Japanese rapper SKY-HI is definitely no stranger to the concept of reinvention as a musical artist.
The ‘One More Day’ act has dabbled in all aspects of music-making, from being part of J-pop group AAA, venturing into the industry as a solo act, becoming one-third of the hip-hop trio Mother Ninjas, as well as founding BMSG (Be My Self Group) in 2020 as its CEO. SKY-HI has spoken widely on the emphasis he places on being true to oneself as an artist, encouraging his collaborators to ‘give 100% in their style’, with the interest of creating a sound that has ‘never been heard before’.
Visionary, bold and a certified trail-blazer, SKY-HI has also recently announced his plans for a 2022 Hall Tour at the Tokyo Garden Theater, happening on the 12th of March and the 16th of April. "I put most effort into live shows," the 17-year music veteran tells Bandwagon, guaranteeing a mould-breaking performance not to be missed.
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Celebrating his recent collaborative work ‘Just Breathe’ with 3RACHA of Stray Kids debuting at #11 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, Bandwagon met with the versatile musician SKY-HI to talk about the ins and outs of the UTA-produced track.
#WorldDigitalSongSales Chart
— SKY-HI (@SkyHidaka) March 3, 2022
#11🙌
appreciated!!#JUSTBREATHE #SKYHI#3RACHA #StrayKids https://t.co/krjfheFFts
Hi, SKY-HI! How are you doing these days?
I am doing very well! I do have a very busy life, being an artist, producer and CEO of the company.
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As a producer and track-maker yourself, what made you take on this particular beat by UTA? In addition, where do you draw the line between appreciating a good track versus deciding that this is a particular beat you would like to personally feature on?
When working with UTA, I often go to his studio from the time of creating beats, and so that we can talk on the spot about pop songs, dance music, or none of the above, and challenge each other to any extent. It’s a lot of fun and reassuring to be able to do that as an extension of our fun time. No matter how great the track is, I don’t think I can use it unless I have a meaning to be on it or the will that my voice should be on it, so it’s just a sensory thing, but “is this the beat I should be doing?” is the question I ask myself. I think about this very carefully. I am aware that there are many places where I draw that line a little differently from others (laughs).
This is because I intervene in a variety of styles, but since I put the most effort into live shows, I may be making decisions based largely on my presence there.
How was the experience working with 3RACHA and what made you interested to collaborate with them for this project?
They were really fresh. They had high rap skills in proportion to their idolatry - I really liked their technique and attitude, and I felt some sympathy as there are very few artists of that type in Japan and I have been taking that stance myself. I thought they were really nice people and I am very happy that I was able to collaborate with them.
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How did the trilingualism of the track affect the final product (in terms of conveying the song’s meaning or as a collaboration etc.)?
I was able to use the languages that made it possible for me to wield the skills as possible. The sound is completely different from one language to another, so the piece is fresh, with different auditory sensations jumping in one after another.
Also, by going one step further and looking at the translated poems, you can learn the uniqueness of the metaphors in each language.
As an artist who is always exploring new possibilities to express yourself with your music, how did this collaboration show fans a different side of you as a musician?
Instead of thinking about the new possibility, it’s work that sharpens the edges further that we have had up to now. When we collaborate, I ask them to give 100% in their own style to the people as I work with 100% in my own style - I’m very proud of the fact that we were able to create a sound that developed in a way never heard before.
In relation to the track’s playable game program, how does this go hand in hand with enhancing the musical experience when listening to ‘JUST BREATHE’?
It has a strong thrilling element, so even if you’re listening to it alone in your room with headphones, you’ll feel like you’re on a roller coaster!
With the concept of the song revolving around each artists’ “reason to live”, what was the perspective/direction that you took to writing lyrics surrounding this broad topic? That being said, if there was just one line within the song to convey what you wanted to express, which line would it be?
Well, it is difficult because there are so many, but I think “Kagami-no mukou-no soitsu wa Kitto Tekijyanai (that guy behind the mirror is surely not an enemy)” is the one I can think of.
I think there are too many things that shake our mentality today. When those things happen, sometimes even you, yourself may become your enemy, and you may not be able to fully affirm yourself. It is true that the person who is the most difficult to understand is oneself. Still, “surely” they are not the enemy.
So be proud of who you are, accept who you don't like, and be proud of who you are. In order to live as oneself, not as someone else, this phrase, “Kagami-no mukou-no soitsu wa Kitto Tekijyanai (that guy behind the mirror is surely not an enemy)” is important for me in this work.
Just unbelievable to witness this incredible outcome. This is simply thanks to FLYERS who always support me, 3RACHA of Stray Kids for the wonderful collab, and STAY. Thanks all so much. I'll create more music as return to you with love for music in my heart.
— SKY-HI (@SkyHidaka) February 22, 2022
Watch the fully-CG music video of ‘Just Breathe’ by SKY-HI and 3RACHA here:
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