Ayumu Imazu, who made waves worldwide with his hit “Obsessed,” and SIRUP, an artist Imazu has long respected. We explored these big topics like “buzz” and “global success” from a personal angle, discussed SIRUP’s excitement about his role in the Grooving Night event, and examined the ways both artists engage with social issues.
INDEX
From Osaka: A Common Ground for Deep Discussions
-How did you two meet?
SIRUP: We were originally connected on Instagram, and when I traveled to the U.S. in 2022, there was a plan to visit New York and see Ayumu while I was there. We exchanged messages about it, saying we’d get in touch if it happened, but in the end, our schedules didn’t align. Later, we had a proper conversation in Shibuya.
One-on-one?
SIRUP: Yes, one-on-one. Since we both come from Osaka, we talked about our hometown. We also had drinks together a couple more times afterward.
With a vocal style that effortlessly blends rapping and singing, SIRUP creates a refined sound that merges his roots in neo-soul and R&B with gospel and hip-hop. His genre-defying music is crafted to make everyone feel good.
Ayumu, you also posted a cover video of SIRUP’s “Do Well” in 2019, right?
Ayumu: I’ve always been a fan of SIRUP’s music and did a cover of his song, so I was thrilled when he said, “It was fantastic” after seeing the video.
SIRUP: I watched all of it.
What was your impression when you first spoke with each other?
SIRUP: Before we met, I had a strong image of him as “someone living in New York,” but when we actually met, he felt more like “a kid from Osaka” than I expected. I was impressed by how he controls his own career and has a clear vision of why he does what he does.
Ayumu： I found it easy to talk with him from the start. Our values are similar, and it was refreshing to have such deep conversations on our first meeting.
Did you feel that your “way of life” as artists was similar?
Ayumu： Yes, and also in our perspectives on music from both America and Japan.
Do you remember the most interesting conversation you had?
Ayumu： When I studied abroad in the U.S., I felt the challenges of singing but saw great potential in dance. At that time, I talked about wanting to focus on dance in America. My thoughts have changed a bit since then, but that was my focus back then.
SIRUP: Despite his ability to play instruments, sing, create music, and manage projects, he talked about wanting to focus on dance, which I found intriguing.
How has that perspective changed now?
Ayumu：In 2020 and 2021, I wanted to focus on dance and thought about working on production. However, recently, I’ve found myself returning to dance again.
Born May 12, 2000, in Osaka, Japan. Based in both Japan and the U.S., Ayumu Imazu is a global artist representing Generation Z, known for his exceptional dance performances, bilingual singing in Japanese and English, and his work in songwriting, composing, and choreography. His music, characterized by delicate yet direct wordplay and a dramatic worldview, is making waves not only in Japan but across the globe. His recent release, “Obsessed,” topped the Korean Billboard Japan Songs chart in January. The track has become a viral hit across Asia, dominating charts and creating a dance trend on TikTok, thanks to choreographer Taiga, known for his viral dance moves.
