David: The first single that’s out right now has a very American R&B sound to it, will the album have that same sound? Your other Japanese albums have more of an electronic sound to them.
Utada: Compared to the Japanese stuff, yes, there is a bit more of a very American sound I guess. I think the R&B-ness of it is because of the fact that I wanted to make an album that would be mainstream and good pop. At this point, R&B, it’s just that it’s mainstream.
David: and pop?
Utada: Right. But then there are many different styles in the album. Like the songs, they’re all very… some of them are more European sounding or Japanese influenced, it’s many different forms, but overall I would say there’s that mainstream feeling.
David: The first single “Come Back to Me” isn’t necessarily an indication of the entire sound of the album?
Utada: It’s hard. In some ways it is, and in some ways it isn’t.
David: People who already know your stuff will find something familiar?
Utada: Yeh, I think so. There should be something familiar with “Come Back to Me” as well. It’s just what aspect or how much you’re talking about… just the essence as an artist or the nature of the genre or nature of the track. It’s the same voice.
David: “Come Back to Me” personally I think it goes a little bit back towards your older stuff.
Utada: Yeh, it’s true. To the very beginning. [laughs]
Utada: Right, where as I wanted it to be just me. To have track makers instead of producers. Stargate and Tricky are more like track makers. They’re producers but compared to Timbaland-type producers, they’re better at bringing out the quality and characteristics of a particular artist. They can take one step behind, sort of, into the background a bit. They know how to do that. That’s how they work. It was a very interesting collaboration in terms of music as well. I said “I’m going to write all the songs. That’s how it is.” I also collaborated on the tracks as well. I added some tracks, I changed the chords, had a part in the arranging… so I think a lot of me comes out in the whole album… which is good. [smiles]
Utada didn't produce anything herself like she's done previously but she wrote all 10 songs.
And its obvious Utada will do better than BoA in the U.S.
Her english is better and she actually has a label that knows how to market an artist in the U.S.
BoA is still with SM her Korean label which have never promoted an artist here b4 which explains why EYU has yet to be sent for radio adds after all this time.
I think Utada will sell more but BoA will have the better album.
This project is sounding more and more hopeless every day.