INDEX
Breaking Barriers with Sound
In other words, you’ve always had a strong desire to aim high. What exactly are you aiming for?
Rol3ert: There are a lot of concrete goals like performing at Madison Square Garden, for example. But ultimately, as I said before, I want to create emotional experiences myself. And I hope those experiences don’t just stay with me, but reach people regardless of race or gender. I want my music to be something that brings comfort and calm to everyone. I want it to surround everyone, leaving no one out, and pass on the sense of peace and reassurance I feel from music. That’s what I’m aiming for.
In “meaning,” you tackle topics like race and identity. What drives your desire to reach everyone?
Rol3ert： I think everyone carries some biases, but even though we’re all human, people are often judged differently. In “meaning,” I sing about how that can hurt some people or make others feel guilty. For me, good music is good music, whether it’s Japanese or not. I believe that if my music is strong, it can connect with anyone, no matter their race or identity. I want it to reach as many people as possible, and creating music that does that is what makes me happiest.
You were born in the U.S. and moved to Japan at age two. Do your identity or life experiences influence your music?
Rol3ert: I’ve never experienced discrimination or felt burdened by it, so I don’t think that directly shapes how I write music. But recently, I visited the International Club in Chicago, and being surrounded by people of all races felt incredibly freeing. Even with different languages and cultures, everyone coexisted without denying each other’s backgrounds. It was a really comfortable experience, and I realized that reaching people beyond just Japanese listeners is exactly what I want my music to do. the Japanese.
