[INTERVIEW] Japanese superstar Utada Hikaru finds her way in the U.S.

**Onion Club** · 17-01-2010 03:51 PM

Japanese superstar Utada Hikaru finds her way in the U.S.

Utada Hikaru plays a sold-out show at Showbox at the Market Thursday, Jan. 21. The popular Japanese singer-songwriter has worked with Timbaland and has been influenced by Metallica and Mariah Carey.
By Marian Liu
Seattle Times staff reporter

Concert preview Utada Hikaru
7 p.m. Thursday, Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., Seattle; sold out (info: www.showboxonline.com).

On the Internet
Hear Utada Hikaru at www.myspace.com/utada

Utada Hikaru may not be a household name.
But she was hailed as the Japanese Britney Spears for her record-selling prowess — more than 52 million worldwide. Her concerts in the states have been selling out, too.
The singer-songwriter plays one such show Thursday at Showbox at the Market. Born to parents in the music business — a producer and a ballad singer — Hikaru is from New York but was raised in Tokyo. At 26, her career has spanned more than a decade and several genres, most notably pop. Her influences stretch from Metallica to Mariah Carey.
Hikaru talked by phone recently from Los Angeles about her tour, her American fans and her success so far.
Q: Would it have been different if you had started your music career in the states instead?
A: I don't think I would be anywhere near where I am if started in the states. I can't imagine what I would be like, or where my music would have gone. ... There aren't as many genre boundaries in Japan ... so I have complete freedom in what music I make, without worrying about if this is going to be on urban radio stations, or Top 40 radio stations.
Q: You've tried the American market before — you even worked with Timbaland for your 2004 album. How is this time different?
A: This time I'm a little bit more at ease. ... Last time was my first American album and there was this weird hype, like, "She's the Japanese Madonna, or Japanese Britney Spears," and none of these comparisons really were on point at all.
Q: Who would be a better comparison?
A: I heard someone say Kate Bush (an eclectic English singer-songwriter), but it's not exactly Kate Bush either. I don't think there's one person I could compare myself to. I'm not so much of a show-type of person, than I am more of a musician-type person.
Q: Your latest performances are more stripped down, is that what you're going for now?
A: I just want the focus to be more on song writing and singing and the music itself, rather than having like a big, flashy Lady Gaga-type thing. The tour we chose really small venues on purpose.
Q: What are the shows like that you do in Japan?
A: I don't have half-naked male dancers or anything like that. I wear big costumes. The last tour, which was a while ago, 2006, was huge, a whole big visual setup. The whole stage had LED panels underneath. I've never really done a tour with small venues, but I've been wanting to, ever since I debuted.
Q: Was your current single, "Come Back To Me," about a girl cheating, autobiographical?
A: It's something that I've done and I'm sure a lot of girls have done.
Q: Are you in a relationship right now? Do you have time for that?
A: Yeah, I find time. I think there should be something at least. It makes you work harder at your work and it makes your life a little more comfortable.

Marian Liu: 206-464-3825 or mliu@seattletimes.com

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/text/2010786374.html

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**Onion Club** · 20-01-2010 11:30 AM

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Utada's a global sensation

Japanese mega-pop star draws inspiration from two cultures

By Tracy Chan

Metromix
January 15, 2010

Hikaru Utada, one of Japan's most beloved mega-pop stars, grew up as a child of two worlds, between Tokyo and New York. Since her debut album, "First Love," exploded as a best-seller in Japan in 1999, she's had 14 No. 1 singles on the Japanese charts, and has consistently sold out shows across the globe. The 26-year-old native of New York City will be playing a sold-out show at Pipeline Café tonight.

We had a chance to chat with the singer/songwriter about her music, inspirations and future plans.

How are you different from pop stars who don't write and produce their own songs?

I spend more time writing songs than singing them. It never crossed my mind to have other people write songs for me. It's like one process for me; writing, arranging and singing. For me, I can't see any part of it being done by someone else.

Does being raised in two different cultures give you added insight for your music?

Yes, definitely. It's a big part of who I am as a human being, and I think it shows in my music. My first passport photo was ... as a baby, with my mom holding me. I guess I was always a bit of an outsider, wherever I was. In New York, people would look at me as a Japanese person, and in Tokyo, people would look at me as the girl from New York.

Do you still feel that way?

Yes, but now I feel comfortable that way. You might not realize it, but everyone feels like an outsider on some level, especially when you're growing up.

What's your favorite music?

I have this connection with '80s music or even older stuff. I've always listened to Prince. I was raised on The Beatles and T. Rex. I really love the Cocteau Twins.

What are you planning for your Hawaii performance?

I'm planning to do a bit of everything; old Japanese songs and some recent Japanese songs, along with songs from my American albums.

Name one of your songs that has special personal meaning for you.

Wow, I just realized that yesterday was my 11th anniversary since my debut in Japan. Looking back, there's so many songs and albums I've done. A constant favorite is "Hikari" (English version "Simple and Clean") for the game Kingdom Hearts. In Japanese, the title means "light," and it's the same character as my name, Hikaru, so it was a very personal song for me.

Do you sing in the shower?

Actually, I don't. Well, sometimes, I put my hair back with shampoo or conditioner and sing Elvis Presley's "(You Ain't Nothing But a) Hound Dog," while I'm waiting for the conditioner to work.

Do you ever get your own songs stuck in your head after you're done with them?

I'm pretty sick of them by the time I'm done recording. When I'm working on a song, it'll stay in my head constantly though.

You've been described as very humble. Do you ever regret being famous?

I used to when I was younger (around 17), because when you're that young and that famous, you get all the cons of being famous and none of the pros. You can't buy a car or a house. You just want a normal high school life. You want to hang out with your friends, but you can't. You want to walk around, but you can't. It's difficult enough at that age to just grow up, and growing up in public can get really awkward sometimes. But I just wanted to live with it, and it's made me a better person in a lot of ways.

Is there anyone special in your life right now?

Yes, there is. I think it's nice to have someone. After you work hard, you feel better, being with someone.

What's next for you?

I'll be touring in the United States. After that I'm going to promote the new album a little more, and the single, "Dirty Desire." I might do a cover album, or I might take a break just to get some fresh ideas.

Utada
Pipeline Cafe
Friday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
$30, sold out