Artist — Tokyo
Name
Ucary Valentine
What do you do?
Artist
Where are you from?
Takarazuka / Hyogo
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The XX - I saw them on the White Stage at Fuji Rock Festival, in 2013. Firstly, I love their musicianship a lot. Secondly, I love their light show and laser beams which really suited the dark music. It was very beautiful and moved me emotionally.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
New Wave and electro music. The era of CSS, Karen O and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I have been listening to them since I was a first-grader at junior high school.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Tsukimirukimiomofu - in Aoyama and Nohgakukaikan, Osaka. I only played in Nohgakukaikan once, but it was cool to play Noh stage. The sound was really great.
If you could be on the line up with any artist in history?
Amy Winehouse - I would have loved to have seen her live, but sadly didn’t get the chance.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to watch Mozart writing his music. I don’t think one hour would be long enough. I found classical music recently and when I listened to ‘Requiem’, I wondered how that music was made.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Sevdaliza - a female artist I discovered on YouTube and the song “Marilyn Monroe” is really cool.
How did you select the songs for this playlist?
I chose relatively calm songs from my favourites. I like making playlists, so I usually collect the songs like 'songs when I want to rest', 'love songs' and 'songs for friends'.
The first track you played on repeat?
'Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex' by CSS. When I was thirteen or fourteen years old and discovered CSS - I thought it was even better than hardcore punk.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Always' by Blink-182. - a really great song.
One record you would keep forever?
'23' by Blonde Redhead. I love this album. It suits my feelings. It is painful and dark, but pop. It is a comfortable song and also makes me excited, so I always want to listen to it no matter what my mood. This album is so stylish.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I read the lyrics before I listen to the music when I buy CDs, especially since I started to write music. In that sense, all lyrics inspire me.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Mr. Brightside' by The Killers is the song I always sing very loud! 'Hello' by Adele, too.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Ren-ai Revolution 21' by Morning Musume and 'Aoi Inazuma' by SMAP. I got into ‘Aoi Inazuma’ after someone sang it at karaoke and I started listening to it at home.
Any new bands you are listening to now?
I like Anohni. She is a female artist, who released a song where she sings in both male and female voices. She collaborates with Björk.
Name
Ucary Valentine
What do you do?
Artist
Where are you from?
Takarazuka / Hyogo
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The XX - I saw them on the White Stage at Fuji Rock Festival, in 2013. Firstly, I love their musicianship a lot. Secondly, I love their light show and laser beams which really suited the dark music. It was very beautiful and moved me emotionally.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
New Wave and electro music. The era of CSS, Karen O and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I have been listening to them since I was a first-grader at junior high school.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Tsukimirukimiomofu - in Aoyama and Nohgakukaikan, Osaka. I only played in Nohgakukaikan once, but it was cool to play Noh stage. The sound was really great.
If you could be on the line up with any artist in history?
Amy Winehouse - I would have loved to have seen her live, but sadly didn’t get the chance.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to watch Mozart writing his music. I don’t think one hour would be long enough. I found classical music recently and when I listened to ‘Requiem’, I wondered how that music was made.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Sevdaliza - a female artist I discovered on YouTube and the song “Marilyn Monroe” is really cool.
How did you select the songs for this playlist?
I chose relatively calm songs from my favourites. I like making playlists, so I usually collect the songs like 'songs when I want to rest', 'love songs' and 'songs for friends'.
The first track you played on repeat?
'Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex' by CSS. When I was thirteen or fourteen years old and discovered CSS - I thought it was even better than hardcore punk.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Always' by Blink-182. - a really great song.
One record you would keep forever?
'23' by Blonde Redhead. I love this album. It suits my feelings. It is painful and dark, but pop. It is a comfortable song and also makes me excited, so I always want to listen to it no matter what my mood. This album is so stylish.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
I read the lyrics before I listen to the music when I buy CDs, especially since I started to write music. In that sense, all lyrics inspire me.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Mr. Brightside' by The Killers is the song I always sing very loud! 'Hello' by Adele, too.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Ren-ai Revolution 21' by Morning Musume and 'Aoi Inazuma' by SMAP. I got into ‘Aoi Inazuma’ after someone sang it at karaoke and I started listening to it at home.
Any new bands you are listening to now?
I like Anohni. She is a female artist, who released a song where she sings in both male and female voices. She collaborates with Björk.
UCARY & THE VALENTINE - Siri