Exclusive Interview with Tokyo, based Singer-songwriter, Risa Kumon

Today, we’re introducing one of the most talented R&B/Soul singer-songwriters on the rise that you need to know in 2022. Risa Kumon is a Bilingual Singer-songwriter originally from Sasebo-City, Nagasaki, but now resides in Tokyo, Japan. Risa sings a variety of genres but mainly specializes in R&B, Jazz, and Soul.

Besides being a singer-songwriter, Risa is a notable media name as a multilingual Radio personality who interviews celebrities and other entertainers on their visits to Japan. Risa has previously interviewed Kirk Franklin, Corinne Bailey Rae, Brian McKnight, and many more.

Risa has also performed at some of the largest music festivals in Japan and has reached the top of the charts multiple times in her career already. Her new single “FREE” has been making noise globally, so we got a chance to get an exclusive interview to talk about her music career, inspiration, and the latest in her life so far in the music industry.

Interview

1. What inspired you to sing?

From a young age, I was naturally attracted to music and singing. I think it may be because My father listened to various genres of music and that naturally created a comfortable place between me and music. Singing brought me joy, a feeling of accomplishment, and I always felt comfortable doing it.

I was impressed by the new sounds and voices I heard daily. I was introduced to Hip-hop/ R&B and Gospel music from the movie Sister’s Act 2 as a child. It was a particularly shocking experience for me. I got goosebumps and was surprised that there was music that existed like that. I still vividly remember my body responding to the rhythms and voices I heard. I was overwhelmed by Lauryn Hill’s unique singing voice, and I’ve been a fan of hers ever since.

2. How was your musical Journey growing up in Japan?

Due to a sickness I lost my eyesight when I was 3 years old, but I miraculously recovered my vision around the age of 4. That happens to be around the same time I started learning to play the piano and ear training. I was playing classical music at the time and liked it in its own way, but I felt a little unfulfilled when playing certain scores of music.

In high school, I changed my major from piano to vocal music, majoring in Italian Opera and that made me realize how much I liked singing better. At the time, I was singing Japanese and American Pop music at karaoke’s and imitating various ways of singing.

In particular, I would sing songs from Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Misia, and practice many other challenging songs. Among them, I sang Western music at school events, learned hip-hop dances, sang R&B and Soul in clubs when I was in college and listened to Dj mixes. I also started a jazz band, played Saxophone , and enjoyed doing what I wanted to do musically.

3. Do you only sing in English or Japanese?

Currently, I mainly sing Japanese and English, but sometimes I sing Hawaiian, Italian, Spanish, and Okinawan songs. I think language is a reflection of the culture, and I love learning about different cultures. Someday, I want to travel around the world, learn more about cultures and music, then sing in the language of the particular place. It’s one of my dreams!

4. Why do you sing in so many different styles?

Sometimes I think artists box themselves into categories, and I never want to do that with my music. I want to be genre-less. That’s why Whenever I discover a style or language I like, I sing it without any fear. I love music, and there are many genres with differences in taste.

I somewhat look at music like food. For example, I could want to eat Japanese food today, Mexican food tomorrow, or Italian food the day after tomorrow.

Although the languages, cultures, and tastes may differ, I enjoy choosing what I like. Like food, people may think digesting too much can be a bit greedy, but I love that there’s always a variety of things to choose from, and I enjoy trying many different styles and flavors until I get a taste I like.

5. Who are some of your musical influences?

I would say Lauryn Hill, Sade, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Sarah Vaughan, Bill Withers, Joe Hisaishi, and the list goes on. There are many more, but those mentioned are on the top of my list.

6. How do you come up with a song?

Whenever I’m writing, or creating, My music gets influenced by my mood. I feel emotions, stories, and environments get transmitted as sounds, and when I see the vision, it’s born into a song. Sometimes it comes fast, and sometimes it may take weeks or even months to write. I think the best music comes naturally, so I never try to force anything. When I feel like creating, I start and everything usually comes to me. I sometimes start with just my piano, or from a melody, a beat I’m listening to or by just writing down my thoughts.

7. Tell us about new single “FREE”

For this single, FREE. I did this song because I feel it not only connects with me but with the world. At the time of recording this song, the world was going through a pandemic and music was one thing I could turn to in order to feel free.

The message of the song has always resonated deeply with me, so I felt it was the right time to bring these lyrics to a new age and audience. I believe in the circle of life and always letting go of things that do not serve us. I want to urge the listeners to seek the beauty in everything and plant the seeds for a fruitful future. Ultimately, the concept and song’s message preaches one thing: FREEDOM.

8. What is the concept behind your music video “FREE”?

The concept we had was to show the connection with life beyond dimensions. I also wanted to express my identity as a Japanese person. I incorporated Mt. Fuji, theJapanese red dress because red is one of the color in the national flag, and nature to show the beauty of Japan. There are other things we wanted to tell with this video, but we want the viewers to watch and create a meaning from their own perspectives.

9. How’s working with producer Rolandis “Roro” Ramsey?

Roro understands my color, charm and tastes as an artist, so it’s always fun and smooth when we work together. His musical sense, the environment in which he grew up, and his way of thinking are very stimulating for me. He has a certain sense of musical understanding that I don’t have, and I can really empathize with his art sense of music.

When we work, ideas for production keep coming out, so I feel like we can work together forever. I think he’s a unique artist and a natural person who has an indispensable gift as a producer.

10. What do you want to get out of your music career?

One of my purposes is to sing and inspire others with my music, so I would like to continue accumulating the satisfaction of knowing that my music helped someone in one way or another. Anything else I get from my music career would be an add-on to that.

Music gives me fresh inspiration and healing. I feel myself growing by singing, making music, and playing music, and I can enjoy being myself, so I want people who are listening to me to receive something special from the power I give each time I sing. I want to be the one who can send gifts such as love, healing, and good vibes to the world.

I grew up being helped by those around me from a young age, so with my music, voice and love, I’d like to give back.

11. Anything else you want the audience to know about you?

My new single “FREE” is out now. Watch, stream, or download it. If you like it, please share it with your friends and family. It would be amazing if my music could brighten up your day. I will be releasing more music soon so I hope everyone continues to support and look forward to the other things I have in store!

Risa Kumon- FREE ( Official Music Video)

 

Streaming – https://lnk.to/RISAKUMONFREE

Website – https://risakumon.com

IG – https://www.instagram.com/risakumon/

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vpmfKv5wAGVr8KCsLxnNO FB – https://www.facebook.com/RisaKumonOfficial

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu3ZRsKWCB8

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