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EF’s Underdogs: Rié interview

EF’s Underdogs dedicates its time to new and up and coming artists that I find interesting or show potential. This week I look at Rié, a Japanese London-art school graduate making her debut in the UK this summer with a four-track EP, Business Trips, arriving June 30th. Rié is a singer-songwriter of rare melodic grace whose music resonates with the lush splendour of Karen Carpenter and the acoustic intimacy of Suzanne Vega. Following the debut single St. Martin, which was released inline with the EP announcement, Rié is sharing the video for the second single Calling. I caught up with her to discuss music and up coming releases, continue reading for more details.

Hello, where does this q&a find you?

In a small Surrey town just outside London, listening to the blackbirds and smelling the fresh summer grass.

Tell me a bit about yourself and how you got into music?

I’m a Japanese singer/songwriter/London-art-school-graduate based in the UK.
I got into music 13 years ago through sending a demo tape and making a debut through Sony Music Japan.

Can you describe your music genre for our readers?

Mellifluous pop inspired by the voice of the Carpenters and the songwriting of Kate Bush (if there is such genre)

You have an EP out, can you tell me what themes you explore?

My first EP explores the theme of relocating to another country(Tokyo/London), a journey through two cities/identities within the song.
There is also a track that shines light on the unheard voices of the daily routine, such as office work, house chores, and business trips.

Theme Park also remixed one of the songs (st Martin), how did this come about?

They were introduced by my management, and after hearing their remix, I loved it so much that we continued to work together for the second single from the EP, Calling.

What type of music are you into and find inspiring?

I’m always intrigued by unique voices—from Nina Simone to Q-Tip, any kind of genre, as long as the voice has that addictive originality.

Where can people find your music?

Spotify

iTunes

Soundcloud

Youtube

Watch Rié’s video for Calling below:

Sarah Bargiela
Sarah Bargiela
Sarah aka Bargi is the Assistant Editor and Music Editor for Entertainment Focus (EF).

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