A conversation with Re:O

Hot off the release of her new self-produced single Guild, Saitama based singer-song writer Re:O is making moves in the music world with her dark and ambient dream-pop sounds.

With raw lyrics close to her heart, Guild tackles the dark world of losing hope. In a time where we live to work, Re:O used her talent for writing lyrics to transcend the darkness and struggles so many people face in a world that doesn’t seem too slow.

Please welcome the multi instrumentalist who joined Beyond Senpai to talk about music, creativity and her musical inspirations.

Welcome to Beyond Senpai! Please introduce yourself and the style of music you create.

I’m a Japanese singer song writer called Re:O (pronounced as Rio), who also produces music. It’s difficult for me to say what kind of music I make because I feel like my music has many elements of different genres of music. I would say it’s pop-ish music that has dark vibes.

Congratulations on your new release, Guild! Can you tell us the inspiration behind the song and lyrics?

Thank you! I was very happy to release this song. My inspiration came from Japanese people who work like slaves. I watched the video of someone working overtime on Youtube, and I feel like people live to work, not work to live. It’s really sad. So I began to wonder what we live for. I didn’t mean to satirize society through this song, I just wanted people to know that these things still exist and feel this pain.

What do you want your fans to think about when they listen to your new song?

Above all, I hope that they enjoy it!

How did you begin writing and producing your own music? Do you start with the melody or the lyrics first?

I originally wanted to make a band after my old band broke up, but I found it difficult to make one around me. I almost gave up on making music, but one day I just made drum beats and played synth/guitar to them without thinking too much about it. It was good. Then, I realised that I could make songs by myself. I usually make beats before writing the melody and the lyrics. It depends on the songs.

Which part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?

Writing the lyrics. It’s very challenging because it takes time but I love it.

Who or what influenced your journey into becoming a musician?

I think it was Muse. Matt Bellamy also made me want to be a cool musician, haha.

Are there any musicians and bands that you enjoy listening to in your own time? And is there an artist you would like to collaborate with in the future?

Lately, I have been listening to Yungblud, BMTH, girl in red, PVRIS, REZZ etc. I like listening to any and all kinds of music. Not only new music but I also like old music like The Smiths, The Cure, Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Weezer etc.

I usually listen to western music, too. Sometimes I listen to Japanese music like 4s4ki, Babymetal, Reol, GARNiDELiA, Uverworld, a crowd of Rebellion etc. Regarding a potential collaboration. I would like to make music with Giga chan, Grimes or Nine Inch Nails.

What do you enjoy most about performing live? And do you have hopes to bring your music to international fans?

I have never performed as a solo artist but seeing audiences enjoying live would make me happy. Yes, I hope more people abroad will listen to my music.

What plans have you got for the future? Can your fans look forward to an album?

I am currently working on an EP, so hopefully I can release it by next year. I also hope that I can start performing live soon. I would also like to release an album after an EP, but before that I would love to go on tour.

Do you have a message for your fans?

Thank you for your support! Without you guys, I don’t think I could have become who I am now. It means a lot. I hope you guys keep your fingers crossed for my future works. Hopefully I will perform live soon and meet you guys there.

Re:O