Interview: Music
Shiori's Debut in the U.S.
reviewed by Takahiro Ishii, special contributor

In a small, but very popular venue for up-and-coming stars, Shiori put her voice to the mic slightly anxious before an eager, enthusiastic audience. Even before any sound came out, a wave of applause swept through the crowds seated patiently awaiting this event. With her eyes scanning the audience and receiving nothing but silhouettes of some familiar and unfamiliar faces and figures, it is not hard to believe how nervous Shiori, a fresh face in the American music industry, would feel under the spotlight.

Shiori's debut in America actually took place at Brownie's (169 Ave. A) on October 16th. But that night of October 25th, Shiori performed her "second debut" at The Bitter End (147 Bleecker St.) with an ease that she may have just recently gained from her new experience singing to her first American audience. Ironically, the "American audience" at The Bitter End was in fact composed primarily of Japanese fans, some of which were Shiori's own friends. Perhaps this may have contributed to the composure she demonstrated on stage within a brief moment after her first note was uttered.

Shiori's voice can be described as a skylark who is just learning to fly--not quite as developed as some of the musical talents of other more accomplished artists in the musical industry. Although she carries the tune and holds a steady note, a bit of fine tuning may be necessary to help Shiori to soar through the sky. The quality of her voice lacks the maturity of an established singer who has trained in front of many audiences, but it does carry a potential for development.

Shiori's style can be characterized as a blend of jazzy, upbeat melodious tunes inspired by Stevie Wonder, whom Shiori recognizes as her favorite artist. In fact, Shiori actually sang one of Stevie Wonder's wonders at The Bitter End that night, one of the two English songs featured in her show. For an uplifting beat and easy-to-follow melody, one need not understand the Japanese lyrics of Shiori's music; but simply absorb the energy that is conveyed by the young voice filtering through the room. As many Asian pop artists just begin to chirp in the world of mainstream music in America, Shiori represents one in a few that has boldly taken the first step to sing in front of an audience that may very well be truly diversified mix of American listeners.

Shiori says...

• What is your full name? Shiori Tanimura.('Shiori' is my first name and 'Tanimura' is the family's)
  
  
• How did you get started in the music business? After I graduated from senior high school in Tokyo, Japan, I went to London, UK, and had lived in there for a few months. I studied language (English), art, and music, which is all I was interested in. But, finally I chose music as my own career (Life work) in London.
  
  
• Who was (were) your role model(s)? No one in particular.
  
  
• Were your parents supportive of your career choice to go into the Arts? (We ask this because typically Asian parents have been know to discourage doing anything other than hard sciences.) Both my parents were (are) very supportive to my choice. Fortunately, both my parents have been working in music business for over thirty years, almost ten years before I was born.
  
  
• What inspires your music? Many events in daily life; like talking with friends, going out to somewhere or walking through the town alone, inspired my music and lyrics a lot.
  
  
• What is your favorite song and why? There are too many songs I love. It's impossible to pick one or several.
  
  
• What are your hobbies and pasttimes? My hobbies are talking and going out with someone, cooking, and listening to music.
  
  
• What brought you to America? Why did you choose to debut in the states? I really have been admiring one famous music producer in NY. Mr. Phil Lamone, who produced many famous artists such as Carpenters, Billy Joel, and many others. I really wanted to work with him, and could get contract with him. The main reason she came to and settled in New York was working with him New York. Then she recorded some songs with him in New York, and debuted in herevery naturally. I am going to write more [using] songs and lyrics with him in New York.
  
  
• What do you find to be the biggest challenge trying to make it in America? The debut and working in New York are the biggest challenges.
  
  
• What are your thoughts on Asians in the media and music in today's era? I feel great that many Japanese artists go and sing in Asian countries, such as Taiwan and South Korea, in these days. I think many more Asian artists should go into the media or music scene.
  
  
• Any last thoughts or inspirational words for other future rising Asian American pop stars? I don't know any Asian-American pop stars in the music scene.