Born in Hamamatsu City! Active high school girl singer-songwriter
Nanako Ito is a high school student and a professional singer-songwriter. We asked her about what inspired her to become a singer, the joys and rigors of being a professional, and her dreams for the future.
What made you decide to become a singer?
I’ve always loved singing, so I’ve always wanted to work in a job related to singing. I played instruments in the brass band in elementary and junior high school, and joined the light music club in high school. I was always exposed to music in various ways. I eventually formed a band and experienced singing in front of people, and realized that I not only loved “singing” but also “delivering songs to people.”
I decided to go professionally after meeting the president of the talent agency “Mu-Town Entertainment” and learning about the harshness of the professional world. My way of thinking about and approaching singing changed 180 degrees. I felt a strong desire to make singing my job.
How was it actually becoming a professional?
Before I became a professional, I just enjoyed music and didn’t think too deeply about it. Now that I’m a professional, I have “audiences”. I can’t reach the hearts of my audience if I’m self-satisfied. When I was recording my debut song “Straight Flush”, I tried many times to incorporate the lyrics into my own voice and express them, but I couldn’t sing it the way I wanted to, and it was frustrating. I’ve had a lot of worries and hit many walls up until now, but I’m prepared to face even higher walls from now on.
What was the best moment for you to become a professional?
When I’m singing, there are moments when the audience’s expressions change. When I sing pop songs, they look happy, and when I sing ballads, they shed tears. When I see their expressions change depending on the content of the song, I feel the joy of being able to perform on stage as a professional.
What was the most memorable event?
This was my debut concert. It was held at the Create Hamamatsu Hall in October last year. Even though I hadn’t released my CD yet, a lot of people came to see me. I was so nervous that I ended up acting like a robot (laughs).
What is Nanako’s selling point?
I sing with the feeling of “I want to convey something.” I look the audience in the eye as if I’m talking to them, and tell them, “Get it out there! Get it out there!” I try to express my feelings through my voice.
What are your goals and dreams for the future?
Mika Nakashima, an artist I respect, once said, “I don’t think I’m good at singing. But I’m more confident than anyone else at conveying my message.” That’s not something I can say very often, but I want to grow so that I can say the same thing.
I also want to become an artist who can “leave songs in people’s hearts” like my seniors at the same agency, Igarashi Hiroaki and Nakazawa Kenji.
Finally, please give a message to your fellow high school students!
As the lyrics of “Straight Flush” say, when you try to chase your dreams, even if someone tells you something or you fall down and feel discouraged, I want you to never give up. I want to convey this to many people through this song.
Born February 15, 1998. Musician, singer-songwriter. Belongs to MUTOWN RECORDS. Released debut CD “STRAIGHT FLUSH” on January 28, 2015. Approximately 1,000 copies were shipped at the time of pre-order and advance sale. In March 2015, the album was promoted jointly by TV Tokyo Music Co., Ltd., Central Music Co., Ltd. (Nippon Cultural Broadcasting), Use Music Co., Ltd. (cable broadcasting), and Dolphin Through Co., Ltd. (Mutown Entertainment).
