INDEX
Pursuing Current Excitement
-From what you’ve shared, I feel that Umei-san is someone who lives as an expressive person without being confined by genres or titles. You can’t categorize them strictly into genres like classical or jazz, and their forms of expression are also free. They don’t seem bound by the imagery of terms like “music conservatory” or “academic.” It feels very natural, but I also think it’s something they can do precisely because they have a clear intention. How do you personally feel about this?
Umei: I still don’t know what to call myself, whether to identify as a composer feels somewhat different, and identifying as a pianist also feels different. I do feel like I want to take on the responsibility of identifying with something, but just performing tires me out, and continually composing as a composer can be exhausting in its own way, so I want to strike a good balance. While the driving force is always wanting to be most excited about what I’m doing, what I want to do varies depending on the timing. Right now, I’m in a phase where I really want to excel at the piano, which is a first in my life. Maybe suddenly I’ll say, “I want to do flower arranging now, so I’m stopping piano” [laughs]. I think I’ll probably live my life in that kind of way.
-Surely, the influence of musicians from older generations must play a significant role in that. Whether it’s Mononkul, mentioned earlier, or Mami Tsunoda, who I’ve performed with during haruyoi tours, or even CRCK/LCKS, I think they all embody this idea. They are individuals who have academic knowledge and technical skills but express themselves freely in various ways. I’ve definitely looked up to them and observed their example.
Umei: I really think so. I think it is the same for me and probably for the musicians of my generation around me. I feel that everyone is working seamlessly, transcending genres more easily than before, and I am very grateful to have people who make me feel like “I can do whatever I like at all.
-It’s not just carefree but not casual either. It’s not simply “I want to do everything,” but rather, I sense a careful and serious approach to each endeavor.
Umei：I think everyone definitely has backgrounds where they’ve delved deeply into something. Having delved into something once, I wonder if they can bring that deep-dive attitude to other scenes and genres when they cross over.
You also has aspirations to work internationally during their twenties.
Umei：Originally, I didn’t have specific goals, but as I continued, there was a moment when I suddenly thought, “I want to be able to go to various places around the world through music.” I felt like I might regret it if I didn’t go abroad in my twenties. I really enjoy traveling in general and seeing things I’ve never seen before. Recently, during a tour in Hokkaido, I cycled around Otaru, and that was incredibly exciting for me [laughs].
-Always seeking thrilling experiences of the unknown, perhaps that’s where music and travel intersect for me.
Umei: Yes, that’s right. I really feel that way.
