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【音楽】A Man Called Lalala: The Exceptional Indie Japanese Singer-Songwriter

Mitchy

*This article is approximately 3700 letters.
**This article is also identical with the one written for Medium Magazine in August 2023, so the topics are things of the past. They are not taking place in real time.


1. Introduction

If you have been in the vicinity of Shinjuku Station lately, chances are you have encountered his magnificent singing voice. His songs are inherently infused with the strengths and vulnerabilities of the human condition.

The singer’s name is Sugimoto Lalala. He proudly identifies as “a brave singer-songwriter, skillfully navigating life’s peaks and valleys with a joyful spirit.”

His forthcoming album is set to release soon. Furthermore, he is scheduled to host a one-man live performance in Shibuya, accommodating as many as 500 attendees. His ultimate ambition is to hold a live show at the prestigious Nippon Budokan. As part of the performance preparation, Lalala participates in a live street show in close proximity to Shinjuku Station starting at 10 p.m. almost every day. Lalala’s songs seem to attract a considerable number of foreign tourists, who stop and listen to his live street show with interest. So, I would like to briefly introduce him to help you get to know him better.

2. Encounter

The story takes us back to a summer day of 2022. A friend of mine mentioned that there was an artist she would like me to listen to in person. Fortunately, there happened to be a live show featuring Lalala near my neighborhood, so I decided to attend. The originality of his melody was so enthralling that it immediately immersed me in the world of Lalala. His charm had me hooked from the very start.

3. Lalala’s Exceptional Ideas

His ideas are truly unique, and there are two significant activities that set him apart.

Sings “GORAIKO” 100 Times a Day

“GORAIKO” mean the sunrise viewed from the top of a high mountain in Japanese. This representative song carries a message of tolerance, emphasizing that it is okay to seek refuge as long as you are alive. Once a year, he hosts an event during which he sings this song 100 times, from morning till midnight. He gathers messages from the audience, reading each aloud before performing “GORAIKO” dedicated to them. The event becomes truly extravagant as numerous singers and instrumentalists come together to offer their support.

Exclusive Solo Live Performance Showcasing All New Songs

We call it as “Zenkyoku (all songs) Shinkyoku (new songs) One-Man”. True to its name, all the songs performed on the day are brand new. You will have the opportunity to experience the priceless moment when the new songs are unveiled to the world for the very first time. The new album comprises numerous songs that originated during this live show.

Campaigning for Crowdfunding to Launch the New Album

Releasing his 4th album without compromising his vision was quite a challenge. Consequently, he decided to venture into crowdfunding, even though he had no prior knowledge about it. Surprisingly, the crowdfunding campaign surpassed its goal.

4. Exclusive Solo Live Performance with 500 Attendees

On September 27th, Lalala will celebrate his birthday with an exclusive solo live performance in Shibuya, Tokyo. This was the further goal of the crowdfunding, to host a solo live performance in a significantly larger venue, accommodating up to 500 attendees. Tickets are currently available on sale.

5. My Recommend (Kitsune no Yomeiri)

Finally, allow me to introduce one of my favorite music videos, which holds a spellbinding Japanese flavor that may appeal to people from foreign countries as well.

I hope you will remember his name, and if you find yourself in Shinjuku, take the opportunity to seek him out!

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