Lounge
March 9, 2015
UEKI Go (PaniCrew) × TODA Keiko PHOTO SESSION 2008 Autumn (1)
UEKI Go (PaniCrew) × TODA Keiko PHOTO SESSION 2008 autumn
New Single & New Item from Sibling Collaboration (1)
We welcomed Go Ueki from PaniCrew, who appeared at the "Casual Live" held at Sweet Basil in Tokyo this May. This is the second installment of our "Sibling Talk Series." In this autumn edition, we delved into his new single produced by Yasushi Akimoto, his thoughts on the live performance, and the new fall/winter collection from their unit "BG." It was a truly engaging conversation.
Compiled by Sora OnoPhoto by JamandfixHair & Makeup by Hiromi Aiba
The Growing Confidence from Live Performances
TodaFor this casual live show, I invited Go to be my guest for all three performances. Since we debuted our "robot comedy" on a TV show this summer, I felt it was a bit more polished than last time. What did you think, Go?
Backstage at the Casual Live
UekiCertainly, during the first one in May, I was still gauging the audience's reaction. But this time, after appearing on TV with my sister, I felt I had a better grasp of things and could perform without as much hesitation.
The audience was so close, and I could make eye contact with them. I was still a bit nervous about not disrupting the flow of the live show that my sister had carefully crafted (laughs).
However, I have absolute faith in my sister's comebacks. I trust that whatever I do, she'll respond in a way that makes it funny. This allows me the freedom to focus on the dance moves and then improvise based on the atmosphere of the moment.
TodaMy goal for this casual live show is to "not be too planned." Of course, there are some essential elements that need to be decided for the interactions with the musicians and staff, but beyond that, I envision it as simply coming, singing, and leaving, as if I were just visiting from home (laughs). Having my close "brother" here, extending our usual dynamic, and having the audience enjoy it is what matters most.
But to create such a free-flowing stage requires considerable skill from us, the creators. It takes a certain power to sing while remaining relaxed and enjoying yourself. I've keenly felt this through our past live shows.
UekiThat's so true. Each of the three performances felt different.
TodaThat's the beauty of live performances. Sometimes things change naturally based on the flow of the MC, and other times we consciously decide to alter things between the matinee and evening shows. Every performance is a learning experience.
The Joy of Falling into the Genius Producer's "Trap"
TodaIndeed, this live show also served as the debut for our new single "Naki Uta," produced by Yasushi Akimoto. The coupling track, "AGAIN～and again～," features lyrics written by me for Go's song.
UekiWe've created another great song!
TodaMr. Akimoto also wrote the lyrics for "Sasayaka na J-Game" on my album "ACTRESS" last year. Our connection goes back decades, to my first singing career (laughs).
This time, we asked him to produce the single, and thus "Naki Uta" was born. Mr. Akimoto's direction was "You should cry while singing." And indeed, the more you listen to it, the more deeply and subtly it resonates within your heart.
UekiWhen I first heard it, I thought, "Wow, my sister's charm can be expressed through music like this! I've been outdone!"
TodaAs you can see from the jacket, the style is reminiscent of Showa-era ballads. It's a concept that makes you want to say, "As expected of a hitmaker!" There was a real joy in embracing Mr. Akimoto's intended "trap" and fully committing to the material. He not only provided the lyrics but also personally selected the songs from a vast collection.
And when I actually sing it, I discover new things. I try to capture the Showa-era atmosphere in my singing, but each time I sing, I feel something different, and new emotions arise within me. It's like acting. I'm so happy that they've created a song that I can sing for a long time.
And the coupling song we created with Go, while completely different in style, forms a perfect combination. When I started writing the lyrics myself, I expressed a desire to "write about a grand worldview," didn't I?
UekiSo, I said, "Then let me create the music first." It was the same when we made "V.I.P." last time; I didn't consciously think about writing it to match my sister. I just considered what kind of songs I like for female vocals and created something I wanted to hear.
I'm confident that if I create the melody and arrangement in that way, my sister will like it. I was also sure that the arranger, whom I admire, would be pleased. Of course, I understand my sister's preferences, but beyond that, I just wanted to create the music I wanted to make.
TodaIndeed, this song was approved in one go!
UekiAnd when my sister emailed me the lyrics after I sent her the music, the moment I saw them, I thought, "Yes, this is it!"
TodaThat's because Go's music greatly expanded my vague initial ideas. When I first heard it as an instrumental demo, tears naturally welled up; I found it so beautiful from the bottom of my heart. From there, I envisioned a grand cycle encompassing us, the rotation of the Earth, the changing seasons, the passage of time, and how, despite repeating the same mistakes, people like myself strive to live. I saw how the world is filled with such individuals.
Yet, tomorrow will surely come. Just as flowers bloom, rivers flow, and the sun rises and sets. I wanted to convey that sentiment through this song. That's how "AGAIN～and again～" came to be.
UekiThere are times when I too feel the urge to contemplate such grand themes. Usually, I'm caught up in the immediate concerns, but sometimes I think, "I should really think about the Earth I live on, about 'life' itself!" I believe this song was born at this particular moment because my sister and I share that wavelength of thought.
Next time: New Single & New Item from Sibling Collaboration (2)
New Single
Released October 15
"Naki Uta" (Lyrics: Yasushi Akimoto / Music: Katsuhiko Sugiyama)
"Again～and Again～" (Lyrics: K-co / Music: Go Ueki)
Victor Entertainment
1,200 yen (tax included)
