Discolor + May’s always humming something- out now★←
Instagram@HarryTeardrop
Twitter@harryteardrop
★新曲のコンセプト、制作、レコーディングについて教しえてください。
この曲では、まずインストルメンタルから始めました。ドラムのプログラミングそれに合わせてギターやベースのパートを書きます。最初は歌詞はありませんでしたが、「Discolor」という言葉だけが頭の中に浮かんでいました。なぜその言葉が潜在意識に浮かんでいるのか、それが私にとって何を意味するのかを考えました。数日間歌詞を書いたり書き直したりしているうちに、「I won't quit even if I'm discolored(変色しても諦めない)」というフレーズが浮かびました。この曲は、自己不信に直面したときに希望を見つけること、そして自分自身の道を辿ることがどれほど困難であってもそれに従うことについての歌です。
私は5歳のときにドラムを始めました。記憶に残る限り、音楽はずっとそばにありました。11歳か12歳のときに曲を書き始め、高校の時にGaragebandでプロデュースする方法を学び、Soundcloudで本当にひどいデモ音源をリリースしました。18歳のときに "Harry Teardrop"として最初の曲「Chinatown」を発表しました。当時の自分をほとんど認識できないくらいですが、それが私の音楽の本格的なキャリアを築けると愚かにも信じるきっかけとなりました。それにもかかわらず、それに伴う困難があるにせよ、私はそれをうれしく思っています。もし自分を出し切っていなかったら、東京の新しい友人であるあなたとは繋がることはなかったでしょう!
★Please tell me about the concept, production and recording of the new single .
Thank you! I'm so happy it resonates with you. For this song, I started with the instrumental. I usually start with programming the drums on my computer and then write the guitar/bass parts over that. I didn't have any lyrics at first but I had just the word, "Discolor". I thought hard about why that word was floating around in my subconscious -- what it means to me. After a few days of writing and re-writing the lyrics, I wrote the line "I won't quit even if I'm discolored". To me, the song is about finding hope in the face of self-doubt. It's also about following your own path, as challenging as that may be.
★what does your creative process ?
My creative process is so scattered. I never really know why I want to make something. It just feels like an itch that I need to scratch. Musically, it usually starts with making an instrumental idea on my computer. But I also write poetry, make visuals, sometimes make clothes or spraypaint-- it all comes from the same place. I just try my best to be honest with what I'm doing.
★Can you tell me about your new music video?
I made the video with my good friend Soren Harrison, who's from London. A few months ago he told me he was going to be in New York. I knew I wanted to make a video with him because I've been a fan of his work for over 4 years now. I actually finished the song the day before he flew into New York and then we shot the video the day after. It was all so spontaneous, just going around my favorite spots in the city. Some of them are places where my first memories were formed like the Natural History Museum and Central Park. As with pretty much everything I do, there was no budget. I'm so grateful he was willing to DIY it with me because he usually makes videos with way bigger budgets. That's love.
★who are your musical influences?
I have too many to name but a few of my favorite artists are The Cribs, Bill Evans, Mazzy Star, Ride, The Replacements, and My Bloody Valentine.
Growing up though it was Oasis, Blink-182, The Strokes, probably The 1975 too.
★can you tell me about your personal history?
My mom is from Vietnam, my dad is from China. Right after they had my brother Grey (Push Ups), they moved to NYC for school where I was born. Our family moved around a lot when Grey and I were growing up. I grew up split between NYC, Portland, Oregon, Shanghai, and Orange County, California. Somehow we always turned to music to make sense of our changing world. 6 years ago, I moved back to NYC for school and started releasing music as "Harry Teardrop". I'm still figuring out my life with each new day but I just feel grateful to be here on this earth.
★how did you start your music career?
I started playing drums when I was 5 years old. Music has been around as long as I can remember. I started writing songs when I was 11 or 12 and then learned how to produce on Garageband when I was in high school, releasing really shitty demos on Soundcloud. I put out my first song as "Harry Teardrop", "Chinatown" when I was 18 and even though I barely recognize the person I was back then, it led me to foolishly believe I could make a real career out of my music. I'm glad it did, despite the challenges that come with it. If I had never put myself out there, I would never be connecting with you, my new friend in Tokyo!
★how do you feel about the scenes around you ?
Do you have any connections with other bands?
Creative people in New York are always bumping into each other. I feel like everyone knows each other or knows a friend of a friend. Even though I'm friendly with so many artists coming out of New York right now, I don't feel like I'm part of any particular scene. I'm not a band, nor am I an electronic artist. I'm somewhere in between. I'm also an Asian American artist which is rare, even in the most diverse city in America. That's how I've been my whole life though so I'm used to that feeling. I'm just happy I get to live in a city where new ideas are being exchanged every day.
★Are there any Japanese artists you listen to ?
Yes! I listen to a lot of Japanese music. Most recently, I've been really loving that new Cruyff album. Some of my favorite Japanese artists are Supercar, ART-SCHOOL, Number Girl, m-flo, Strawberry Machine, Quruli, Daisuke Miyatani, and Rei Harakami.
★You and SATOH(LINNA FIGG/Kyazm) follow on Instagram each other. How did you get to know each other?
I love SATOH! They're so cool to me. I don't remember how we found each other, maybe through lil soft tennis. But I'm a big fan of how genuine their music feels. Linna figg and I had a facetime call recently, I was surprised by how good his English is! I really want to learn Japanese but it's convenient that a lot of people in Tokyo speak English. We're working on playing a show together in Tokyo later this year. I'm just trying to find a sponsor to fly me out there, so if you know of any brands that would be interested, let me know!
★Are there any other Japanese musicians you are close with?
I've never met any of them in person but I know DYGL, SATOH, Lil Soft Tennis / Heaven, and JUBEE, to name a few. I know once I go out there I'll make so many friends. Just the thought is so exciting to me. I really want to DJ a party while I'm out there too.
★What are your current/dream goals for the upcoming ?
My main goal for 2023 is to release my debut album "Inbetween Webs" in the fall accompanied by memorable visuals. I also want to play shows in London and Tokyo. In the grand scheme of things though, I just want to inspire people, have my own house with huge windows, and have a cat, a wife, maybe kids someday. Until then, I'll take every win I can get.
★ The appeal of your music is a hot topic in Japan, and you have many passionate fans. Do you have a message for your Japanese fans?
That's so crazy to me! Such a big part of music is the cultural identity aspect. Sometimes I feel more understood by people in Japan than even here in the US because I'm Asian so they can see me for who I am. My mom was also an English teacher in Japan in the 90s, so I grew up with a love for Japanese culture. That love has only grown as I've gotten older and discovered my favorite artists from there. I can't wait to come out there and party my brains out hahaha.
T/N: Keep in mind that Japanese and English aren’t my first language. I never claim my translation (attempts) to be error-free. As always, if you’re going to use or reference my translations, please do not claim it as your own and credit me.
Tobikkiri no egao de
Hanasu kimi wa kagayaiteru (So good)
Hitori utsumuki nagameru asufaruto mo
Aozora ni kawatteru (All right)
With a smile so stunning
You are shining as you speak to me (So good)
The asphalt you look down at by yourself
Has changed into the blue sky (All right)
溜め込んだイライラ
全部吐き捨てて
Keep it up 心の声に耳澄ませ
好都合な最高な状況
はだけた心でLet’s enjoy now
Tamekonda iraira
Zenbu haki sutete
Keep it up kokoro no koe ni mimi sumase
Kōtsugō na saikō na jōkyō
Hadaketa kokoro de Let’s enjoy now
The frustration that has built up
Spit it all out
Keep it up, listen carefully to the voice of your heart
The best and most favorable situation
With an open heart, let’s enjoy now
考えすぎて眠れない夜もあるね
不安がってないで
さぁ、行こうぜ
Kangae sugite nemurenai yoru mo aru ne
Fuan gattenai de
Saa, ikō ze
There are also sleepless nights ‘cause we think too much
Do not be anxious
Now, let’s go
夢に見たあの世界へ
笑顔でほら走り出せ
もうちょっと
君のストーリー伝えて
Yume ni mita ano sekai e
Egao de hora hashiri dase
Mō chotto
Kimi no sutōrī tsutaete
That world you saw in our dreams
C’mon, start running with a smile
For a while longer
Tell me your story
笑顔のストーリー伝えて
いつか僕ら大人になって
思い出して 笑っていよう
この心はずっと繋がってる
Egao no sutōrī tsutaete
Itsuka bokura oto na ni natte
Omoidashite waratte iyou
Kono kokoro wa zutto tsunagatteru
Tell me the story of your smile
We will become adults someday
Let’s remember it and laugh
These hearts of ours will forever be connected
君のスマイル 無敵さ
君のスマイル 幸せ光る
そっとあげようね
君だけのスマイル
Let's go to the best place
理想の未来へMake a better days
Kimi no sumairu muteki sa
Kimi no sumairu shiawase hikaru
Sotto ageyou ne
Kimi dake no sumairu
Let’s go to the best place
Risō no mirai e Make a better days
That smile of yours is unrivaled
Your smile glows bright with happiness
I will gently give it to you
A smile just for you
Let’s go to the best place
Towards our ideal future, make a better days
ねぇ、これからずっとだよ
ねぇ、今なら言えるよ
何かあったらなら
ほら、また頼ったりしてよ
Ne, kore kara zutto da yo
Ne, ima nara ieru yo
Nani ka attara nara
Hora, mata tayottari shite yo
Hey, from now on and forever
Hey, I can say it to you if it’s now
If something were to happen
Look, rely on me again
あらゆる時間の中で過ごす
時代はいつか変わってく
ピンチになったら俺らを呼んで
傍観者じゃNo It's time my Homies
Arayuru jikan no naka de sugosu
Jidai wa itsuka kawatteku
Pinchi ni nattara orera o yonde
Bōkansha ja No It's time my Homies
Spend every moment of your time
The era will someday change
If you are in trouble, call on us
A bystander, no, it’s time my homies
単純な感情 過剰に反応
しちゃってもいいじゃない?
君のスマイル俺ら今日もHigh
作戦決行 You feel so fly
Tanjun na kanjō kajō ni hannō
Shichatte mo ī janai?
Kimi no sumairu orera kyō mo High
Pasufiruta sakusen kekkō You feel so fly
Simple emotions, overreaction
Isn't it okay to just do it?
Your smile, we are high today too
Strategy implementation, you feel so fly
Kotoba yori mo taisetsu na koto ga aru tte
Sanzan na koto ga okita kyō mo
Katariakashi waraitobasou yo
Egao taenai mirai e
There are things more important than words
Terrible things happened even today when we woke up
Let’s talk about it all night and laugh it off
Towards a future where we will never lose our smiles
Mō chotto
Kimi no sutōrī tsutaete
Egao no sutōrī tsutaete
Itsuka mainasu na koto datte
Kinishinai de waratte iyou
Happy na rensa de tsunagu Smile
For a while longer
Tell me your story
Tell me the story of your smile
Even if it’s something negative one day
Do not worry about it and just laugh
Smiles that are connected with happy chains
君のスマイル 無敵さ
君のスマイル 幸せ光る
そっとあげようね
君だけのスマイル
Let's go to the best place
理想の未来へMake a better days
Kimi no sumairu muteki sa
Kimi no sumairu shiawase hikaru
Sotto ageyou ne
Kimi dake no sumairu
Let's go to the best place
Risō no mirai e Make a better days
That smile of yours is unrivaled
Your smile glows bright with happiness
I will gently give it to you
A smile just for you
Let’s go to the best place
Towards our ideal future, make a better days
LALALA
最高の瞬間が続くように
気分はノリノリ今日もいつも通り
LALALA
Saikō no shunkan ga tsudzuku yō ni
Kibun wa nori nori kyō mo itsumodōri
May the best moments continue
I am in high spirits today as usual
難しい事は無しにして
皆んなの笑顔が運ぶHappiness
Muzukashī koto wa nashi ni shite
Minna no egao ga hakobu happiness
Do without the difficult things
A happiness brought to us by everyone’s smiles
君が努力してること気づいてるから
ガムシャラに前だけ見て進め
Kimi ga doryoku shiteru koto kidzuiteru kara
Gamushara ni mae dake mite susume
Because I am aware you are doing what you can
Just look straight ahead and move forward recklessly
Mō chotto
Kimi no sutōrī tsutaete
Egao no sutōrī tsutaete
Itsuka bokura oto na ni natte
Omoidashite waratte iyou
Kono kokoro wa zutto tsunagatteru
For a while longer
Tell me your story
Tell me the story of your smile
We will become adults someday
Let’s remember it and laugh
These hearts of ours will forever be connected
君のスマイル 無敵さ
君のスマイル 幸せ光る
そっとあげようね
君だけのスマイルは
Let's go to the best place
理想の未来へMake a better days
そっとあげようね
君だけのスマイル
Kimi no sumairu muteki sa
Kimi no sumairu shiawase hikaru
Sotto ageyou ne
Kimi dake no sumairu wa
Let’s go to the best place
Risō no mirai e make a better days
That smile of yours is unrivaled
Your smile glows bright with happiness
I will gently give it to you
A smile just for you is
Let’s go to the best place
Towards our ideal future, make a better days
そっとあげようね
君だけのスマイル
Sotto ageyou ne
Kimi dake no sumairu
I will gently give it to you
A smile just for you
LA LA LA…
Wow Wow Wow…
LA LA LA…
Yeah…
LA LA LA…
Wow Wow Wow…
LA LA LA…
The new zine "Love Buzz" vol.3 is a translated English-to-Japanese zine about an interview with Bradford Cox from Deerhunter, one of my favorite bands on YouTube.
Make sure that I would like people who love the music of Deerhunter to see this as well, but in this interview, Bradford talked about the importance of entertainment and the music industry from his bird's- eye view including the passing of an era. I made it with the hope that the message around that would be received individually. Also, He described proper nouns such as pioneering electronic musicians and filmmakers a lot, and his speech was a charming, witty narrative, and knowledgeable as usual, so I would be happy if you could enjoy it from that point of view.
What is more, a musician, ex-band "insect kids" Sho Takahashi has contributed his words this time. That is an original sentence written by Sho Takahashi himself for Bradford Cox, so I want you to read it! It can show on his note site, so you can check it out there too. I printed directly the manuscript as it was, and I tried to translate his words into English for the zine. I owe him very much for this!
This zine will only be sold on the Flotsam zine tour for now.
I personally feel that entertainment leads to personal expression and enriches our real daily lives. I hope to see you, everyone, as for me I don't care about it regardless of what kind of class you are in. Thank you all for your support and sending love.
A long time ago, I translated this song by ear because there was only that live recording. But recently, I rediscovered how much I love her music, and found out there’s finally an officially published version! I had to find the official lyrics and share it again.
Compared to the live recording, this official version has a lot more instrumental ornaments. She also taps into her “cute” voice that she’s been using for her anime songs. Overall, I would say the live recording feels “sentimental” while this version feels “sweet”. I like both equally, but as expected of being with a professional label, all her songs sound more and more polished now. It makes me happy how much she’s improving herself.
These versions are different enough that I want to put these updated lyrics into its own post, rather than just editing the old one. I hope you don’t mind! I’ve also learned that people do like having the romaji and kanji available too in one spot, so from now I’ll include them under a “read-more”.
English:
On days we spend without a care
Or days we feel crushed by pain
When the moon rises, illuminating the night
The whole day is swathed in that little happiness
Our conversation on the phone is aimless
But leaning in my ear, tonight we’re connected again
The night is long, I just want to see you
Or dream of you, but it’s just not that easy
That’s why, as far as we are, I only need to hear your voice
To know that I’ll sleep well
Walking alone on the road home
The sky clears, and displays its stars
Can you see it in your city too?
The light of Orion shining
These days will continue changing for the better
But for tonight, I’m bathed in happiness again
The night is long, I just want to see you
Or dream of you, but it’s just not that easy
That’s why, as far as we are, I only need to hear your voice
To know I’ll dream well
The night is long, I just want to see you
Or dream of you, but it’s just not that easy
That’s why, as far as we are, I only need to hear your voice
To know that I’ll sleep well
Romaji:
Nanigenaku sugita ichi nichi mo
Kujikesou ni naru hodo tsurai hi ni mo
Tsuki ga nobori yoru wo terashitara
Sasai na shiawase ga kyou wo tsutsumikomu
Itonashii denwa ni mimi wo katamukete
Anata he to tsunagaru konya mo mata
Yoru wa nagakute
Yume de mo aitai keredo muzukashii kara
Tooku hanareta anata no koe ga kikereba
Yoku nemureru ki ga suru no
Hitori de aruku kaeri no michi
Konya wa sora ga sunde hoshi ga miemasu
Orion no hikari wa anata no
Machi de mo kagayaite miete imasuka?
Kawaribaenonai hi ga tsudzuku kedo
Shiawase ni hitareru konya mo mata
Yoru wa nagakute
Yume de mo aitai keredo muzukashii kara
Tooku hanareta anata no koe ga kikereba
Ii yume wo miresou de
Yoru wa nagakute
Yume de mo aitai keredo muzukashii kara
Tooku hanareta anata no koe ga kikereba
Yoku nemureru ki ga suru no