April 30, 2009 @ 5:48 pm

REAL TALK THURSDAYS: Utada’s Popping

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Japanese Pop singer Utada 

Don't let the demure appearance fool you, with songs like “Dirty Desires” and “Poppin” (as in bottles), Japanese singer Hikaru Utada, 26, isn’t afraid to speak her mind. This petite pop star has Japan loving her, and now she’s buzzing in America too. Utada has already released two English albums in the States, and her third album drops May 12. Produced by Stargate and Tricky Stewart, This is The One (Island Records) may in fact be "the one" that finally breaks her through to the U.S. market.

After catching a glimpse of screaming fans flocking to her in-store appearance at the beauty mega-store Sephora, I had to find out what all the excitement was about. Here she gives us more insight into her music, her style, and why she loves LL (as in, lip gloss and Lanvin).

How would you describe your sound?

Melodic. Honest. I really don't care much for genre classification; my music seems to be a little bit of everything, from R&B to alt-rock to hip hop to classical music. I write and produce/co-produce all my songs. Depending on my mood I go through phases where I'm experimental, and then times when I feel like making something that's simple and catchy.

My new album "This Is The One" has a bit of an R&B/urban feel. I worked with producers, Stargate and Tricky Stewart, who do a lot of the mainstream stuff in the charts right now.

How would you describe your fashion and beauty style, and how it relates back to your music?

I'd say "true." I wear what I feel comfortable in. I don't like clothes that look like they'll be outdated in two months, I see beauty in timelessness. The same goes for my music. I wish to make music that lasts.

What designers have you been wearing recently?

Ksubi, Lanvin...I don't really know what brands I wear, I buy most of my clothes in little stores in Tokyo.

Beauty products you cannot live without?

Fresh Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Desire. I usually don't wear much make up. I keep this red lip gloss in my pocket and put a little on when I'm outside, because it makes me look healthy! LOL.

Give us your best fashion or beauty tip.

Know yourself.


utada.com

Article tags: Hikaru Utada 

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