Could you tell us about your profession?

I'm a musician. In addition to my own solo work, I also collaborate with other artists and write songs for others.

In what kind of environment or moment do you usually find yourself listening to music?

Of course I listen while I'm making music, but also at home, on walks, during commutes — basically any time my ears are free.

Could you tell us the track you'd like to introduce for this feature?

THE NOVEMBERS — 消失点 (Vanishing Point)

Listen on Apple Music ›

How and when did you first encounter this song, and what memories does it hold for you?

This was one of the albums I listened to most on my commute to high school. I attended a credit-based school with a lot of freedom, so I probably felt less of that typical school-related claustrophobia than most — but I was still brooding in my own teenage way, and it was during the pandemic too. I had my earphones in on the train, on the walk from the station to school, wandering around the neighbourhood.

"消失点 (Vanishing Point)" in particular conveyed a sense of deadlock that resonated with the times, while also seeming to break through all of that — translating nature, perspective, and the act of simply existing into a rhythm that was both light and certain. I walked to this song, layering the lyrics over the people I passed, the changing scenery, the hardness of the ground through my shoes. To anyone watching, I was just someone walking with earphones in. But inside, I was carrying a quiet kind of resilience.

I bought the CD afterwards — felt like something I needed to own.

How do you feel this song has influenced who you are today?

I have very few memories of school — and yet I can't quite write it off as meaningless either. I still hold a complicated mix of aversion and longing toward it. So the fact that this song was there alongside my small student life, making me stronger, has become one of those memories. The thought that I was commuting to school listening to something this cool — that feeling still stays with me. (laughs)

It also led me to the artists around and behind The Novembers, and gave me a gateway into listening to more rock and band-based music.

Is there any music or artist you've been into recently?

Right around the time of this interview, Korean artist PAR released an album called "My Soul" (original title: "나의 소울"). It's inventive and striking electronic music, but what sets it apart is that the vocals are just as remarkable. The new album is really great!

Is there anything you try to value in your everyday life or lifestyle?

Something like: if something catches my interest, I do it — I try things before the conditions are perfect. It might be more of a habit than a conscious value. With music and everything else, I find myself constantly wanting to try things.

Do you have any upcoming releases or announcements you'd like to share?

I'm hoping to release a new digital single sometime this summer — nothing confirmed yet, but... I share updates as they happen on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media.

PROFILE

諭吉佳作/men

Musician, songwriter, and arranger, born in 2003. Alongside solo work, active in collaborations, song writing for others, soundtracks, writing, illustration, and video.

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