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Kokia
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Questions:
You have been a professional musician for about 10 years
now. How did you get started?
Going a bit further back in time now, can you tell us
something more about your early life experiences and the importance
of music early in your life?
I gather that music has been the main focus of your
education as well? Please, tell us about your musical
training.
I understand that Arigatou, which was published in 1999,
was the first song that you fully wrote and composed yourself.
Is that right? Can you tell us something about your
inspiration for the song and how it came about?
Can you give us some insight into your writing process?
Who are your musical influences and what music do you
listen to?
Near the end of last year, our radio listeners had the
chance to hear your rendition of Leonard Cohen’s song, Hallelujah.
You did a wonderful job with that song. Would you say Leonard
Cohen is an influence and / or a favorite of yours? ... that song
was on your recently released album: Christmas Gift. Our
listeners’ were also treated to your exquisite Christmas Medley from
that album, and that certainly helped to add to the joy of the
season for us.
Speaking of that album, around Christmas 2008, you traveled
to New York City to give away 1000’s of copies of your Christmas
album. You have referred to this as your “Music Gift” project
and I believe it has a connection to 9/11. Can tell us more
about the project; why it is important to you, and what you were
hoping to accomplish through it.
I really appreciate your message that music is a universal
language that can transcend all kinds of differences including
linguistic, cultural and political differences. What was the
outcome of your “Music Gift” project?
Another recent project of yours has been your contributions
to the anime Gunslinger Girl. I believe you wrote and
performed two songs for that series—would you mind sharing with us
what working on that project was like for you?
In addition to your success in Japan, you have successfully
reached out to other countries, for example China and France.
Tell us something about these projects and experiences overseas.
Would you ever consider touring in the USA?
How can fans contact you to learn more about your music and
any current or upcoming projects?
In conclusion, is there anything you’d like to talk about /
mention that we haven’t discussed thus far?