Ryunosuke Interview

"I was scouted by Victor and Sony Music representatives. Both offered me contracts, but it was too hard to choose one, so I rolled some dice. It was an odd number, so I signed a contract with Victor Entertainment." - Ryunosuke

Ryunosuke is a singer/songwriter from Chiba, Japan who describes his musical style as Acoustic Rock. Unhappy with the "business" aspects of the Japanese music industry, he formed his own label "Unbalance" from which he has produced his last two albums. Now joined by the "Unbalance Circus Orchestra," Ryunosuke creates a powerful style of music all his own and plans to release his latest album, "Otogizoushi," later this year.

So come take a listen and learn the story of the man who says: "Music need a soul. If I can make music which completely satisfies me, it will become a part of me."

Let's start from the beginning. Can you tell us about your hometown and what it was like growing up there?

I was born in Chiba Prefecture in 1978. I was a boy who lived for baseball.

How did you first get into music?

When I was 9 my father let me listen to Yellow Magic Orchestra and it inspired me. Then I asked my father's permission and began to learn electronic organ. I was also learning drums at a music school during junior high school.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

My biggest influence was my older brother. He belonged to a rock'n'roll band. He was always collecting records. My brother let me listen to a lot of 70's punk rock and rock'n'roll music.

When you were in high school what type of career did you think you would have?

I had already wanted to become a singer-songwriter. Or I wanted to become a guitarist like Keith Richard of The Rolling Stones or Johnny Thunders of the New York Dolls.

Tell us about the first band you were in or the first performances you did?

I was nine years old when I performed for the first time on stage in front of people. I was playing the electronic organ and I also played the drums at that time, too. My first band experience was when I was 12 years old. I performed with the band for my elementary school graduation party. I played the electric guitar, then. I was thrilled to play in front of people.

In 2001 you released your first album "KARUTA." How big of a moment was that for you?

Even though it was like a dream for me to release my first album under a major label, I don't think that it was a very artistic time for me. It was, however, a very important experience for my musical career. I think I was lucky to have experienced this while I was young.

How did you get hooked up with the label Victor Entertainment?

I performed in a band tournament at a musical instrument shop at the age of 19. Even though it was a so called "band tournament," I was the only solo artist there. I sang while playing the guitar. At that time I was scouted by Victor and Sony Music representatives.

Both offered me contracts, but it was too hard to choose one, so I rolled some dice. It was an odd number, so I signed a contract with Victor Entertainment.

How would you describe the album's musical style?

Perhaps, Acoustic Rock.

Tell us about some of the songs. If you only had time to perform two or three tracks, which would you pick and why?

That's a very difficult selection. I choose my music based on the atmosphere of the venue I play at. I think that's the allure of being a solo artist. For example, I'd play Hyouga no Shizuku or Jenny Jenny Jenny now if given the chance.

Can you tell us how you write music? Where do you get your ideas from?

First I write poetry. Then I read it over and over again while I wait for the melody to come to me. I think that the images in my poetry are real experiences, or at least a fantasy that is as close to my experience as I can make it.

In 2005 you made the decision to create your own label, "Unbalance". Tell us about it.

To tell you everything would truly take a long time, but put simply I wanted an environment and the time to create my own work at my own space. I had grown apart from the "business" of music. In order for me to achieve any of this I decided to start my own independent label.

You released "Ryunousuke no Uta" through that label. How would you compare its music to your earlier work?

Music need a soul. If I can make music which completely satisfies me, it will become a part of me. A composer, of course as a man, is mortal. Music will never die. My music will live forever as my stand-in, when I die so it needs to represent me. What I want is "music that is me." This is what I worked towards in Unbalance and in all my works.

Tell us more about the Unbalance Circus Orchestra that played on the album.

Each musician is a top performer. They are excellent musicians at the forefront of the Japanese music scene.

Your music can now be purchased outside of Japan?

Yes. My work can be purchased through CD Baby. "Ryunousuke no Uta" (2005) and "Unbalance Circus Orchestra" (2007) are available now. You will be able to purchase "Otogizoushi" (2010) starting this April.

What new projects are you working on now?

I am planning a live tour now.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

I want to compose new songs while I tour. Also, I want to record some new songs.

Outside of music, what type of things do you do for fun and relaxation?

I love to drink sake and I love Japanese chess and gardening.

Do you have anything else you want to bring up or comment on?

I want to tour outside of Japan.

Do you have a final message to all your fans?

I am always grateful to all my fans. I'd like to express my thanks to all the people who support me. I'm so happy to have met all of you. I'd like to thank the people who viewed my site. Please look forward to the release of my brand-new album Otogizoushi. I hope you will like it. And I hope I will see you at my concerts someday!