We’re proud to present an exclusive interview by email with Japanese pop-star May’n! It’s a short but sweet look into her current anime, the process of recording, and what kind of music she likes. Enjoy!
Anime Diet: What kind of impression did the American fans at AX 2010 make on you, and how do they compare to Japanese fans?
May’n: I was really glad that they expressed their emotions so directly, even during the songs. Live shows are always unpredictable, but I heard lots of “Woooow!!” and “Kyaaaa” when I sang in a different way from the CD. This doesn’t really happen in Japan, so I got excited!
Anime Diet: How do you think you have evolved musically since you began singing for “Macross Frontier”?
May’n: The number one thing that’s changed is my ability to use a high-tone voice. Yoko Kanno brought out more and more of the range that I thought was impossible for me.
Anime Diet: Is there any style of music that you’d like to try in the future?
May’n: I’m thinking a lot about the rock genre. I think it’s the genre where my style, my voice quality will have an advantage. I want to continue to sing rock, but I want to search for “May’n’s Rock” where I can include some R&B and soul, too.
Anime Diet: You have been involved in songs for many anime series. What anime are you watching now, and what are some of your favorites?
May’n: Recently I watched Guilty Crown. I loved its impressive imagery. And the music by Supercell was “saikou!” I became a big fan of Accel World, for which I sing the new OP starting in April. It has excitement and heartbreak, too. It’s going to be the most awesome anime for sure!!
Anime Diet: What kind of music are you listening to now?
May’n: I listen to many genres: Idol songs, R&B, Rock, etc. My recent favorites are Jason Derulo, David Guetta, and Livetune!
Anime Diet: Which non-Japanese musicians have inspired or influenced you?
May’n: I look up to Madonna and Janet Jackson. Their style is always perfect and their performances are really wonderful. I got to see Madonna’s Japan concert once. She was really a true entertainer.
Anime Diet: Was the new album, “HEAT,” composed with an international audience in mind? What aspects of the album do you think might appeal to a non-Japanese audience?
May’n: It’s filled with the heat I received from all of the fans in Japan & overseas at my previous lives. There’s lots of variety, like rock, dance, and ballads, too. Please listen to it! I’m sure you’ll want to come to the live shows!! (*laughs)
Anime Diet: What were the most challenging and the most fulfilling moments during the making of “HEAT”?
May’n: The challenge was health management, because the schedule was tight. But I kept my throat strong so that I could sing every day. As a result, I was able to give my best during the whole recording process. I felt really good as I finished each track, so I’m really proud of the album. I think it’s my best one yet.
For more May’n coverage, check out:
Our review of her new album, Heat:
Our previous video interview with her at AX 2010:
Concert footage from her concert at AX 2010:
