In an earlier extensive article, you could read Kihiro’s current plans after pulling the plug for the rock band LOKA. Currently working hard as a solo musician, it is now even more difficult than before with the current situation surrounding COVID-19. Certain plans do not continue, such as the project in connection with DOWNLOAD Festival, but Kihiro stays active. We had the chance to have a talk with the rock star, talking about his solo project in the first phase, named A FANG OF FIRE, but also the plans Kihiro has during the coming period.
AVO: In March, you announced phase one of your solo project under the name A FANG OF FIRE. This was also the name of your first solo performance. You have set several goals that you want to reach to grow your solo project and make it possible for you to continue. With all the challenges you have had in former bands and projects, do you think that this solo project is the greatest challenge in your musical career?
Kihiro: Sure it will be the toughest challenge, I mean… it always was. Though being solo gives me the freedom to take action on my own pace which ironically made some things a lot easier, haha. I want to challenge and use all my talents to create a different road. Like presenting several ‘GOALS’ to fans is very new, but I wanted to sustain my career with the fans. I hope the fans kind of enjoy accomplishing these goals like an RPG game.
AVO: We are positive that you will be able to go to the next phase in your solo career, do you already have the next steps planned with different names connected to these phases?
Kihiro: I do have several ideas of goals in order for me to enter the next phase. I’m also thinking it would be possible for me to tour Europe again if I can get to Phase 2. But of course, that name is still a secret.
AVO: You are currently very active on YouTube to connect with your fans worldwide. You revived X-LIMIT TV, inform your fans about music and artist life in the music world with a humorous tone, show old clips from your former band Supe. You even started a new YouTube show on the channel for the English speaking fans, which is very funny. What more can we expect from you in the future on this channel?
Kihiro: I will be doing a LIVE STREAM ACOUSTIC COVER programme soon. It’s just tough now with the world we are now facing… But the plan is that every week I’ll be covering a song from a band I like with my good friend RYO (guitarist of the band NYF).
AVO: The COVID-19 pandemic is obviously affecting people all around the world at the moment. These effects are felt in a lot of ways across all sectors of life, including those working in the cultural sector, such as musicians. Do you feel these effects as well and in what way?
Kihiro: So many musicians currently lost their jobs, and yes so have I. Well, everyone is suffering now. What I can tell you and whoever is reading this is that ‘Watch the news, gather info online & offline’, and don’t trust everything what the media says, always have your own vision. The COVID-19 pandemic is not the only thing happening in the world. This crisis happens for a reason. And these reasons are announced ‘slightly’ in the media cause ‘they’ want you focused on the virus.
These are of course my personal opinions here. Why did the king of Oman die? Why is North Korea still launching missiles (and why now?)? Why the hell Japan purchase 147 Battle planes that worth 6 trillion dollars from the USA? Thinking outside the box, and connecting these dots can help understand what is ‘really’ going on. Not just about things I mentioned above but also in the sectors of life too. I think it can help to find a ‘chance’ in the darkness.
AVO: To continue on the last question; what are currently the best ways to support you and your solo project?
Kihiro: Best way now is to just listen to my songs on Spotify & Apple Music, sit back relax and watch my YouTube channel. If you want to support more, just spread those links to your friends and social media. Give me an interview like AVO Magazine (hopefully with different questions, haha).
OR, if you need music, let me know. Not just me but I have so many talented writers around me that want to write great music for YOU!
AVO: The current situation means that a lot of things may not turn out as they were planned. It can be a challenge to remain focused with so much uncertainty around. How do you stay motivated to continue with your projects?
Kihiro: I love being a ROCK singer. That’s it. It is enough for me to keep writing and stay motivated. Numbers and fame are not a reason. So since we all have to STAY the FXXK HOME now, try to do things you love but also try to monetise it. Love playing games? Go LIVE on YouTube and start making followers. Write books about what you love to do. We live in a world where ‘anything’ can be a job. And kids, keep studying!!! It may sound weird from a musician but no school does not mean that you can’t study. At least study what you love!
Don’t get stressed by focusing too much on the uncertainty, there is nothing certain from the first place.
AVO: Have you heard of the petition that was started soon after the decisions made by the Japanese government, under the name Save Our Space (abbreviated SOS)? What do you think about this project and do you think it will make a difference?
Kihiro: First of all, I think it is a beautiful project. Also I’m glad to know that 2,000,000 people petitioned for the project. Will it make a difference? It is a hard question. I believe the project already made a difference by starting the project,
however, will the government support or not? That is out of my knowledge. Though I hope when all this settles, more people be interested and will put their eyes on modern culture events.
AVO: Finally, do you have anything you want to say to your fans?
Kihiro: Stay Healthy, Strong & Positive. I love all you guys for supporting me, hope to see you soon!
Kihiro explains more about A FANG OF FIRE in a post on his official website, read this article to find out the goals he wants to reach before he will start with the second phase. Kihiro just released a new digital single, titled Aiutare, you can listen to the song on Spotify & Apple Music. Keep up-to-date with Kihiro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
