RGM: Hi Risa! it is a pleasure to be able to speak to you. When it comes to authentic R&B, you are an artist that is definitely one we appreciate. So, with that being said, one of the burning questions we wanted to ask you is this: How has the combination of Japanese and Western music impacted your sound?
Risa: It has tremendously impacted my sound. Japan is my home, so music and influences, including Western music, have been around me my entire life. My father exposed me to various styles of Western music, such as jazz, R&B, funk, ballads, and many other genres. I would always listen to what he played and select something from his extensive collection of vinyl records to explore on my own.
He helped me discover different types of music, influencing the way I like to sing and what I choose to sing. Japanese music allows me to express myself in my native language, while Western music gives me the ability to convey my emotions. They are both very different but have planted amazing seeds that helped me grow into the artist I am today.
RGM: Did you find any difficulties being a Japanese artist breaking into the jazz and R&B scene?
Risa: Jazz is actually one of the standard genres in Japan, and at one point, it was more popular than hip-hop and R&B here. So it wasn’t really hard to get into the scene. There were many jam sessions, and musicians would always ask me to join, so I somewhat got into it from people asking me to sing in their bands, join their sessions, or perform with them. The jazz scene in Japan is wonderful, and there are many talented musicians here.
RGM: What differences or similarities do you find between the R&B and soul scenes in Japan and the Western music industry?
Risa: This is a lengthy topic for me. I believe the main difference lies in how R&B and soul music are perceived in the West compared to Japan. In the West, these genres are often viewed as expressions of identity and culture. This means that each artist and song is unique, reflecting individual life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and the zeitgeist. Western artists excel at incorporating influences from various cultures, contributing to the diversity of the genre. Personal styles, fashion choices, and messages from artists also play a role in creating new cultures and subcultures.
On the other hand, R&B and soul music in Japan tend to emphasize technical skill and artistry. Japanese artists often dedicate themselves to their craft, specializing in specific styles or genres. Even when they explore other genres, they usually stay within a defined range, maintaining a consistent sound.
Despite these differences, both Japan and the West are influenced by global trends in R&B and soul music. Japanese artists adeptly adopt and adapt new trends, incorporating them into their unique styles. This influence is particularly evident in fashion, where Japanese artists often set trends for the rest of the world.
Personally, I find that I align more with the Western style. It inspires me to convey my true feelings through my music. In Japan, there is a tendency to categorize artists and expect them to stick to one thing indefinitely, similar to the concept of masters in various fields like sushi or tea. While I appreciate this aspect of my culture, I believe music doesn’t fit the same mold, and artists should have the freedom to explore.
For me, I want to continue singing music without strict labels or categorizations. Rather than being confined to terms like “Japanese – R&B or soul, jazz,” I hope people will recognize me as an artist who sings R&B/soul and various other genres. I am proud of my Japanese identity, but I prefer not to be confined or minimize my art.
When Roro and Risa Kumon set out to create her debut album Ri-Verse, their goal was to delve into Risa’s musical roots—the songs that planted seeds in her mind and shaped her into the artist she is today. One notable track in this exploration is “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Risa vividly recalls purchasing Bill Withers’ vinyl as a teenager, playing it non-stop in her room.
In her rendition of the song, Risa aimed to provide a unique, female perspective and highlight the beauty within darkness. She emphasizes the enduring connection between light and darkness, a concept vividly conveyed in the accompanying video. The video was skillfully filmed in Berlin, Germany, by a talented film crew, perfectly complementing the vibe of the song.
RGM: Is there a specific style of music that Sasebo is known for that may have helped cultivate your sound?
Risa: Sasebo is somewhat of a jazz town; they have yearly jazz events there, and people really know their stuff. I think being from a place that appreciates jazz and soul music helped me discover an appreciation for not only jazz music but black music as a whole. Black American music has changed the world, and you can see its mark in many places, including Japan.
RGM: What’s the songwriting process like for your multilingual songs?
Risa: The songwriting process for multi-language songs varies depending on the song. For example, sometimes I start with the sound or rhythm, and then the style and vision come to me. When I’m naturally searching for a melody through freestyle, the main lyrics usually come to me first. I then use that melody as the primary way to figure out the language and work with producer Roro to develop the arrangement and ideas.
English has a different rhythm and pronunciation than Japanese, so I choose the language that suits the song’s vibe based on the melody and rhythm. Most of the time, I just write what I feel. If I hear music and some English message comes to my mind, I write in English, and the same goes for Japanese. It isn’t really planned or a specific way; I let the music, emotions, and my feelings do all the guiding, and I follow them.
RGM: Could you share some of the challenges and rewards of bringing Western-influenced R&B and soul to a Japanese audience?
Risa: The challenge lies in bridging the gap for individuals who may not grasp the language, yet the reward is equally substantial — the opportunity to introduce and educate people about this unique style of music. Pursuing R&B/Soul in Japan can set you apart, given the scarcity of artists delving into authentic English or bilingual R&B. While there might be occasional elements incorporated by others, the prevailing perception leans more towards Japanese music, such as J-pop, lacking the same freedom and soul that characterizes American R&B/Soul. I’m trying to change that and inspire more artist to express their true identities and sing from the heart. I feel it could help mold the sound here and bring a whole different vibe to the genre.
RGM: Your music video “FREE” features a beautiful visual landscape, what was the inspiration for it?
Risa: My number one collaboration choice is Joe Hisaishi, known primarily for the music he composed for popular Ghibli films. Even though he isn’t in the primary genre I usually sing in, I have always dreamed of singing for a Hayao Miyazaki film and working with Joe Hisaishi. As an R&B artist, I currently appreciate artists like FKJ, Masego, Chris Brown, Lauryn Hill, Boyz II Men, and many more. I believe these artists would complement my style and voice the best.
RGM: Are you currently touring or have any tours scheduled in the future?
Risa: Yes, I have domestic gigs lined up and am looking to expand my performances globally. Stay tuned for more information.
RGM: What inspired you to write your new Ri-Verse album?
Risa: I aimed to create an album without a specific genre that reflects my journey as an artist. The songs draw inspiration from places I’ve been, capturing moments that have influenced me, whether in my life or my artistic journey. There are Hawaiian tunes representing my time in Hawaii, Okinawan songs reflecting a journey living there, and pieces of American-based R&B and Jazz that echo my six years in Los Angeles and beyond. Each song is a musical itinerary, mapping out my diverse musical journey.
To me, Ri-Verse is more than just an album; it’s a musical experience that transcends languages and cultural barriers. It’s a celebration of diversity, unity, and the boundless power of music to bring people together.
I hope that Ri-Verse will inspire listeners to embrace their own unique journeys and to connect with others through the power of music.
RGM: What are a few things we can expect from you in the next couple of years?
Risa: More music, of course, but it goes beyond just music. I’ve been preparing many things for a while now, and it’s about time for them to come out. I hope everyone continues to listen to my music and comes along for my journey.
RGM: Any last words?
Risa: Yes, the Deluxe CD version of my album Ri-Verse has just been released in stores (11/22). It includes two new songs, one featuring artist and producer Roro. It will be available in retail stores nationwide in Japan, but you can also order the CD online to be shipped globally. This is somewhat of a collector’s edition, so if you like the digital version of the album, you’ll also love the physical version.
Get it here: https://r2intl.lnk.to/Riverse
Urenna is a lover of music and creative writing.
