Independent Artist Magazine October/November 2013 | Page 71

I A M Speaks With Ryo
What type of band/artist are you?
Answer: Composer / Singer / Songwriter
Tell us the brief history of your band (I am an individual musician not a band)
Answer: Ryo Utasato is a Japanese composer and singer/
songwriter with a rich body of work that runs the gamut from
electronica to ambient to world to rock and beyond. Being
raised by parents who were both musicians themselves, Ryo
has had no shortage of inspiration and has been creating
music from a very young age. Her range of talent and unique
experimental style is immediately striking and listening to
one of her pieces will undoubtedly transport you to another
place. Her soundtracks have appeared in a variety of film and
TV, and she’s worked in such genres as sci-fi, drama, horror
and action. Her work was also chosen for the theme of World
Heritage series.
Ryo’s incredible musical sense combined with her genuine
interest in world culture has opened her mind and pushed her
to experiment with different types of sounds and instruments.
Her music often features a mixture of seemingly contrasting
sounds which collide at different points and produce unexpectedly moving results. On top of some of the more conventional instruments which Ryo has used in her music, she has
also experimented with a number of others from different
parts of the world such as the duduk (Armenia), the erhu
(China) and the shamisen (Japan). The expanse and tremendous scale of her music is capable of taking us from one part
of the globe to another, just by closing our eyes.
When did you start making music?
As early as three years old
How would you describe your music for the public audience
if they never seen you before?
Epic Sound Track / Music for Films / Ambiance / Cinematic /
Action Drama / Documentary / New World
Do you feel like you have changed your style from since you
first started making music?
Yes, compared to when I was just singing covers (Jazz, R&B,
Rock) in earlier days to now as a songwriter and started writing my own music.
Who or what are your musical and non-musical influences?
Classic / Opera / Cinema Music from Orca / John Williams,
Hans Zimmer, Movie Enigma, (World Music) / Middle Eastern sounds (soul catching) & Native American

online platforms are in place.
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
More use of music downloads; becoming borderless with the
use of Internet
How is the celebrity life style treating you?
I only interact with fans on internet which keeps me busy and
happy
What inspires you to do what you do?
Life itself inspires Ryo, in good times & bad times, regardless.
Her inspiration feeds on positive energy from her fans.
If you could win any award, one of your choice what award
would it be?
Academy Awards for the best Film Score – Hollywood
Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
A little bit due to being a perfectionist wanting to deliver the
best she could – could be defined more as an excitement rather than nervousness.
Describe your show, visual and musically.
In Video production. 3D expression
How do you promote your band and shows?
Mostly Online. Website - Networking
What’s new in the recording of your music?
Continuously searching for new sound. The Use of world
instruments: Acoustic –Ancient Instruments. Ryo uses her
own voice as an instrument. (Please refer to my Bio) Use of
various recording and sound mixing software and the use of
exotic sound by creating own language.
How often and for how long do you practice?
Until she is satisfied with results (no regular allotted time)
What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?
Don’t give up. Set unlimited goal. Believe in yourself and
keep going. If you want it bad enough it will happen.
Any Final Words
“Domo Arigato-gozaimasu” (Thank you very much)

How does music affect you and the world around you?
My music serves as a guiding light for the troubled soul.
Takes you on a Spiritual Journey
Do you feel music is entering a whole new generation?
Yes, from entertainment to spiritual quest; Return to the
beginning of mankind. The music is entering the whole new
generation with transformation of ancient sound (with a new
twist influenced by technology in sound engineering) Improvement towards more profitable music market once new

Independent Artist Magazine www.indieartmag.com 71