Hikaru Utada: ‘BAD MODE,’ Forging Their Musical Path and Finding Non-Binary Pronouns | Apple Music
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- J-Pop artist and musical innovator, Hikaru Utada sits down with Zane Lowe to discuss their eighth Japanese-language studio album, ‘BAD MODE.’ For Hikaru, this album was about exploring the use of electronic sound, the power of collaboration, and the blend of different techniques. Hikaru Utada also opens up about being a non-binary artist and shares the journey of owning their identity. Listen to Hikaru Utada on Apple Music: apple.co/Hikar...
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#HikaruUtada #BADMODE #AppleMusic
Utada just becomes more lovable over the years. Utada seems like a wonderful individual. I’ve been a fan since 2005 & I am glad that they are bringing more visibility.
She *
2005 Exodus
@@PaulieWalnuts13 both are valid according to Utada themself
@@BBarNavi she’s a female. No one cares about her narcissistic sense of self.
Nah
Utada pushed the "jpop" genre so much their music became its own genre. The definition of iconic.
I think Utada hikaru is one of greatest Japanese singer, no one like her
@@RChannelsttwo words, Shiina Ringo.
@@yapudpil7482Their collab was really good
That's an insane interpretation.
Iconic in this era is Ayumi Hamasaki
Bad Mode is such an incredible album. Even the deeper cuts like Somewhere Near Marseilles are so atmospheric yet danceable, and I enjoy every one of them.
I got high from listening to Marseilles and I had no drugs
that's a good way to put what drew me in to the album as well!
@@Pikachu-qr4yb :v
There's something so special about this person. There's not another artist on this planet that knows how to stir up such intense emotions in me. I've been a huge fan for over half of my life. Hikki is truly something special.
If you've been a fan of theirs for long enough you probably could have called their nonbinary identity. They've mentioned feeling disconnected to their identity as a woman a lot over the years.
i thought the same thing, but i didn't want to act like i had some kind of weird fandom insight, cause i don't. but there was always...something.
Or if u don't comply with the woke pitchfork Twitter mob u will be cancel
ok @@jasstrom
"You Make Me Want to be a Man" was the enby trying to scream out.
Yes!! I’ve been listening to Hikki since I was 13 and LOVE their music, their music helped me on my journey to finding and accepting I’m non-binary! So when they came out I was STOKED!!
Utada became a huge star in the 90s pre social media era. She didn't have the advantage of K-Pop stars that use these platforms to advertise their music and presence across the globe. Utada's global appeal came naturally from her own charisma.
Yes!
Absolutely 💯
And Disney anime shenanigans!
Well that and……kingdom hearts lol we gotta be honest now
Why mention kpop when Utada is Japanese?
I do consider she’s J-pop.
It’s not because her music root is J-pop (like she says), but because the big part of modern J-pop’s root is based on what she has created.
She may not be based on J-pop, but rather J-pop is based on her as being the most popular singer in Japan who sings in Japanese.
I hope this makes sense.
I miss Utada's English interviews. I'm glad she's done one here for this album.
They*
@@xehan4 I believe they use both she/her and they/them pronouns
@@freddiepatterson1045 I’m 48 but liked Hikaru from my 20s, but I’m still confused by self-assigned genders when someone still presents as clearly female.
@@maxrebo8455 they go by both. Such a thing as NB presenting in a preferable way exists.
Regardless, they accept both they/them and she/her, so it's all good as long as you don't deny their life and events that led to this point.
I need more interviews like this with Utada!! Zane is always a great substantive interviewer. Utada has lived so much life and getting to hear about their thinking regarding their background and creative process is really enlightening. Appreciated this very much as a long-term fan!
"Bangers you can cry to" is the perfect description for this album.
When her debut single Automatic was released in Japan many years ago, that’s a truly revolutionary. She was only 15-16 years old but she wrote lyrics and made track by herself too. It changed J-pop forever.
This album is just perfection.
Been following Utada for years now, and honestly Bad Mode is great. I also like how it doesn't try to fit in with other types of albums, having short tracks to appeal to an audience that somehow can't take music if it's over 3 minutes. No, it just follows its own course and does so beautifully. A great album from a great artist. Keep being you, Utada. You're fantastic.
Their voice literally MADE the Kingdom Hearts saga.
Who's they?
Who?
Or maybe the game did ? She’s can be replace. Not the game.
@@awfuldemonspit6761 you’re entitled to your own opinion. That’s fine. Also, their pronouns are they/them.
@@adexatnight she goes by she/they
Her songs are like my mom, I grew up with her songs and they were still with me in my teens. And as I grew up I have been apart from her songs but every time I occurred any difficulty or important moments like making a big decision, I would back to listen to her songs.
They’re such an enigma and they only get better and better with age. Totally fascinating person and artist.
She*
She uses both pronouns
Mys. Utada!
Hikaru Utada identifies with she/they pronouns
Whenever she releases a new album, I always feel a sense of peace. I love everything she does!
I’ve always listened to Utada’s music but hadn’t really ‘met’ the person behind the music before. This is awesome, and I’m so inspired by them. I understand why I resonated with their music so much now.
Knowing what happened to their mother and hearing the way they speak about her... I can't imagine the pain. I'm sorry Hikki
Sakura Nagashi is the *only* song that portrayed accurately the depth of grief over losing a parent; I listened to this song so much after my uncle (who helped raise me) passed away unexpectedly. The way they sing I felt it was more for their mother than anything else.
Her*
I love that Utada has always just done their own thing. Ever since the start, the music was absolutely unique and 15 year old me fell in love with her. I am now 36 and BAD MODE is everything I have needed lately. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with the world.
It’s so funny that I should come across this interview now. I was just telling a friend that Utada tends to use 僕 (boku) in music (I, me). My understanding is that this word is traditionally a more masculine-oriented term in Japanese, not used as frequently by women.
We were wondering why that is and I think this interview may speak to that. (Not to say that Utada identifies as masculine, but doesn’t necessarily identify as purely feminine, either.)
On another note, I love Utada’s music. I will have to check it out.
women are allowed to use 'boku', but it does come across as at least tomboyish. It's like calling a friend 'bruh', women can too but it carries a masculine energy.
She's a she they
I've noticed they use both.
Other Japanese female artists use it too
Omg after so many years a real interview
I fell in love with her music after Kingdom Hearts. Her songs are basically stress relievers for me
Thank you for not using the "they" pronoun.
@@user-ov1ps7go4m she also uses She/her pronouns so don’t hate. Check her Instagram
@@user-ov1ps7go4m They use both she/her and they/them. No reason not to use a pronoun she accepts and uses.
Woa transphobic much? They/them pronouns have been used for centuries
@@straberryshinigami15g97 yeah nah
wow her voice is soo different from the way she sounds in her music. I've known few people who are like that and they're all very talented.
I love Utada Hikaru.
My favorite album of her is Deep River.
All songs standout. She has an incredible writing style.
Final Distance is one of my favorite songs
Deep River is also one of my favorite albums of her.❤️❤️❤️
Deep River, ASAP, Tokyo Nights, etc. All bangers.
yesss so happy to see Utada out with new music. great interview, and much needed!!
Fascinating... Utada may help me reframe how I think of my own mom as an adult. "Unapologetic individualism" can really define her in a lot of ways, and I'm thinking of her more fondly as I get further into my adult years. I know when she's gone I'll have only fond memories, so I want to cherish them now and see her for her good sides and good influences on me, and this example of "unapologetic individualism" is probably one of them for us too. I definitely live my life by my own rules, the way I want to do it with very little regard for how others are doing it, so that's probably something my mother taught me too.
Non-binary is also very interesting, since my love of that term is as an observer, though I'm still an awkward kid who just grew up and coming into my own femininity now. Life is interesting like that.
3:44〜4:16 認めてもらえるのはすごく難しいので、自分と同じ生き方の人がいるんだな〜と知って、なんだか気持ちが楽になるような気がします。海外（My hometown）では自分と同じ性の方と真剣に交際させてもらったのでカミングアウトまで辿りきましたが、日本ではなかなか勇気がなくて、本当に信頼出来る人にしか言えてないという感じです。でも昔に比べたら「LGBTQ」という言葉だいぶ広まったんじゃないかな〜と思います。今はどうなっているかわかりませんが、何年か前に「パートナーシップ宣誓制度」というのが出来ましたが、実際どうなったかパートナーいないので、調べてみないとわかりません（笑）😅
It was short but nice interview telling us about their growth as an individual over years since 14 yo. I really like their lyrics cos it’s relatable for me even though she’s a successful superstar and seems to have lived totally a different life from ordinary people but still human with vulnerability like us.
Here in Philippines before k pop... We had japanese pop so many beautiful songs....
Hikki is a legend
A great artist with deep lyrics and marvelous songs
That part 4:40 is amazing. Not many people can think of that way, be yourself seems easy but extremely challenging!!!
Thanks for this interview. Hikaru is so talented. Love from Peru ♪♪
This was enthralling. I find Utada so captivating, she has interested me since KH1, and i have been in a deep dive of her music anthology ever since
Oh my god I love this. Such a surprise. I love her
Yeah. I know your everything! and I grew up listening to Hikki's music 24 hours a day. Thank you for bringing happiness into my life! and I had the same childhood memories and life as you. I pray every day that our tears will disappear completely.
I'm so glad I found this tonight. I know I'm late to this video and I'm not really expecting a response, but I cannot accurately express how much this person's music meant to me as a young queer teen, growing up in a homophobic environment. And I didn't even think of it as "queer" music back then! It was just Utada, and when I danced in my room and sang along to "Simple and Clean" I felt like I had a place in the world. I had pretty much the same reaction: "Oh my god, there's a word for this?!" And knowing that they went through the same thing touches me down to my core
I'm cis and honestly they gave me what I needed at the time regardless. Still do.
I'm in love with BAD MODE right now. On play 24/7
Hikaru Utada's "First Love" is extremely popular in 1996. Sold Millions of records around the world, without RUclips advertisement.
I have been a big fan for a decade now and counting. Her majesty has her own style. Her works are more than passion and I have a big respect to her music.
Been a fan since kingdom hearts after that I was constantly falling in with their music in English and in Japanese. Such an icon
Utada is a true artist. And Deep River is ahead of its time.
I define J-pop basically as music written and sung in Japanese language. If that is defined by what it was influenced by, j-pop or k-pop or many non-English songs can be American or any country, don’t you think? I understand how she’s possibly feeling though. No matter if she follows j-pop or not, when she makes music in Japanese, it’s inevitably under the influence of how the language conveys meanings, and how the language sounds with its pronunciation. So as per 宇多田ヒカル and her songs in Japanese language, she’s indeed j-pop, and I just love how those songs are soothing.
I LOVE HER WORK ON KINGDOM HEARTSSSSS! BLESS SQUARE ENIXXXXXX!
dayum i wanna age like utada hikaru
One of the greatest voices in music we ever got worldwide. its true art.
As somebody who has followed them for decades, I absolutely love how they respond to these questions. So down to earth and seemingly honest.
Her* She*
they use both she/her and they/them. 🙄🙄
It wasn't until Utada's debut album "First Love" that Jpop became so popular across Asian countries back then. That album went on to become the highest selling album not only in Japan but also globally, released by an Asian artist. I think it's also the highest selling Jpop album in Taiwan as well to date. Back then it wasn't like how currently Kpop is being heavily backed by the country (including government) with the marketing into international market. She was the pioneer of bringing Asian pop culture into global scale. Pure talent and charm.
I’m also a fan of Utada’s. Yet, Ayumi Hamasaki also had a role in J-Pop’s popularity all over Asia. To be honest, she sold more albums than Utada. However, I know Utada is not as productive as Hamasaki is. Utada is very perfectionist. Yet, Ayumi has successfully sold more albums for that reason.
@@ediyuwono5601 what I meant was Utada was the first to burst in popularity. Ayumi became popular too after First Love album became so popular thus Utada kicked started the Jpop boom. And yes, Ayumi might have sold more CDs overall than Utada but that's mainly because she released way more albums and singles. If you look at "average sales", Utada surpasses Ayumi by miles. For example Utada has 3 albums ranked in top 10 all time highest selling albums in Japan whereas Ayumi has 1 album only. The same date release battle "Distance vs. A BEST", Utada was the one who outsold Ayumi too despite not having any additional features in the CD formats like Ayumi's.
LEGEND
she's amazing !
I agree. But the term now is they, them or Hikaru Utada etc. I was like huh? But I learned something new because of Utada.
@@nilpark5105 she also goes by she per her IG
Yes, she is!
Please add captions!! It would help me and other people a lot!
“I never really listened properly to much J-Pop…”
I believe this 100%. One of the many things that made me Gravitate towards Utada was the fact that their music was never restricted by titles and genres. When I hear their music, J-Pop never came to my mind.
I know she's had a lot of practice in her life, but her English is so incredible for it being her second language and her having a native language that is so different from English.
They grew up between New York and Tokyo! They grew up speaking both languages, but yes, they have such an incredible grasp on both of their languages and really have a way with words
Hikaru Utada was born in New York so of course her English is perfect
Her album is amazing! Keep it up Utada!
They not her
@@toblerone8039Both. Jeez.
Took me until 7:20 to realize they’re not in the same room 😂
Legend!
YAAAAS!!! I love them!!!
Her*
@@threadworm437 nobody asked
@@threadworm437 anime pfp
@@shis1988 not anime its a photograph get a job old man
Yessss the queen 🤩🤩🤩
I think they use non binary pronouns, not tryna police you, just a heads up in case you meant well
@@quilsmith2440 she/they. Both are valid
@@quilsmith2440 She also uses She/her pronouns y’know
@@quilsmith2440 You sound kinda policing though
@@serenityssolace They don't, though.
Music that makes you want to cry. Yes!
Wooow “bangers you can cry to” I literally cried to face my fears lmao I literally never cry to music. I think I cried to wake up by arcade fire but that’s it lol
I'm sick of Westerners thinking of Hikaru Utada = Kingdom Hearts. There is so much more to them!
You're a westerner too
@@threadworm437 what if they're filipino
@@BBarNavi Karla Leaverton is not a Filipino name
Well, there's nothing wrong with that. It's not that big of a deal for people to associate Hikaru with KH. That's just how so many people were introduced to her and she's very much a big part of the franchise.
The thing is most of us found Utada through KH. I never played it I found Utada through the KH commercials though. Personally, she isn't all that popular here so that's why.
That's a great interview! Thank you for that!
i like that she spoke out on things that she identifies better with and that she is still inspired to kee going
Shes the "Britney spears" of the east as far as youth popularity
I think that would be (by popularity and style) either Ayumi-san or Koda Kumi
I am a big fans of Hikaru utada since i was a junior high school. Wish one day i can meet her in person or attend her show
I first started listening to her when she started in the 90s. Great voice and so beautiful!
She is an individual icon. Listen to her stuff.
I find it really interesting that there have been so many people in the media during my childhood that I was compellingly drawn to for their talents obviously, but something more… Something I couldn’t put into words. I haven’t listened to J-Pop in a long time but Utada Hikaru will always be an important artist in my life and their music and lyrics really spoke to me. I came out to myself as non-binary almost immediately learning about the gender binary and how there were options outside of that. And so, so many of the people I’ve admired have later themselves come out as non-binary. I found out last month that they’re non-binary and I am just so happy for them to have found that word for themself! Sometimes I feel like we recognize something in each other without knowing what it is.
Monumental art. I’m so proud of her💗 Been a huge fan since Deep River, I can’t overstate how much I appreciate her evolution as an artist & the fact she keeps getting better..and deeper.
Beautiful album especially coming from the queen herself.
They not her
Utada Hikaru is amazing. I've been listening to their music since I heard it in the first Kingdom Hearts song. I think Utada has only gotten better over the year. I think my favorite album by them is Heart Station (2008) it won album of the year in Japan too.
Her*
By her*
Utada Hikaru is actually band, sometimes.
@@PaulieWalnuts13 little dicc energy
Steve Job does pretty good interviews, props
History fact, in 2000, Hikaru Utada and Ayumi Hamasaki, destroyed the charts with millions of sales, they were literally the queens of Jpop in Japan, as time passed, the two followed different paths, Hikaru Utada simply decided to continue being what she/he is (A truly musician and singer composer) and leave the messy music Industry and complicated label contracts, and thanks to that now we see a refreshing alternative image of a Utada in we can consider future, She didn't sell herself as a product like Ayumi Hamasaki did, even if we know Ayumi has really good songs in the past but she is now a total Vedette of the industry. We are very lucky to have Hikaru Utada as the representation of a singer who decided to follow her instincts
and passion for the music, She is a truly ICON.
nice point ! I really admire her doing that, my role model
Both Ayumi and Utada are interesting looks at the different paths a Japanese pop artist can take. Whereas Ayumi is the quintessential Jpop idol over the years Utada has spawned out of that Jpop industry and became something more experimental. Utada always felt a lot cooler than other Jpop singers and it probably helped being also American and it showed in her music. In later years her music felt more R&B and more expressive than your typical Jpop music. Both Ayumi and Utada are great artist but I feel like many of us have grown out of Ayumi's sound while we are still growing with Utada's music.
I took Japanese class in high school and found Utada back then. I’ve been a fan ever since. I still listen to First Love album til this day. ❤
They are just an interesting person. Makes me wanna chat and have drinks with them all the time.
Always thought the music from the first album was J-Pop and J-R&B as it's music based on American music traditions sung in a language other than English and the target audience would be in Japan. It wouldn't have been played on most US radio back then. But, when I heard Exodus I thought of it as being just "Pop" music.
Still so original ! Really happy to see her here ! Didn’t know how I started liking her songs while watching MTV Channel played in Hong Kong. First Love & Automatic
I lived in Japan for over 8 years and never got into the whole J-pop craze. However I enjoyed some of her songs though. I know what she's talking about.
Cubic U to Bad Mode, there's nobody like Utada Hikaru ❤️
I like her Exodus album a lot.
Her new album is a cool listen and very upbeat.
dis is MAGICAL MAGICAL, i havent feel like this since Bjork's vespertine
I remember being a nerdy teen loving Utada in 2008 because of Kingdom Hearts and being judged for liking ‘that weird j-music’, so watching their* continual success has been incredibly validating over time hahaha
They not her
@@toblerone8039 Hey thanks! Totally overlooked their non-binary announcement in writing that. However from their IG, it appears they go by either she or they.
I've apologized I was so lost and confused 😢 I do love rainbow 🌈 😊
英語わからないけど、単語と表情と身振り手振りで。素敵です。
She's a tough girl with great atiitude. She's been through a lot but she still stay strong admirable and adorable
I think Utada Hikaru musician is always fun!
I identify as nonbinary as well. Much love to Hikaru.
No you don't
Wow, a random RUclips comment dictates how I feel!
Thank you for telling me what I am!
@@straberryshinigami15g97 go outside and get a job asap
What has that to do with being non-binary? Nothing 😂😂
@@straberryshinigami15g97 means you have 0 social skills or any value
I really want the full video interview here.
Love utada!...My favorite albums from her are First Love, Heart Station, This is the One, and Fantome!
This is my first time to hear she’s speaking in English!
Nice accent and also speak fluently.
A lot of fans don't seem to know this, but she's actually Japanese-American. She was born and raised in the States.
Hope someone write in English CC and translate in Japanese!!!😭🙏💖
Utada is like what Faye Wong was too the Canto/Mandopop from the 90s. Different and pushes boundaries, against the grain.
i’ve always thought this! Big Faye Wong fan so glad to see her name here :)
It's "funny" how they don't see themself as a "queen of J-Pop", because one of my first (and still top favorite) songs i've heard was Utada's. But they really have their own style and it's so unique from the others... Love Utada and BAD MODE is amazing! I'm glad Zane as the one who interviewed her
One thing that I always say about them is that they always had creative freedom over their work, so maybe that's why they don't feel as much inside of the j-pop genre.
@@pashav.8597 I agree. Hikaru Utada has always been a pioneer of influence amongst J-pop, yet she continually defies convention. She doesn't sound sound or feel like stereotypical J-pop nor does she sound like a conventional Western artist. She's completely original and defies the boundaries that exist in between.
In the beginning, they definitely was the one or was one of the people that brought r&b to Japan. I love how their sound has involved.
Jeez stop referring to her as multiple people you guys seriously don’t realize how ridiculous you sound
@@PaulieWalnuts13 Well their non-binary.. soo. you're the one who sounds like a clueless, ridiculous, boomer.
I really just adore her!!! Forever and always!!
They not he r
@@toblerone8039 only one person. I feel sorry for people who have gender dysphoria , but it is not a mental illness I'm obliged to participate in.
She’s great
It makes me weirdly proud to share a birthday with Utada, especially since they've come out as NB. I grew up with their songs for KH, but bad mode has become a favorite album of mine in a heartbeat. Especially one last kiss. Hearing their voice, both speaking and singing, is such a calming thing for me. In a world where NB artists are scarce, i haven't found one like Utada whom i've connected with on such a personal level. I hope more artists like them are out there and able to get the success they have. i want to hear everyone's stories.
神Utada Hikaru!
Que grande es esta mujer de verdad su música y su voz todo lo que hace original y muy bien cuidado
Absolutely love her so muchhhhhh