特別インタビュー

2008-11-11 Tue

YOSHIHIRO SEKI

Let’s challenge the world together!

avex group is using their energy and efforts to conduct the grand “avex WORLD AUDITION 2008.” Let’s hear more about this audition from the Director/Head of avex Entertainment Corporation’s Creative Department 5, YOSHIHIRO SEKI.

インタビュー

--What is the most crucial element for artists of the next generation?

This is a point I’m always trying to get across: express things in your own words. It’s the same with poetry and the like, it’s those kinds of artists that are the most successful. From the moment they debut, there are artists that say, “this is what I want to become.” They are able to express that to people and spread that feeling, and that is what I think is most crucial.


--What important things do you look for when watching auditions?

I’m looking for people with a keen sense for who to impress. Also, their voice. To put it bluntly, there are a lot of people that are good at singing, but I’m looking for that voice that makes me think, “Ah, this is a nice voice,” even if it’s a little different.


--Of the artists that you’ve met up until now, which ones have left an impression on you?

Of all the artists that I’ve been able to work with, Hiro from Exile has left the most profound impression on me. I think he’s got it all. He’s got this perspective and this relentless spirit, and I’ve always felt those while I’ve watched him. He was in ZOO and J Soul Brothers and then Exile… He has experience being at the very bottom and also at the top, and he has this unbeatable quality. It’s not easy to say, but I feel that he is the number 1 entertainment artist in Japan.


--What kind of approach should artists take to the audition?

I think it’s totally fine to be nervous. It’s natural, and we aren’t concentrating on that at all. We’re looking at whether you are being yourself, having fun and giving it all you’ve got. Don’t worry about it.  We are exposed to all sorts of people and we know how much nerves can come into play. You don’t have to sing avex songs just because it’s an avex audition; I think you should simply pick a song that fits you.  One that shows off the part of you that is the most attractive. I know you can’t showcase yourself and your repertoire in the short span of an audition. But even if you feel that you ran into some bad luck, or that the judges weren’t looking at you very much, keep challenging yourself.


--This audition is also accepting entries from citizens of foreign countries. What is avex doing to prepare for this?

Within Creative Department 5 we have m-flo, BoA, TOHOSHINKI, Lisa, and other multinational artists, but their nationality isn’t an issue.It’s more about genre.  When I joined 11 years ago, the image of avex was far more tied up with dance music than it is now, but we were quick to embrace all forms of music.  We are proud to be a business able to support that, and we encourage our artists to create the kind of music they want to.We con confidently say we care for our artists more than anyone else, and if we meet someone that we like, we want to work with them. It’s the same with the avex employees.  I think we are a company that cultivates the creativity in people, so challenge yourself and by all means, come work with us.



<Profile of YOSHIHIRO SEKI>
Yoshihiro has developed unique avex artists such as EXILE and m-flo, and his presence has been a leading contribution to the transformation of an era. He is the Director and Head of avex Entertainment Corporation’s Creative Department 5.