Ado chronicles first trip around the world

Japanese singer Ado has risen from online enigma to indisputable chart topper in just a few short years. With countless viral songs and now a successful world tour under her belt, it truly feels like she’s on the path to becoming a worldwide sensation.

Ado began her career as an “utaite”, a surrogate voice who mainly posted covers for the online Vocaloid community. Ever since her debut digital single Usseewa secured a number one spot on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, it seems hard to think of a time when one of her songs wasn’t trending.

In between traveling around the world and performing to sold-out concert halls, Ado graciously took the time to answer a few of our questions. Read on below!

Congratulations on your first international tour! Wish is one of the most anticipated concert series in the world. What experiences do you want to give to your international fans, and what do you want them to take away from your live performances?

I chose the title Wish to express my wish that many people around the world will know and experience Japan and the Japanese culture of the Vocaloid community, utaite singers, and “utattemita” cover music.

You’re visiting more than 10 countries over the span of about two months. Which stops have been the most memorable for you? Did you discover any new food or drink that you love?

I can’t choose. Every city was really wonderful. Strolling around the city, shopping, eating delicious food… I have enjoyed my private time as much as I have enjoyed the live shows. If I had to pick something, I would say that I always look for dogs walking around town. In Paris, I was very happy to find a Borzoi walking gracefully through the fashionable streets.

What differences have you noticed between your concerts in Japan and abroad?

In terms of differences, overseas fans are tremendous in their cheers and enthusiasm. It is overwhelming. Because I perform so that I [am able to keep up with] them, I feel like I have reached a new level in my abilities after the show.

What are your favorite ways to interact with the crowd?

The cheers I receive when I fully demonstrate my ability in the key points of my songs (like shouts, etc.) and when I speak the local language during [my talking segments to the audience], since I have been practicing the language of each region.

It makes me very happy when the audience is excited by my [speech] and when I can feel that I am interacting with the fans at the venue by responding to them.

Where do you draw your singing inspirations from?

It is often born from listening to a variety of music and from the phrasing and inflections of movies. The genres of music include Jpop, Western music, Kpop, etc.

When on such an extensive tour, what are some things you do to take care of your voice and body?

Actually, I don’t do anything in particular…

The only thing I can say is to sleep as much as possible and eat what I like.

Fans have seen you cringe (and scream) as you look back at video footage of your own live take of Odo. We loved your reactions but can’t help wondering why you’d feel so embarrassed about such an amazing performance.

Scream, haha. Thank you.

I am not good at looking at what captures my movements… like photos and videos. But recently, probably because of my improved performance, I have become able to see a little bit of it.

How are you able to overcome these insecurities when you stand on stage night after night? Does your heart switch into “performer mode”, or do you just power through your anxiety? Have you implemented any changes to your routine or showmanship so that you’d feel differently for this tour?

I was nervous the first time I stood on a big stage in Japan, but I am the type of person who makes the most of even my nerves. And when I’m on the road, I become less and less nervous as the tour goes on.

So, I don’t have any particular way to relieve my nervousness. If I had to say, I would say that I try to think positively by telling myself that being nervous means that I have confidence in myself.

Can you name some other artists who you respect and love seeing move on stage?

I have been influenced by utaite singers such as Mafumafu, Soraru, Amatsuki, Rib, Kashitaro Ito, Wolpis Carter, Megatera Zero… the list goes on and on.

As for other artists, I am very much influenced by the singing style of Sheena Ringo and Yoeko Kurahashi. I was also greatly influenced by the music of Disney because I loved Disney’s works when I was a child. And at the same time, I listened to Kiss and Queen on my father’s records and CDs.

We absolutely loved your first cover album Ado no Utattemita Album back in December. How did you decide on these 10 songs? Are there other songs you’d like cover in the future?

We asked listeners on social media for songs they would like Ado to sing, and in the end, I chose the ones that were the most requested and the ones that were the most unexpected.

In the future, I would like to try Western music and more difficult rap songs.

Tell us a little bit about your newest song Value and what it means to you!

It is written, composed and arranged by POLICE PICADDILY, a Vocaloid producer. Although Value may seem new to everyone, to me, it is a song that makes me feel as if the wind is caressing my heart, and I have a nostalgic feeling for the days when I was aiming for my dreams. I think you can feel the freshness and sadness in this song.

I sang it without decorating [too much] and tried to express my feelings in a straightforward manner.

Thank you for your time today! Can you leave a message for all our JROCK NEWS readers around the world?

I am an utaite in Japan. I hope you have gotten to know a little bit about me and the culture I love. I am confident that I will continue to present you with experiences that you may not know about, so I hope you will look forward to them.

JROCK NEWS thanks Ado, Ado’s staff, and Crunchyroll for making this interview possible.