Exposed Vocals Interviews Umo-Ja

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

Umo-Ja:  I’m from Osaka in Japan.

When I was 25 old, I lived in Harlem for few months. And I thought Osaka is like New York because each people are articulate and  affectionate. I felt quite comfortable!!

Since I was a child, I like a various music, especially Japanese POPs.

As I get older, I have interested in, first, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, Eric Clapton, Dr. Dre, The Roots and so on…influences of my family. And I got into R&B and Soul music when I was high school student.

When I was 18 old, I met one soul singer “Gavin Christopher”. He Changed my life.

I was impressed his voice, his music and his attitude of a soul man.

Although I couldn’t speak in English, I went to him.

He greeted with a smile and he said, “Singing is so fantastic. If you love to sing, you keep singing till the end of your life.”

His words pierced to my soul.

So, I decided to keep singing.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

Umo-Ja:  Umo-Ja means “Union” in Swahili. Do you know the meaning of music is “ONGAKU” in Japanese?

ONGAKU is meant to enjoy sounds. And I think the music is not possible by a man.

So, I came up with Umo-Ja. And others are  “Umo” means “heritage” and “Ja” means Japan.

I was my inspiration behind the art of music.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

 

Umo-Ja: I want the people all over the world to know my music as the starting point, so I agree it. And I have to grab the next point that they pay for my music. I know it’s not easy… I have to do my best not only hearing but vision. For example, Live show case and CD Jacket arts and so on.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Umo-Ja:

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

 

Umo-Ja: I’m inspired by people all over the world. Especially, about “people’s love”. I think Soul music is about various loves.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

Umo-Ja: SNS is very very important !!

FB, instagram, Twitter, soundcloud and bandcamp.

https://www.facebook.com/umoja1130/insights/

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Umo-Ja: I’d spend it to go to NY with my band. And we’d show my music with shooting a prmotional video.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Umo-Ja: My music is the dance music, so I keep to promote to dancers and club scene. I wish that dancers use my music for trainings and shows.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Umo-Ja:  I’m making the full album.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Umo-Ja: I died!!

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

Umo-Ja:

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

Umo-Ja: I’ll release the 1st full album this winter.