have earned top rankings on various streaming platforms and heavy rotation on media stations. Highly regarded by artists and producers like Kalassy Nikoff, MATZ, GANMI, with over 20 song collaborations, their momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Renowned for their euphoric live performances, their inaugural nationwide tour in 2023 sold out, with appearances at major festivals lined up. Spearheading the new generation of music and dance culture, they annually organize their own events. Concluding the prologue of their career with four EP releases, they announced the release of their 1st album as the first chapter and a solo live performance at Tokyo Garden Theater in 2025, declaring their path to becoming the next J-POPSTAR. They captivate listeners with a silky voice blending seamlessly into lyrics crafted by their aesthetic eye and melodies painted with sensation. While rooted in dance and inclined towards black music, they possess a unique musicality with high compatibility with J-POP, defining themselves as an artist whose existence transcends genres, whose existence is music itself.
https://ailetheshota.tokyo/
