01Profile
A Rina Katahira Photo
Rina Katahira
Musician — Fukushima
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Rina Katahira, Fukushima
What do you do?
Singer/Songwriter.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Paul McCartney at The Nippon Budokan in Tokyo last year. I was surprised because he didn’t drink water at all during the gig and sang well and passionately. It was a performance with fire but then he showed his surprise and joked "This is bad for my heart". I could see his humour, too.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
After I turned 20, I started to listen to a lot of reggae songs. I was awakened by the comfort of the backbeat - especially after I collaborated with Tokyo-Ska-Paradise-Orchestra. I’ve been inspired by various things from them.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Hibiya-yaon, where I played a gig for teenagers only and it brought me to make my debut when I was 19. I remember that the looking out at the sky and the buildings from the stage and it was so nice. The gig was impressive because the dusk linked with my thoughts of wanting to achieve something at the end of my teenage years. I’d like to play there again - in time with something special.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Beatles even though it is a common answer. I’d like to compose with them around when they made ‘Rubber Soul’.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to talk with John Lennon, whilst driving a car.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
Laura Mvula, who I put in the playlist. I saw her gig at the Billboard Live, TOKYO.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
How did you select the tracks for this playlist?
The majority of the songs in this playlist are lyrical and dark, as I was feeling as such when making my selections.
The first track you played on repeat?
Queen. I remember their songs very well because my Father let me listen to them, familiar to my ears. I especially listened to the track 'Bicycle Race' a lot.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Though it is an album, 'Jagged Little Pill' by Alanis Morissette.
One record you would keep forever?
'Rubber Soul' by The Beatles.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Amy Winehouse's style has inspired me a lot. When I listened to ‘Rehab’, I couldn’t believe what the song was about.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Let There Be Love' by Oasis. I often sing it but not so loudly.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
It’s not a song, but I like going to hardcore gigs.
Any new bands you are listening to?
The XX. I saw them at a gig in Japan in February.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Rina Katahira, Fukushima
What do you do?
Singer/Songwriter.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Paul McCartney at The Nippon Budokan in Tokyo last year. I was surprised because he didn’t drink water at all during the gig and sang well and passionately. It was a performance with fire but then he showed his surprise and joked "This is bad for my heart". I could see his humour, too.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
After I turned 20, I started to listen to a lot of reggae songs. I was awakened by the comfort of the backbeat - especially after I collaborated with Tokyo-Ska-Paradise-Orchestra. I’ve been inspired by various things from them.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Hibiya-yaon, where I played a gig for teenagers only and it brought me to make my debut when I was 19. I remember that the looking out at the sky and the buildings from the stage and it was so nice. The gig was impressive because the dusk linked with my thoughts of wanting to achieve something at the end of my teenage years. I’d like to play there again - in time with something special.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Beatles even though it is a common answer. I’d like to compose with them around when they made ‘Rubber Soul’.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d like to talk with John Lennon, whilst driving a car.
Your greatest unsung hero (or heroine) in music?
Laura Mvula, who I put in the playlist. I saw her gig at the Billboard Live, TOKYO.
04Playlist Notes
How did you select the tracks for this playlist?
The majority of the songs in this playlist are lyrical and dark, as I was feeling as such when making my selections.
The first track you played on repeat?
Queen. I remember their songs very well because my Father let me listen to them, familiar to my ears. I especially listened to the track 'Bicycle Race' a lot.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Though it is an album, 'Jagged Little Pill' by Alanis Morissette.
One record you would keep forever?
'Rubber Soul' by The Beatles.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
Amy Winehouse's style has inspired me a lot. When I listened to ‘Rehab’, I couldn’t believe what the song was about.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Let There Be Love' by Oasis. I often sing it but not so loudly.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
It’s not a song, but I like going to hardcore gigs.
Any new bands you are listening to?
The XX. I saw them at a gig in Japan in February.