Japanese Pop (J-Pop) star and icon in the anime world, LiSA, just finished up her North American tour called “Another Great Day.” LiSA is known for performing several anime opening theme songs, including tracks for “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Sword Art Online.”
Temple of Geek spoke with LiSA through a translator to discuss her international success and the excitement surrounding her most recent tour.
Mindset is Important in Preparation for Anime and Rock Shows
During the interview, LiSA discusses how she prepares for her performances. LiSA has successfully headlined both anime and rock festivals. Both anime and rock/pop music fans have waited to see her shows, and she wants to be at her best for everyone.
Q: What goes into preparing for a tour, both physically and mentally?
LiSA: So, this is my first U.S headline show, and I know there were a lot of fans who waited a long time for this. And, there are also new fans, so I just tried to keep in mind both of those groups when preparing.
Q: What are the differences in performing for each of these different audiences, and how do you tailor your sets?
LiSA: At anime events, you know, it’s obviously about anime. So, I just tailor more to anime fans and anime songs. And then, in rock festivals, I choose out of my anime songs, the ones that have a more rock genre and make sure that it’s something that the audience can really enjoy and get on board with as well.
LiSA’s Music is a Big Part of Anime Fandom and Culture
LiSA needs to understand the series she is part of before diving into creating music. She explains that she takes time to read up on the original work beforehand. In addition, LiSA talks about the differences in writing original music versus anime music. Inspiration for both comes from within and from how she feels. Also, LiSA explores new ideas for both anime and rock songs.
Q: How does it feel to know that your voice and music are such an integral part of stories that so many people love?
LiSA: Whenever I start on an anime song, I make sure and read the original. And then, I have a meeting with the anime team. If people love it, then I am even more overjoyed because they are the ones that really know the anime so well.
Q: Do you have a particular song that you’ve performed for an anime that is very dear to your heart?
LiSA: I had my concert in L.A., and “Gurenge” was so warmly received, and everybody was singing along. It was such a beautiful thing to witness. I witnessed, also, how much anime is loved here in the States.
Q: Are there any particular challenges or unique joys in creating music specifically for an anime compared to your other original music?
LiSA: For original music, I really look at what is coming from within. So, it’s really an opportunity for me to get to know myself even deeper. For anime songs, I also think about what overlaps from within me with the story, and also from the feelings within me. They have kind of a different challenge for both forms of songwriting.
Q: If you could choose any anime series to write a theme song for, what would it be?
LiSA: A lot of my songs are really fast or for battle scenes and that sort of thing. So, I would love to do some songs that are for something that’s comical or cute and has sort of pop aspects to it.
Q: Is there a particular genre or type of story you would like to explore musically?
LiSA: In rock music, I feel like there’s really awesome changes that happen when you hear it live. So, in terms of listening music, I would love to make something that has a really strong beat. Then, when it’s performed live with a band, I’d love to just have that be a little bit different from what the recorded version is.
LiSA Loves Knowing International Fans Sing Along to Her Music
LiSA has performed in numerous countries around the world, including two solo tours in Asia. Her popularity has soared overseas. She talks about how wonderful it is to hear international fans sing along to her songs during her shows.
Q: What was the most memorable experience or interaction you’ve had with international fans?
LiSA: That’s hard! There are so many fans outside of Japan now. So, to be outside of Japan and hear people sing the lyrics to my songs in Japanese is really incredible. The whole audience together just fully belting it was just something that I didn’t expect. And they’re all chanting, “LiSA! LiSA! LiSA!” Just the fact that they all know me is really touching.
