Musician Enjoji Kaoru
Singer/songwriter/pianist, Enjoji Kaoru originally from Sapporo, Japan, was attracted to the diver musical cultures of the US, particularly Los Angeles.
Being there to experience and absorb the different styles of music, she has now recorded her first CD, with a sound that’s being described as J-pop/LA sound.
For more info, visit www.kaoruenjoji.com
Asiance: Kaoru, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please tell the Asiance reader a little about your music. How would you describe it?
Kaoru: Hello everyone!! This is Kaoru Enjoji! My music is sometimes described as adult contemporary pop. It’s a blend between US pop and J-Pop.
Asiance: How did you first get interested in music and performing?
Kaoru: Often my mom would tell me a story about me when I was 2 or 3. I tried to get into TV to sing with ‘Pink Ladies’ (very popular singers). When I first started singing on stage I was 11-yr-old. I was in the local kid’s theater group for about 5 years.
Asiance: How long have you been in the US?
Kaoru: About 15 years!! I can’t believe it’s been that long!!!!
Asiance: What present day musicians do you admire?
Kaoru: Pink! and Sara Bareilles! They have been my favorite artists for long time! I haven’t seen Pink! in concert yet, but I am definitely going to go see her next time!
Asiance: You have been doing some charity events and you recently hosted an event in Little Tokyo. What was it for and how did it go?
Kaoru: It was an event for Northeast Japan Disaster Charity. Since March 11th, lots of my local artists friends have been together to help fundraising for Japan. In March, we did 3 consecutive weekends; some people just came to the event by bus (!) to give some money to Japan. They told me it’s just because they love Japan. We were very happy to hear that many people gave donations to help those people because they love Japan.
Asiance: You recorded your first CD (available here on I-Tunes – http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kaoru/id252206487). How was the experience of recording it?
Kaoru: I got nervous!!! It was very fun but at the same time, I was just trying so hard to get it done! My guitarist helped me a lot for this production. We had very talented local musicians for recording and mixing. At the recording studio, it was truly a precious moment with them!
Asiance: Do you have a favorite track?
Kaoru: Of course all of them but a lot of people told me they like Mother (#2) and Rain (#9).
Asiance: What inspires you when you write your lyrics?
Kaoru: Anything that moves my heart and feelings. It is very hard to describe emotion but I try to choose the right words for it.
Asiance: A fan once compared your music to Namie Amuro. Do you think it is similar?
Kaoru: It was an honor to be compared to her! Honestly, I didn’t think so….maybe the voice but I love Namie Amuro songs and I always sing her songs at Karaoke!!
Asiance: What is next? Do you have any plans for a new CD or any shows coming up?
Kaoru: I recorded the mini-album ‘Walk’ and I am selling it at Live Shows these days. This album has very good single-cut songs!! My next show will be at the San Diego Japan fair on November 13th (Acoustic) and December (Full Band).
Asiance: Are you single, Kaoru, and what do you look for in a man?
Kaoru: Yes, haven’t married yet. Most of the time, I look into a man’s eyes to see if they have good shiny eyes or not! Eyes can’t lie. I like mature guys.
Asiance: Any advice for new musicians out there?
Kaoru: Well, there’s always a chance to go onto the next step so just be ready!! This is what I am feeling everyday too!
Asiance: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Kaoru: I want to have a show at my dream theater, the Hollywood Bowl and I want to have 2 kids with my future hubby and live happily ever after! Yay!!