The Night When the Woman with the Voice of a Diva Became a True Diva: May’n Artist Interview [3/3]

May'n: It's not about how loud your voice is, or your singing techniques...when it comes to the real live performance, you just want to sing for your fans. During those moments, you just want to have fun together. Because of that, I am surprised by my audience every time. That's why there's no such thing as a failed live performance because I get to do what I love with my fans and my band members. It will definitely be a great show. I am blessed with the best staff members ever!

Such are the true feelings of May'n, who is known for becoming one with her fans, while at the same time handcrafting performances of the highest quality. Because of the effort she puts into crafting her performances, her fans are also "high-quality" fans. Fans and artist – together they complement and help one another on their journey to the next level of May'n's art. But where and when did this journey begin...?

May'n: After watching Namie Amuro on television, I decided when I was only three that I wanted to sing and dance. It wasn't about becoming a singer as a profession. Just like how the kids my age at that time wanted to become Sailor Moon and Ultraman, I wanted to become Namie Amuro. After that, I grew up participating in various singing contests since kindergarten and was more sure than ever that I liked singing. When I was nine, I learned that to become like Namie Amuro, I have to become what they call a singer, and I started going for auditions. I saw music audition shows on TV, and realized that in order to enter the world of entertainment, I had to pass those auditions... That was when I was in fourth grade.

TOM: You set your goals young! The boys at that age were probably dreaming of becoming MVPs in the World Cup or something, and you already had such a clear vision.

May'n: Even though I debuted pretty early, I was still thinking about where I'd go in the future. It was then when I was offered the job of singing Sheryl Nome's songs... It's different from singing a drama theme song because I had to sing the song as the character in the anime and I thought I couldn't do it...it was really hard. Anyhow, I really wanted to sing, so I took up the challenge!

Sheryl Nome. The diva in the space opera anime Macross F. May'n wasn't just in charge of Sheryl's image songs. She plays an important part of the story as Sheryl's singing voice, and is the key to the Macross series. May'n has been playing the part of Sheryl Nome since 2008.

May'n: Every since I was chosen to sing as Sheryl, I got to see her character artwork and background, and learned her story... In order to sing as Sheryl, I had to remember all the time that I couldn't inject any of my experiences and perspective, and that I had to become Sheryl when I sing. At my first recording as Sheryl, I was only in my teens, but I was ordered to sing like the diva, the top star that Sheryl is in her world. I didn't really know what it meant to sing like a diva...so I just practiced and worked hard anyway (laughs).

TOM: Sheryl Nome has always been quite a celebrity, especially in the scenes from the movie version. If you follow the story, some say that it's actually a tsundere character... Anyway, in the Macross F series, the styles of all the songs that fit the story are different, you would have to approach them not as theme songs or soundtrack, but more like a musical. It must have been hard...

May'n: Actually, apart from getting the "diva" act on at the beginning, it wasn't too hard to match the songs to the scenes, and I had good control over my singing. I guess you get used to it pretty quickly. My own style of music has been greatly influenced by Sheryl as well. Even when I am singing the theme songs for other series, just when I am about to sing with the image of another character, I can't help but remember Sheryl. Whenever I work on a new song, I find myself with new expressions and feelings, and am able to bring out a totally new character. That's why it's really fun!

Instead of singing different songs the "May'n way," as works are introduced to the world, the character fuses with May'n's voice in song, and a new diva is reborn on the stage each time. That's the secret behind the "one-woman musical."

David Bowie gained worldwide fame and went on tour after performing as the character Ziggy Stardust. He brought the performance into another dimension. Bette Midler was a great singer to begin with, but she got her big break when she played the character modeled after rock star Janis Joplin in The Rose. Just like May'n, both Davie Bowie and Bette Midler found the second spring in their careers after they sang as another character.

...So, we can't help but wonder what kind of diva May'n will become next.

May'n’s Official Site
May’n Community 『May’n Space』
May’n Official Facebook
May’n Official YouTube Channel

This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.