Bringing Utaite to the World: Singer Ado on Tour
by Richard Eisenbeis,
Ado is now in the midst of her worldwide Hibana tour, jetsetting across Asia, Europe, and the Americas with sold-out shows in Paris, Berlin, Milan, and Los Angeles. Ado took some time out of her busy schedule to talk with Anime News Network about her singing roles in anime, the Ado SPECIAL LIVE "Shinzou" in Cinema concert film in theaters on May 28 and 31, and how much Utaite culture means to her.
When people think of One Piece Film Red, they think of Uta, her songs, and your voice. Do you feel any similarities between yourself and Uta? And what does being Uta mean to you?
Ado: I thought she was the complete opposite [from me], but once I understood the story and her upbringing, I started to understand her thoughts and emotions when she sang those songs. She is full of human touch in a good way. Uta is able to express feelings of joy and happiness but also anger, hatred, and sadness in a very simple, relatable way. I think she is one of the first “divas” to reveal everything like that. I think that human touch is our similarity.
You did multiple songs for One Piece Film Red as Uta. What was it like to work with so many different composers and in so many drastically different styles of music?
Ado: I had been singing songs written by Vocaloid producers and also covered a lot of Vocaloid songs, but for this film, many well-known artists contributed their songs. By performing these seven songs, I think I was able to find various aspects and voices of myself. Of course, all songs were written for the film and Uta, and they're all a perfect match for the story. It was a truly one-of-a-kind experience to be able to sing these amazing songs with my own voice.
Aside from One Piece, you've performed music for two other anime, SPYxFAMILY and the Cat's Eye anime. And do you have a love for or history with either of these anime?
Ado: I've known SPYxFAMILY from manga and it was a huge hit in Japan. So when I heard that it'd finally come out as an anime, I knew I had to watch it. As soon as it came out, I watched it in real-time on TV and also online. While watching the anime, I kept wishing that one day I could be involved with a SPYxFAMILY project, so I was really happy to be able to contribute the theme song.
As for CAT'S EYE, I felt very honored to be part of such beloved and legendary work that returned to the present day shining even more brightly than ever. When I recorded the song, I paid respect to the original singer, Anri-san, by mixing the vocal technique of the '80s with my flavor. I hope the song has a new but nostalgic feel to it.
You're currently on your Hibana world tour. What are you looking forward to the most on the road?
Ado: I am especially looking forward to visiting Italy. I'm so happy to see, with my own eyes, the scenery that I have only seen in books, movies, and textbooks, so I can't wait.
During the Ado SPECIAL LIVE "Shinzou" in Cinema film, I noticed you do a lot more shouting and screaming in your songs than in the studio recorded versions. Why is that? Did the live versions evolve naturally from the studio versions or have you always sung them this way live?
Ado: Ever since I discovered the Utaite culture, I felt this incredibly strong urge, like － "I want to sing too……!" Once I began posting videos of me shouting and growling as I sang, I realized this was what felt right for me... I think you can find your own distinct singing style through practice and trial and error!
Also, with the additional shouting in songs, how do you do a full two-hour set without hurting your voice? Do you have some sort of special vocal care routine (cough drops, tea with honey, lots of water, etc.)? If so, what is it?
Ado: I actually don't do anything in particular… If anything, I would say sleep well and eat well.
You spend more than half of the Ado SPECIAL LIVE "Shinzou" in Cinema inside a literal cage. Why? Is there some symbolic or personal meaning to it?
Ado: I basically perform with a silhouette. It's not virtual. I am on the stage inside the box and perform live from there. My vocal performance, live band, and visual production together create the show.
During “Backlight” (逆光) in the Ado SPECIAL LIVE "Shinzou" in Cinema, you're inside a cage moving around the arena. It's a cool effect, but did it cause any issues? Is it hard to sing, dance, and keep your balance while it's moving like that?
Ado: I actually don't know how I do it myself. I'm not good at sports, and I don't work out either. I think my stage experiences built my stamina. I want to exercise on a more regular basis.
What did performing with Hatsune Miku mean to you? Why was it so important?
Ado: I've been listening to Vocaloid since I was seven years old and Hatsune Miku since I was eleven. They helped me through many of life's encounters and farewells. To collaborate with Hatsune Miku was such a special moment for me and I'm sure my childhood self is super happy!
Mafumafu, who wrote this song for us, is an artist I have been listening to since my youth and who I ire so much as an Utaite. I am so excited and happy that I got to work with him again. “Sakura Biyori and Time Machine (with Hatsune Miku)” is my teenage dream literally becoming a reality!
Ado's Hibana world tour began on April 26 in Saitama, Japan. It will make stops in the U.S. this summer, including Seattle, San Jose, Calif., Los Angeles, Phoenix, Fort Worth, Duluth, Ga., Orlando, Baltimore, Md., Chicago, Newark, N.J, and Honolulu. Tickets are on sale now.
The Ado SPECIAL LIVE "Shinzou" in Cinema concert film screenings will begin in the U.S. on May 28 and May 31. You can find a screening near you and purchase tickets on the film's official website.
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