In this interview YUI talks about her very first performance at Music Station and a big street live she made in Fukuoka shortly after.
Original transcript: Akabaneouji
Translation: Kikino
Correction: Spring-san
This was your first time on TV right?
“Yes, it was the first. I thought it would be nice if I could just to go with the flow, but in the end I kept thinking “I hope I can give a good impression when singing” and “I hope I can do a good interpretation”. During the rehearsal in the morning my voice was completely out of tune. I thought it would be a big problem. “What should I do? What should I do?” But in the blink of an eye it was my turn to perform and I just had to do it.”
After that you made a street live right?
“Yes, in Fukuoka. By the time of the performance everybody was sitting. There was so many people I thought it was amazing. It seems over 500 people came, so I was really surprised when I found out. I sang “Feel my soul”, the two B-sides and the two songs from my indie CD.”
Were you able to feel natural that day?
“After the first half I felt very good. I was so happy so many people from my city came over. I received a bouquet of flowers and all. The atmosphere really felt like an usual street live. I feel something by looking at everyone’s faces when singing. Everybody was listening respectfully. I was so happy.”
During a street live the crowd is very close to you. So you immediately understand what you could transmit to the audience, right?
“That does happen. That was my starting point.”
Is that the source of your energy to feel stimulated?
“I usually am not serious so I haven’t really thought about that (Haha). Usually it’s a secret, so to speak. With the feeling of the people passing by. In the very beginning I wondered what was it like to sing on the streets. Lately I came to realize that it’s a warm space, very candid and carefree. I think it would be so fun if I can continue doing it. This time 500 people came over. Nobody was talking! I said they were close, but being 500 people felt distant. Being 500 people and yet nobody would say a word. When I said “It’s so cold right?” All I hear was “…” (Haha) I reacted like “Uh?” (Haha). But at Music Station Tamori-san said to me “Give your best!” After a while everyone felt more relaxed, and then I was able to have fun.”
Is there a place or street you would like to play now?
“I would like to play on the streets of Tokyo. I still don’t know anything about it, but as a milestone I wanna play at certain live houses. I also feel I’d like to play throughout the whole country. I hope I can make it happen.”
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Here is a clip of that performance.
