Don't let the demure appearance fool you, with songs like “Dirty Desires” and “Poppin” (as in bottles), Japanese singer Hikaru Utada, 26, isn’t afraid to speak her mind. This petite pop star has Japan loving her, and now she’s buzzing in America too. Utada has already released two English albums in the States, and her third album drops May 12. Produced by Stargate and Tricky Stewart, This is The One (Island Records) may in fact be "the one" that finally breaks her through to the U.S. market.
After catching a glimpse of screaming fans flocking to her in-store appearance at the beauty mega-store Sephora, I had to find out what all the excitement was about. Here she gives us more insight into her music, her style, and why she loves LL (as in, lip gloss and Lanvin).
How would you describe your sound?
Melodic. Honest. I really don't care much for genre classification; my music seems to be a little bit of everything, from R&B to alt-rock to hip hop to classical music. I write and produce/co-produce all my songs. Depending on my mood I go through phases where I'm experimental, and then times when I feel like making something that's simple and catchy.
My new album "This Is The One" has a bit of an R&B/urban feel. I worked with producers, Stargate and Tricky Stewart, who do a lot of the mainstream stuff in the charts right now.
How would you describe your fashion and beauty style, and how it relates back to your music?
I'd say "true." I wear what I feel comfortable in. I don't like clothes that look like they'll be outdated in two months, I see beauty in timelessness. The same goes for my music. I wish to make music that lasts.
What designers have you been wearing recently?
Ksubi, Lanvin...I don't really know what brands I wear, I buy most of my clothes in little stores in Tokyo.
Beauty products you cannot live without?
Fresh Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Desire. I usually don't wear much make up. I keep this red lip gloss in my pocket and put a little on when I'm outside, because it makes me look healthy! ha ha ha
You might already know, but Utada is featured on the MySpace Karaoke main page. The winner of the contest will win a 3 day trip to Tokyo with up to three friends and a karaoke party with Utada!
OMFG. Why isn't her song more popular? These videos show that she definately has fans...the song has been a little quiet on the charts lately. Does anyone have any kind of updates?
She is coming to Bestbuy, FYE, and Sam Goody in NY, SF, etc.
I found the info. at her official website.
Utada Is Coming To Your Town!
Utada will be in retail stores across the country the week of May 11th to promote the release of her new album This Is The One. This special album version includes 3 bonus tracks never before on CD, so make sure you get your copy & maybe even get it signed by Utada at any of these locations:
UTADA IN STORE APPEARANCES
Tuesday, 5.12 @ 7:00 PM
Best Buy
529 5th Ave
New York, NY 10017-4608
For more info call: 212-808-0309
Wednesday, 5.13 @ 6:00 PM
Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood & FYE
1000 Universal Studios Blvd
Ste. 99
Universal City, CA 91608
For more info call 818.622.ROCK (7625) or 310.641.7170
Thursday, 5.14 @ 6:00 PM
Best Buy
1717 Harrison
San Francisco, CA 94103-4272
For more info call 415.626.9682
Friday, 5.15 @ 6:00 PM
FYE @ Southcenter Mall
2636 Southcenter Mall
Ste. 2110
Seattle, WA 98188-2823
For more info call 206.439.3636
Saturday, 5.16 @ 3:00 PM
Sam Goody
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Ste. 1049
Honolulu, HI 96814-4607
For more info call: 808.945.9027"
I picked up a physical cd, "This is the one", today at FYE for 7.99.
There were at least 10-20 copies .
I love "Sanctuary (Ending)"-- there are two versions of Sanctuary (opening and ending---I didn't know they have two versions) on the cd.
Sanctuary (Ending) is so serene. Of course, I love "simple and clean".
Listening to these songs on my cd player (high quality sound) is amazing!
Buy one, just listening to these Kingdom hearts songs on your cd player.
You won't regret it.
Thanks for introducing me to a great artist, Utada, here, Exodus.
