On July 7, Misia turned twenty, officially becoming an adult in
Japan. And how did this Kyushu-native celebrate? By selling out the Budokan in thirty
minutes and becoming the youngest, and only, Japanese female R ' B singer in history to
do so. Having hit the music scene merely eight months ago on February 21 with the release
of her debut single "Tsutsumi Komu You Ni," what could possibly account for
Misia's meteoric rise from small-town obscurity to become, as several music critics have
put it, "the 21st Century Diva"? In a word, talent. Serious talent that only
comes along a few times in any given decade or century for that matter.
In elementary school Misia knew she wanted to sing. After seeing a commercial for the
gospel musical Mama, I Want to Sing she was hooked on the idea of singing gospel and R 'n'
B. Misia played trumpet in her junior high school band, sang with her high school choir
and eventually sought serious vocal training outside of what the Japanese public schools
could offer her, finally finding two black vocal teachers who taught her gospel and R 'n'
B singing techniques.
The president of Rhythmedia - an artist management office that develops hip hop dance acts
and music - heard her at an amateur contest in May '97 and made her a recording offer on
the spot. In September '97 Misia came to Tokyo with her parent's blessings and began a
work schedule that would break even the most veteran professionals, much less a
19-year-old country girl fresh off the plane.
Enthusiastic and professional, Misia garnered serious respect by writing her own music and
lyrics and staying involved in the arrangement process in spite of a grueling promotion,
recording and training schedule. Everyone was in awe of her vocal power and five-octave
range.
In early February, the Tokyo club scene buzz centered on Misia's funky debut single
"Tsutsumi Komu You Ni" remix by popular house DJs Watarai and Muro. The
following maxi-single, whose B-side featured her second hit "Never Gonna Cry"
remixed by New York house DJ Junior Vasquez sold out in two days. In March Misia made her
live debut at Tokyo's Harlem, packing the 600-capacity club with 1200 fans. Every concert
from Hokkaido to Kyushu has produced the same reaction. Misia's singles and her album
Mother Father Brother Sister have remained at the top of the charts for weeks even though
Misia has made no appearances on TV music shows. The album is still on back order at
record stores across Japan, having sold over 1.2 million copies in a matter of days.
In October Misia began her first national tour of clubs and college festivals. All venues
were sold out months ago, some in just five minutes. The only chance of seeing Misia live
is in Hyogo Prefecture at Kansai Gakuin Daigaku's school free open-air concert. Or you
could buy a ticket from a scalper outside the Budokan - but JY5250 tickets are now going
for JY20,000. Combining a hometown girl personality and a great voice, Misia is a real
talent to watch. Check out Misia's website.
On July 7, Misia turned twenty, officially becoming an adult in
Japan. And how did this Kyushu-native celebrate? By selling out the Budokan in thirty
minutes and becoming the youngest, and only, Japanese female R ' B singer in history to
do so. Having hit the music scene merely eight months ago on February 21 with the release
of her debut single "Tsutsumi Komu You Ni," what could possibly account for
Misia's meteoric rise from small-town obscurity to become, as several music critics have
put it, "the 21st Century Diva"? In a word, talent. Serious talent that only
comes along a few times in any given decade or century for that matter.
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