Sena Kana

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Sena Kana

Interview conducted on April 15, 2020

by Dan Locke

Sena Kana’s passion for music begin at an early age. She would watch musicals like, “Mary Poppins” and “Sound of Music” over and over again. Even though, she couldn’t understand the English subtitles, she was drawn to the songs and stories. Her love for music grew and never left.

Dan Locke: You grew up watching musicals like Mary Poppins and Sound of Music. How did that start? What other musicals do you like?

Sena Kana: Since I was a child, I watched many movies on my own. I especially liked watching Musical films like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, because they did not require subtitles to enjoy them. My Fair Lady and Wizard of OZ are also some of my favorite musicals.

Did the songs within musicals teach you anything about music?

Watching, listening, and singing along to the Musical films made me feel like anything is possible, and that became the core of my music. Especially in Mary Poppins, the music was magical and made me feel that with music, the world can be a better place. It truly moved me and triggered me to believe that the world can unite through music.

How was it performing in musicals in Japan?

It made me realize that singing and acting had many things in common when expressing my messages. Through acting in a musical, I was able to learn how to deeply understand the meaning of the lyrics/dialogue. Also, Musicals are never done alone. Working together and coordinating everyone’s inspiration was very difficult, but was also such a fruitful process.

What musical groups did you listen to while growing up?

I grew up listening to musicians and groups like Hibari Misora, Andy Williams, The Carpenters, Michael Jackson, Julie Andrews, Gershwin, Bernstein, and Cole Porter.

How do you write music?

I explain the message and the image I have with the writers and build the song together while discussing it with them. There are many great top liners, so I tend to focus more and have pride in putting my message into the song.

You went to a Music Academy in Japan. What was your training like?

I had always dreamed to become a pop singer. So, to build the basics, I enrolled in a Music School and studied classical music. I was not quite familiar with classical music, but I was given many opportunities to learn about it and its history. Also, through the process, I was able to meet many great operas and songs. It helped me greatly as it helped broaden and made my music mostly free.

Did your dreams come true after the recording of Live Your Dreams?

My dream is to deliver my message through my songs to the whole world, and I am still in the midst of pursuing it. Until my message becomes heard by the whole world, my dream will not end, and I will continue to pursue it all my life.

What do your dreams about?

I tend to sleep very deeply so I do not dream much.

What was it like to record “Up” with Wiz Khalifa and Sheppard?

It was wonderful to be able to work with such respected artists. I was honored to have them part of my project.

How was it to work in Los Angeles during the shooting of the video?

I had a lot of fun shooting, as the mood was high with Wiz and the staff. It was also my first time in Los Angeles, so my emotions definitely went “up” to be able to shoot in the mecca for filmmaking.

I heard after you collaborated on “UP” you gave Wiz Khalifa a 300-year-old samurai sword. How did you get that little gift?

I am afraid I cannot spill where I acquired it. But the sword is 100% real. In the past, swords were made as a weapon to harm someone, but now their value has changed as one kind of art form. I felt that the transition in value was wonderful so I decided to give him the sword.

Was that your first time in LA?

Yes, the Music Video shoot went well, and it overall turned out to be a great first visit. I was also able to go sightseeing a little too, and visited the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where I found the handprint of Julie Andrews. I want to leave my own handprint as well someday and be part of the legacy too. Cupcakes also became one of my favorite desserts while I was out there.

You just made history by becoming the first female Japanese Solo Artist to be certified Gold in the US. How does that feel?

It is truly an honor. I would like to keep on spreading my music in America and to the whole world!

How different is LA to your home city of Tokyo?

In comparison to Tokyo, the sky felt so much bigger in Los Angeles. It made me truly excited that I will be delivering my message to the world so big like the sky.

Do you sing any of your songs in Japanese?

Although it is not my native language, currently I am expressing myself with the English language so that my message gets delivered to a bigger audience. But as I am Japanese, I am very interested in singing in Japanese. Also, if anything, I do not want to limit myself with language and would like to sing in different languages, even in “Vocalize” (Song with just melody and no lyrics) if the opportunities rise.

If you had the chance to perform with any other female artist/group, who would it be?

It is very difficult because there are so many wonderful and talented artists I would like to work with, but if I were to name a few, it would be H.E.R., Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Ray.

Do you have any tour plans for the upcoming year?

I am currently planning many things for 2020, including live shows. Please stand by for more information and look forward to them.

Who would you like to tour with?

I would like to, of course, be on tour and sing “Up” with Wiz Khalifa, Sheppard, and Dzeko, but I also would like to tour with the artists that I will be meeting in the future and spend time with them.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself going on tours in the U.S. and around the world for my fans. I will be singing together with the crowd to unite people coming from different cultures, languages, and borders.

Anything in closing?