Rikako Aida releases her 1st EP "Principal" in which she plays the leading role! Interview with Rikako Aida on the occasion of her artist debut [Newcomers, welcome! Vol.12]

With more and more anime being released every day, newcomers are appearing on the scene one after another. In this series, Akiba Research Institute will conduct in-depth interviews with "newcomers" of interest to Akiba Research Institute!　That is "Newcomers, welcome! The newcomers are "Love Live", "Love Lover", and "Love Lover".

This time, we will be featuring "Love Live! Sunshine! and Koto Ootsuki in the TV anime "Kawayagi Shoujo" currently airing.

Ms. Aida, who has garnered the support of many anime and voice actress fans, will make her long-awaited debut as a solo artist with the CD "Principal" to be released on June 19, 2019. The CD includes five songs, including the lead number "FUTURE LINE," which also features her first music video, and "ORDINARY LOVE," the ED theme for "Kawayagi Shoujo." The album is packed with various charms.

In this issue, we asked Ms. Aida, a "new artist" taking a new step forward, to talk about her current enthusiasm and the thoughts she holds in her heart.

At the end of the article, there is a reader giveaway of a promotional poster, so don't miss it until the end!

From now on, I have to be the "star" of the show

--First of all, please tell us how you felt when you heard that you were going to make your debut as an artist.

Aida: When I first heard about this project, I was very surprised because I had never imagined a future where I would be making my debut as an artist.

--Please tell us about your thoughts behind the title of your CD, "Principal. Does it mean "solo performer" or "principal actor"?

Aida: I named it "Principal" with the feeling that since I am making my solo debut, I have to take the lead and move forward, and since I was never the type to play the leading role or be at the center of something, from now on I have to be the "main actor" myself.

--The lead song "Future Line" is a very positive song about taking a new step forward. What was your impression of this song when you first heard it?　Did your impression change as you sang it?

Aida: When I first heard "Future Line", my honest impression was that it was summery and refreshing. I thought it was a song with various elements, filled with the feeling that we have to move forward despite our many uncertainties and hesitations.

--What were you careful and conscious about when singing the song? Personally, I was impressed by the naturalistic feel of the song, which is not often heard in character songs.

Aida: I recorded the song while searching for my voice as "Rikako Aida. I also read a lot of the lyrics, thought about the message of the song, and tried to match myself with the song as much as possible, replacing myself (the main character of the song) with myself and getting emotionally involved in the song.

--Aida: "I want to count the number of dreams I want to make come true.

Aida: The phrase "Let's step out while counting the dreams we want to make come true" has been stuck in a corner of my mind for a long time, and it made me realize that it is okay to have many dreams, not just one. It makes me want to try more things.

--The music video has a refreshing impression, and Ms. Aida looks a bit mature. Please tell us about the shooting episodes and behind-the-scenes stories here.

Aida: I was nervous at first because it was my first music video, but in the end, the sense of freedom to move freely made the shooting more enjoyable, and we had fun from start to finish. Due to weather conditions, we couldn't shoot the entire video in one day, so we shot it over two days. I was very impressed with the first day's shooting, when we were battered by the wind and rain.

--The ED theme "ORDINARY LOVE" for the anime "Kawayagi Shoujo" is a song with a peaceful image. When you recorded the song, were there any parts that reminded you of the main anime?　If there were any impressive episodes during the production, please tell us about them as well.

Aida: "ORDINARY LOVE" was our first tie-up song and the first song we received, so everything was fresh. What impressed me the most was that we discussed with the staff what the title should be. At first, it was a different title, so it was hard for me to get used to the title "ORDINARY LOVE," but now I feel very comfortable with it (laughs).

I want to enjoy it freely without daring to make any rules.

--I will" is a magnificent ballad, and the lyrics remind me of the future with my loved one, as opposed to "Future Line". What did you feel when you sang this song?

Aida: When I first heard "I will", I was a little worried about whether I would be able to sing it because it is a ballad and has a mature atmosphere, but as I read the lyrics, I felt sympathy for the song and it reminded me of my own path that I have taken so far. In a way, this song may be a life-size song for me right now.

--I also read the images and impressions of the songs "Azurite Blue" and "Kimi ga Kureta Hikari". Please tell us about the images and impressions of each song, as well as some memorable episodes from the production process.

Aida: I had the impression that "Azurite Blue" was an elusive song in a good way. It is also the song for which I had the least idea what kind of lyrics would be written. I felt that the colors of the song were the most similar to the colors in my own mind, and I felt very close to them, so I was very particular about both the lyrics and the title.
I sang "Kimi ga Kurena Hikari" while remembering my friend who supported me from the shadows.

--Please tell us about your musical influences and artists.

Aida: The artist who influenced me is Kou Shibasaki. I admire her very much because she is an actress and also shows her individuality as an artist.

--Aida: Do you have any rules or regulations for your musical activities?

Aida: Of course, there are basic rules, but I don't have any specific rules for my musical activities. If we make rules, we have to follow them. Since this is an opportunity for me to try various things as "Rikako Aida," I would like to enjoy myself freely without making any rules.

--Lastly, what kind of artist do you want to be one year from now?

Aida: I honestly don't know what I will be like a year from now, but I hope to have found my own individuality and be able to enjoy my artistic activities freely and happily.

--Thank you very much for your time!

CD Information

1st EP "Principal" / Rikako Aida

Release date: June 19, 2019

Price: [Limited First Edition CD + DVD] 3,500 yen (tax not included), [Normal Edition] 1,800 yen (tax not included)

<CD contents

1: FUTURE LINE

Lyrics: Aki Hata, music: Hajime Mitsumasu, arrangement: EFFY

2: ORDINARY LOVE

Lyrics: Satomi, music: Kohei Aoki, arrangement: Hayato Tanaka

3: Azurite Blue

Words: Maeda Kanro Music: Sugimoto Yuji (WEAVER) Arrangement: Yuasa Atsushi

4: The Light You Gave Me

Lyrics: Amaro Maeda, Music: Yuto Toyoda, Arrangement: APAZZI

5: I will

Lyrics: Satomi Arrangement: Hayato Tanaka

<Included in the limited first edition

DVD containing "FUTURE LINE" Music Video and making-of footage

Separate 40P photo book

Three-sided sleeve case

<Included benefits

The first EP "Principal" will be held at Zepp Tokyo on August 8, 2019 (Thursday).

"1st EP "Principal" release commemoration Birthday event".

Serial number for the fastest advance lottery for tickets is enclosed.

Common to both first pressing and normal pressing

Only the first pressing includes the serial number.

In commemoration of the release of Rikako Aida's 1st EP "Principal," she will give away promotional posters to three lucky winners!

To celebrate the release of Rikako Aida's 1st EP "Principal", we are giving away promotional posters to 3 lucky winners. Please read the detailed application guidelines before applying.

<Prize

Rikako Aida, 1st EP "Principal" poster

<Entry requirements

Entry period: June 7, 2019 (Fri.) - June 14, 2019 (Fri.) 23:59

Number of winners: 3 persons

Announcement of winners: Prizes will be sent to the winners.

Prizes will be shipped by the end of August 2019.

How to apply: Use the dedicated application form below.

＜Please note the following

Registration (free of charge) is required to apply.

Only one entry per person is allowed.

We will not be able to respond to any inquiries regarding lottery results or shipping status.

Transfer or resale of the prize or rights to the prize winner to a third party is prohibited.

Kakaku.com Group employees and related parties are not eligible to participate.

Prizes must be shipped within Japan.

Kakaku.com will take the utmost care in packaging the prizes, but please note that no returns or exchanges will be accepted in the event that the prizes are damaged due to an accident during transportation.

Please note that the prize will be invalidated in the following cases

　Multiple winners at the same address or in the same household

　If you have entered the contest using an unauthorized account (e.g., multiple accounts by the same person)

　If a prize cannot be delivered due to the winner's address, change of address, long-term absence, etc.

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　Prize winners do not contact us by the prize delivery address notification deadline.

　If there is any fraudulent activity related to the application.