Evolving Soul Singer Nao Yoshioka’

4 Shares

Nao Yoshioka

Interview conducted on April 27, 2020

by Dan Locke

Introducing the Japanese soul music singer Nao Yoshioka. Known to bring tears to the eyes of US churchgoers, Nao has returned from New York to Japan like a comet.
After reaching the final stage of the coveted McDonald’s GospelFest and advancing to the Top Dog round at The Apollo Theater, in New York, a dream for most young soul singers, Nao is continuing to take her career to a new level within Japan’s booming soul music scene.
The lure of her music in not about technology but the way it’s refined and home polished which allowed Nao to debut as a professional vocalist at the age of 16 years old.
On her arrival back in Tokyo, Nao was given the opportunity to record the first original single for SWEET SOUL RECORDS titled “Make the Change.” The single was featured on SWEET SOUL’s compilation album “WORLD SOUL COLLECTIVE VOL.1” featuring other talented soul artists from around the world.
The time is at hand for this talented young soul singer to spread her wings and take flight.

What is your upbringing?

I grew up in Osaka Japan. Both of my parents are designers so my sisters and I got into art from a very young age. I went to oil painting classes, and my dream was to become a character designer. So, I was into drawing and painting together with my family. I am very lucky to be able to grow up surrounded by such very creative people!

What is Japanese soul music?

First, my definition of “soul music” is music that has a soul. For me, soul music is not a genre but how people are looking at and receiving the music. Even though language barriers exist, soul music can exist in any world or culture so Japanese soul music for me is music made in Japan with the attitude of soul.

How did you discover music?

My music discovery was the same as most regular kids in Japan, initially through TV. Luckily my sister was a big fan of international music so she was always listening to singers such as Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Whitney Houston in our house. Also, around that time the movie Sister Act was a big hit in Japan, so that’s how and when I became more interested in singing and listening to R&B and soul music. But my deep dive into music started when I went to New York initially.

How did the movie Sister Act, get you hooked into music?

It was my first time in my life to hear gospel music and It blew me away. There are so much attitude and passion in the music. At the time I couldn’t understand what they were singing about but the music spoke to my heart. Also, that’s how I started to listen to Lauryn Hill. She showed me how music can be so free.

Have you met Whoopi yet?

No, I haven’t! Someday that would be nice!

How did you start to write music?

I joined a band and started to perform when I was 15 years old. I started out doing cover songs but eventually ended up writing my own songs from there.

You used to love to paint and sculpt. Are you still doing it?

No, I don’t sculpt anymore but I still love to draw pictures and paint! When I’m drawing it takes me to another world?

Who was your vocal coach and how did you find them?

His name is Stacy Penson and I met him through social media.
When I moved to New York, I didn’t know anyone and I couldn’t speak any English. So, I searched out people who lived in New York and were involved in the music industry then I sent them messages.
One of them responded to my message and told me about Stacy and his lessons. When I took his lesson the first time I was overwhelmed and cried. I felt that this is the reason why I came to New York. I feel so blessed to have met him.

You placed 2nd on the Apollo Theater Amateur night. How was that and did you rub the tree stub for good luck?

It was one of my best New York memories.
By the time I did Amateur Night, I had practiced that one song for 3 months. At the Apollo, I was very, very nervous but I decided to do my best and have fun. So, when I was on the stage, I felt something special and felt the history of the theater. The stage was so unique and different than all the others, it was an extraordinary moment in my life.
About the tree stab when I sang there for the first time, I was so nervous that forgot to touch it. But luckily, I won second place, so next the next time I was there I touched it!

How was it to record your first single “Make for Change”?

I studied gospel and classic soul music in New York and ‘Make the Change’ was my first recording experience in Tokyo after returning from the US. I spent so many hours giving this song thought and about how I and anyone who hears it can relate to it.
The song came about because the CEO of SWEET SOUL RECORDS came to a small live show where I was performing. Before I sang ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ by Sam Cooke, I said, “I hope that a change will come to my life too…” and he was inspired, and he thought, “you shouldn’t wait for the change. You are going to make the change!” We started working together and when I released the song, it was picked up by a popular radio station in Washington D.C.
Obviously ‘Make the Change’ is such a special song for me. It was my debut song, and still, its message is alive inside of me. It’s also still one of my favorite songs to perform.

You have won the UK Bright Star Award (twice) for International Artist, Soul Tracks New Artist of the Year and many other awards. What is next?

I am so honored and grateful to receive those awards. It happened out of the blue, and I couldn’t believe it! This showed me so many futures possible and it proved to me that music doesn’t have any borders.
For my next step, a Grammy is one of the goals that I’m dreaming of. There are not many Asian soul & R&B singers in the United States. And I’ve found out that no Japanese singer has even been nominated for a Grammy in the R&B category in its history. It would be amazing if it finally happens and shows the world how diverse music is in the world. That makes me so excited!

Would you like to win a Grammy?

Of course! Who wouldn’t!

How was it to open up for Eric Robertson?

It was a blast! Every stage was a challenge for me. Trial and error every time.
Most of his fans had never heard my music, so I was constantly telling my story and performing. Each city had different reactions to my music.
While I was doing my opening act for Eric, before I sang ‘Celebrate’, I talked about why I wrote the song. I was a little bit different from the other kids so I couldn’t fit in at school. I couldn’t do the things that all the other people could do. I didn’t like that part of me, and I was blaming myself. But as I grew up, I slowly realized that I am so glad that I didn’t change. All my weaknesses had become my strength, so I would like to celebrate all people who live their true lives.
After one show, one of my fans came up to me. She was crying and told me how much my music touched her heart. She had the same experiences too.
I am so grateful that my music speaks to her. I learned so many things from Eric Roberson, I watched every show he did. He is like a big brother to me, and he is my family. I can’t thank him enough!

How do you stay healthy while touring?

It is so difficult to stay healthy… but I usually eat Asian food! Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Koran food! Their dishes always use a lot of vegetables, so I love it❤️

You released the video dream. What are some of your dreams?

My dream is to become that person who I respected when I was younger.
In my teens, I had a tough time growing up in Osaka. I didn’t know what to do, and the music that inspired me was soul and R&B. At that time when I told people that I wanted to become an international artist, everyone told me that I couldn’t. I can’t be successful if I don’t change my music, but I knew that I could do it.
I respect the artist who are doing what they love, who won’t settle for taking the easy route. So, I decided to be that type of person.

Why did you do a remix of your track “Loyalty”?

Because I always wanted to work with Blue Lab Beats!
I met Blue Lab Beats through my SWEET SOUL RECORDS label mate Ruby Francis who is also from London. When I went to London, I met her and Blue Lab Beats who had produced one of her tracks. That’s how I got connected with them.
While I was in there, I hung out with them and went to their live performance and become a fan of their music! I feel so blessed to finally collaborate with them on the ‘Loyalty’ remix! Please have a listen if you haven’t already!

How would you descript your music?

My music is definitely soul. When making music, I always have a concept and incorporate my own way of life. Depending on the message I want to get across, I rely on elements of different styles of music. Sometimes jazz, sometimes blues, and sometimes neo-soul. Like most artists, as I grow, music also grows and evolves.
I also feel that my music is borderless in a sense as it’s produced by a lot of different people from all over the world and has different flavors. I’ve worked with people from the US, UK, Netherlands, Japan, and New Zealand. So, for the people who listen to my music, they can come up with their own description. 💗

What are you’re feeling about streaming music?

I miss buying CDs, listening to music while having all the lyrics and artwork in my hands. But things need to change with the times so things change for a reason.

There is always a good side and a bad side.

The good side is for Independent artists and upcoming artists to get more chances to share their music with the world and the place we live in doesn’t matter anymore and the world is smaller.
The bad thing is too much competition, and new music keeps coming, so people don’t stick with the same music and album more than before.
But good music lives forever. That’s a fact so I’ll keep making good music!

Digital vs. vinyl?

Well, that depends on the moment. When I’m out and about, digital is the only option. Special locations like at the house and spending time with my friends with some drinks, vinyls!
Digital is so convenient and easy, but sometimes it is difficult for it to become something special like with physical objects (CDs/vinyl’s), because there are so many more options and new things keep coming.
Vinyl makes me feel so special just to have it also when I play it, it’s already exceptional experience.

Any plans to tour?

I had planned to be touring Japan this month but all the dates have been postponed but when it all settles down; I will plan to perform in the UK. I can’t wait to go and perform there again!

What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?

‘Liberation’ from my new album “’Undeniable’ is on my mind.
As you know, the world is going through a tough time right now. Facing the fear and uncertainty every day takes a toll on people. And the anxiety starts to take over our emotions and control our hearts, and we can easily lose our way.
This song is about liberating ourselves from fear and anxiety and starting to take control of our lives again. I think that a lot of people can relate to this song, especially right now.

How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?

It is so sad to see it and it will especially affect the live music business. Performing live is one of my favorite parts of my profession. Connecting through music and feeling the energy with my fans is the best experience ever, but we can’t do it right now, and I think live performances won’t come back any time soon. Tour musicians and artists will have a hard time for sure.
But at the same time, music will never die. We all need music, especially when facing difficult times. We need to start looking at the different approaches to express our music.
I’ve started live streaming and I’m also preparing an online community service, something I’ve always wanted to but only recently had the opportunity to pursue it.
There will be a new era for the music business for sure. We are all trying to find the best way but I’m sure we will get through this together.

What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?

I cook a lot, eating healthy, and working out inside my place.
I Facetime with my family and friends more than usual, just keeping the communication going between us. That is very important, I think.
Also, I set up a small home studio so I record my future projects!

Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?

Yes! I started a live streaming session called the ‘Liberate Sessions’. In my own way, I wanted to try and help liberate people from fear and anxiety and show them that they are not alone. I’m not alone. If we can continue to connect, it will help us get through this.
If you like, please join me next time!

There was an article in the New York Times this week talking about concerts that may not start again until the Fall of 2021. Do you think it could happen?

I can’t say it will happen or not, but artists and musicians need to prepare for it hypothetically.
Right now, I’m really not surprised by anything happening in this world anymore. I couldn’t have ever imagined that so many countries are locking down their cities, but it actually happened.
But because of this situation, we are trying to find other ways that we have never tried before, and it may turn out in the right direction. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I need to be optimistic about our future!

How do you see yourself in the next five years?

Making music with people who I love, expressing my thoughts through music, and touring. Trying something different that I’ve never tried before.
Having kids, staying healthy, and loving my family and friends. I realized that my happiness is very simple!

Anything you would like to say in closing?