My Name is Miyavi, and I Just Wanna Rock: Interview
A passionate-even-while-severely-sleep-deprived Miyavi talks to Asia Pacific Arts about rocking our worlds and leaving his fans saying "What the f*ck is this??"
by Jordan Close, Mai Nguyen
Date Published: 10/25/2011
Miyavi. Photo courtesy of Myv382tokyo.com.
Who slaps a guitar like a bass, moves his fingers with lightning speed, and follows his self-created musical samurai code? With a unique musical style and an iconic image, Japanese rock artist MIYAVI has become one of the most recognized musicians in Japan during his decade-long career. Embarking on his second world tour titled "What's My Name?," MIYAVI has been on the move since February 2011. The samurai guitarist, as he's known, is living the life of a rock star, practicing and performing every chance he gets, tirelessly getting his name out to an international audience. Having travelled all over Asia and to Europe, MIYAVI kicks off his North and South American legs this month and plans to stop in Taiwan soon after.
Just back from a concert in Osaka, Japan, MIYAVI has generously (and sleepily) took some time to chat with APA on his collaborations, his life philosophies, and his wild, has-a-life-of-its-own hair.
Miyavi: Hey, I'm MIYAVI. I just woke up. I got back at 8 am and now... it's 10am.
APA: Did you get your coffee?
MYV: No, just water and... just keep on talking to me.
APA: Are you looking forward to your US tour?
MYV: Oh, fucking of course. This is my third time to the US, so we're totally stoked for rocking people in the States. The people in the States are so enthusiastic and supportive of me. I'm really looking forward to seeing them again.
The Internet changed everything with technology like iTunes. Because of this era, I can have a world tour like this. I can be connected to my people via Skype, Facebook, whatever. There are no limits. I'm really appreciative and happy to be an artist in this time. People are like always going crazy on the Internet. I'm just happy.
APA: You came to LA before to study English, and I heard you did quite a few street performances.
MYV: Five fucking years ago, I couldn't speak English. Not like this. Now I can have any conversation I want, all because I started studying English. So yeah, when I went to LA, I was very frustrated at the beginning, because I couldn't speak but now I'm fine. I'm really proud of myself. I'm still studying English every day. Every fucking day. My wife is from Hawaii, so I speak with my family and while hanging out with friends. It's sometimes so fucking annoying, but it's really important for me.
APA: Your tour and album are both titled What's My Name? Because everyone already knows your name, what new things do you want people to know about music?
MYV: [laughs] Last year was when I made my first album after I became independent. I wanted to focus on my guitar, so that's why [my performance] was just my guitar and drums. I wanted to simplify my style and just focus on my guitar. I think we succeeded. So, on this tour I promise to let the audience feel the new experience of my guitar, featuring it in a completely futuristic style.
Honestly there isn't anything really different -- as in, I'm not going to add a "special thing." But still, I'm sure it's going to be different from the other tour, because I have improved. I always practice, and I never stop. I constantly evolve. That's my life. Life is a learning process, a constant learning process. That's my word.
APA: You've been doing music for 10 years, and you're still known as one of Japan's leading artists. How do you stay fresh and innovative?
MYV: Really, it's just practicing every day at the studio. That's all. I feel like time in Japan has stopped, and people are so slow, but I don't care. That's my life. I keep practicing every day. You know, I just wanna rock the world. There are people waiting for me, and even for the people who don't know about me, I just wanna rock their world. That's it. I just want to make the world peaceful.
APA: Your whole life seems to revolve around your music. How would you describe what music means to you?
MYV: I don't know. I originally just wanted to be a professional soccer player when I was young, but I got injured and gave up my dream to be a professional soccer player. And now that I have a new dream, I can't fail. It's pretty hard to describe. This is what I do. This is what I can do. It's all me. I believe in that, and I believe I can make world peace with my music as a ... [whispers] samurai guitarist.
Source