SIRUP x SKY-HI: Charting the Next Chapter of the Music Scene

SIRUP: “Creating a scene where everyone with roots in R&B can succeed.”

Personally, I’m happy to see artists who have grown alongside SIRUP, like Shin Sakiura and Mori Zentaro, getting reevaluated in the BMSG scene. From an objective standpoint, these two have really nurtured their respective scenes. I wanted to ask them how they view themselves now, as they are no longer considered rookie artists.

SIRUP: I feel it’s time to start speaking up about things I want to do for my 10th anniversary. Right now, hip hop is thriving in Japan, but R&B is still not widely recognized. I want to create a scene where people with R&B roots can all succeed. Looking at the situation objectively, I realized that if anyone’s going to do it, it’s me, so I’m working toward that goal now.

SKY-HI: I totally get it. I really want to do what you just mentioned. Whether it’s idols, boy bands, or dance & vocals—any label works for me. The term ‘idol’ in Japan has evolved in such a unique way that I don’t want to keep debating what exactly defines an idol anymore.

I’ve kind of given up on this, but there’s no real platform for proper criticism. The reason is that fans get really upset. While there are a few media outlets that still publish harsh criticism in print, if you try to criticize in web media, it just ends up in a firestorm. But that kind of environment doesn’t help develop a healthy scene. Without platforms for critique, random posts on social media gain traction, and negativity tends to gather more attention. Once it collects attention, it almost becomes accepted as truth. But that’s a space we can’t leave to amateurs.

If you’re capturing the turning point at 40?

SKY-HI: There are many things I’m aware of, but if I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would be “continue to be appropriately afraid.” There’s no avoiding it. Age and career can increase, but they don’t decrease. Both SIRUP and I have achieved things, and for some, those achievements themselves could create pressure, so I try to remain constantly aware of that. For example, when I worked with Chanmina on “No No Girls,” I didn’t want my presence to overshadow her as the producer. I wanted the participants to focus on her, and even though Chanmina is only 26 and a first-time mother, I still felt responsible to support and not add pressure.

SIRUP: You’re always looking at things objectively, huh?

SKY-HI: When I was younger, the ambition and need for approval could be seen as something cool, but as you age and progress in your career, those same things can become a sign of pettiness. So, I try to keep my mind clean, like sweeping a room with a broom and dustpan, and make sure that my heart is always in a state where I can invite people in without hesitation.

SIRUP: You have many titles like CEO and producer, but there’s still “Hidaka” the person. Do you consciously focus on that human part of you, or does it come out naturally while you’re running around?

SKY-HI: It’s the ego in a philosophical sense, unrelated to my place in society.

SIRUP: Right. You’re constantly trying to erase it, as you mentioned earlier.

SKY-HI: No, it doesn’t disappear, it stays. I think that’s why I feel the need to clean my mind carefully. In the context of hip hop and rap, it’s almost like a profession that continuously introduces yourself.

SIRUP: This is who I am right now.

SKY-HI: Exactly. Since I write so much about myself, I probably face my own self-awareness more often than most. That’s why it’s important not to live a life that feeds into over-inflating that self-consciousness. By maintaining that self-awareness, I keep my heart’s space clean, making it comfortable, so even if someone visits, I can make sure they leave without discomfort.

SIRUP: I had a chance to talk with Anderson .Paak, and he said, “The most important thing in a session is to get rid of the ego.” I thought, “That makes sense.” When you’re creating music with someone, the goal should be to make a great song.

SKY-HI: People who aspire to be in dance and vocal groups often ask how they can stand out, but individuality isn’t something you force. It’s something that emerges naturally when you’re focused on pursuing what you love or what you find fun. It’s a primitive joy. You can’t just imitate your favorite artists or wear someone else’s clothes before finding your own voice. Everyone has their unique individuality. Look at this interview scene—it’s full of personality, isn’t it? [laughs].

SIRUP: Yes, this group of people.

SKY-HI: It really feels like a place full of individuality.

SIRUP: But honestly, that’s what it is. Even when we make music together, it’s all about fun, and no matter where we go, enjoyment is key. It’s important. This is a really great interview.

So, we’ll save the rest of the conversation for “Grooving Night.”

SKY-HI: Right, the main event is still ahead.

SIRUP: Yeah, the main event is coming. It was so much fun.

It was funny how the two of you had so many things in common, and even while you were talking, it felt like you were both saying, “I totally get that.” Thank you so much.