Introduction Originally the leader of and creative mind behind indie favorite Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, Higurashi Aiha left the band on a "break" and quickly found work with Japanese pop legend YUKI. After producing and writing a number of successful tracks for YUKI, Aiha released two singles for her own solo project, the album Born Beautiful, and two more singles. Aiha's new album Platonic will be released May 25th. back to features		Higurashi Aiha What was your first interest in music? When was it? I spent half a year in England and two years in New York City; it lit a fire in my heart. I needed to do something [with my knowledge of English]! But music was the only thing I could do! Why did you start playing guitar? I just taught myself. In your own opinion, what kind of album is Platonic? I made it with the feelings of the freedom and delusions of a first love, and the first feelings of flying away, heading outside. Before you started this album, how did you want it to be? I don't like conceptual things, and I didn't have a plan, so I thought maybe I should do this while getting to know some producers. I wanted to show different aspects of my character. What are you most proud of on this album? That I showed how I don't fit into one shape. Platonic has many collborations. What is the collaboration process like? I was as cheerful as if I'd fallen in love. Sometimes we'd need more time for recording, and it was interesting in that I had a sense that I wouldn't need to figure it out on my own [as usual]. It seems like you're using Japanese a lot more. Why is that? I used to think the language wouldn't matter, as long as it went with the tune. But this time I exquisitly balanced my mother tongue and English, and I'm content with it. And this way I can communicate to Japanese people better. What is your songwriting process? How much has it changed since your Seagull days? In retrospect, starting a long time ago, I've come to feel that it's important to use songs as a means of communication, and that's what's caused them to change. Out of all the songs you've written, which do you like most? I love all my Seagull and solo songs. My influence is often triggered by my own songs, so they're all dear to me. If you insist, though, I like "evergreen" off Platonic because of how natural it is. What lyrics of yours do you like in particular? What lyrics do you like by other artists? I like the lyrics to "I'm your girl" and "NEW LIFE" off my last album, Born Beautiful. As for other artists... Sting's "Shape of My Heart" and Madonna's "Hollywood." The songs you wrote for YUKI were different from your previous works, and seemed like a new stage for you. How did you come to write them? Right, YUKI's songs are 5 we chose from songs I'd written for my own solo project. Because of Seagull stopping at the time, I was very free, and I was filled and overflowing with an energy of relief. Even I was a little surprised at how much the range of songs extend with no band. What kind of guitar are you using now? Does it have a name? A custom Fender Stratocaster. I gave it the nickname "Tomozou." It's a worn-out light blue. What artists have you been listening to recently? Elliott Smith, Sting, DFA, Gang of Four, Supercar, and Smokey and Miho. Please say anything else you'd like to tell overseas fans. I want to tour overseas again. I want you to call me to. The Seagull fans are waiting, too, so I really want to go. - Hana
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