Was just browsing for live performance of Ken Hirai on youtube when I chanced upon his interview with CNN on a programme called “Talk Asia”, I think, which was recorded last year. There are 3 parts to the interview, where he talks about how he became a singer and what his musical influences are, and his appearance!! Hahaha!

Ok, back to studying…

I cannot wait for Utada’s new album “Heart Station” which will be released this coming week in Japan, and one week later in Taiwan, and hopefully the rest of asia. Her last offering “Ultra Blue”, which was released back in 2006 was amazing, and I think HS would be a great follow-up. Her album would include singles that were released over the past year, including the world number 2 (for digital sales) “Flavour of Life” the recently released “Heart Station”, “Stay Gold”, as well as “Boku wa Kuma”, “Beautiful World” and “Kiss & Cry”. One would probably have heard half her album then, but it would be still worth buying nonetheless! Her music is ever so different from other artistes in the world I dare say, and it is amazing that she creates new “sounds” on each album!

In addition, she is rumoured to be working on her sophomore English album, a follow-up to “Exodus” which was released way back in 2004. It wasn’t really well-received, although I think that was an amazing album, and sounds more futuristic than Justin Timberlake’s “Futuresex/Lovesounds” album. Anyway, 2 more weeks to getting her album!!

 On another note, Ken Hirai has also released a new album, titled “Fakin’ Pop”, his first studio offering since 2004’s “SENTIMENTALovers”. He is another Japanese artiste whose music I enjoy a lot. Probably one of the finest male singers in my opinion, at least in Asia. Similar to Utada, most of the songs in his album are made of single that were released over the past year(s), including the “Elegy”, an amazing heartfelt track. His album is out now! Go get it!