It is gratifying to see influential brands become sustainability conscious.
PROFILE
A singer-songwriter and trackmaker from Nagano, Japan, she began performing under the name AAAMYYYY in 2017, and the following year joined the rock band Tempalay, which she had been supporting for some time. Currently, in addition to his solo and band activities, he also supports Ryohu and TENDRE. Instagram:@amy0aaamyyy
What kind of clothes do you like?
AAAMYYYYY:I like clothes that are loose and comfortable. I wear brands that my friends design or are involved in.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
AAAMYYYYY:I often buy at exhibitions. I also go to vintage clothing stores run by people I know. Rather than trying hard to be fashionable, I like to choose what fits me according to my mood at the time.
What is your impression of Calvin Klein?
AAAMYYYYY:I have an image of underwear and basic wear. I've seen the clothes in vintage and such, but I've never worn them.
What did you think of the "Heron Preston for Calvin Klein" clothes?
AAAMYYYYY:It was extremely comfortable to wear. I like the shape of the T-shirt and the way the neck is thick and firm, but the length is short. I also like the high-waisted pants and the button closure instead of a zipper. The fabric is soft, which I like. And the orange stitching is subtle and nice.
This collection is made with sustainability in mind, actively using organic cotton and recycled materials.
AAAMYYYYY:It is a good thing that a global and influential brand such as Calvin Klein is making clothes with this kind of awareness. I think this will encourage more people and brands to change their mindset.
I have the impression that your band, Tempalay, has released an album this year, and you have been playing more live shows.
AAAMYYYYY:That's right. The "Ghost Album" of "Tempalay" was released and its tour final was recently finished, and the band is now in the production period of a new work. I am also working on the next release under my solo name. I am moderately busy at the moment. Before Corona, my schedule was jam-packed, and that was normal, but now I have a bit of leeway to take my time with production and preparation, so it's very fulfilling.
I think Corona stopped a lot of things, but did it give you a cushion?
AAAMYYYYY:That may be so. Now that we are finally able to tour, there are new rules such as only allowing half of the capacity audience, not allowing masks and voices, etc., and we have to find new ways to adapt to these new rules.
I think that the so-called "call and response" is no longer possible.
AAAMYYYYY:I think it is better to turn the situation around and make it interesting, rather than to see it as a negative thing. Rather than building up frustration and wanting to return to the previous state as quickly as possible, the band is aware of how to look at the current situation in a positive way, and I am comfortable with that. I am sure the audience is frustrated as well, but I hope we can turn that frustration into good energy.
The styling is simple and coordinated in black and white, monotone colors, but the silhouette of this collection stands out. The jackets, cut-and-sewns, and pants are all made of organic cotton. Both the silhouettes and materials are modern reinterpretations of basic items. Jacket ¥30,580, T-shirt ¥11,800, pants ¥23,980, other personal effects
Have you already started working on your next solo project?
AAAMYYYYY:Actually, it was completed last year, but we haven't been able to release it until now (laughs). (Laughs.) We are still waiting for the right time to release it, as it coincides with various artists' releases.
So there are adult circumstances (laughs).
AAAMYYYYY:That's right (laughs). I'm hoping to get it out this summer, though.
What kind of work is it?
AAAMYYYYY:It is a work that confines my 2020 and explores my deepest psyche. The lyrics and such. I started working on it in January of last year, and it took me about a year to complete it.
How did you stay motivated?
AAAMYYYYY:I hardly left the house, my motivation was almost zero, and there were times when I felt like I was in despair (laugh). (Laughs) However, I had been really busy until then, so I began to think to myself that it was a good time to take a break, and from then on, I gradually picked up the pace.
I think it was an unforgettable year for everyone, and for you, AAAMYYYY, it's all packed into your work.
AAAMYYYYY:There are many people who have suffered, and many of the songs are close to them. I think that's why I'm so happy to hear the songs that say, "All right! I'm going to do my best! but rather, "I was going through the same thing, too," so you can relate to them.
Do you feel that the mood of the last year has changed, or are your feelings changing in a different direction now?
AAAMYYYYY:Lately I've been making music without beats. I realized that I like that kind of music after spending more time at home in Corona and being saved by healing and drones. So now I make instrumental music and music that sounds like the accompaniment to a movie.
Do you decide on a theme for your music? For example, you think of a landscape and create a song that fits the mood.
AAAMYYYYY:That's right. I was playing around with tones on the synthesizer at home, and I thought, "Oh, this sound is kind of forest-like," and I kept developing that image as I went along.
So, maybe the mood of the next work will be different from the previous one.
AAAMYYYYY:I don't know if I'm going to make it into a work of art yet, but maybe that's a possibility? I guess so (laughs). I am looking forward to it!
