01Profile
A Sora Negishi Photo
Sora Negishi
Skateboarder — Gunma
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Sora Negishi, Gunma, Japan.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
An after-party for a skateboard competition that I participated in when I was in high school. I couldn't get in during regular hours because of my age, but I was allowed to go to Shibuya VISION. At that time, I was shocked to see a lot of great hip-hop artists like Kan (a.k.a. GAMI) and Jin Dogg. I was shocked to see people I had always watched on YouTube right in front of me.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
A skater called Geoff Rowley. When I was a little kid I got a DVD from the FLIP deck company, which I got as a prize at a competition, and Geoff Rowley caught my eye the moment I watched it for the first time.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
A skate park in LA called Westchester. It's not that big, but it's not surrounded by fences like in Japan. More like a really nice, ordinary park to practice, really.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
The Beatles. Way too much of a legend, so it would be more interesting if I could skateboard in the background while they perform (laughs). Mindset is important for skateboarding, whether you succeed or not. I can concentrate better when I'm listening to my favourite music, so I think it will be a great support for me.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The Beatles, again. Let me have a barbecue with John Lennon while playing skateboards. Or if I choose to be off from skateboard, it would be nice to play around over dinner.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
A crew of Japanese rappers called Wind Mill. They produce huge tracks and their lyrics are amazing. Easy to follow and their sound gets you really hyped up.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I think it's probably 'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction. One of my older skaters told me about it and started listening to it. I thought it was a cool song in English back then (laughs).
A song that defines the teenage you?
I’m still a teen but if I were to appear in the TV documentaries like, 'Professional Work Style' or this popular one in Japan called 'Jounetsu Tairiku' in the future, I would like 'Let It Be' by The Beatles to be used as background music.
One record you would keep forever?
I recently saw a documentary about an actor who loved The Beatles so much that he went to the particular location on the cover art to take photos (laughs). 'Abbey Road', the super famous one.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"grab your dream, don’t wait for it. It’s not about dreams come true, it's about catching them, so dream go true…"
From 'Sanmonsen' by MOROHA. That's a phrase that I really like. When I feel low, good lyrics will cheer me up and bring me back to the proper state of mind.
Best song to turn up loud?
My friend loves The Beatles very much and we used to sing 'Let It Be' together. I don't remember the lyrics properly though!
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I listen to hip-hop all the time, but sometimes I choose to listen and sing along to Japanese bands like 'Tokyo Night Dive' by KOTORI quite enthusiastically in the bath (laughs).
Any new music you are listening to now?
Skepta. I like the song 'Coming Soon'. A mix of cute beats and Skepta’s vocals are a good match.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Sora Negishi, Gunma, Japan.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
An after-party for a skateboard competition that I participated in when I was in high school. I couldn't get in during regular hours because of my age, but I was allowed to go to Shibuya VISION. At that time, I was shocked to see a lot of great hip-hop artists like Kan (a.k.a. GAMI) and Jin Dogg. I was shocked to see people I had always watched on YouTube right in front of me.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
A skater called Geoff Rowley. When I was a little kid I got a DVD from the FLIP deck company, which I got as a prize at a competition, and Geoff Rowley caught my eye the moment I watched it for the first time.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
A skate park in LA called Westchester. It's not that big, but it's not surrounded by fences like in Japan. More like a really nice, ordinary park to practice, really.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
The Beatles. Way too much of a legend, so it would be more interesting if I could skateboard in the background while they perform (laughs). Mindset is important for skateboarding, whether you succeed or not. I can concentrate better when I'm listening to my favourite music, so I think it will be a great support for me.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The Beatles, again. Let me have a barbecue with John Lennon while playing skateboards. Or if I choose to be off from skateboard, it would be nice to play around over dinner.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
A crew of Japanese rappers called Wind Mill. They produce huge tracks and their lyrics are amazing. Easy to follow and their sound gets you really hyped up.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I think it's probably 'What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction. One of my older skaters told me about it and started listening to it. I thought it was a cool song in English back then (laughs).
A song that defines the teenage you?
I’m still a teen but if I were to appear in the TV documentaries like, 'Professional Work Style' or this popular one in Japan called 'Jounetsu Tairiku' in the future, I would like 'Let It Be' by The Beatles to be used as background music.
One record you would keep forever?
I recently saw a documentary about an actor who loved The Beatles so much that he went to the particular location on the cover art to take photos (laughs). 'Abbey Road', the super famous one.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"grab your dream, don’t wait for it. It’s not about dreams come true, it's about catching them, so dream go true…"
From 'Sanmonsen' by MOROHA. That's a phrase that I really like. When I feel low, good lyrics will cheer me up and bring me back to the proper state of mind.
Best song to turn up loud?
My friend loves The Beatles very much and we used to sing 'Let It Be' together. I don't remember the lyrics properly though!
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
I listen to hip-hop all the time, but sometimes I choose to listen and sing along to Japanese bands like 'Tokyo Night Dive' by KOTORI quite enthusiastically in the bath (laughs).
Any new music you are listening to now?
Skepta. I like the song 'Coming Soon'. A mix of cute beats and Skepta’s vocals are a good match.