Check out our interview with Japanese singer-songwriter Vicke Blanka who just released his first ever concert Blu-ray and DVD back on January 25, titled ‘Vicke Blanka presents RAINBOW ROAD -Ki-’. The release features footage from Vicke Blanka’s ‘RAINBOW ROAD -Ki-’ concert, which was held at Tokyo Garden Theater on October 30, 2022 – his first ever arena performance, in which he expressed his deep gratitude to the fans who have supported his music career. This special one-off set features 19 songs, including an encore.
Along with Vicke Blanka fan favorite songs such as ‘Masshiro’, ‘Ca Va?’ and ‘ULALA’, the varied set also includes the first ever band-version performance of ‘Black Catcher’, and an encore performance of ‘Changes’, which was Vicke Blanka’s ending song for the notorious French film ‘The Revenge of The Shiny Shrimps’. ‘Black Catcher’ is the opening theme tune for the 10th season of smash-hit anime series ‘Black Clover’. For three years running, the song has ranked in the Top 10 of Spotify’s chart of Japanese tracks played by listeners overseas. ‘Black Catcher’ has been streamed over 160 million times to date, with its music video racking up some 50 million plays on YouTube.
Follow Vicke @vickeblanka
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Hi Vicke, please tell us a little about you?
From the “Black Clover” tv series, the opening songs “Black Catcher” and “Black Rover” have been longtime hits. In Spotify, “Black Catcher” has been in the Top 10 three years in a row as a Japanese artist most played overseas.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Probably, water, rain, and lightening.
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get into the industry?
I uploaded my music on the internet. About a week later, I received an offer to sign a contract, and I remember being surprised.
How has this changed your life?
It validated me to live my life continuing to do what I love.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Maybe happiness, excitement and discord.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
When I was a child, my mother taught me about foreign music. After that, I naturally began making my own music and felt like I wanted to perform them in front of others.
Do you play any instruments?
I play the piano, guitar, and CDJs, I guess.
Do you ever get nervous?
Not anymore. I learned how to trust myself. After I experienced the sensation of “doing nothing and anything,” all my nervous feelings disappeared.
Tell us about your new Blu-ray and DVD “Vicke Blanka presents RAINBOW ROAD -Ki-?”
I feel very happy I was able to record an awesome performance at an awesome venue.
What’s we can expect from this dvd?
I’m going to continue holding concerts. But as this is Part 1, I think it’s valuable.
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And about the success of your viral hit “Black Catcher?”
It was very exciting to make this song. I did all of it by myself: the chorus, musical arrangements, and even singing. And when it hits me that all these people are listening to what I created, it gives me a lot of confidence.
Wha’t the story behind the song?
Sometimes, we humans feel like we are about to fall, right? But we’re able to stand up straight again. I’m singing about the mindset of that moment. And that became the opening song for the most spectacular anime show. It’s like a dream, right?
Besides the language, what do you think is different from the music or style in Japan vs the US?
In Japanese music, there’s a lot of importance on how traditional the music is. Though I think that’s great, it also means new ideas and new methods of doing things aren’t allowed. I’m the type that finds this boring, so I challenged myself to make “Black Catcher,” etc. I understand it would seem obvious that this is highly regarded in the US, but I feel it’s also a miracle.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The moment the song is completed.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
How about “You Squared”?
What would say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
I think in everything you do, a “sense of exhaustion” is necessary. This comes from Japanese martial arts.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t make so much noise. Prove yourself through your sounds.
How would your best friend describe you?
They say they’re jealous I’m free to live as I please.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Probably “Rainbow.” Because I don’t ever want to be a single color, I want to live with a sense of freedom.
What’s next for Vicke Blanka in 2023?
I want my concerts to be a national, no, international event.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Do you know soba? It’s a traditional Japanese food. It’s incredibly delicious so I hope you’ll try it.
And your favorite cheat food?
It’s coke. I can’t give it up.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I guess it’s Noble Casual.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To not have me or the one I love to be in pain.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to see my mother. There are many things she needs to scold me about.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
In Japan, onsen is part of our culture. I would love to go there with someone I love.
Best advice ever given?
It’s really simple. “Your voice is attractive.”
Do you support any charity?
I donate all the money I make from game streaming to retired racehorses, so they can have a better life.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I’m still in the middle of this adventure. I keep hoping I’ll make more friends.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone.” I feel like I’m always singing this song when I’m driving.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s fun. I love reading comments from everyone in the US.
Where we can follow you?
Probably the best would be Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube. And the venue I’ll be performing at in your country.
Tell us your favorite.
Book: The Secret
Quote: Surpass your limits.
Movie: Usual Suspects
Tv Series: HAWAII FIVE-O, Black List
Favorite Food: Hamburger
Travel Destination: Santa Monica
Sports Team: New England Patriots
