What would be your description of your sound and approach to making music?

I would say my sound of music is Indie folk/pop. I try to express my genuine feelings and life experience and tell a story through my songs. And wherever the song wants to go musically and emotionally, I try to listen and let the song guide me.

Who are your teachers and or influences to your sound and philosophy?

I grew up with my brother who listened to a lot of R&B/Soul music and a mother who’s in love with Country/Blues and Elvis Presley so I think their musical taste influenced me unknowingly. I look up to artist like Jeff Buckley, India Arie, Alicia Keys and KT Tunstall to name a few. My mentors are Dorian Holley and Kathrin Grace, who I had the privilege to learn music in Los Angeles College of Music.

What would you share as main point to other up and coming talent like yourself?

What I find is that the more I do music, the skills and techniques will come along naturally as you work on your craft. But to be thankful, humble and on time at any gig or writing session you have is almost the most essential attitude to have. You may lose a gig to somebody that is more talented than you, but I believe the connection you make through a good and reliable attitude will bring you double the gigs and it will go far.

Road story: Your best or worst experience

My worst was when my trio band toured together in Japan. It was the very last show we had a very special guest in the audience, and we were looking forward to this one since the beginning of the tour. Well, we were all tired from the back-to-back gigs and having few hours to sleep for two weeks straight so there was built up stress and fatigue in the air. Ten minutes before the stage call, we started arguing about something back and forth, which escalated, and we had to go on stage with the worst air amongst the band. After the first song was done my level of emotion was at its peak and I started crying on stage. It was so embarrassing. So I figured the audience had the right to know what was going on, so I told them the situation. They all laughed and gave us a lot of love. People appreciated the honesty I guess. That same gig was one of the best experiences I had because we came closer as a band and regardless of the fight. It turned out to be a good and memorable show.

Favorite venues?

The venues I can remember off the top of my head are: Room5 in Los Angeles, Kulak’s Woodshed in N Hollywood, and Astro Hall in Tokyo, Harajuku. I had great experience playing because the staff members care about the artist and the sound that they want. I had a great time playing at these venues and also saw many great acts play as well.

What’s your favorite recording in your discography and why?

The song called “The War” that I co-wrote with my former band member, Mona Najib. It was the first time co-writing with somebody and despite how hard it is to write with another artist, we came up with a strong and powerful song that I will always be proud of.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically? Or have contributed?

I came to L.A after the tsunami and the earthquake that hit Japan in 2013, and that is one of the reason why I play and it is the motivation that keeps me going. I hope what I do will bring hope to those people in Japan and anybody who have faced a life struggle. I hope to be the bridge between Japan and the U.S. as an international singer as well.

Did you know…

I’ve only taken so many classes but I love kickboxing. And the first band I ever joined was a Japanese punk rock cover band at 14.

The first Jazz-Pop-R&B-Soul music album I bought was?

宇多田ヒカル (Utada hikaru) : Album Title “First Love” (1999)

What music are listening to now?

Seinabo Sey – “Younger” – Universal
Ed Sheeren – “X” Asylum Records UK, a Warner Music UK
Allen Stone – “Allen Stone (Track by Track Commentary”) ATO Recors

Desert Island picks (those special treats/songs that you just love)

Ray Charles “Ray Charles (aka Hallelujah I Love Her So)” – Atlantic Records
Nina Simone “I Put a Spell On You”– Philips Records
Erykah Badu “Live” – Universal Records
India Arie “Acoustic Soul” – Motown Records

How would you describe the state of jazz/Soul or music today?

I came across many musicians that were truly blessed with their gifts but were not able to be recognized or make enough money to survive. Then I turn on the radio and it seems like it’s glamour over raw talent in order to be successful in the industry.

What are your thoughts on the state of live performances?

I feel like it’s getting harder to find places that have live performances and many music venues are shutting down. It’s sad to see them go.

What is your greatest fear when you perform or record?

That I won’t be able to reach or move anybody that day at the show.

What’s the magic for you in writing songs?

Its very therapeutic to me to write songs, and when I hear that it moves somebody who listens to my music, I feel like the love is going around in circles. It’s therapeutic for me to write, and therapy for people to listen and it heals people on both ends. And I think that’s the magic of music.

What song would you like to be remembered for recording or performance?

I hope they remember any song that moved them at the show or from my recordings!

What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?

Currently, “It’s All About the Bass”
All timer: “I believe I can Fly”! haha.

By Day (what are you doing?)

Practicing, Networking etc. Rehearsing, writing new songs, co-writing with other artists, recording YouTube videos, playing acoustic café music, and then work out at night.

If you were not a musician what would you be?

If I weren’t a singer-songwriter, I would be a therapist or a fashion coordinator. I wanted to be a therapist before I came to L.A for music school, and the love for fashion runs in the family so I’m sure I would’ve done one of those.