01Profile
A Satona Photo
Satona
Store Assistant — Tokyo
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Satona. Born in Tainan in Taiwan, raised in Saitama, Japan.
Describe your style in three words?
Cyber. Distortion. Trance.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Tokyo?
The Redemption's in-store gig at Fred Perry Shop Tokyo in 2017. If I had to pick a track, it would be 'Horns Of Peace'. It was my first experience to see a ska band’s gig so it was memorable. I'm secretly happy to see myself in a small part at the end of the music video recorded during the gig.
Which Japanese subcultures have influenced you?
Vocaloid culture. I was in high school when Hatsune Miku appeared, and I listened to it just because it was a new thing at first, but I was drawn into it as I kept listening more and more, and I've been listening to her voice ever since. That's part of the reason why I have so many songs that I have fond memories of, that change with the seasons and the years.
Best Japanese musician?
'Mou Jiki Natsu ga Owaru Kara' by n-buna. He's a musician who started out as a Vocaloid P (producer), and now he's mainly active in a band called Yorushika, formed by n-buna and the female singer suis. I really like all the songs he makes. His choice of words is beautiful and when I listen to them I feel like I'm entering the world of the song easily. I know I'm exaggerating, I feel alive when I listen to his songs. I'd like you to give it a try even if you don't know anything about Vocaloids.
What is Tokyo’s best-kept secret?
Shibuya PARCO. Packed with my favourite shops!
Best place to hang out in Tokyo?
The Cat Street in Harajuku is a place where you can find the latest trends and people from all walks of life. It's interesting to see the individuality of the people who live there. Then there's Ikebukuro. Ikebukuro is a great place to get a taste of Japanese anime culture and there are lots of apparel shops. One of the best places to go is Otome Road. There are so many shops and things to see that if you don't set a time, the day will be over pretty soon.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Don't Tell Me' by Avril Lavigne. When I was little, my sister bought a CD with this song on it and we used to listen to it together. I couldn't understand the English lyrics, but I was singing along to the pleasant melody.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Jitterbug' by ELLEGARDEN. I used to listen to it all the time on the big black stereo that I got when I was a student, and I was also quite keen on the looks of the vocalist Hosomi-san (laughs). It’s a band I must listen to in the summer season.
One record you would keep forever?
My father bought a lot of Cherish records at home so I am quite familiar with the oldies of the Showa era. I used to listen to them in the morning on weekends on the old record player in my parents' house.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
The intro to the song 'Bakudanma' by the band Yorushika. I was stunned when I heard the clear vocal of suis utter such a disturbing word for the first time. It’s a track that motivates me in the morning before work
Best song to turn up loud?
'Hello, Goodbye' by The Beatles. I've been a fan of this song ever since I learned it in English class. Not only is it a nice track, but it's easy to sing because of the simple lyrics that you can sing along to it without being able to speak the language. When it comes on in the shop, my vocal cords are busy from the intro (laughs).
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
It is surprising even for me that I listen to Jimmy Cliff since I never really listen to reggae before, but I find the slow, gentle rhythm very pleasant. I remember a senior colleague I worked with at the time used to play it on sunny afternoons or evenings and that’s when I know the day is over soon.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Filthy' by Saint Etienne. I discovered this artist from the record shelf in Fred Perry Shop Tokyo and I really like the vibe of this track. The original is great but I especially like the MONKEY MAFIA MIX version.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
When I'm tired, I tend to go for female vocals, especially The Cardigans and Lilly Allen...There are too many to choose from, but I'd have to say 'Beautiful One' by The Cardigans.
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
Izzy Bizu is a female artist. Ever since I fell in love with Amy Winehouse, I'm always on the lookout for new music, especially female vocals, and I recently discovered her. Izzy Bizu's husky voice and melody lines are just right for me. I've also heard of The Lathums. I'm always looking for new music, especially female vocals.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Satona. Born in Tainan in Taiwan, raised in Saitama, Japan.
Describe your style in three words?
Cyber. Distortion. Trance.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Tokyo?
The Redemption's in-store gig at Fred Perry Shop Tokyo in 2017. If I had to pick a track, it would be 'Horns Of Peace'. It was my first experience to see a ska band’s gig so it was memorable. I'm secretly happy to see myself in a small part at the end of the music video recorded during the gig.
Which Japanese subcultures have influenced you?
Vocaloid culture. I was in high school when Hatsune Miku appeared, and I listened to it just because it was a new thing at first, but I was drawn into it as I kept listening more and more, and I've been listening to her voice ever since. That's part of the reason why I have so many songs that I have fond memories of, that change with the seasons and the years.
Best Japanese musician?
'Mou Jiki Natsu ga Owaru Kara' by n-buna. He's a musician who started out as a Vocaloid P (producer), and now he's mainly active in a band called Yorushika, formed by n-buna and the female singer suis. I really like all the songs he makes. His choice of words is beautiful and when I listen to them I feel like I'm entering the world of the song easily. I know I'm exaggerating, I feel alive when I listen to his songs. I'd like you to give it a try even if you don't know anything about Vocaloids.
What is Tokyo’s best-kept secret?
Shibuya PARCO. Packed with my favourite shops!
Best place to hang out in Tokyo?
The Cat Street in Harajuku is a place where you can find the latest trends and people from all walks of life. It's interesting to see the individuality of the people who live there. Then there's Ikebukuro. Ikebukuro is a great place to get a taste of Japanese anime culture and there are lots of apparel shops. One of the best places to go is Otome Road. There are so many shops and things to see that if you don't set a time, the day will be over pretty soon.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Don't Tell Me' by Avril Lavigne. When I was little, my sister bought a CD with this song on it and we used to listen to it together. I couldn't understand the English lyrics, but I was singing along to the pleasant melody.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Jitterbug' by ELLEGARDEN. I used to listen to it all the time on the big black stereo that I got when I was a student, and I was also quite keen on the looks of the vocalist Hosomi-san (laughs). It’s a band I must listen to in the summer season.
One record you would keep forever?
My father bought a lot of Cherish records at home so I am quite familiar with the oldies of the Showa era. I used to listen to them in the morning on weekends on the old record player in my parents' house.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
The intro to the song 'Bakudanma' by the band Yorushika. I was stunned when I heard the clear vocal of suis utter such a disturbing word for the first time. It’s a track that motivates me in the morning before work
Best song to turn up loud?
'Hello, Goodbye' by The Beatles. I've been a fan of this song ever since I learned it in English class. Not only is it a nice track, but it's easy to sing because of the simple lyrics that you can sing along to it without being able to speak the language. When it comes on in the shop, my vocal cords are busy from the intro (laughs).
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
It is surprising even for me that I listen to Jimmy Cliff since I never really listen to reggae before, but I find the slow, gentle rhythm very pleasant. I remember a senior colleague I worked with at the time used to play it on sunny afternoons or evenings and that’s when I know the day is over soon.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Filthy' by Saint Etienne. I discovered this artist from the record shelf in Fred Perry Shop Tokyo and I really like the vibe of this track. The original is great but I especially like the MONKEY MAFIA MIX version.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
When I'm tired, I tend to go for female vocals, especially The Cardigans and Lilly Allen...There are too many to choose from, but I'd have to say 'Beautiful One' by The Cardigans.
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
Izzy Bizu is a female artist. Ever since I fell in love with Amy Winehouse, I'm always on the lookout for new music, especially female vocals, and I recently discovered her. Izzy Bizu's husky voice and melody lines are just right for me. I've also heard of The Lathums. I'm always looking for new music, especially female vocals.