AVO Interview: Let’s get acquainted with singer-songwriter Re:O

Re:O is a singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist that started making music as a solo musician in 2020. Performing on stage seemed to be another story, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Re:O eventually managed to reach people internationally by sharing music via websites like Reddit and is regularly active on Twitch to talk about music and other topics that keep her busy.

The talented musician is not sitting still and knows new ways to find music lovers. She is still at the beginning of her career as a solo musician, but has already touched many hearts with her relatable songs. In between making new songs, Re:O took the time to answer some questions for a quick interview to get to know this skilled musician (better).

AVO Magazine: You have started your activities as a solo artist last year, but you have been active in the music scene for much longer. In addition to being a singer-songwriter, you are also a multi-instrumentalist from playing the guitar to the keyboard. Can you tell me how it all started for you? What was the trigger for you to start working in the music industry?
Re:O: When I was a kid, my mum made me go to piano school. I was so lazy and did not practice but I thanked my mum for letting me go to the school because I learned music theory. I started playing the guitar because I was into J-rock bands. My bad habit happened again… I played it and stopped playing it over and over. I play guitar and piano almost every day now.

Also, I can play the drums. It was not my intention but my elementary school classmates forced me to play it so I can play the basic drum patterns. J-rock inspired me but I can say Arctic Monkeys made me obsessed with western music and inspired me to work in the music industry. I was shocked when I first listened to their music because it was really different from the music I listened to so far. I started listening to a lot of western music and making a band and songs.

AVO Magazine: Who is your biggest inspiration?
Re:O: It’s really difficult to choose one. I would say Grimes, Björk, Lady Gaga, Daughter, Radiohead and so on. But Arctic Monkeys are my all-time heroes.

AVO Magazine: How was it to start as a solo musician in a year as 2020? How have you been dealing with the effects of the pandemic?
Re:O: My old band broke up. It made me feel upset. I tried to make another band again but it was difficult to find members that have similar music tastes like mine. Also, it’s hard to find because of COVID-19. I almost gave up working in music but I realized that I have experience making songs with other people so I thought possibly I might be able to do it by myself. I got Ableton and started studying how to use it because I had never touched DAW (red. Digital audio workstation). I stay home almost every day so I can work on music. The pandemic sometimes has a huge impact on my mental health but I try to listen to many songs to cheer me up.

AVO Magazine: In a big music country like Japan, it is difficult to become more known with your music. Is this why you have chosen to not only focus on the Japanese music scene, but also the international music scene?
Re:O: Somehow, my music attracts people from other countries even though I sing in Japanese. I posted my music on Reddit and realized it, so I focus on the international music scene. I think my music is influenced by western music. That’s why…? I hope more Japanese people can notice me! lol

AVO Magazine: You have released a couple of digital singles, and the latest was titled, GUILD. What can you tell me about the concept of this song?
Re:O: Many people might have heard this but we Japanese confront an issue that we work too much. I watched some videos of Japanese wage slavery. They work from 7 am to 12 am which made me shocked. So I made a story about a person who wants freedom and wants to release stress caused by their work. I tried to tell indirectly that we do not wanna work much. My friend who listened to this song told me that I satirize society which isn’t my intention but I thought it would be interesting if I turn the issue into a dark story.

AVO Magazine: You describe your music as dark, ambient, cool and crazy, among many other keywords. What in those keywords attracts you and why have you chosen to make music fitting these categories?
Re:O: I believe no one can describe what kind of music mine is because even I cannot do it. But I believe it has a lot of interesting atmospheres, sounds, words, music genres and so on. I would like to get people who listen to my music to choose a keyword that fits in my music if anything.

AVO Magazine: What will be your next steps in the near future, are you already working on the next release?
Re:O: I try to release a first EP during this year. I hope I can perform when I release it. I’m planning to make the first album, too but at first, I would like to work on an EP.

AVO Magazine: What are currently the best ways to support you?
Re:O: I hope more people want to spread the word. Tell your friends, neighbours, parents, children etc. Sharing my music would be helpful!!!!

Related links:

At the moment, Re:O is busy finalising new music and a new music video. Good reason to keep an eye on her YouTube channel, she has created a Linktree page with all the important links connected to her.

Do follow her on her social media and check her Twitch channel out, but most importantly, check out her music!