Introduction The enigmatic songstress and vocalist of fra-foa, and recent solo artist has a voice that's resonated with listeners around the globe. Find out what the inspiration has been for much of her music, and her status with fra-foa. back to features		Mikami Chisako You've released three albums so far, and the styles on each have been quite different. How have the concepts or messages in your music changed over time? If the evironment I'm living in changes, like when I released my debut, certain things within me do not survive. At any rate, around the time of the first album I really bared my soul, without talking to anyone around me. Surrounding me were rice farms with white herons, and a clear, stary night sky, so it was lonely. More than that, I was seeking out my own loneliness, seeking someone who was never here. I was eyeing that kind of smothering, warm existence. For the second album, I had come to Tokyo, and the me on Chuu no Fuchi was denied by those around me, so I didn't know what I should try to express. None of the words born from me had any confidence. Then, I met someone who from then on was extremely important in my life. And most recently is my third album (first solo). My interests and concerns turned toward my supportive family. I knew that this album would be comprised of deep love, and even hated, sorrow, and resentment. If I were to summarize the changes, I think it's how I've been able move from introversion and face outward. What inspirations do you drawn upon when you write music? Replacing the negative elements in my heart with words and songs is like crying in that it purifies the soul, since I can't put painful things into words. Depending on what's going on around me, I may spit out the bad things inside me, or save them. We all have things that are equally pure and wicked within us, and I respect people that can express those things without being timid, and would like to become like that one day. What artists have influenced you? Artists like Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Radiohead. Many of the songs you've written have very painful or personal lyrics. Has it been difficult to perform those day-in and day-out? When I sing, the words are not a problem; I just want the voice I give forth to contain "something." Looking towards the future, what are your plans or ambitions? I want to taste the sensation of becoming one with music. More and more I want to fuse with with my music, and infuse the energy of glittering light into the listeners. For that reason, I feel that I have to be healthy, keep my body's spirit clean, and most importantly have my love grow more and more through contact with others. What made you decide to go solo? Do you still have a future with fra-foa? It was spontaneous. For the sake of being more true to the music I wanted to do, and do a broader range of musical hues. fra-foa is permanent and undying. From the previous reasons, I arrived at the decision that it's a necessity. Many fans overseas do not know much about fra-foa's history. Could you tell us about how the band formed? We formed in Sendai in 1998. With a raw, distorted and thundering sound, we aimed to flood the world we knew with the light of existence and life. We had our major debut on Toys Factory in 2000, and released two albums total. What made you want to start writing music? When I was in college I was always in cover bands, and I wanted to sing with my own words. When something first sprang forth from within me, it was an uplifting feeling that no one could take away. Until I started recording, I really felt invincible. What's been the biggest obstacle you've had to face? When I'm forced to write against my will, even when the music just won't come out. What kind of message do you try to communicate through your lyrics and compositions? Most definintely a positive message. In your album Chuu no Fuchi, you wrote " I thank you if for one moment you've been touched by our sound. I pray that at least one of these beloved sounds for one moment, has taken to life in your hearts." Your sound has not been limited to Japan, but has touched fans all over the world. What are your thoughts on that? Do you have any message for fans overseas? To all those across the sea who listen to my music: I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for the miracle that has allowed us to cross paths through music. The "sounds" confined in one's heart truly do transcend borders, both one's own and the world's, and I believe it is a binding force that holds us together. I receive energy from all of you, and wish to make music that is more and more profound. I do want to hold live performances [overseas]. Interview from 2005.02.10 Keikaku would like to thank Mikami Chisako and Mr. Umemura for their cooperation with the interivew, and Centigrade-j (translated portion of Chuu no Fuchi reprinted with their permission). - James
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