Inspiration is born only at outdoor festivals filled with nature.
-When I come to festivals as a guest, I sometimes feel refreshed by listening to music in nature. From an artist's perspective, is there anything you can only get from festivals?
Kimishima: It is a place where I can meet friends whom I have a hard time meeting. Ricky of the Orisaka Band is a good friend of mine, and today I was able to see him again for the first time in about a year. Also, it's good to see artists I've been interested in perform live. I finally got to see Fumi Noguchi live.
-How about in terms of performance?
Kimishima: As far as "FUJI & SUN" is concerned, the weather changes rapidly. As far as "FUJI & SUN" is concerned, the weather changes rapidly, so I have to think a lot about what I should do in such a situation. What, it's going to be sunny all of a sudden? It's like, "Oh, it's suddenly going to be sunny? The best part of festivals is that you can play according to the subtleties of the environment.
-Is there something about the festival that enhances your ability to improvise?
Kimishima: There are so many. Today, we played songs that were not on the set list, and we would make arrangements based on how the audience was warming up.
-I was impressed that "˖storm₊˚ˑ༄" was inserted in the middle of the song.
Kimishima: That was also improvisation. So I am sure that inspiration comes to me only in this environment, and I am sometimes surprised by what I find. Outdoor festivals are always a fun and stimulating place to make unexpected discoveries.
-I feel that your presence in the world of music is growing very large now. You are very well supported by artists, aren't you?
Kimishima: I am proud that I am doing something maniacal, and I am honestly happy to be appreciated by such people. Anyway, I would like to be in a state where I can always proudly say to any person, older or younger, "This is me! I want to be in a state where I can always proudly say to anyone, older or younger, "I am this!
-Thank you for the timing after the performance today. With all due respect, I had not expected Kimishima-san to be so easy to talk to.
Kimishima: I get that a lot (laughs). I don't think I have an open personality, but I like to talk.
PROFILE
Born in 1995, Tokyo-based songwriter and guitarist, he began his career in 2014 and has been releasing music regularly since then. His one-of-a-kind guitar and singing voice have been praised by artists everywhere, and he has a strong following among artists. He is scheduled to perform at Fuji Rock Festival and Rising Sun Rock Festival this summer.
Instagram:@ohzora_kimishima
