As I explained in my “Best of March 2021” post, Unknöwn Kun combines unique imagery with catchy songs to create a musical identity all his own. Read on to learn what else makes this artist so special. Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Both Japanese and English answers have been provided by Unknöwn Kun. Photo credit: unknownkun.com Is there a story behind your stage name, Unknöwn Kun?
The name comes from the [term for a] nameless user on social media. We usually say “Kun” after boys’ names in my country. ミュージシャンとして活動する前のSocial mediaでの僕の名前はUnknownとなっていました。 What is the best way to describe your music to someone who has never heard it before? Dream-pop, anime-pop. Though the lyrics are almost written in full English, I think of my music as J-pop. Do you consider your “Unknöwn Kun” persona to be very different from who you are outside of music? In other words, does it feel like who you are as a musician is a different person compared to who you are just in your daily life? I think the characters of me and Unknöwn Kun are completely different. Many of the people who listen to [my] songs are in their teens and twenties and are worried about taking exams and working. I have to be a positive character at all times to rejuvenate them. 普段の僕とUnknöwn Kunのキャラクターでは全く違うと思います。曲を聞いてくれる人たちは10 代20代で受験や仕事で悩んでいる人が多く、その人たちを元気にするために僕自身はいつでもポジティブなキャラクターでなければいけないのです。 What is the meaning of your new single, “Bubblegum”? I expressed the feeling of reminiscence of childhood in that song. Since the content is serious, I made it a bright pop song. 真面目な内容なので暗いイメージの曲にはできないなと思い、明るくポップな曲調にしたのです。 How have your sound, lyrics, and overall messages changed over time? How has your music evolved? When I first started, I was careful to write abstract lyrics for as many people as possible [to relate to], but now I am writing specific lyrics for specific individuals. I think the sound is becoming more and more like J-pop. 始めた頃はなるべく大勢に向けた抽象的な歌詞を書くように気をつけていたのですが、現在は特定の個人に向けるような具体的な歌詞を書いています。 サウンドはどんどんJ-Popらしくなっていっているのかなと思っています What is your recording process like? Do you assist with writing or producing songs too? I make and record every track in my bedroom. First, I compose and write the lyrics, and then [I] arrange [them]. After that, I start recording. 初めに作曲と作詞をして、編曲をします。それが終わったらレコーディングに入ります! Do you prefer to make EPs or singles? Right now I [prefer] to make singles. 今はシングルを作るのが好みですね。 Which Unknöwn Kun song are you most proud of? Do you have a favorite? I like “Keep Tryin’.” Do you help choose the cover art for your singles and EPs? How do you decide what the cover art should be? I'm asking someone I know who can draw illustrations [to design the cover art]. When I request it, I make a storyboard with more than 100 scenes every time, but since only one work is realized as an animation, [some of the scenes will become] a full-animation music video for the next work. 知り合いの中でイラストを描ける人に頼んでいますね。依頼する時に100シーン以上あるStoryboardを毎回作るのですがアニメーションとして実現したのがまだ1作品だけだったので次作からはフルアニメーションのMVになります。 Who are your musical inspirations? [I am] influenced by Owl City, Ellegarden, and Porter Robinson. What are your current career goals? Are you working on any new music right now that you can give hints about? I would be happy if many people listened to the music. I am making Japanese songs now. There is also a collaboration with a great new illustrator [coming soon]. 数多くの人に楽曲が聴かれれば幸せです。I’m making Japanese song now. 素晴らしい新しいイラストレーターとのコラボレーションもあります。 Stay updated on Unknöwn Kun’s music by following him on Instagram, and check out his new single “Bubblegum” here!
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