Hiroomi Tosaka and ELLY, both members of the legendary “J SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE” group, both driving forces that push Japan’s highest-attended concerts. “OTAQUEST LIVE”, an event that brings together Japan’s top musicians for a one-day-only event on July 3. With both of these legendary talents bringing forward their solo acts, HIROOMI TOSAKA and CrazyBoy, we had the opportunity to conduct a brief interview before their debut Los Angeles performances.
CrazyBoy: It feels refreshing. There’s no difference in what I do, but I’m hoping that the atmosphere of LA will add a little something to my performance.
HIROOMI TOSAKA: It’s going to be our first time performing in North America, and it’s also going to be the first time this audience gets to see us — so it’s going to be a first for both of us. Besides myself and ELLY, there’s also going to be Japanese pop artists such as m-flo, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and CAPSULE. We’re in the same category, but Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s music is different from mine, just as ELLY’s music style is different too. We’ve all grown from Japanese culture, but we all have a different musical background. I’m excited to perform at an event where these artists can gather though.
HIROOMI TOSAKA performs dance music, and CrazyBoy performs hip-hop. It’ll definitely be a great opportunity to see a wide-variety of J-pop performed at “OTAQUEST LIVE”. Recently, HIROOMI TOSAKA released his latest single “BLUE SAPHIRE”, the theme song to the “Detective Conan: The Fist of Blue Sapphire” anime film. We’re sure we’ll be seeing this song make an appearance.
HIROOMI TOSAKA: The movie production team actually gave me the direction for the music; they wanted a song with speed and exoticism that hadn’t been seen in previous Conan films. I made the song with a Conan-theming to the lyrics and sound, but also something that showcased my own colors to become something “that hadn’t been seen in previous Conan films”.
Meanwhile, CrazyBoy talks about motivation towards his solo activities.
CrazyBoy: I like a lot of different musical styles, regardless of genre, but I’m partial to hip-hop because I can dance. Being a solo artist means I’m able to make more of the music I like. I perform both as a solo artist and as a performer for J SOUL BROTHER III from EXILE TRIBE, but there are some differences between solo and group work; but when I make choreography for the group, I get inspiration from my solo activities. I’m glad that I’ve started doing solo performances, I wouldn’t be able to come to LA if I wasn’t.
This interview was done right after “OTAQUEST LIVE” rehearsals wrapped up. Their setlists had been decided, and they are all ready to go. We asked them what they’ll be bringing to the stage when they perform during the event.
HIROOMI TOSAKA: I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of people in the audience who don’t know about us. It’d be nice if they check out our songs beforehand, but our music is something you can enjoy without knowing it if you like music in general. Even if you don’t understand the meaning of the lyrics, there’s also the sound and performance to enjoy. Please enjoy our music for the first time at the show.
CrazyBoy: I will perform with confidence. Let’s get hyper and loud at the live show and spend the best time together!
You can catch HIROOMI TOSAKA and CrazyBoy at The Novo in Los Angeles on July 3rd as a part of OTAQUEST LIVE alongside m-flo, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and CAPSULE. Tickets are on sale now!