Interview: LOAR is Creating a New Wave for Japanese R&B Artists
LOAR is an immensely talented and rising Japanese singer from Sendai. LOAR primarily creates R&B music but puts his flavor and style into the genre that is unique to the Japanese R&B community. LOAR recently began gaining traction on social media for his Japanese covers of trending songs like “No Guidance” by Chris Brown, “E.T.A.” by Justin Bieber, and his K-Pop group cover songs such as “Film Out” and “Stay Gold” by BTS. Not to mention, LOAR’s music is always on point, and gives chill vibes with fire melodies. His vocal capabilities are outstanding, and he is a versatile artist that should definitely be on your radar!
Photo Courtesy of LOAR
Photo Courtesy of LOAR
Check out our interview with LOAR as he discusses his creative style, hopes for Japanese artists in the music industry, future releases, and more:
Q: Can you tell us what your name LOAR means?
LOAR: I started playing music after being affected by the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. From that experience, I superimposed it with the story of Noah's Ark and became inspired to go by the name LOAR.
Q: What sparked the idea for your recent single “Cause I’m With You?” Did a particular situation or event inspire you to write this song?
LOAR: The song was somewhat completed earlier this year. I was inspired by PARTYNEXTDOOR around this time. I was discussing with my producer, FOFU, about creating our own unique sound that doesn't exist in Japan but also adding a trap soul vibe. I thought this song was perfect, and I wanted people to listen to it during the cold seasons, so I released it at this time.
Q: So far, you have only released singles. Do you have any plans to release an album in the future?
LOAR: I'm working on the production now with the intention of releasing an EP next year.
Photo Courtesy of LOAR
Q: If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?
LOAR: I can't narrow it down to just one artist, but PARTYNEXTDOOR, Tone Stith, Ye Ali, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber.
Q: You like to listen to the R&B singer Tank. Do you have a favorite song of his?
LOAR: “Keep it 100.” When I was 19 years old, my teacher would play this song while stretching during my vocal training lessons, and that's when I got hooked on Tank.
Q: You are also known for taking popular songs in English and singing them in Japanese. What does the translating process look like?
LOAR: I don't speak English, but my producer FOFU had the experience of studying abroad in college, so we work on the translations together.
Photo Courtesy of LOAR
Q: Asian music is globalizing and becoming more popular in the West. What are your hopes for Japanese artists in the music industry?
LOAR: Ever since I started working as LOAR, I haven't wanted to make music that stays in Japan. There are a few R&B singers who have left Japan and are active globally. I'd like to be one of them.
Q: Do you have any messages for your fans?
LOAR: First of all, I really want to say thank you for coming across our music. We work through our senses and judge everything within our hearts. I couldn't be happier with the responses I get from people all over the world. We are excited to continue delivering our sound to you guys.
Photo Courtesy of LOAR
Artist Facts
Name/Stage Name: LOAR (Japanese name Taro)
Birthday: February 13, 1994
Nationality: Japanese
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Fave Foods: Meat dishes
Fave Drinks: Refreshing sparkling water
Fave Movies: Beautiful Mind, Violet Evergarden
Day or Night?: I like the night
Fave Song: TGT - “I Need” (I used to listen to it a lot when I started singing)
