Asia Pacific Arts: Anime Revolution 2016: Interview with kz from livetuneAsia Pacific Arts Archive Site (2004-2018)For new content click here.August 10, 2018homefilmmusicartstagebookstvgamingAnime Revolution 2016: Interview with kz from livetuneAPA chats with DJ kz at Anime Revolution 2016 about his musical style and influences.by Kalai ChikDate Published: 09/07/2016kz of livetune at Anime Revolution 2016At Anime Revolution 2016, APA had the opportunity to interview kz, a producer and DJ known for his Vocaloid work such as "Tell Your World," which was used as a promotional song for Google Chrome in Japan. Since his debut, he has composed numerous songs for well-known singers such as KOTOKO, ClariS, and Maon Kurosaki.APA: Can you please introduce yourself?My name is kz of livetune, also known as livetune+ now. I’m a DJ and a sound producer.APA: How would you describe your musical style?I make dance music, Jpop, and anime songs. I don’t make live band music, but my genre is pop music.APA: What is your musical background and how has that influenced your decisions when composing music?I make dance music, but I actually like rock and roll such as The Beatles and other bands from the UK. I prefer dance musicians such as Justice and electro music from 2007.APA: Of all the songs that you’ve produced, which is your favorite?My favorite song out of all the songs I’ve produced is “Tell Your World,” but I also like the first anime song I produced titled “Irony” for ClariS.APA: Why did you start producing Vocaloid music and what got you into it?At that time, I really liked Daft Punk and I really liked the sound of electronic voices. I thought it would be interesting to use software to make my own music.APA: What was the biggest challenge when you produced your first song?I’m not very good at making melodies, so it’s very hard for me to make an impactful chorus.APA: What got you interested in making music?When I was in elementary school, my parents took me to Sakamoto Ryuuichi’s concert. The sound that came out from the speakers had a profound impact on me. That’s how I started to get into music.APA: Given your musical discography, is there any other kind of music or something else you’d like to explore?I don’t think I can do anything other than music. But if I could do something other than music, I would like to do design artwork or graphic related work. Or even architecture. But I’m not very good at math, so I don’t think I’ll do a good job in architecture.APA: What’s a normal day like?What I do is listen to new music and my friend’s music or the music that my friends recommend me through the internet, which is how I get new ideas.APA: Where do you see the music industry in Japan heading?I think it’s going to be an extreme side of music. Idol music, for instance AKB48, and anime songs are very popular amongst Japanese people. Bands with real instruments should be more popular. In Japan, CDs are still sold and live concerts are very important. I think the music industry would shift towards band music.APA: How do you feel about your international fans compared to your Japanese fans?In Japan, I find that there’s not a lot of questions asked from the attendees because they’re very shy. But here in Canada like during yesterday’s panel discussion, there were so many questions that I was surprised. It shows that they were very interested in livetune. When I was DJing last night, the attendees’ reaction was very big, so that made DJing even more fun.APA: Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for young musicians?I myself had trouble starting as a musician at first. But I’ve been doing it for 10 years now. It gets hard at times, but it’s very important to never give up and to input new genres of music into yourself.CONTACT USABOUT USfull listRECENT ARTICLESGOT7 Soars Over LA in “Fly In USA” Tour Exploring E3 in 6 HoursThe Royal Gambler: Review of DaebakSymphony Of The Goddesses: Zelda Goes to HollywoodBullet Train: What Can Future Lip Sync Battle Contestants Learn From Bollywood?full listNEWS BITESWhen Dark and Cute Meet: Yami Kawaii with Bisuko EzakiKyary Pamyu Pamyu Throws a Summer Halloween PartyFINAL FANTASY XIV Symphonic Concert Transforms LA into a Realm RebornHonestly: Eric Nam in San FranciscoButterfly Lovers Presented By “Red” Hong Yifull listMULTIMEDIABullet Train: What Can Future Lip Sync Battle Contestants Learn From Bollywood?Bullet Train #005: China’s Hot Mom (辣妈) Phenomenon LADYBABY’s Mini Concert and Meet and Greet in LAAX 2015: Fashion Show Photo SlideshowARTICLE TOOLSPrinter friendly versionSend this link to a friendAdd to FacebookDigg ThisSave to del.icio.usPUBLISHERSSISTER PUBLICATIONFeature articles and videos, interactive graphics, daily news summaries, and provocative voices.MORE APAAPA NEWSLETTERSubscribe to the APA Newsletter First name Last name Email addressHOMEABOUT USFILMMUSICTELEVISIONSTAGEART & DESIGNGAMINGBOOKSCONTACT USCopyright © 2003 – 2014 University of Southern California U.S. – China Institute