MTV81 INTERVIEW: May’n Connects the Dots at J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL 2014
By: Megumi Inaba
Photo: Dave Golden (c) J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL
Did you know that there are 47 prefectures in Japan? And did you know that ani-song and pop star May’n’s recent tour covers ALL 47?
She’ll also be making stops in five countries in Asia so if you’re lucky, you might catch her live in concert. We catch up with the singer and self-proclaimed foodie before her recent gig at J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL in San Francisco to talk about her 10th anniversary, new beginnings and of course, food!
So you’re now on your second world tour, and you flew into San Francisco from L.A. – how do you like the city so far?
This is my second time in San Francisco, but this is my first time joining J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL. I am fascinated to see so many people in San Francisco enjoy Japanese culture and music.
You’re right, it’s great to see! So, your world tour is called “Road to 10thAnniversary- dots and lines.” What do the “dots and lines” mean?
In the past 10 years, I have done a lot of live performances in and out of the country, which I describe as “dots,” and I wanted to connect those dots to create a “line” that represents my musical history. And of course there isn’t just one “line,” I’d like to create more in the coming years.
Awesome. So your tour covers all 47 prefectures in Japan and five countries in Asia (Singapore, Taiwan, U.S., South Korea and China). That’s a big deal!
I’ve done lots of tours in the past, both domestic and international, but I’ve never had a tour that stops at all 47 prefectures in Japan, and that’s always been my dream. I’ve also always wanted to combine a Japan tour with an international one, and here I am! I’m happy to make my dreams come true.
Congrats! What can international fans expect from a May’n gig?
In the past, I used to differentiate my shows in Japan and abroad, in order to better entertain international fans. But recently I came to realize that my international fans are no different from my Japanese ones. So for this tour, I’m going to bring the same tour program everywhere I go – I want everyone to enjoy the same entertainment everywhere I go.
We know you love food, so any new food discoveries on your travels?
Hmm… I’ve obviously discovered a lot of great food everywhere I go! Yesterday I went to Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown San Francisco, and had some great seafood. I just loved the mussels! San Francisco is a great city, it’s not only beautiful, but they also have great cuisine. The weather is good too, and it feels amazing to perform under the sun. I also have to mention a Taiwanese dessert I love called Tan Yuen. You should definitely try it if you ever have a chance to visit Taiwan.
You don’t look like eat a lot, how do you maintain your figure?
I love to eat! When I go on tour, I just can’t stop myself from trying the local food. I regularly work out at a gym, but the sad thing is that I’m taking in more calories than I burn… But what’s more sad is that my tour team always accompany me to restaurants and eat just as much, but they don’t have any stages to burn their calories on! I feel so sorry for them!
So you’ll be performing at Slim’s tomorrow night, a historical live house in San Francisco. What kind of show will it be?
I’m honored to perform at such an established venue, so want to make it something very special. I would like to enjoy performing as much as my fans enjoy my music.
Let me ask about your latest single “Re:REMEMBER.” It was your 10th single on your 10th anniversary. It must mean a lot to you…
The single “Re:REMEMBER” is my first ballad, so it has become a significant step in my career. The song is about looking back and dwelling on beautiful memories with your loved ones. Sometimes it’s easier to reflect on your past rather than looking positively into the future. I tried to express that feeling in this song. It is important to always stay strong and move forward, but sometimes it is okay to be honest to yourself and shed as many tears as you want. Once you do that you might find a whole new world waiting in front of you.
When I listened to the song, it was like I was watching a movie rather than just listening to music! The coupling track, “Katatsumuri,” is a cover Taiwanese artist Jay Chou. What made you decide to cover his song?
I am happy that you felt that way listening to my music! And about Jay Chou, he is so well known in Asia, and I’ve been his fan for quite a long time. And when I knew that I would be performing in a lot of places in Asia during this tour, I wanted to perform a song that would allow me to connect more with my fans, and it just hit me that I should cover his song. “Katatsumuri” (lit. “snail”) is a song about life, choosing your path and taking it step by step towards your goal, no matter how long it may take. I felt that this song well describes my feeling now. As it’s my 10th anniversary this year, the tour is a milestone in my career, the beginning of a new chapter.
How about the other coupling track “Taga Tameni”?
“Taga Tameni” was originally intended for the animation piece “M3: sono Kuroki Hagane.” So it well resembles the story of the animation, but at the same time it’s a song about emotional struggle – we all want to be strong, but at the same time we need to face certain challenges to become stronger and that can sometimes give you cold feet. Including myself, we all face those situations in life. So in my new single, I decided to start the track with “RE:REMEMBER,” where you’re so deep in sorrow that you can’t get over, and when you move on to “Taga Tameni” you become a little stronger and decide to stand up and start looking around. And with the final track “Katatsumuri,” you become full of confidence and can take that first step forward to your next goal.
That’s a great arc. Each song is complete as single tracks, but as an overview they create a bigger story.
Yeah, that was the intention!
I saw you on the Japan Town Pagota Stage today, and was surprised at how good your English was! And I hear that you also speak Chinese too – you must be working a lot on your language skills…
Really? Thanks, I’m flattered! I can’t quite speak fluently, but I’ve worked on my English and Chinese in the last two years to be able to communicate better with audiences when I go on tour.
We’re about to start a new column on MTV 81 introducing you and your many passions and interests
I’m really excited! I especially have a lot to talk about my favorite dessert (fish-shaped Japanese pancakes with sweetened red beans) Taiyaki, but there is a lot more that I want to share with my international fans!
Lastly, any message to your fans reading MTV 81?
I’m currently on my second world tour, and am really grateful that a lot of my fans have given me a warm welcome everywhere I go. I’m looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible during the tour!
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